23 April is World Book Day when we are reminded that books greatly impact the way people view themselves and society. The Book of Mormon is a book revered as scripture by people all over the world.
The first printed edition of the Book of Mormon in 1830 included 5,000 copies. By the year 2000, more than 100 million copies were distributed, and in the last year, the number of copies has more than doubled as individuals around the world seek to know more about Jesus Christ and His role in their lives.
Each in his own language
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a membership of more than 17 million, has published the Book of Mormon in 113 languages–92 full translations and 21 selections from the Book of Mormon. Elder Dale G. Renlund, an apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasised the importance of people being able to read this book of scripture in their own tongue. Elder Renlund said the Saviour set the groundwork for translating when He said, “For it shall come to pass that in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:11).
The first five translations of the Book of Mormon were into European languages: Danish in 1851; and French, Welsh, German and Italian in 1852.
The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ
Latter-day Saints consider the Book of Mormon to be a companion to the Bible, adding a second witness of Jesus Christ. Its teachings include His words to prophets living in Biblical times, with an account of His visit and teachings to the people living in the Ancient Americas after His resurrection.
In the Book of Mormon, Christ’s name is mentioned every 1.7 verses, His death and crucifixion is discussed 36 times, the resurrection is discussed 88 times, there are 117 names for Christ in the Book of Mormon, and there are 12,021 words spoken by Christ during his visit to the Americas.
Book of Mormon promises today
President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church today, has extended promises of protection, faith and divine guidance for prayerfully and consistently studying the Book of Mormon. “When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word ‘power,’” President Nelson observed. “The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console and cheer our souls” (President Russell M. Nelson, October 2017 general conference).