Moro 1:1-4

The Book of Mormon > Moroni > Chapter 1
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Outline and brief summary

The relationship of chapter 1 to the rest of the book is discussed at Moroni.

Detailed discussion

Verse 4

Moroni prefaces this final book in the Book of Mormon by stating his hope that what he will write will be "of worth" to future generations of his people. The footnote on "worth" appropriately references 2 Ne 3:12. This verse is a portion of a prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt, cited by Lehi in his final father's blessing to his son Joseph. Moroni may very well have had this prophecy in mind as he prayerfully considered what he should write in his remaining time alive. In fact, the Joseph prophecy outlines several of the primary purposes of the Book of Mormon (in this case in tandem with the Bible). This then leads to the question: To what extent does the Book of Moroni address these purposes? Let's consider them one by one.

Confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions

• One must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 2) and priesthood ordination (Moroni 3) by one who has authority and by the laying on of hands.
• There are specific prayers that are to be said when priesthood holders administer the sacrament ( Moroni 4-5).
• The Church of Jesus Christ keeps track of and cares for its members (Moro 6:4), meets together often to worship and partake of the sacrament ( Moro 6:5-6, in a manner which is led by the Holy Ghost (Moro 6:9)), and requires continual repentance ( Moro 6:7-8).

Establishing peace among the house of Israel

• Lasting and everlasting peace come when individuals develop faith, hope and charity (Moroni 7).
• Infant baptism is not of God (Moroni 8).
• Salvation is in Christ (Moroni 10).

Bringing Israel to the knowledge of their fathers

• Pride destroyed the Nephites (Moro 8:27).
• The Nephites and Lamanites turned from the Lord and became extremely wicked and depraved (Moroni 9).

Bringing Israel to the knowledge of the Lord's covenants

• There are both prerequisites as well as continuing expectations associated with baptism ( Moro 6:1-4).

Questions for further study and reflection

Verse 4

• Why was Moroni unsure of whether the words would be of worth to the Lamanites?

Additional resources

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