The 8th Article of Faith states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”
Many people erroneously believe that we, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do not believe in the Bible. We do believe in the Bible. We read from it, teach from it, and use it to guide our lives.
In fact, our high school-aged youth are encouraged to enroll in Seminary. Though in some areas Seminary is offered at various times throughout the school day, in many areas it is offered only in the early morning, before school begins. Youth study the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and Church History in Seminary. Our youth spend two years studying the Bible. In fact, my daughters are studying the New Testament this year.
As a Seminary graduate, I also studied the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and Church History. As an adult, I have continued my study and have come to love the New Testament and learning about the mortal ministry of the Savior.
In addition to Seminary, children, youth, and adults study the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and Church History in Sunday School every Sunday. We take turns each year studying one of the standard works so every four years we study the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and Church History. We spend an entire year on each set of scriptures, trying to learn the gospel. Young children in Primary are also taught from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants (part of Church History).
Members are encouraged to study the scriptures in-depth both personally and with their families. I have learned so much about the gospel through my study of the scriptures. I’ve found answers to questions and even learned how to be a better parent.
The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible. We believe the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus Christ meant to support and better understand the teachings of the Bible. The Book of Mormon does not contradict the teachings of the Bible. It may help clarify some passages of scripture that may be confusing without the additional teachings of the Book of Mormon, but it does not replace the Bible.
The Lord has said, “ . . . In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (2 Corinthians 13:1). We believe that the Book of Mormon serves as another witness of the words of the Bible and fulfills this scripture.
The Book of Mormon is a record of the people in America and their struggles to live the gospel, the same gospel taught by the Savior. The Book of Mormon does not add to, nor take way from, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It does not teach a different gospel nor does it teach about a different Savior. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and a man will become closer to God by living what is taught within the pages of the Book of Mormon.
I have my own witness that the Book of Mormon is literally from God and I am thankful every single day that I have it in my life to help me become closer to my Heavenly Father and to my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Return to the neighborhood.
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