Evidence of the divinity of Christ and of latter-day gospel restoration
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PROVO, UTAH
Elder Eduardo Gavarret drew upon the words of the late President Ezra Taft Benson to instruct couples at the Seminar for New Missionary Training Center Presidents and Visitors' Center Directors about the Book of Mormon as convincing evidence of the restored gospel.
Speaking Jan. 11, Elder Gavarret of the Seventy showed a video recalling President Benson's words, "The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to sweep the earth."
Drawing upon Chapter 5 and other pages in the missionary guide Preach My Gospel, Elder Gavarret led the couples at the seminar on "a journey to find the tools to guide the people to their own conversion, because the Book of Mormon, we can say, is the key to conversion."
He emphasized a number of points, including the following:
The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of the divinity of Christ.
The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored.
The Book of Mormon is evidence of the love of God for His children. It shows that God speaks to His children.
An essential part of conversion is to receive a witness through the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true.
Elder Gavarret said the investigator will typically not receive this testimony until he or she starts reading and praying.
"Do all you can to persuade people to read the book, understand it and ask God sincerely whether it is true," he urged the couples.
He told the new leaders they can help missionaries and investigators by reading the Book of Mormon with them.
"Pray for help as you select passages that address their concerns and promises," he said. "You may read with them as part of a teaching appointment or a follow-up visit. You can also arrange for members to read with investigators.
But the important issue is that they need to start reading the Book of Mormon, and they are going to find truth through the pages of the Book of Mormon, the Spirit of the Lord testifying that the book is true."
