The Easter season is a time when Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This pivotal moment in history symbolizes the hope of eternal life, the triumph over sin and death, and the restoration of all things. While many associate the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection with the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, also offers valuable insights and teachings about these sacred events. The Book of Mormon not only supports the New Testament teachings but also enhances our understanding of the divine mission of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon, a sacred text for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares numerous accounts that highlight the significance of Christ’s death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers to humanity. In this article, we will explore 21 scriptures from the Book of Mormon that provide profound insights into Easter, focusing on Christ’s atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and the hope these events bring to each of us.
21 Book of Mormon Easter Scriptures
1. 2 Nephi 2:6-8
“Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.”
In this foundational scripture, Nephi teaches about the necessity of the Atonement of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humankind. Through the grace and truth of Christ, the world is blessed with the light and life of the Savior, offering the promise of eternal life, free from the power of death. This passage helps us understand that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection bring us eternal hope.
2. Mosiah 16:6-9
“But behold, I will explain this thing unto you. I will explain how it is that the atonement of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead… For behold, he is risen from the dead, and I am he who was slain for the sins of the world.”
The prophet Abinadi speaks of Christ’s atonement and resurrection. He clearly testifies that Jesus is the one who was slain for our sins, but He is also the one who rises again, giving us all the hope of resurrection. Abinadi’s testimony points to the Easter message of Christ’s power over death and sin, bringing salvation to all who believe.
3. Alma 11:42-45
“Now, there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened…”
Alma teaches about the resurrection of the dead and the victory over death that Christ provides. The resurrection is a central theme in Easter celebrations, as it affirms that death has no power over us when we follow Christ. Alma emphasizes the promise of eternal life through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
4. Alma 22:14-15
“And it came to pass that he was baptized by the hand of Alma, and he went down into the water and came up out of the water, rejoicing, and he said unto Alma: ‘If this is the resurrection of the dead, I will rejoice for I know that I will be resurrected.'”
King Lamoni’s father expresses his joy and belief in the resurrection after being taught by Alma. His declaration underscores the joy and hope that come with the knowledge of Christ’s resurrection, a central theme during the Easter season.
5. Helaman 14:15-17
“And behold, he is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.”
Samuel the Lamanite prophesies of the coming of Christ and emphasizes His power to bring life and light into the world. His words point to the ultimate victory over death, a victory made possible through Christ’s resurrection. Samuel’s message is a powerful Easter reminder of the endless life Christ offers to all who follow Him.
6. Ether 12:41
“And now I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written.”
Ether urges us to seek Jesus Christ. This scripture reminds us that the Easter story is not only about Christ’s resurrection but also about our continual search for Him in our lives. To truly understand and celebrate Easter, we must seek Christ and His teachings.
7. Mosiah 15:20-21
“And because of the atonement of Christ, that he is the light and the life of the world, yea, the light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.”
King Benjamin teaches that Christ’s Atonement brings light and life, dispelling darkness and conquering death. This profound teaching reaffirms that Christ’s resurrection is the key to our own eternal life. Without His victory over the grave, we would have no hope.
8. 2 Nephi 9:6-10
“O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster, death and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.”
Jacob, Nephi’s brother, speaks of the mercy of God in overcoming death through Christ’s Atonement and resurrection. The ultimate power of Easter is God’s ability to deliver us from the sting of death and the fear of hell, making eternal life possible.
9. Mosiah 4:2
“And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth.”
This scripture from King Benjamin’s sermon reminds us of the need for Christ’s resurrection to restore us. Without Him, we are as nothing, but through His Atonement and resurrection, we are offered the opportunity for transformation and eternal life.
10. Alma 40:21-23
“But behold, the resurrection of the dead is the first resurrection; yea, and the resurrection of the dead is the redemption of the soul from hell… And behold, the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise.”
Alma teaches about the resurrection and the two stages that follow: the resurrection of the righteous to a state of happiness and the resurrection of the wicked to a state of misery. The promise of eternal joy for the righteous in paradise is a message of hope during the Easter season.
11. 3 Nephi 27:14-15
“And it is he who cometh into the world, that all men might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly… and he cometh unto the world, that he might be lifted up upon the cross.”
In this passage, Jesus Christ speaks to His disciples, teaching them of His purpose. His Atonement, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, is the means by which we obtain abundant life. The Easter message is the reminder of how Christ’s death on the cross makes life possible for all.
12. 3 Nephi 11:10-11
“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world… I am the light and the life of the world.”
When Christ appears to the Nephites after His resurrection, He declares His identity and purpose. His words affirm that He is the source of light and life, a theme central to Easter. His resurrection brings life to all, and His light dispels the darkness of death.
13. Mosiah 13:33-35
“And now, my brethren, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more… but that ye should humbly repent of your sins, and be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Abinadi teaches that Christ’s Atonement is the only means of salvation. He encourages repentance and humility, which allow us to partake in the blessings of the resurrection. This passage is a call to action during the Easter season, inviting all to come unto Christ.
14. Alma 34:33-35
“And now, O my brethren, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more… but that ye should come unto Christ, who is the life and the light of the world.”
Amulek teaches that Christ is the source of life and light. He calls on the people to repent and come unto Christ in faith. This invitation is especially meaningful during Easter, as we celebrate the power of Christ to bring new life through His resurrection.
15. Mormon 7:5-7
“Wherefore, ye may also have eternal life through the redemption of God.”
Mormon testifies of Christ’s redemptive power. His death and resurrection offer us the opportunity for eternal life, an essential truth celebrated during Easter. The joy of this promise is one that transcends time and space, available to all who believe.
16. Mosiah 18:9
“And it came to pass that he said unto them: If this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a testimony before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him to serve him.”
This scripture emphasizes the covenants we make with God through baptism, a symbol of our spiritual rebirth. Christ’s resurrection makes such rebirth possible, and baptism is the way we publicly declare our commitment to follow Him.
17. 3 Nephi 27:16
“I came unto the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.”
In this verse, Christ speaks of His mission to fulfill the will of His Father, which includes His sacrificial death and resurrection. The ultimate purpose of His life was to give us eternal life, a central message of Easter.
18. Mosiah 2:17
“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.”
Christ’s resurrection teaches us that we are to serve others, as He did during His life. By following Christ’s example, we can experience the joy of eternal life and peace through His grace.
19. 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.”
Nephi testifies of the importance of believing in Christ. His words call us to focus on the significance of Christ’s Atonement and resurrection, which bring us back to God.
20. Mormon 9:13-14
“And behold, he will be a light unto the Gentiles, and he will be the hope of all nations.”
Mormon prophesies of Christ’s role as the hope of all nations, a theme that resonates deeply during Easter. His resurrection brings hope not only to the Jews but to all people, regardless of background or heritage.
21. Ether 3:14
“And the brother of Jared saw the Lord, and he was filled with the Spirit.”
In this remarkable vision, the brother of Jared sees the resurrected Christ. This scripture is a powerful reminder that Christ’s resurrection is real and that we too can feel His presence and power in our lives.
Conclusion
These 21 scriptures from the Book of Mormon help us reflect on the profound significance of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. They remind us of the hope, grace, and eternal life made possible through Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Easter, may we remember the power of His Atonement and resurrection and seek to follow Him with all our hearts.
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