Mormon Scriptures
In the world today, there is a great amount of ignorance concerning what Mormons believe. Mormons are Christians, and accept all sacred books and texts of the Christian faith, especially the Bible; American Mormons use the King James Version with no changes in the text.
One of the core beliefs of Mormonism is the belief that God speaks to his people through prophets. Mormons believe that the Lord has always done this, and that not all existing scripture has been discovered. Some ancient scripture is still being hidden by the Lord, because the world isn’t ready to receive it. Existing scripture, not yet revealed, includes the writings of John the Baptist and Joseph who was sold into Egypt, as well as part of the Book of Mormon, and the scriptures being kept and compiled by the Ten Lost Tribes.
Mormons also believe in open scripture. That is, that scripture continues to be revealed through modern prophets. It is from this basic belief that Mormons receive new scripture through a modern day revelator who speaks and receives revelation directly from God.
One of the basic premises of the Mormon Scriptures is that it is not closed canon. We believe that as long as prophets continue to receive revelation, scripture will never end. However, there are four standard works used by the Church. These Mormon books are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Mormons primarily use the King James Version of the Bible, because it was used by the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith. Through inspiration from the Lord, Joseph Smith made corrections and clarifications. These appear in the KJV as footnotes and appendices. The Mormon edition includes helps in the form of cross-references, an index, maps, and a Bible Dictionary and Topical Guide.
The Book of Mormon is a text unique to the Mormon Church. The book is an ancient record of God’s dealings with people somewhere on the American continent. The book recounts the life of these civilizations, which lasted about one thousand years. Theses people were Israelites who fled the Holy Land just before Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. They were Christians—their prophets taught them of Christ who should come. They lived according to the Law of Moses, looking forward to Christ. However, they suffered from pride, war, and fell to false doctrines. Their wickedness ultimately led to their destruction. They were taught by prophets and were even visited by the resurrected Christ. Mormons believe the Book of Mormon upholds, validates, clarifies, and complements the Bible.
Mormons also believe in a book called the Doctrine and Covenants. The main portion of this book includes modern-day revelations. Most of these revelations were given through the prophet Joseph Smith. However, various pro
phets following Joseph Smith have been inspired to add. The Doctrine and Covenants includes prophecy concerning church organization and founding and unique doctrines like Mormon temples and the priesthood. The last addition to the Doctrine and Covenants was made in 1978.
Mormons believe in the Pearl of Great Price. The Pearl of Great Price is a relatively small book, when compared to the others. The book includes translations by Joseph Smith; one is his history, and one summarizes the core beliefs of the Mormon Church. It includes the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham. Joseph Smith expands on certain parts of the Gospel of Matthew. It also includes the Joseph Smith History, and recounts the founding of the Mormon Church. The book also includes the Articles of Faith, which state the basic beliefs of Mormonism.
Mormons believe that scripture can continually be received through modern day Mormon prophets. Biannually, Mormons hold conferences where church leaders share revelation and counsel with the members of the Mormon Church. As new issues and problems arise in modern society, prophets receive inspiration from the Lord on what stance the Church and its members should take. Two proclamations from leaders of the Church could be considered scripture: The Family: A Proclamation to the World, and The Living Christ.
