Does Book of Mormon Geography Matter?
Does the geography of the Book of Mormon matter? The book is true no matter where it happened. Right? This is a response I have heard many others say and one I have said myself many times. But reading in 3 Nephi this morning made me change my mind. I think the Book of Mormon geography does matter.
Book of Mormon Geography: Christ Visited the Americas
When Christ appeared to the Nephites as the resurrected Savior he did many things. He blessed them, He taught them, He prayed with them and for them. Something else He did, was to quote them the words of Isaiah. He reminded them that they had been given THIS LAND for their inheritance. As well as warned that they would not be allowed to remain on THIS LAND if they were not faithful. This emphasis shows the significance of the LAND to the Book of Mormon. Moreover, it shows the people who would be brought by the hand of God to THIS LAND. Consequently, and now occupy THIS LAND.
Words of Isaiah in Book of Mormon Geography
Christ himself said, “great are the words of Isaiah.” After which, He commanded the Nephites and all who read the Book of Mormon to search his words.
The words of Isaiah are great, and we are commanded to read them, study them, and ultimately understand them. Therefore, I believe that we most certainly should understand where THIS LAND is. As well as understand who the Lord is talking to in reference to its inhabitants.
Essentially, if he is in fact talking directly to those who are on THIS LAND, and you don’t know where that is, then you can’t fully understand the message. You wouldn’t apply something that doesn’t matter to you. And you would be in danger of failing to apply something that does matter.
Book of Mormon Geography: THIS LAND
Does the geography of the Book of Mormon matter?
With over 1400 references to “this land” made in the Book of Mormon, I’m not sure how the answer could be more clear. The Book of Mormon prophets were explicit: THIS LAND matters. Geography matters. Those of us on THIS LAND, the “promised land,” the Land of Freedom, the Land of the New Jerusalem, need to know. It should be clear where THIS LAND is. America is THIS LAND. America is a covenanted land. I live on THIS LAND. Even the head of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon confirms this truth.
Gathering of Israel
Furthermore, Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth.
The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America.
They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise they will be cut off and destroyed.
Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return.
Covenant Land
I am learning more each day about what the prophecies say. Including what they say about me, my fellow Gentiles and my House of Israel brothers and sisters on THIS LAND. I desire to keep my covenant, as well as understand that this promise to the Lord fulfills prophecy. Specifically the Book of Mormon prophecy of “a voice crying from the dust” helping me to understand it. The geography of the Book of Mormon matters to me.
Come with us to see the Book of Mormon Geography this Fall!
