A new year has come. Many speak of a new millennium. For the generations now living, this is a new century. For every individual there will be new opportunities for growth and development. Many challenges will come unexpected, some unwanted, but come they will. The new year also brings a new year of gospel doctrine study. In accordance with the established schedule, the older youth and adults will study the Book of Mormon. Yes, the Book of Mormon, again! It was just three years ago that it was assigned; every fourth year now, for a generation or so, it has been placed before us. Some may think, how about something new — something like the seasons, the year, or the new era of time instead.

But it can be new — this marvelous scripture text is a wondrous doctrinal primer and scriptural guide for all! Just as the new year brings new experiences of life, so this delightful sacred record can bring new answers of light and life. Such inspired answers will remain hidden to the person who assumes he or she already knows the messages of the book. Nor will there be answers for those who are lazy or unworthy.

As you contemplate this new beginning, don't take your worn and marked favorite Book of Mormon text for your study. While such has been a friend of the past, with penciled reminders of impressions and lessons learned, such a tradition-held marked guide may hide the greater meaning or the answers for the present need. Let me suggest that you obtain a new copy (a softbound, less-expensive edition) and explore the Book of Mormon afresh. Study and mark it anew. Discover its living power to teach for our time and experience the Book of Mormon now. Don't cheat by reviewing or looking back at old markings. Live the new adventure of discovery that will provide vistas of understanding and revelation through a fresh rereading of the Book of Mormon.

The prophets of this gospel dispensation have given admonition, invitations, promises and warnings concerning this Book of Mormon. Their instruction, witness and testimony serve as loving reminders to every student of the book. The Prophet Joseph Smith "told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on 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." (History of the Church 4:461; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 39.)

Another challenge to revisit its pages was given by President Joseph Fielding Smith some years ago. He said: "We have been trying this year to get every man holding the priesthood, and our sisters too, to read the Book of Mormon during the year . . . no matter how many times they have read it before. It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is indeed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it, and that its history is true. . . . No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." (President Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, October 1961, p. 18.)

In more recent times President Ezra Taft Benson taught the following promises concerning Book of Mormon study: "One of the most important things you can do . . . is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends to your calling. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve. . . . When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, . . . [all] other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow." (President Ezra Taft Benson, "The Power of the Word," Conference Report, October 1986, p. 61; or Ensign, November 1986, p. 47.)

One of the greatest students and teachers of the Book of Mormon, President Marion G. Romney, testified: "I know that the things of the Spirit are taught with mighty power in the Book of Mormon. . . . Don't be content with what someone else tells you about what is in it. Drink deeply from the divine fountain itself. I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity — the pure love of Christ — will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness." (President Marion G. Romney, "The Book of Mormon," Conference Report, April 1980, p. 90; or Ensign, May 1980, p. 67.)

Who would not want to reap of such a bounteous harvest.

The Book of Mormon — Another Testament of Jesus Christ was preserved and written for our day for as the prophet Moroni wrote, "Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing." (Mormon 8:35.)

All who possess this record will be judged "according to the words that are written." (2 Ne. 25:22.) " . . . If ye believe in Christ ye will believe these words [Book of Mormon record] for they are the words of Christ. . . . They teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye — for Christ will show, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I [Nephi] shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I [Nephi] have been commanded of him to write these things." (2 Ne. 33:10-11.)

As you prepare to read and study the Book of Mormon again, ponder the testimony and counsel of the prophets past and present. In conclusion, consider the promise of President Gordon B. Hinckley: "Brothers and Sisters, without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of God." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Power of the Book of Mormon," Ensign, June 1988, p. 6.)

Let us each resolve to obtain those promised blessings by obedience to the counsel of these prophets. What a glorious new millennial beginning can be yours, fortified and equipped with the Book of Mormon.

Brother Brandt is manager of the Evaluation Division of the Church's Correlation Department.

Photo illustrations by Johanna Workman.