The Book of Mormon and Other Books

As we read the Book of Mormon, it's easy to miss the subtle references to other books and records which helped in the compilation of the Book of Mormon. We're far beyond the simple fact that a young boy couldn't put together such an expansive book.  I believe we'll have access to these other records in a future day and I believe there is a preparation and transformation happening right now to prepare us to receive additional records. We have been warned and warned again about the importance of the Book of Mormon. 

I'd like to take a minute to list references to other scriptures and remind each of us about the importance to learn and live what we currently have while we prepare for what is to come. According to the Lord in 3 Nephi 26:6-11,"And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people;  But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.  And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.  And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation."

This a good graphic of the different volumes that were abridged, they include records of Lehi, King Benjamin, Zeniff, Alma, Sons of Mosiah, Helaman, Pahoran, Jaredites, Nephi (the latter), and others. Imagine the day when we can read the unabridged documents, from the hand of the author.  Even this graphic misses a few references to other scripture, I'll list those below.

These are a few other references not included in this graphic:

3 Nephi 7:17   And he [Nephi] did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book.  And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

                - It will be wonderful to get all the words and teaching of Nephi to the people.

3 Nephi  5:9-10  But behold there are records which do contain all the proceedings of this people; and a shorter but true account was given by Nephi. Therefore  I [Mormon] have made my record of these things according to the record of Nephi, which was engraven on the plates which were called the plates of Nephi.

                - This is significant. It indicates Mormon was searching the numerous records and he chose to abridge the account provided by Nephi almost 400 years prior. There were other records and accounts, but Mormon chose Nephi's because he knew that Nephi was "a just and true man" (3 Nephi 8:1).

This is just a sample of what will be available in the future if we're true to what's been given us.  I look forward to the day when we can search these additional records and gain a greater understanding of these people and their dealings with the Lord. In addition, I look forward to reading that which was too sacred to translate.  My plea is that we give heed to the Book of Mormon that the Lord will open the door to "greater things."