Last words

The Book of Mormon is filled with the testimonies and final words of many ancient prophets. But it is unique that in these three chapters of Mormon 7-9, we get to study the last words of the two last prophets who wrote in this record. It's true that Moroni ends up living longer than he thinks he will and ends up recording more of his testimony, but for all intents and purposes, chapters 8-9 are his farewell words. So what did these two prophets choose to record as their final words, knowing that their testimonies would be preserved to come forth in the latter days?

Mormon

• remember that you are from the House of Israel (7:1, 10)
• repent or you cannot be saved (7:2, 5, 8)
• lay down your weapons of war (7:4)
• believe in Christ (7:5, 8, 10)
• be baptized (7: 8, 10)
• receive the Holy Ghost (7:10)

Promised Blessings*

• dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom (7:7)
• sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above (7:7)
• live in a state of happiness with no end (7:7)
• it shall be well with you in the day of judgement (7:10)

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Moroni

• Search the prophecies of Isaiah (8:23)
• repent (9:6)
• believe in Christ and His miracles (9:11-21)
• preach the gospel to every creature (9:22)
• be baptized (9:23)
• hearken to the words of the Lord (9:27)
• doubt not, but be believing (9:27)
• come unto the Lord with all your heart (9:27)
• work out your salvation before Him (9:27)
• be wise (9:28)
• strip yourselves of all uncleanness (9:28)
• ask that ye will yield to no temptation (9:28)
• serve the true and living God (9:28)
• partake not of the sacrament unworthily (9:29)
• do all things in worthiness (9:29)
• endure to the end (9:29)

Promised blessings*

• the Lord will remember the covenant which he has made with the house of Israel-that they may be blessed forever (8:23, 9:37)
• (whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing) whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him (9:21)
• (he that believeth and is baptized) shall be saved (9:23)
• the gift of protection (9:24)
• (whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing) unto him will I confirm all of my words (9:26)
• you will in nowise be cast out (9:29)
• prayers will be answered according to your faith (9:37)

I find it comforting that the message that was repeated by both both father and son was to believe in Jesus Christ, repent and be baptized.  As you study the final words of other Book of Mormon prophets, they also repeat the same message. Probably the most widely quoted of these is found in 2 Nephi 31. This chapter, written by Nephi, the son of Lehi, is often referred to as the Doctrine of Christ, and Nephi repeats the same principles: follow Christ, repent and be baptized. Nephi also talks about the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, which are both mentioned in the combined final testimonies of Mormon and Moroni. 

Out of all the words these prophets could leave behind, the most important things they chose to testify of are these five simple principles. So, at times when life starts to feel a bit overwhelming, thinking on these basic principles will bring our focus back to what is most important.

*these are more blessings promised to covenant Israel-you can add them to your list😊