Like the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. The central event recorded in the Book of Mormon is Jesus Christ’s visit—including His teachings and ministry—to believers in the ancient Americas. This account shows that God extends the same blessings and opportunities to all of His children and that His love isn’t confined to people from a single area of the world. No matter what language we speak or what we look like, God loves us and wants us to come closer to Him.

Here’s a synopsis of the epic thousand-year history recounted in the Book of Mormon:

In essence, the Book of Mormon is a story about a family. The father of that family, Lehi, is a prophet in ancient Jerusalem. God warns Lehi in a dream to take his family and leave Jerusalem, because the city and its people will soon be taken captive by another nation. They cross the ocean to the Americas. Laman and Lemuel, the oldest sons, don’t believe their father, Lehi, was inspired. They are always complaining. Their younger brother Nephi is full of faith. Nephi is chosen by God to lead the family and be their teacher.

The people eventually split into two groups, the Nephites and the Lamanites. These groups are often at war, and their faith is constantly being tested. This faith fills the pages of the Book of Mormon in the form of powerful sermons, prophecies, life lessons, and spiritual experiences.

After Jesus is resurrected in Jerusalem, He appears to the people in the Americas. He teaches them about baptism, repentance, and forgiveness. He heals their sick and blesses their children. He establishes His Church. Unlike those in Jerusalem, the people listen to Jesus. Afterward, they live in peace for hundreds of years. Over time, the people lose their faith and a prophet named Moroni buries their records to preserve them for a future time and people—for us! Joseph Smith was directed to those records and translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God. Its teachings increase faith in Jesus Christ and inspire millions of people today.

The Book of Mormon testifies of and complements the Bible, giving more clarity and understanding to Jesus’s teachings. It’s kind of like in the Bible, how Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell the same stories about Jesus from different perspectives and it gives a more complete picture.

Together, the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain thousands of years’ worth of inspiration, guidance, and instruction. By studying both books, you can get a better understanding of who God is and what He wants for you.