"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."2 Tim. 3: 16,17
I love the scriptures! There is no better way to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ than through prayerful scripture study. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5: 39 Mormons love the scriptures. We carry them to church and take them on vacation. We study them as individuals and as families. We mark them and write in them and pray to understand them. We honor the great men and women whose stories are contained in them. We are commanded to, “feast upon the words of Christ.” 2 Ne. 32: 3
The purpose of scripture is and always has been to bring people to Christ. True scripture comes by the power of the Holy Ghost and it is through the Holy Ghost that scripture can be correctly understood. God's understanding far exceeds that of even to most intelligent of men. The Lord expects us to think and study and learn, but he does not abandon us to try to figure things out alone. The Holy Ghost teaches and confirms truth. He enlightens our understanding, and guides us in our study.
God spoke to the prophets of old and they wrote his words and teachings, and their testimonies and experiences as followers of God. The Old Testament contains these histories. Christ’s ministry and teachings and the work of the apostles were recorded, and some of these writings were included in the New Testament. The things that are recorded in the Bible were given by God to teach and bless us.
“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” John 21: 25
The ancient American prophet, Nephi (Nē fī) said ”And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” 2 Ne. 25:26 Around 600 B.C. Nephi and his family were led by God from Jerusalem to this land of promise. They brought with them some of the prophetic writings that they had available to them, which included many of the writings of Isaiah. He understood that if his people did not have the words of God available to them that they would dwindle in unbelief. To that end, he and those who came after him recorded the words of God that were revealed to them as they taught and led the people. Some of these writings were included in a book compiled by the prophet Mormon and completed by his son Moroni around 400 A.D. This work is called the Book of Mormon (and is the source of the nickname Mormon.) We believe that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the literal fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophesy.
As part of the restoration of all things spoken of in Matt. 17:11 the Lord spoke to the prophet, Joseph Smith, and commanded him that he should keep a record. The Lord’s revelations to Joseph regarding the establishment of the church are contained in the Doctorine and Covenants. This book, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price, make up the LDS cannon. This cannon, however, is not closed.
It has been said that God never abandons us, it is we who turn our backs on him. So it is with revelation. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe that God is as concerned about his children today as in the time when the Bible and Book of Mormon were being written. He calls prophets, and through them continues to guide and instruct the church. There is so much that we can learn from God’s words to his people in ancient time. Though people are much the same today as they were then, the world has changed so much. I am grateful that God gives us counsel in our day regarding our specific circumstances and I am grateful to the many good men and women who have sacrificed much to bring the scriptures to us. I feel so blessed to have such easy access to the word of God.
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An earlier post asked about the Article of Faith which 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.” AoF 8 As I thought about this, I remembered hearing that the newer translations of the Bible are considered by many to be more correct than the King James Version, so it sounds like maybe we have some agreement on this point. The scriptures were commissioned by God. They were written and translated by imperfect men. Nephi said, “Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself. 1 Ne 19:6 Though God knows that we are not perfect nor our language, he allows us to participate in his work and he supports our best efforts to do his will. Like any loving parent, he guides us, but does not control our actions, nor does he take from us the work that he has appointed us to do. I too believe that God watches over and protects his scriptures and I know that we can trust what God tells us in them.
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