Nephi said the book would be of great worth because of conditions in the last days. The “for” in 2 Nephi 28:3 means “because.” In other words, the Book of Mormon will be of great worth in our day because of the following conditions:
1. Churches will be built up that—
a. Claim to be the Lord’s but really are full of contention (see vv. 3–4; compare with Joseph Smith—History 1:5).
b. Teach with their own learning and deny the Holy Spirit (see 2 Nephi 28:4).
c. Deny the power of God by denying priesthood authority, and by denying God still operates in the lives of men in the same way (see vv. 5–6).
d. Teach that sin and wickedness are excusable (see vv. 7–8).
2. There will be many who teach false doctrines, are puffed up in their pride, work in darkness, and become corrupted (see vv. 9–12).
3. Pride, false teachers, and false doctrines will lead to many evils (see v. 12):
a. Exploitation of the poor (see v. 13).
b. Persecution of the humble (see v. 13).
c. Widespread apostasy (see v. 14).
d. Deception of the humble followers of Christ (see v. 14).
How does the Book of Mormon help counteract these conditions in our time? Sincerely pondering the answer to this question will broaden our perspective about the impact of this book and why it plays such a central role in the restoration of the Church and gospel of Jesus Christ.