Recently in the Relief Society lesson, the topic was President Ezra Taft Benson's admonishment to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. He said that we are not being as valiant as we should be in our testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon. President Benson gave a mighty personal testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. He often quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith's words:
“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461).
The Book of Mormon is sacred scripture, another testimony of Jesus Christ. It was translated through Joseph Smith by the gift and power of God. It contains the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It restores the knowledge of sacred covenants - God's promises to us, His children, and our promises to Him to keep His commandments and do His works. Each page contains references to Christ -- His divine mission, authority, power and matchless love. If we read, study and abide by the precepts taught in the Book of Mormon, we can indeed grow closer to God.
Several years ago, I was thinking about this quote from Joseph Smith. I wanted to write a song about the Book of Mormon and bear my personal testimony of its truthfulness. This quote from Joseph Smith became the hook of the refrain. I did substitute the word "faith" for the word "religion," but the meaning is synonymous. Once the inspiration started flowing, I found it difficult to keep up. I had to write so quickly, it was almost like taking dictation. Once the framework of the melody and harmonies were established, I decided to create a flowing, slightly syncopated setting. The homophonic movement of the voices is punctuated by the lilting accompaniment. I think it works very well together. Thus, "The Keystone of Our Faith" was completed.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true. Every time I read from its pages, I feel a spiritual confirmation that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and that the ancient prophets who wrote in the Book of Mormon saw our day. They wrote to us about the most important things that we need to know in order to remain close to God and avoid the fiery darts of the Adversary. May we always keep our covenants and have a desire grow closer to God.
“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461).
The Book of Mormon is sacred scripture, another testimony of Jesus Christ. It was translated through Joseph Smith by the gift and power of God. It contains the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It restores the knowledge of sacred covenants - God's promises to us, His children, and our promises to Him to keep His commandments and do His works. Each page contains references to Christ -- His divine mission, authority, power and matchless love. If we read, study and abide by the precepts taught in the Book of Mormon, we can indeed grow closer to God.
Several years ago, I was thinking about this quote from Joseph Smith. I wanted to write a song about the Book of Mormon and bear my personal testimony of its truthfulness. This quote from Joseph Smith became the hook of the refrain. I did substitute the word "faith" for the word "religion," but the meaning is synonymous. Once the inspiration started flowing, I found it difficult to keep up. I had to write so quickly, it was almost like taking dictation. Once the framework of the melody and harmonies were established, I decided to create a flowing, slightly syncopated setting. The homophonic movement of the voices is punctuated by the lilting accompaniment. I think it works very well together. Thus, "The Keystone of Our Faith" was completed.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true. Every time I read from its pages, I feel a spiritual confirmation that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and that the ancient prophets who wrote in the Book of Mormon saw our day. They wrote to us about the most important things that we need to know in order to remain close to God and avoid the fiery darts of the Adversary. May we always keep our covenants and have a desire grow closer to God.
RSS Feed