Ether 5

Chapter Overview

What happens in Ether 5

Moroni briefly addresses the future translator of the plates, prophesying that three witnesses will testify of the record's truthfulness by the power of God, and that their testimony will stand against the world at the last day.

Scripture

Instructions to the future translator and the three witnesses

Study note

Moroni addresses the person who will translate the plates, warning against touching the sealed portion until God permits. He prophesies that the plates will be shown to three witnesses by the power of God, and their testimony, combined with the work itself, shall stand as a testimony against the world. This prophecy was fulfilled when Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris testified of the plates.

1 And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God.

2 And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work;

3 And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true.

4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.

5 And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God.

6 And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in Ether 5

The law of witnesses in establishing truthProphetic foreknowledge of the Book of Mormon's coming forthThe testimony of the Father, Son, and Holy GhostPersonal accountability before God at the last day

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Ether 5:4 2 Corinthians 13:1

Moroni's declaration that the record will be established by three witnesses echoes the biblical principle, cited by Paul, that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

Apply This Today

Living Ether 5

God establishes truth through multiple witnesses. Moroni's prophecy of the three witnesses reminds us that the Lord does not ask us to believe blindly but provides confirming evidence through the testimony of others, through the Holy Spirit, and through the witness of scripture. Our response to these witnesses will matter at the judgment day.

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