Do Mormons Believe in the Bible?

Brief Answer: yes. The Latter-day Saints not only believe in the Bible, they love the Bible. They study it and apply it in their daily lives. In fact, it was Joseph Smith’s study of the Bible—specifically James 1:5— that prompted the young farm boy to “ask of God” in faith and humility. The answer that God gave to Joseph’s humble prayer was momentous. (God the Father and His son Jesus Christ appeared to the boy and restored the original Church of Jesus Christ to the earth).

Detailed Answer: It is fair to say that, generally speaking, the Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible more fully and literally than their mainstream Christian neighbors do. While such a bold statement is in no way meant to criticize mainstream Christians in their love or study of the Bible, the statement is nevertheless based squarely on Peter’s sobering words to the ancient Saints. Knowing that he would soon be martyred (2 Peter 1:14–15), Peter warned the early Saints that “there shall be false teachers among you, who shall bring in damnable heresies. . . . And many shall follow their pernicious ways” (2 Peter 2:1–2). Peter clearly foresaw, among these “damnable heresies” and “pernicious ways” that would creep into the Church, that men would attempt to twist or alter the meaning of the scriptures according to their own ways of thinking or for their own selfish ends. Thus Peter declared in no uncertain terms, “Knowing this first, than no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20–21, emphasis added).

These “holy men” of whom Peter spoke were none other than those chosen and ordained like himself—the Lord’s ordained apostles and prophets. In other words, the Lord chose to reveal his doctrine first to his prophets and apostles, and then by means of apostles and prophets, to the rest of his children. In like manner, because scripture came from God to man by means of his chosen and ordained apostles, no man has the right to interpret the scriptures except he be an ordained prophet or apostle of the Lord. Hence, the LDS belief in the Bible is not just based on the individual Saint’s acceptance of biblical teachings; it is based on the testimonies of all of the Lord’s prophets and apostles, whether they were the Lord’s ancient apostles or his living apostles today.

Additional Resources:

Mormons believe in the Bible. Learn more at the official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible. Request your free copy today.

Visit a local meetinghouse.

Source:

D. Lauritsen, Mormons Under a Microscope, (Springville, Utah: Cedar Fort, Inc., 2010), 12-13.

The Book of Mormon is a record of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It gives an account of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent and God’s dealings with them. There are many passages in The Book of Mormon that testify of the reality of God. In the book of Alma chapter 22, Alma was an ancient prophet of Jesus Christ, in The Book of Mormon, we read of an experience where a missionary named Aaron taught a king about God. We see a pattern for how we can come to know if God is real in this chapter. First we must have a desire to know if He is real.  We must desire to learn more about Him. In this scripture account, the king had recently come across a missionary who had converted his son to the gospel. The king was curious and wanted to learn more. This is what he said:

What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which doth trouble me. And also, what is this that Ammon said—If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day? (Alma 22:5-6).

Coming to Know God Exists

This scripture then helps us see that we should seek to learn all that we can about God, what his words are, and what He asks us to do–then we can come to know Him more. This should be from a good source, such as the scriptures, an authorized minister of Jesus Christ, and through prayer. Aaron then expounds and teaches the king all about God and His plan of happiness for each of us. He teaches the king question by question, a little at a time. The king showed a desire and determination to believe in his words, and follow Jesus Christ:

And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.

And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king (Book of Mormon: Alma 22:12-14).

After Aaron taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to the king, the king felt a desire in his heart to be forgiven of his sins and to become clean through Jesus Christ. The king showed a willingness to do the Lord’s will. He had a humble heart, which I’ve learned is important when I want to come to know God and feel His love and guidance in our lives. He said:

What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy (Book of Mormon: Alma 22:15).

