Moroni, having written the things he was commanded (v. 1), does not disclose who commanded him, but it must have been Jesus Christ. Moroni had been shown the day when the Book of Mormon was to come forth (see Mormon 8:34–38); therefore, it is safe to conclude that he was commanded what to include and what not to include. He also understood that the ability to translate the record was dependent upon strictly following the commandments, as shown by the warning to the translator not to touch what he was forbidden to touch (v. 1). A study of modern Church history certainly verifies that warning. Joseph Smith lost the power and privilege to translate because of the loss of the first 116 pages of manuscript (see D&C 3:10). Oliver Cowdery also learned that the work of translation was exacting and difficult (see D&C 8 & 9). Moroni also acknowledged that the sealed portion would come forth when it was wisdom in God (Ether 5:1). Joseph Smith was also warned by the Lord at the time he lost power to translate—that “if thou art not aware thou wilt fall” (D&C 3:9). The Lord knew that Joseph would not fall, but Joseph didn’t know it. The Lord in his wisdom knew when and by whom to bring the Book of Mormon forth.
The translator, Joseph Smith, was made aware by Moroni that there should be two sets of witnesses to see the plates. These two sets of witnesses were two different types of witnesses. One group was to be shown by the translator, those who would assist in the work (Ether 5:2), and the other group was the three witnesses who were to be shown by the power of God (v. 3). Thus there was a temporal witness and also a spiritual witness. This was by design of the Lord, and it would leave the world without excuse. Elder B. H. Roberts has shown the significance of the different kinds of witnesses.
It is to be observed that what may be called two kinds of testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon is found in the statements of the three and the eight witnesses respectively; viz, what men would call miraculous testimony and ordinary testimony. Had there been but one kind of testimony, the matter would have been much simplified for the objector. Had the testimony of the three witnesses been the only kind given; that is, if the plates had been exhibited to the eight witnesses in the same manner as they had been revealed to the three, then perhaps, mental hallucination might have been urged with more show of reason. Or, if the three witnesses had seen the plates in the same manner as the eight did, in a plain, matter-of-fact way, without display of divine power, then the theory of pure fabrication, with collusion on the part of all those who assisted in bringing forth the work, would have more standing. With the two kinds of testimony to deal with, it is extremely difficult for objectors to dispose of the matter.
Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, also had been shown the same collaborating witnesses.
12 Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein.
13 And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men; for the Lord God hath said that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead.
14 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God! [2 Nephi 27:12–14]
Isaiah notes that the three witnesses seeing the plates by the power of God was in addition to the translator (2 Nephi 27:12), something Moroni assumes we would understand. The “few according to the will of God” (2 Nephi 27:13) were the eight witnesses. Isaiah also leaves the door open for there being other witnesses as chosen by God (2 Nephi 27:14). Moroni named two other witnesses—the Book of Mormon itself, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost bearing record (Ether 5:4). These two witnesses and the three witnesses who were to see by the power of God constitute three separate spiritual witnesses. As one reads the record, the Spirit bears record that it’s true. As stated by President Harold B. Lee: “So far as we are concerned, the best evidence in the world of the truth of the Book of Mormon is the Book of Mormon itself.” In addition to reading it, the members of the Godhead may bear record as the Book of Mormon is mentioned by name or spoken about. President Brigham Young declared: “There is not a man or woman that loves the truth who has heard the report of the Book of Mormon, but the Spirit of the Almighty has testified to him or her of its truth, neither has any man heard the name of Joseph Smith, but the Spirit has whispered to him—he is a true prophet” (JD, 1:43, June 13, 1852)
All of these witnesses, individually or collectively, are to stand as a testimony against the world (Ether 5:4). If the people of the world repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus Christ they can be received into the Kingdom of God (v. 5). All who reject these many and various witnesses, as well as all those who accept them, will have one final witness given to them at the judgment bar of God. Moroni will be there and all will know that he had the authority given to him (v. 6) to bring these records out of the ground “as if it were from the dead” (2 Nephi 27:13). Furthermore, the Lord revealed at the time of the restoration of the latter-day Church this stern warning:
13 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work.
14 And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;
15 But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation—
16 For the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear witness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. [D&C 20:13–16]
The Book of Mormon is not on trial. The Lord has brought it forth and provided enough witnesses to leave the world and its inhabitants without excuse. Each person must make his or her own decision, as the opportunity is given, to accept or reject the book.