The first requirement given by Moroni for knowing that the Book of Mormon is true is its being read, when it is wise in the sight of God (v. 3). When would it not be wisdom in God to read the book? Under those circumstances, or environments, that the Lord, in his foreknowledge, knows would not be conducive to bring the reader into contact with the influence of the Spirit, it would be better to read it at a later time. God knows the end from the beginning (see Isaiah 46:10), and he knows when it would be the most opportune time for the reader, and for those around him, to know that the Book of Mormon is true. When the time is right, the Lord will provide that opportunity.
The second requirement given by Moroni is to remember how merciful the Lord has been from the creation of Adam to the present time (Moroni 10:3). A knowledge of God’s dealings with the children of men during the above time period can only be known through the Bible. If a person is not familiar with or receptive to the teachings of the Bible, he or she may not be receptive to the Book of Mormon until that familiarity is obtained. In the words of President Harold B. Lee: “There is nothing better that we can do to prepare ourselves spiritually than to read the Book of Mormon. Many doctrines of the Bible are only partially covered there are beautifully explained in the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.” The two records will then grow together as they are studied together (see 2 Nephi 3:11–12). The overall purpose of this requirement seems to be for a comparison of the two books to show that God does “speak the same words unto one nation like unto another” (2 Nephi 29:8). As Mormon said earlier, “if you believe [the Bible] ye will believe the [Book of Mormon] also” (Mormon 7:9).
Moroni’s third requirement is to “ponder [the teachings of the Book of Mormon] in your hearts” (Moroni 10:3). To ponder is to weigh it back and forth, but it must be weighed in the heart. To weigh it in your mind is an intellectual experience. To weigh it in your heart is a spiritual experience, which opens the heart to the Spirit. The reader should have pondered it in the mind as it was read and should have considered God’s dealings with Adam and others down to the present time, and observed how the people of the Book of Mormon were likewise treated. When that happens, the Lord will tell “you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation” (D&C 8:2–3).
The fourth requirement given by Mormon is the one best known to members of the Church, to ask God, through prayer, and in the name of Christ if the Book of Mormon is true (Moroni 10:4). Many people have not learned how to pray, or may have been negligent in establishing prayer as a part of their life. The Lord will hear any sincere prayer, but the reader is here given the correct person to whom they should pray, and through whose name to approach God. The answer to that sincere prayer may be delayed until the reader has learned the correct order of prayer. Again the Lord knows when is the best time to teach that lesson, and will choose to teach it when it is appropriate.
The fifth requirement is the one most obvious, and so the one usually used as the reason for a person not receiving a witness by the power of the Holy Ghost (v. 4). However, sincerity and intent can only be measured by the Lord, therefore, we must be very careful in judging why an answer has not been received. It may be any of the above requirements already given, or one of those to follow. The reader must examine all of the reasons.
Moroni’s sixth requirement is to examine the teachings of the Book of Mormon to see if they will make the reader a better person by following those teachings, and to see if the book testifies of Jesus Christ (v. 6). The Savior gave a similar challenge during his earthly Ministry.
14 Now about the midst of the feast [of tabernacles] Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. [John 7:14–18]
Nephi, son of Lehi, taught the same principle as he concluded his writings: “And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers, and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal” (2 Nephi 33:4). There is nothing taught in the Book of Mormon that will not make you a better person by obeying its precepts and hearkening to its warnings if the teachings are taken in the correct context. According to the writers count, of the 239 chapters in the Book of Mormon, there are only 6 that do not say something about Christ. Practically every page in the Book of Mormon mentions his name. As those pages are read, the power of the Holy Ghost will testify to the reader of his divinity if we are in tune with him (Moroni 10:7).
Moroni’s seventh requirement is in the form of a warning. Do not deny the power of God (v. 7). This warning is probably aimed at being able to recognize the power of God when it comes. It will probably not be the type of power looked for in the world. It may come in many different ways, but not in a supernatural or even a sensational way. As Elijah learned, the Lord was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11–12).