Apostles’ Testimonies of the Book of Mormon

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the angel Moroni’s first appearance to Joseph Smith on Sept. 21-22, the Church News has compiled testimonies of the Book of Mormon given by each member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as the general presidents of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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President Russell M. Nelson

“I testify that Joseph Smith was and is the prophet of this last dispensation. It was he who, through the gift and power of God, translated this holy book [the Book of Mormon]. This is the book that will help to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.” (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?” October 2017 general conference)

President Dallin H. Oaks

“Again and again the Book of Mormon teaches that the gospel of Jesus Christ is universal in its promise and effect, reaching out to all who ever live on the earth” (“All Men Everywhere,” April 2006 general conference).

President Henry B. Eyring

“Now, since I was a young boy, I have felt the witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that the Father and the Son appeared and spoke with Joseph Smith, and that ancient Apostles came to the Prophet Joseph to restore priesthood keys to the Lord’s Church.

“With that testimony, I have read the Book of Mormon every day for more than 50 years” (“Fear Not to Do Good,” October 2017 general conference).

President M. Russell Ballard

“The Book of Mormon does not dilute nor diminish nor de-emphasize the Bible. On the contrary, it expands, extends, and exalts it. The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible, and both testify of Christ” (“The Miracle of the Bible,” April 2007 general conference).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work — and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times — until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies” (“Safety for the Soul,” October 2009 general conference).

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and a companion to the Old and New Testaments. We love all of these holy scriptures and learn from them” (“Come and Belong,” April 2020 general conference).

Elder David A. Bednar

“The Book of Mormon testifies of the living reality and divinity of our Savior and Redeemer. It is the word of God and warns and prepares us for the world we live in now” (November 23, 2021, Facebook post).

Elder Quentin L. Cook

“The Book of Mormon is internally consistent, beautifully written, and contains the answers to life’s great questions. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. It contains His commandments and gospel teachings.

“Continuously reading and studying this sublime book has strengthened my desire to live God’s commandments and has provided me with a strong testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (May 4, 2023, X (Twitter) post).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

The Book of Mormon “is palpable evidence of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling and convincing evidence of the divinity and Resurrection of Jesus Christ” (“Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection,” April 2020 general conference).

Elder Neil L. Andersen

“We know that Jesus is the Christ. He is resurrected. In our day, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the priesthood of God has been restored. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon is what we claim it to be. The promises of the temple are certain” (“It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters?” April 2007 general conference).

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

“I hold in my hand a copy of the Book of Mormon. This is my 1970 vintage edition, and it is precious to me. … Reading it, I gained a witness by the Spirit that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He is my Savior, that these scriptures are the word of God, and that the gospel is restored” (“This Day,” October 2022 general conference).

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

“​I am holding in my hand a copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon. Doing so always moves me. For much of my adult life, I have been fascinated, enthralled, and riveted with what young Joseph Smith did to get this sacred book of scripture translated and published. The miracles that had to occur are staggering to contemplate” (“The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told,” April 2023 general conference).

Elder Dale G. Renlund

“I love the Book of Mormon, and I know a person will come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by abiding by its precepts than by any other means. I know this is true for me and it is true for you” (February 28, 2022, Facebook post).

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

“Believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I am a witness that those who ponder in our hearts the message the Book of Mormon contains, and then ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true will gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon’s truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost” (“Be Not Afraid, Only Believe,” BYU–Hawaii devotional, September 24, 2013).

Elder Ulisses Soares

“My dear brothers and sisters, following the First Vision, the miraculous coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the second fundamental milestone of the unfolding Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation” (“The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon,” April 2020 general conference).

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson

“By the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost, I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, written by ancient prophets, and translated by Joseph Smith for our day. I joyfully declare that it is a witness of Jesus Christ — His reality, His Atonement and His love” (Church News interview).

Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman

“The Book of Mormon begins with an invitation to watch for God’s tender mercy (1 Nephi 1:20) and ends with an invitation to remember how merciful God has been (Moroni 10:3). There is great strength that comes into our lives as we recognize the personal ministry and mercy that comes from the Lord. My witness of this has been strengthened as I have read and applied this Book of Mormon invitation in my own life” (Church News interview).

Primary General President Susan H. Porter

“Beginning with a visit to the Hill Cumorah as a youth and continuing throughout my life I have had many pure witnesses that The Book of Mormon contains the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was brought forth in our day by the power of God to bring us to Christ, so that we may return to our heavenly home and receive a fulness of joy” (Church News interview).