Directing his words to the latter-day readers of his account, Mormon explains the purposes of his abridgment of the Nephite records and his own spiritual writings. He clearly informs the reader that his intent in giving a historical account of his people is really two-fold: 1) to stand as a witness, when all mankind are brought before the judgment bar of Christ, that he has fulfilled the Lord’s commandments and has taught and testified according to the promptings of the Spirit; and 2) to invite Jew, Gentile, and all of the house of Israel to come unto Christ, repent of their sins, and believe the gospel that they might thereby obtain salvation.
From this testimony of Mormon it is clear that the Book of Mormon is not merely a record of a fallen people but also that it contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel and is directed to all people and all later generations. Verse 22 suggests that Mormon’s desire, like Alma’s, was to be like an angel who could speak with the trump of God and seek to persuade all to repent and come unto Christ (see Alma 29:1-3; see also Commentary 3:193-94).