The introduction to the Book of Mormon is a section that I used frequently as a missionary to introduce investigators to the Book. Just as the title page succinctly sets out the primary purposes for which the Book of Mormon was written, the introduction sets out succinctly what the Book of Mormon means to us as modern readers.

Thus, the introduction begins with several rather bold claims. First of all, the book “is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible.” One of extraordinary things about the Book of Mormon is that it not only claims to be divinely inspired, but demands a status as scripture equal to the Holy Bible. There are many spiritual works in the world, but few that can merit such a high accolade.

Second, the book “is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas.” The very idea that God had dealings with the inhabitants of the Americas is an extraordinary claim. The Bible and the Old Testament in particular focuses on God’s interaction with the inhabitants of a very small land. The Book of Mormon offers a dramatically expanded scope as it reveals the reach of God’s grace and mercy. I believe this allows the Book of Mormon to appeal to people all across the world. Although it is a story that takes place in the Americas, it proves God’s love for all the world.

After outlining the narrative of the Book, the introduction tells that “[t]he crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection.” This is related to the previous point, but the advent of Jesus Christ in the Americas more than any other event truly reveals the vast scope of the work. For a first time contemporary reader, this is meant to be provocative and jarring.

Immediately afterwards, the introduction makes yet another bold claim. The book “puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.” Thus, a reader is told that she can expect to learn from the book those things most essential for receiving eternal life.

There are many other provocative parts of the introduction, but none more than Joseph Smith’s testimony that the book is “the most correct of any book on the 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.” This is again yet another claim that is likely jarring to a first time reader. This sentence invites strong polarized reaction. It encourages one to read the book to find out for onself if the bold claim is true.

Finally, the final two paragraphs tell us how we can come to know and understand the truth of all that came before. It promises that those who ponder and prayer about the Book of Mormon will “and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

And then, the introduction culminates by describing the truths that will be revealed to all who gain this witness. They “will also come to know” three great truths. First, that Jesus Christ is the savior. Second, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Third, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s Church on the earth.

I have personally seen and experienced the fruits of this inquiry. Through studying and prayer, I received a witness of these things. I came to know the savior, his prophet, and his Church on the earth. And I have also been continually blessed through my study of the Book of Mormon.

Those who read even just the introduction of the Book of Mormon can come to feel its power, and have been given sufficient information to decide for themselves whether they will hearken to the miraculous promises contained therein. Those who read the book will ultimately be held accountable for how they respond to that divine invitation.