Another Nation

Today I was reading on the mormon.org website about The Book of Mormon. Though I have read and believed in The Book of Mormon for virtually my whole life, the idea of there being so many religions out in the world sometimes seems overwhelming to me. Not that I think there is anything wrong with people in other religions, but why would they care to believe what I believe?

So as I was reading this page, when I got to the third section "The Book of Mormon Testifies of Christ", I was reminded of a reason that the Book of Mormon is such a powerful witness to me and what makes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unique, with the value of it's wonderful truth.

The part that stood out to me was one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon. The website reads, "The title page states that the Book of Mormon’s purpose is to convince all of us "that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations."" Not only do I love that the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ, but I love the additional witness that it is, along with the Bible, that helps me gain a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the WHOLE world.  This deeper appreciation is the kind that doesn't come from just being told something, but the kind that is felt deep in side as I read from the pages of the Bible and The Book of Mormon, as they witness together in beautiful harmony of the true divinity of Jesus Christ.

Yes, other people in other religions believe in Jesus Christ, and I am SOOOOO so grateful for that, because He is our Savior and He deserves all the credit we can give Him. But, does the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ have something it can offer every human being on the face of the earth?  Also Yes.  To those who don't believe in Jesus Christ, it is an additional witness-- another piece of convincing evidence that Jesus is the Christ, another chance our merciful God has given them to believe.  And to those who do already believe in Jesus Christ, it is a treasure.  Another piece to the puzzle.  A gift given to us from God to get to learn even more about Him as we get to hear additional witnesses of those in another land in another time who also gave all they had to follow the Savior, and how He helped them.

So with all the witnesses that we have in the world, I add my own.  That Jesus Christ lives.  That He loves us.  That He died for me and you.  And that as we seek Him, we will find, and our hearts will be filled with His rest, the rest of the Lord.

~Michelle