As we finish Come Follow Me this year, I find myself reflecting on Moroni’s words. Despite his self-professed weakness in writing (Ether 12:23-25), his chapters, including Ether 12, are among my favorites.
Reflecting on Moroni’s last words made me curious about other Book of Mormon prophets and their final statements. Common themes and messages they felt inspired to share with us were easy to find.
Messages of Warning
Nephi warns: “And you that will not partake of the goodness of God… these words shall condemn you at the last day.” (2 Nephi 33:14)
Abinadi cautions: “…remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved.” (Mosiah 16:13)
Alma the Younger predicts: “…in four hundred years… the Nephites… shall dwindle in unbelief.” (Alma 45:10-12)
Mormon observes: “Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.” (Mormon 7:3-5)
President Nelson taught this about the role of a prophet:
“Sometimes we as leaders of the Church are criticized for holding firm to the laws of God, defending the Savior’s doctrine, and resisting the social pressures of our day. But our commission as ordained apostles is ‘to go into all the world to preach [His] gospel unto every creature.’ That means we are commanded to teach truth.
In doing so, sometimes we are accused of being uncaring as we teach the Father’s requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. But wouldn’t it be far more uncaring for us not to tell the truth—not to teach what God has revealed? It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!” 1
Surely these Book of Mormon prophets cared for their people. However, some viewed their words as harsh. Abinadi was put to death for his teachings, but his words inspired Alma, who would go on to lead the Church and continue true prophetic warnings to the people. Prophets have the obligation to teach truth—despite the views of the people they teach. However, even when talking to the wicked, prophets maintain hope that people can change.
Messages of Hope & Encouragement
Nephi expresses hope: “…the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good.” (2 Nephi 33:1, 4)
King Benjamin encourages: “…be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works…” (Mosiah 5:15)
Moroni pleads: “…come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift…” (Moroni 10:30)
These calls for hope are echoed by our current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, who has said:“The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ.” 2
While a prophet has the difficult job of providing warning, I am grateful that they also provide us hope. Our greatest hope revolves around the Savior and the blessings and peace only He can provide.
Faith in and Redemption Through Christ
Nephi testifies: “I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.” (2 Nephi 33:6)
Enos finds peace: “…I know that in him I shall rest.” (Enos 1:27)
Amaleki invites: “…come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation…” (Omni 1:26)
Mormon urges: “Repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ…” (Mormon 7:5, 8)
Moroni concludes: “…come unto Christ, and be perfected in him… then is his grace sufficient for you…” (Moroni 10:32)
Elder David A. Bednar has taught, “A grand objective of mortality is not merely learning about the Only Begotten of the Father but also striving to know Him.”3 I believe The Book of Mormon is a tool to help us both learn about Him and come to know Him better.
Conclusion
Prophets have an interesting role in both warning and providing hope. The greatest hope we can have, is in their messages and testimony of Christ. He is the central theme of each set of scriptures. The Book of Mormon is a testament of Him. As we read it, we will draw closer to Him.
As we reflect on the final messages of the Book of Mormon prophets, we see a consistent theme of faith in Jesus Christ, warnings against sin, and hope for redemption. These prophets, despite their challenges and the wickedness around them, remained steadfast in their testimonies of the Savior. Their words continue to inspire and guide us today.
The Book of Mormon is more than just a historical record; it is a powerful testament of Jesus Christ. Its teachings encourage us to come unto Christ, repent, and find peace and redemption through Him. As we study this sacred text, we can draw closer to the Savior and feel His influence more profoundly in our lives.
- President Russell M. Nelson, “The Love and Laws of God”, September 2019, BYU Speeches, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/love-laws-god/#byu
↩︎ - President Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Will Come Again”, October 2024, General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/57nelson?lang=eng#p_m0YEO ↩︎
- Elder David A. Bednar, “If Ye Had Known Me”, October 2016, General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/if-ye-had-known-me?lang=eng#title7 ↩︎