The importance of the Book of Mormon in interpreting the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints was declared by the Lord at the time of the organization of the Church. In a series of revelations, published under the date of April 6, 1830, the Lord outlined the contents of the Book of Mormon, its purposes, and its effects upon both the Church collectively and upon the individual members (D&C 20:8 - 16). In these revelations, the Lord gave twenty statements concerning doctrines that were definitely taught in the Book of Mormon (D&C 20:17 - 36). This book shows the divinity and testimony of these great doctrines, further divided into 28 truths taught by the Book of Mormon, and their application to the lives of those who will study and follow them.