(The Book of Mormon and the King James texts are the same, therefore only one text is quoted).
One of the major purposes of the Book of Mormon specifically, and of the gospel in general, is to learn doctrine. The above verse is quoted in the Introduction of this work in support of this purpose. Before the Book of Mormon had been published, Hyrum Smith was told: “Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine” (D&C 11:16).
At the end of each chapter of this work the doctrines learned in that section of the Book of Mormon are listed. The main doctrines of the restored gospel learned from the Book of Mormon are outlined in a revelation given on the day the Church was organized (see D&C 20:17–36). Along with the apostles and prophets, the Book of Mormon prevents us from being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:11, 14).