Knowing About God vs. Knowing God

Aaron then asked the king to pray and ask God for the hope that He desired. In order to know if God is real, I’ve found that it is so vital that we pray. We can study all the books about God in the whole world if we want to, but if we don’t pray, we will never really know if God is real. When we pray, God’s Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirit that He is real (Holy Bible: Romans 8:16). He communicates knowledge to our souls with a divine impression that helps us know He is real. This is what happened with the king in The Book of Mormon. He knelt down and prayed and asked to know if God was real, and he said that he would “give up all my sins” to know God (Alma 22:18). When the king said this, he had a glorious experience of being overwhelmed with the power and love of God.

This scriptural example helps us see how we can know God is real. It helps me see that we must seek after Him. God has told us:

Ask, and it shall be ^bgiven you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8).

Personal Witness that God Exists

I know that as we seek out God and the Lord Jesus Christ, they will make themselves manifest to us. Through the power of prayer, and through studying and living the words of Jesus Christ, I’ve come to feel the power of the God’s love within me. He has told my spirit that He lives and loves me. All of us can have this experience. God is waiting for us to seek after Him, and He will answer.

Additional Resources:

Is there a God? For more information visit the official site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

Request your free copy of the Book of Mormon today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

by Eric Kotter, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”), Eric is a student at BYU-Idaho studying communications.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of ancient scripture which testifies of Jesus Christ’s teachings. It is an account of Christ’s words as given to ancient prophets who lived on the American continent. The Lord spoke to these prophets just as He did to Moses, Abraham, or other Biblical prophets.

Taking on a Name & Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ

William Shakespeare’s renowned play “Romeo and Juliet” is a timeless theatrical classic masterpiece. In the play Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet meet and fall in love despite the fact that they are doomed from the start as members of two warring families. In an effort to prove her unfaltering love for Romeo, Juliet comments, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The point that Juliet was endeavoring to make was that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention. She loved the person who is called “Montague”, not the Montague name and not the Montague family. In turn, Romeo, out of his passion for Juliet, rejects his family name and vows, as Juliet asks, to “deny (his) father” and instead be “new baptized” as Juliet’s lover.

There is a Japanese proverb that states, “Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names”. At the end of the play both Romeo and Juliet are dead, but the names Montague and Capulet live on. It was Logan Pearsall Smith, an American-born essayist and critic, who once said, “Our names are labels, plainly printed on the bottled essence of our past behavior”. And so, perhaps after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, whenever the names Montague and Capulet were mentioned, it was with a sense of melancholy, as the names of these two young lovers were brought to remembrance. Therefore, the question still begs to be asked, “Is a name merely an artificial and meaningless convention as Juliet described, or does the name which we hold have some significant relevance?”

What Jesus Christ Reveals about the Power of a Good Name

In the public mind, name “is also associated with the character or reputation of an individual who holds it, and by extension, with the family of that name and all of the members thereof.” We are taught by Jesus Christ’s inspired record, the Holy Bible, in Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

As a young boy growing up those who knew me well always called me by my given name which is Keith. Even though they knew my name, they still associated me with being the son of John and Frances Brown. My parents were not rich or famous by the world’s definitions, but they maintained a good name throughout the community by the lives that they lived and the examples that they set before people. People who were total strangers to me would often say hello in passing while noting that they did not know my name, but they knew that I was “John and Frances’ boy.” Because of that knowledge which they possessed, I was expected to live up to a certain standard and to protect my family’s name. Even while I was in school, having an older brother who proceeded me, most of my teachers referred to me as his younger brother, and thus expected me to live up to a certain level of academic excellence which had already been established. As a result I always strived to do the very best that I could to ensure that the Brown family name remained in good standing as far as academic achievements and excellence was concerned.  This is not to say that people did not respect me for the person that I am, but they knew the name “Brown” and they knew the people who represented that name.

Our Name is a Reflection of Our Devotion to Jesus Christ; our Christian Discipleship

Having a good name, a good reputation, is a great thing, and it is something we should strive for. In Judges 6:25-32 Gideon who was known for his fight against the false god Baal becomes known as Jerubbaal (“let Baal contend”). In 3 John 12 we learn that Demetrius had a “good report of all men, and of the truth itself” and the people in the church bore record of this fact. In like manner, as Christians we should strive to have a good reputation and a good name among the church, as well as, among the people in the world, and be known for our convictions.

