Standard Works of the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known to many as the Mormon Church, recognizes four books of scripture as the scriptural cannon of the restored Church. These four books of scripture are:


(1) The Bible: A collection of writings from the ancient world regarding God's dealings with His children, principally the children of Israel. The Old Testament covers the time period from the Creation until the coming of Jesus Christ. The New Testament covers the life of Jesus Christ and the Church's missionary efforts following his death. The New Testament concludes with the revelation of John. The Bible was assembled during the first centuries A.D. and includes many different writers over thousands of years.

(2) The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: A collection of writings from the New World regarding God's dealings with His children, principally Lehi and his seed, who fled Jerusalem around 600 B.C. and sailed to the American continent. The Book of Mormon also contains the history of the Jaredite people who fled Mesopotamia during the building of the Tower of Babel. The Book of Mormon contains the history and prophecies of the prophets (of Lehi's seed) from 600 B.C. until 400 A.D. The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from gold plates he found in the Hill Cumorah in Western New York.

(3) The Doctrine and Covenants: A series of revelations given by the Lord to Joseph Smith and subsequent modern-day prophets to guide and direct the restored Church. The revelations began shortly before the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ in 1830 and they continue today. This book of scripture remains open.

(4) The Pearl of Great Price: A selection of translations, writings, and history of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Pearl of Great Price includes translations of the writings of Abraham and Moses.

These four books are called the Standard Works. They are the scriptural books used by the Church for doctrine and instruction. However, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not believe that God is finished speaking to man. In fact, we believe God continues to speak to His children today. The President of the Church has been called, ordained, and sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator. We believe God continues to speak to him as His representative on the Earth. The words of God's prophets and apostles in modern times are considered scripture, just as the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.