
Exploring Divine Parallels: Bible Study Themes Inspired by the Book of Mormon
Discover the profound connections between two of the most influential scriptures in Christianity with “Exploring Divine Parallels: Bible Study Themes Inspired by the Book of Mormon.” This captivating journey invites you to delve deep into themes that resonate across both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, enriching your understanding of faith, grace, repentance, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned scripture scholar or new to these sacred texts, this study guide offers fresh insights and spiritual nourishment, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary faith practice. Embark on this enlightening exploration and uncover the timeless truths that unite these holy writings.
1. Faith and Trust in God
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 32:21 – “And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
2. The Role of Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer
Key Scriptures:
- 2 Nephi 25:26: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
- John 14:6 – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
3. Repentance and Forgiveness
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 36:17–19: Alma’s account of his repentance process and finding joy through forgiveness.
- Acts 3:19: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
4. The Importance of Scripture and Prophets
Key Scriptures:
- 1 Nephi 19:23: “And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah…”
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
5. Charity and Love
Key Scriptures:
- Moroni 7:47–48: “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love…”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4–8: The classic passage on the attributes of charity (love).
6. The Plan of Salvation
Key Scriptures:
- 2 Nephi 2:25: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
- Romans 8:28–30: Discussion on God’s plan and predestination.
7. The Power of Prayer
Key Scriptures:
- Enos 1:4: “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.”
- James 5:16: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
8. Service and Good Works
Key Scriptures:
- Mosiah 2:17: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
- Matthew 25:35–40: Jesus’ teaching on serving the “least of these.”
9. The Importance of Family and Eternal Relationships
Key Scriptures:
- 3 Nephi 18:21 – “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.”
- Ephesians 6:1-4 – Instructions on family relationships and bringing up children in the Lord.
10. Enduring to the End
Key Scriptures:
- 2 Nephi 31:20: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
- Matthew 24:13: “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
11. Missionary Work and Sharing the Gospel
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 29:1: “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!”
- Matthew 28:19–20: The Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
12. Faith in Times of Trial
Key Scriptures:
- Ether 12:6: “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”
- James 1:2-4: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
13. The Importance of Covenants
Key Scriptures:
- Mosiah 5:7: “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters…”
- Hebrews 8:10: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts…”
14. The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Key Scriptures:
- 2 Nephi 31:18: “And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost…”
- John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
15. The Resurrection and Eternal Life
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 11:42–44: Alma’s teaching on the resurrection and the reuniting of the body and spirit.
- John 11:25–26: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
16. The Role of Grace and Works
Key Scriptures:
- 2 Nephi 25:23: “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”
- Ephesians 2:8-10 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
17. The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 7:11–13: Alma’s testimony of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and its power to succor His people.
- Isaiah 53:4-5: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
18. Living a Christlike Life
Key Scriptures:
- 3 Nephi 27:27: “And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”
- Philippians 2:5-8 – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
19. The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 17:3: “But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.”
- Matthew 6:16–18: Jesus’ instructions on the proper way to fast.
20. God’s Justice and Mercy
Key Scriptures:
- Alma 42:15: “And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.”
- Psalm 89:14: “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.”
21. Prophecies and Fulfillment
Key Scriptures:
- 1 Nephi 11:27: Nephi’s vision of the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and John the Baptist.
- Matthew 1:22-23: Fulfillment of the prophecy of Christ’s birth.
22. The Importance of Sacrifice
Key Scriptures:
- Ether 12:6: “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”
- Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
These topics, paired with corresponding Bible verses, can help deepen the understanding and appreciation of the teachings in the Book of Mormon while providing a comprehensive study framework for those interested in exploring these themes further.
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