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Y Religion

Episode 107: “I Am” Statements in the Book of Mormon (Joshua M. Matson)

Y Religion

BYU Religious Education

Whyreligion, Religiouseducation, Religion & Spirituality, Brighamyoung, Lds, Education, Mormon, Yreligion, Byu, Religion, Yreligionpodcast, Christianity, Churchofjesuschrist

4.81.7K Ratings

🗓️ 1 July 2024

⏱️ 50 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Throughout the Book of Mormon, the Savior pronounces fifty-three “I am” statements as he details his purpose and declares his divine identity. In 2 Nephi 29: 8 – 9 he explains that he does so for a particular reason, “Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. […]. And I do this that I may prove unto many thatI amthe same yesterday, today, and forever […]” (emphasis added). In this next episode Dr. Joshua M. Matson, assistant professor of ancient scripture, discusses his recent article “Coming to Know Christ through the ‘I Am’ Statements in the Book of Mormon” and explains the significant presence of these statements in the Bible and Restoration scriptures. He outlines how the Savior utilizes two forms of “I am” statements—metaphorical(depicting what he does) andabsolute(his titles or depicting who he is)—throughout the scriptures to proclaim his role and character. Professor Matson explains that the “I am” statements in the Book of Mormon serve as another witness of Jesus Christ, alongside similar “I am” statements presented in the Old and New Testaments, and that they are spoken by both the premortal Jehovah and the resurrected Jesus Christ. In studying the “I am” statements we may come to know the Savior in his own words and through his own perspective.

Publications

Clickhereto learn more about Joshua M. Matson

Transcript

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0:00.0

Hello my friend Rob Eaton recently shared a story with me about when he was getting a haircut.

0:09.3

He was sharing the gospel and the hairdresser said to him, well, like Jesus said, all roads lead to heaven.

0:18.1

What would you say if someone was cutting your hair and they said that. Would you correct the person who's

0:25.2

holding the scissors? Well Rob is a bold missionary and he said you know actually

0:31.0

that's not what Jesus said.

0:33.5

In fact, he kind of said the opposite.

0:36.3

He said, I am the way, the truth, and the life.

0:40.9

No one comes to the father but by me.

0:44.0

Oh, the hairdresser said.

0:46.0

I've never actually read the Bible.

0:48.0

That's just what I heard, he said.

0:50.0

There are a lot of lessons I've learned from reflecting on this story and one of them is the power of the words of the Savior.

0:59.0

He didn't say all roads lead to heaven. He said I am the way the truth and the life.

1:08.0

This statement from John Chapter 14 verse 6 is one of the seven famous I am John,

1:13.4

14 verse six, is one of the seven famous I am statements found in the gospel according to John.

1:18.0

You may have heard of these seven I am statements in the gospel of John,

1:22.4

but have you heard of the I am statements in the Gospel of John, but have you heard of the I am statements in the

1:26.4

Book of Mormon?

1:28.2

If we can explore that third Nephi 9, 15 and 2031 statement, I am Jesus the son of God for me this one was really interesting because you would think

1:37.3

Wait the Savior refers to himself as the son of God in the Bible doesn't he?

1:43.0

But when you look closely at the text,

1:45.0

it's always secondary references.

...

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