Mormon 7-9

(1.) DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR IDENTITY? Mormon reminds us of our identity as part of the House of Israel, a chosen family representing God to all others on this globe. To do so, we must constantly turn toward Him. Again, in Hebrew "turn" also means repent. Repentance "re-turns" us to Father in Heaven. His firstborn son has provided a spiritual atonement - providing we repent - and a physical atonement, the resurrection - even if we don’t repent.

(2.) UNLOCKING MEMORIES: Heavenly closeness through true repentance unlocks our pre-mortal memory . . . providing a closer connection to our earthly forefathers in understanding their teachings and examples. Moroni deposited records of his father so that later generations can make a family connection that inspires a closer bond with God. He counsels us to search the words of Isaiah.

(3.) Most Quoted: "Fully one-third of the writings of Isaiah are found in the Book of Mormon, making Isaiah the most frequently quoted biblical book there. Book of Mormon prophets and writers typically selected those chapters highlighting God's covenant relationships and his promises to Israel, the role and calling of the messiah, and prophecies concerning the last days. These themes are prevalent in contemporary LDS theology as well (A of F 3, 4, 9, 10)." (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1, BIBLE)

(4.) REPEATED LESSONS OF HISTORY: Notice the parallels that Mormon and Moroni make about their people to what Isaiah says of his people . . . and how they apply today. In our present age of wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and pollution we see an immense thievery of time, talent and temporal goods. In this season of robbers we find wickedness and wars are greatly motivated by money. As we lose our spiritual identity, our covenants evaporate in smoke. ". . . and the Lord will not remember his covenant . . . unto the house of Israel – the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; (Mormon 8:21)

(5.) MIRACLES: Moshe Dayan once was asked, "Do you believe in miracles?" He answered, "No, I just count on them!" "Extraordinary phenomena that seem to fall outside the pattern of normal, explainable occurrences are frequently referred to in English as miracles." "Later thinkers . . . were troubled whether biblical miracles were ‘natural’ or ‘supernatural,’ but the Bible . . . never questions God's ability to do anything, by any means." "It is this thought which is vocalized in the thanksgiving prayer which is part of the daily Amidah: ‘We thank You for Your miracles which are daily with us, and for Your wonders and benefits, which are wrought at all times, evening, morning and night.’" (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

(6.) JUSTIFYING MIRACLES: ". . . some people have attempted to offer scientific explanations for several of the biblical miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea. Others have ‘relativized’ them by viewing them as natural occurrences which were recorded as if extraordinary and supernatural, because of the crucial role they played at the particular time." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

(7.) CLEAR IDENTITY: Moroni, Mormon’s son, concludes his testimony with a humble apology of his earthly limitations, yet that Man of God knows who he is, his identity is clear. He calls us to repent and accept the Miracle of the Son of God.