Striving to Speaking & Act As Representatives of Jesus Christ

As representatives of Christ to the world, our reputation reflects on Him. Therefore, we should follow the admonition of Paul as given in Titus 2:1-5: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed”.

Paul goes on to exhort us that we should always use “sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of [us]” (Titus 2:8). In Galatians 2:20 Paul reminds us that Christ lives in each of us as he exclaims, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”. He further teaches us that if we do not live up to our name and reputation as Christians, we blaspheme the name of God. In Romans 2: 21-24 we read: “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written”.

Just as our own good name is important, it is also important to not damage the good names of others. In James 4:11-12 we are taught, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” And in Titus 3:2 we are reminded to “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men”.

If we as Christians do not maintain a good name and our reputation is negative, that is how people will see the church. And if that is how people see the church, what are the chances of them converting?

Additional Resources:

Request a free copy of The Book of Mormon

Learn more about Jesus Christ in The Book of Mormon.

I grew up learning about the Book of Mormon, its stories, teachings and revelations such as; Lehi’s dream, Nephi and the Brass Plates, the miracle conversion of Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah, stories about an ancient civilization in the Americas, the poignant writings of the prophet Moroni, and much more.  Most importantly, interwoven throughout the Book of Mormon we learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior of the world.  That through Him and by Him, we can be reunited with our loved ones after we die, and we can have the opportunity to live with our Father in Heaven again, to live for all eternity.  Through Jesus Christ, each of us has the opportunity to gain exaltation.

As a child I believed the book to be true because this is what my wonderful parents and church leaders taught me.  At some point though, I had to receive my own testimony of the divinity of this book.  I do not remember this happening all at once.  My faith and testimony in the Book of Mormon came about in different ways, in various degrees and at different times throughout my life.  Time and again I have received a witness of the truthfulness of the book through the Spirit of the Lord.

Regarding the prophet Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon, I remember a visit to Carthage Jail in the winter of 1995.  My immediate family and I were visiting extended family in Missouri at the time.  My husband, my sister Wendy and I took a day trip to Nauvoo, Illinois.  The historical grounds look beautiful under the blanket of snow.  It was cold, yet still and peaceful.  We could see our breath as we walked on these beautiful and historical grounds.  I was surprised at the experience I had within the very room Joseph Smith was shot which led to his martyrdom.  As we stood there in that room, the guide pushed the button that began the audio recording, a re-creation of those final moments of the prophet’s life.  John Taylor was singing one of Joseph’s favorite hymns, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.”  I fully expected to feel sadness and perhaps even some bitterness.  To my surprise, I felt peaceful and had an overwhelming feeling of love for Joseph Smith and his brother.  What was more astonishing was a strong feeling of love and forgiveness for those who killed the prophet and his brother.  It was as if Joseph had not only forgiven them, he loved them with all of his heart.  That was the impression I received.   There was no logical reason for me to come into this place and have those impressions about those who killed a prophet of God.  These feelings did not come from my own heart, my own mind.  They came from the spirit of God.  It was a strong witness to me of the truthfulness that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God.  This experience strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

If someone were to ask me how the Book of Mormon has blessed my life, I would tell them that reading and pondering the words have calmed my troubled soul, brought answers to my questions and have helped me put my life into perspective.  I cannot stress this enough.  Even better, I have found that living the teachings of Jesus Christ and other prophets in the Book of Mormon has blessed me (and those I love) beyond words.  Supping from these Holy Scriptures is akin to finding the miracle cure to cancer, spiritually speaking.  Miracles have come to pass.  They are occurring right now.  They will continue to do so.  To read testimonies by other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regarding the Book of Mormon and other gospel principles, go to www.mormon.org.  I testify of these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

Alma 37:6

6Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Accustomed and acculturated to look for large events, patterns, trends, happenings, we often overlook the prosaic, ordinary or small things that can tip our world, someone’s life experience, our conversion, our demeanor, or even  have multi- generational impact.  Even a faucet dripping consistently for long enough could flood a home. Likewise, our righteous acts, the following of an impression, can at a singular moment, change lives. Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints–Christian disciples of Jesus Christ–recognize the value of making prized daily choices that count. In our imperfection we strive to follow the Holy Ghost more fluidly each day, recognizing that this day counts for eternity. In the words of a Mormon prophet (more accurately, a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints):

The course of our lives is seldom determined by great, life-altering decisions. Our direction is often set by the samll, day-to-day choices that chart the track on which we run. This is the substance of our lives-making choices (Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller, 13).

