Moroni Finalizes the Book of Mormon

Moroni’s Words About the Record’s Coming Forth

Ether 4:1–3

After abridging the account of the brother of Jared’s encounter with Jesus on the mountain, Moroni notes that the record of that event was to be kept secret until Christ’s death; it was brought to light afterward.

And the Lord commanded the brother of Jared to go down out of the mount from the presence of the Lord, and write the things which he had seen; and they were forbidden to come unto the children of men until after that he should be lifted up upon the cross; and for this cause did king Mosiah keep them, that they should not come unto the world until after Christ should show himself unto his people. And after Christ truly had showed himself unto his people he commanded that they should be made manifest. And now, after that, they have all dwindled in unbelief; and there is none save it be the Lamanites, and they have rejected the gospel of Christ; therefore I am commanded that I should hide them up again in the earth.

Ether 4:4

Moroni makes an account of the entirety brother of Jared’s vision of the entire history of the world.

Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which the brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared. Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them.

Ether 4:6–19

Moroni receives a revelation from God telling him about the time of the coming forth of the record, and other things in store.

For the Lord said unto me:

Ether 5:1

Moroni tells the future translator not to translate the brother of Jared’s vision (or ”sealed” portion).

And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God.

Ether 5:2–3

Three witnesses associated with the translator will be privileged to see the plates and know of their existence.

And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work; And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true.

Ether 5:4

The work and the three witnesses will stand as a testament against the world.

And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.

Ether 5:5

Compliance with the gospel assures them reception into God’s kingdom.

And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God.

Ether 5:6

Moroni speaks with God’s authority.

And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen.