The Holy Bible

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes the Bible to be the word of God. In fact, the Holy Bible is first in our canon of scripture, which includes, the Bible, the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These four books are the canon of scripture recognized by the Church as the word of God. However, we do not believe God's revelations stop there. We believe God continues to reveal His word unto His prophets and apostles--just as He did in ancient times. As the Lord instructed the prophet Amos in the Old Testament, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7).

Some of our fellow Christians, because of their genuine love of the Bible, have criticized the Church for accepting other books of scripture outside of the Holy Bible. One of the arguments used in their defense is that scripture passages in Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19 forbid adding or detracting from the Bible. There are a couple of problems with this argument.

First, there is overwhelming evidence among all biblical scholars that the warning in Revelation applies only to the Book of Revelation, and not the entire Bible. There are two reasons for this: (1) Scholars acknowledge a large number of New Testament books were written after John's revelation on the Isle of Patmos was received. These books include the books of Jude, the three Epistles of John, and probably the entire Gospel of John itself. The New Testament was not compiled in chronological order. For example, the letters from Paul are compiled by length, not by date. (2) There is even a more simple reason why the warning in the Book of Revelation does not apply to the whole Bible. That is because the Bible as we know it was not compiled until centuries later. For centuries after John wrote the Book of Revelation, the Bible as a compilation of a collection of texts bound in a single voulme did not exist. Instead, individual books of the New Testament were in circulation alone or sometimes grouped with a few other books, but almost never as a complete collection. The New Testament as we know it today was not compiled until 1000 A.D.

Second, Deuteronomy 4:2 commands that "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it." Does that mean that every book of scripture written after Deuteronomy is "adding" to the word of God? If so, then every book in the Bible following Deuteronomy is violating this commandment. Certainly, we know the Bible is the word of God and that the prophets writing after Moses were inspired of God. Therefore, this warning in Deuteronomy most certainly did not apply to the Bible as a whole. The fact of the matter is that virtually every prophet of the Old and New Testaments has added scripture to that received by his predecessors.

Third, the Bible mentions many books of scripture as authentic and the word of God and yet they are not compiled in the Bible. These "lost scriptures" include the book of Samuel the seer (1 Chr. 29:29), the book of Gad the seer (1 Chr. 29:29), the book of Nathan the prophet (2 Chr. 9:29), the prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chr. 9:29), the book of Jehu (2 Chr. 20:34), and many, many others. If they were ever to be found, I would hope that they would not be rejected for the mere fact that they are not compiled in our traditional Bible.

The Bible is the word of God. The Latter-day Saints study the Bible and seek to adhere to its teachings. The Book of Mormon is not a replacement of the Bible. Instead, it is an additional witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would think that all of us as Christians would rejoice to receive additional witnesses of God and of His plan for His children. Why would any of us despise more of God's word, instead of embracing it? Continuing revelation does not discredit previous revelations. After all, the Old Testament does not lose value because of the New Testament. Likewise, the Bible does not lose value because of the Book of Mormon; in fact, it is enhanced by additional testimonies and witnesses of its veracity.

Much of the content for this post was taken directly from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's address at the April 2008 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints entitled "My Words . . . Never Cease."

The Restoration of the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Church of Christ on the earth today. The restored Church has the same authority and organization as The Church of Jesus Christ in New Testament times. "Latter-day Saints" is added to the name of Christ's church only to differentiate the Church today from the ancient church as established by the Lord Jesus Christ while He was living on the earth.

Jesus Christ organized His Church originally with twelve apostles (Peter being the senior apostle and Peter, James, and John comprising a presidency of the twelve), seventies, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and so on (Ephesians 4:11). However, following the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord, many of the church leaders were persecuted and killed. Many of the "churches" scattered around the Mediterranean region "fell away" from the truth and many clear and plain principles of the gospel were lost. Eventually, the Church of Jesus Christ was no longer found on the earth. The organization, doctrines, and gospel truths were lost or distorted over time. This falling away is known as "the great apostasy."

After many centuries, faithful individuals attempted to reform the church and to return to the church Christ established. The Reformation paved the way for the full restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the spring of 1820 in western New York, a young farm boy named Joseph Smith was confused as to which church he should join. He read in the Book of James that if any man lacked wisdom, "let him ask of God" (James 1:5). Having faith he would receive an answer, Joseph went to a grove of trees near his house and prayed. In answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him. They instructed him not to join any of the churches, and that in due time, the Lord would restore His Church through Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith would later be visited by the angel Moroni who would instruct him where to find the metal plates that would be translated into the Book of Mormon. In addition, Joseph Smith received the priesthood (the authority to act in God's name) from John the Baptist (appearing as an angel) and from Peter, James, and John (also appearing as angels). He was called as a prophet of the Lord and was instructed to restore The Church of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830 in Fayette, New York.

Now, this all might sound a bit fantastic to many readers. Knowing this, I will add a couple of my own insights to perhaps be of assistance.

First, why would God choose a young farm boy to restore His Church? Why not the President of the United States or some rich and powerful figure? In the Bible, we find that one of God's patterns is that He often chooses humble servants to do His work. David was a shepard boy. Samuel was still a young boy when called by the Lord. Matthew was a tax collector! Many of the other New Testament apostles were fishermen. Some of the most precious miracles in the Bible involved widows and children. With very few exceptions, the Lord chooses those who will be humble and obedient--which is rarely the rich and powerful.

Second, if miracles occured in Old and New Testament times, why not today? If the Lord appeared to Moses, why could He not appear today? If angels were sent to deliver special messages, why could they not deliver them today? If God could work miracles and wonders millenia ago, why could He not do such wonders today?

I testify that He does. His work continues in our day--for we are just as important to Him as His children of ancient times.

The painting of the Savior and of the First Vision used in this post are by Del Parson.

Temples

A temple is literally a house of the Lord, a holy place of worship where sacred ceremonies and ordinances of the gospel are performed by members of the Church and also in behalf of deceased persons.

Temples are not a recent invention. The Lord has often commanded His people to build temples. The Holy Bible records various times when God commanded the children of Israel to build temples for sacred ordinances and worship. These temples include Moses' tabernacle in the wilderness (a type of portable temple), Solomon's temple (later rebuilt by Zerubbabel), and Herod's temple.

Once again, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. As of July 2008, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 128 temples in operation around the world. While chapels are used for members of the Church for Sunday worship services and church activities, and are open to visitors at any time, temples are unique in their purpose and symbolic nature.

Only members of the Church in good-standing can enter into the temples (in ancient Biblical times, laws of purification were required for those seeking admittance to the temple). Temples are used for sacred ordinances and for instruction on the purpose of life. Among the ordinances performed in temples is the sealing of families for all eternity. In the temple, members make special covenants with God and receive the temple garment, which is a symbol and reminder of those covenants entered into and which is to be worn at all times. These ordinances and covenants are considered sacred and are not the topic of casual conversation.

Far from being secret, all are encouraged to prepare themselves to enter the temple. Once an individual has been to the temple and made special covenants for himself, he is invited to return often and perform these same covenants on behalf of his ancestors.

For further reading on the purpose and ordinances performed in temples, click here. The top photo used in this post is of Herod's Temple in Jerusalem, finished in 64 A.D. The bottom photo is of the Boston, Massachusetts temple, finished in October 2000. Photo is courtesy of lds.org.

Missionary Work

Perhaps you have seen missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walking down the street or riding their bicycles to an appointment. Perhaps they have knocked on your door or stopped you on the sidewalk to talk to you. Or perhaps you have even invited them into your home and they have shared a message about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In any case, you may have wondered, who are they and what do they do?

The Church takes seriously the charge given by the Savior to his apostles when he said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Missionaries of the Church voluntarily serve at their own expense to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Generally, these missionaries are young men or young women. However, many retired couples who desire to serve are also called as missionaries. As of April 2008, more than 52,000 missionaries are currently serving throughout the world.

When an individual desires to serve a mission for the Church, he or she fills out an application, speaks with their ecclesiastical leaders, and submits an application to Church headquarters. That individual can then be called to serve virtually anywhere in the world. After receiving a call from the President of the Church, the new missionary attends a missionary training center for a short time before reporting to their missionary assignment. The next 18 to 24 months are spent proselytizing, conducting humanitarian efforts, assisting in genealogy work, or other church assignments. This is all done at the expense of the individual serving. Their personal lives are put on hold as they dedicate their entire time to helping others come unto Christ. Following their mission, young men and young women resume their careers or university studies, and have the opportunity to get married and start families.

The missionaries who proselytize teach individuals and families about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His restored church. They answer questions, invite individuals to attend church meetings, and act as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in helping individuals make changes to become closer to Christ. For me (I served a mission from 2000-2002 in Belgium and France), it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

For a more detailed explanation regarding the Church's missionary program, click here. The photo used in this post is courtesy of lds.org.

What is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It serves as an additional witness to the Holy Bible of God's love, His plan for His children to return and live with Him again, and the divinity of His Son Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth, life, atonement, and resurrection.

The Book of Mormon begins in Jerusalem around 600 B.C. with a prophet named Lehi. The Lord commands Lehi's family to leave Jerusalem prior to the capture of Jerusalem under Zedekiah's reign. The Book of Mormon details the family's flight through the wilderness, crossing the ocean, settling on the American continent, and their history, wars, preachings, and their near ultimate destruction. This history was written on metal plates by the prophets. Moroni, the last prophet among the people, buried the plates in a hill in western New York around 400 A.D.

The climax of the Book of Mormon is Christ's visitation on the American continent following his resurrection and ascension. Here, you see the loving Savior minister among the people, organize His Church among them, and teach them what they must do to return and live with God after this life.

In 1823, this same prophet Moroni, as a resurrected angel, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and instructed him where to find the plates. Joseph received these plates and translated them into the English language by the gift and power of God.

The Book of Mormon is an additional witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. It testifies of the doctrine of Christ and helps us understand that God loves all His children in the world and desires all to come unto Him and be saved.

To read the Book of Mormon online, click here. To request a free copy of the Book of Mormon to be delivered to your home, click here.

Are Mormons Christians?

Absolutely. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer.

We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God. He was sent to the Earth to provide us a perfect example, teach us how to return and live with Him again after this life, and suffer and die for us so that we could repent and be forgiven of our sins. He is the only way we can be saved. Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6).

The restored Church bears His name and He guides it today through His living prophet who is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and I love and revere Him for what He has done for me. He has changed my life. Because of His atonement, I have found peace and joy in my life, and look forward with faith to living with Him again.

For a more detailed look at why Mormons are Christians, click here for a recent address given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the General Conference of the Church in October 2007.

What do Mormons Believe?

A brief summary of the beliefs of Latter-day Saints (i.e., Mormons) is outlined below. Further explanation and inquiry into these beliefs will be explored in future posts.

1. We believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. These three beings are separate and distinct, although one in purpose and unity.

2. We believe that all individuals may be saved by the atonement of Jesus Christ. Such salvation comes by grace after we are obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel (e.g., faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, and reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands).

3. We believe in the eternity of the soul. We believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that because of it, all individuals will be resurrected and live forever with a perfected physical body. Whether or not we live forever with God is dependent upon our faithfulness.

4. We believe in the same organization that existed with the Church that Jesus organized while on the Earth. We have a Prophet, Twelve Apostles, Seventies, Patriarchs, Bishops, Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, and so on. All of these individuals are called of God, by the laying on of hands, and serve as unpaid clergy.

5. The current prophet of the Church receives continued revelation from the head of the Church, Jesus Christ. We believe the current prophet is a prophet in every sense of the word, just like Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, or other prophets of the Bible.

6. We believe the Bible is the word of God. We also believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. The Book of Mormon was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith from golden plates in 1829. It is a record of God's dealings with the people of ancient America.

7. We believe that families can be together forever. Families can be sealed together and live together as families for all eternity. This sacred sealing ordinance takes place in temples.

8. We believe in performing saving ordinances for our ancestors. Many who have lived on Earth did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that we can act as proxies for our ancestors in the ordinances of baptism and reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost. These ancestors will have the opportunity to accept our work for them in the spirit world. These sacred ordinances take place in temples.

9. We believe in being good, upstanding citizens in whatever country we live in. We obey laws, participate in local and national elections, serve in the military, receive public and private educations, support the arts, play sports, and live virtually everywhere in the world.

The official Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be read here. The photo of Christ used in this post is from a painting by Heinrich Hoffman entitled "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler."

A Few Basic Facts about Mormons

To best understand the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is important to know some basic facts about the Church and its members.

1. “Mormon” is a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.”

2. The Church was restored in 1830 in western New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Most members of the Church, under the direction of Brigham Young, the second prophet and president of the Church, relocated to Utah in 1847 to escape persecution. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah with Thomas S. Monson as the present prophet and president of the Church.

3. There are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these members are in the United States, making it the fourth largest Christian denomination in America.

4. Local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.

5. Members of the Church are encouraged to receive a good education. Members serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment. Mormons are also well-represented in politics and government (in the United States, 16 members of Congress, from both political parties, are practicing Mormons).

6. Certain aspects of Mormon practice include the paying of tithing (10 percent of a member’s income), the Word of Wisdom (health code that prohibits the use of tobacco and drugs and the drinking of alcohol, coffee, and tea), and the law of chastity (which proscribes abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage).

Taken from a General Conference address of the Church by Elder M. Russell Ballard in October 2007. For the full address, click here.