2 Nephi 27

So this chapter is cool because it talks about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the three witnesses that will testify of the Book. This chapter was written 600 years before Christ’s birth and it talks about an event that happened in the 1820’s - 2,400 years later! One more example that the Lord knows, well, everything!

Here's some cool church history - When Joseph Smith was some portion of the way through translating the Book of Mormon, he gave pages with some of the reformed Egyptian characters from the Book of Mormon to Martin Harris to take to New York to have the characters authenticated. Professor Anton, who knew ancient languges, first certified that the characters were authentic Egyptian and Chaldean, then he asked for the book to be brought to him. When Martin said he couldn’t because the book was sealed, Anton took back his certification, ripped it up and said he couldn’t read a sealed book. Then, much to his shame, then denied that the event ever happened. Yikes, hate to be him, but to Martin’s credit, he was convinced and financed the first printing of the Book of Mormon by mortgaging his farm.

Three Missionary Themes

Empowering the Weak and Unlearned (2 Nephi 27:15–20): God chooses the "unlearned" rather than the worldly elite to bring forth the Book of Mormon, showing that he is able to do his own work. This should really boost your testimony of our missionary purpose since he is basically saying we’re almost always going to be the least impressive people in a room from a worldly perspective but we’re going to be armed with His word and His Spirit, which is the power of God unto the convincing of men!

You might feel inadequate, Elders and Sisters, but exercise faith in Jesus Christ and go forth with His power! He will show you that He can do His own work and you’ll get to be a part of the miracle. You might feel underprepared to teach certain concepts to some people. The Book of Mormon reassures us that the Lord prefers a humble, teachable instrument, like you. If we have the faith to open our mouths, the Lord will do the heavy lifting. We promise!

Overcoming Spiritual Blindness (2 Nephi 27:25–26): The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a "marvelous work and a wonder" designed to shatter modern skepticism and the precepts of men! The Book of Mormon is the ultimate gathering tool for us as missionaries because it cuts through modern apathy and spiritual sleep to awaken those seeking truth.

Transforming Hearts from Murmuring to Doctrine (2 Nephi 27:35): The chapter promises that those who err in spirit will gain understanding and those who murmur will learn sound doctrine. This should remind all of us Elders and Sisters to rely on the book's clarifying power to soften hearts and resolve confusion, rather than engaging in fruitless debates. True gathering is an internal process of conversion for each of us. Israel is gathered when we, and when those we teach, switch from resisting God's word (murmuring) to joyfully accepting, understanding, and keeping His covenants.

Use the Book of Mormon to Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The Book of Mormon [is] the most correct of any book on earth” (introduction to the Book of Mormon). It testifies of Christ and plainly teaches His doctrine (see 2 Nephi 31; 32:1–6; 3 Nephi 11:31–39; 27:13–22). It teaches the fulness of His gospel. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon are the way to an abundant life.

Use the Book of Mormon as your main source for teaching the restored gospel and you’ll see miracles in your areas.

Love tons! Have a great day!