Doctrine and Covenants 17:6; 19:26; 20:5–12 The Book of Mormon is evidence that God has restored truth in our day

Before class, write the following dates and events on the board.

1820 First Vision received 1823 Moroni’s visits began 1829 Priesthood restored June 1829 Book of Mormon translation completed April 6, 1830 Church organized

What can we learn from the sequence of these events about the role of the Book of Mormon in the Restoration of the gospel? (The Book of Mormon had to be completed before the Church could be restored. It would play a significant role in the spreading of the gospel.)

Explain that when the Church was organized in April 1830, the printing of the Book of Mormon had just been completed, and the book had been advertised for sale less than two weeks before. Ask students to read Doctrine and Covenants 20:8–12 silently, looking for what the Book of Mormon contains and what the Book of Mormon proves. You may want to suggest that students mark what they discover. (Note: Throughout this course, you might encourage students to mark important truths they discover in their scriptures.) As students are reading, write the following incomplete statement on the board:

The Book of Mormon proves to the world that …

After sufficient time, ask students the following questions:

Based on what you read, how would you complete the statement on the board? (Students may use different words, but make sure they identify the following truth: The Book of Mormon proves to the world that the scriptures are true, that God inspires and calls people to do His work in our day, and that God is unchangeable. )

How does the Book of Mormon prove that God inspires and calls people to do His work in our day?

When a person comes to know that the Book of Mormon is true, what knowledge does he or she gain about the Prophet Joseph Smith?

Invite students to read Doctrine and Covenants 17:6 and 19:26 silently, looking for what the two verses have in common.