One comment on this video reads:

I feel something, when he holds that book up. It’s like God is trying to tell me something.

God will always testify of truth through our heart and mind. To know how to seek and know truth for yourself, read Knowing God, Knowing Truth.

12And there was but little alteration in the affairs of the people, save it were the people began to be more hardened in iniquity, and do more and more of that which was contrary to the commandments of God, in the eighty and ninth year of the reign of the judges.

13But it came to pass in the ninetieth year of the reign of the judges, there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled.

14And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy; thus in this year the scriptures began to be fulfilled.

Satan is evil: totally and always. He ever seeks to defeat the gospel plan and ‘destroy the souls of men.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 10:27.) . . .

It’s no surprise that the vision of who God and Jesus Christ really are, becomes blurry as conceptions of Him fade into the background of secularist thought. The adversary is real, and his tactic works from both ends of the belief spectrum: If he blurs the reality of God as a glorified personal Father, and then denies the reality of Satan as one who creates that distortion to keep us from sensing our divine identity, he accomplishes his goal of dwarfing our sense of purpose and our hope of an inconceivably glorious destiny.

A nationwide survey of adults’ spiritual beliefs suggests that Americans who consider themselves to be Christian have a diverse set of beliefs – but many of those beliefs are contradictory or, at least, inconsistent.

Views on Spiritual Beings

The Barna survey asked questions about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Satan, and demons.

All 1,871 self-described Christians were asked about their perception of God. In total, three-quarters (78%) said he is the “all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe who rules the world today.” The remaining one-quarter chose other descriptions of God – depictions that are not consistent with biblical teaching (e.g., everyone is god, god refers to the realization of human potential, etc.).

For the other survey items a four-point opinion scale was used to measure people’s reactions to statements about each spiritual entity.

Four out of ten Christians (40%) strongly agreed that Satan “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil.” An additional two out of ten Christians (19%) said they “agree somewhat” with that perspective. A minority of Christians indicated that they believe Satan is real by disagreeing with the statement: one-quarter (26%) disagreed strongly and about one-tenth (9%) disagreed somewhat. The remaining 8% were not sure what they believe about the existence of Satan (Barna).

Mormon Beliefs: Satan is Real

Mormons believe in the reality of Satan. He is real spirit personage who gave up his right to come to earth because of an overwhelming craving to be the king of kings–the one worshipped on the throne. He sought to overthrow the Savior and the Father in a council before birth, in a pre-earth life. In the words of one Mormon leader (apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ):

Satan is irrevocably committed to countering and overcoming the influence of the Spirit of Christ upon men (Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 24; or Ensign, June 1971, p. 36).

 

20Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

The Lord Jesus Christ knows the desires of our hearts and responds to those like no other. With answers to complex problems strewn along our paths like hedges of roses on a summer day, the Lord delights in answering our prayers and supplying our need, as each day demands.  His request for us to obey His commands is the most unselfish of all for it is a spiritual shortcut to our happiness, and He knows that.  It’s us who may be slow to comprehend that until we comply long enough to feel the sweet embrace to which this modern scripture speaks.

The invitation to find obedience “a quest and not an irritation” is extended once again to each of us by a late prophet of God (you may refer to him as “Mormon prophet”; the fullname is prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Savior’s true and living Church on earth. We invite you to learn more of its message:

Be true to your convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing. You know when you are giving strength to the right cause. Be loyal. Be faithful. Be true. (Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller, 16.)