It is the destiny of the Book of Mormon to be the instrument by which this prophecy-that the knowledge of Christ would go forth to those of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people -is to be fulfilled. As John the Baptist went before the Christ as an Elias to prepare the way before him, so the Bible would precede the Book of Mormon among many peoples to prepare them for the more perfect witness that was to come.
But as the ministry of John was not enough to assure salvation, neither is the ministry of the Bible sufficient. “Verily saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel [Moroni] flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who hath appeared unto some and hath committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth. And this gospel [the gospel restored through the Book of Mormon] shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people. (D&C 133:36-37.)”