Ask CSM:
Is the book of mormon true? -Claudia
Dear Claudia,
Is the Book of Mormon true? Before I answer this question, let’s review some important scriptures from God’s Word, beginning with who wrote the Bible and why. That answer can be found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
“ 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)
This verse has several important takeaways:
- Every word in the Bible is a revelation from God. He used forty men led by the Holy Spirit to write the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments over the course of 1,500 years.
- The Bible teaches us to do what is right and helps us to realize what is wrong in our lives.
- By using the scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. The Bible is complete; there is nothing else we need.
God gives us a final warning about His Word in Revelation 22:18-19. From this we learn that we are not to add or remove any new books or verses to the Word of God.
“18-19 I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book. “ (MSG)
In the mid-1800s, Joseph Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and authored the Book of Mormon. Smith claimed to have had a vision of God the Father and God the Son where they denounced modern Christianity and appointed Smith to reveal and restore “true” Christianity.
The Book of Mormon alleges to be a new revelation — one that Mormons believe is part of the new covenant to Israel and “another witness” to the truth of the Bible.
But when compared to the Bible, the Book of Mormon denies the following biblical truths:
- Mormons believe that God is merely an exalted man who earned his position by good works.
- The Bible tells us that God is spirit John 4:24
- Mormons believe that Jesus was a god, but not God Himself.
- The Bible tells us that the Father and I are one. John 10:30
- Mormons believe that they can attain salvation through works.
- The Bible tells us “8 you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9
God has already said that the Bible, His Word, is complete and told us that we are not to add anything or take anything away. However Joseph Smith tells us he was given a new revelation.
If Joseph Smith’s claim is true, then that makes God a liar. We know that is not possible because God is truth (John 3:33), and therefore cannot lie.
Finally Claudia, let me share with you what the apostle Paul said to the members of the church in Galatia.
6 A short time ago God chose you to follow him. He chose you through his grace that came through Christ. But now I am amazed that you are already turning away and believing something different from the Good News we told you. 7 There is no other message that is the Good News, but some people are confusing you. They want to change the Good News about Christ. 8 We told you the true Good News message. So anyone who tells you a different message should be condemned — even if it’s one of us or even an angel from heaven! 9 I said this before. Now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. Anyone who tells you another way to be saved should be condemned! Galatians 1: 6-9 (ERV)
What is the Good News?
8 This is what it says, “The Good News is near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart.” This Good News tells about putting your trust in Christ. This is what we preach to you. 9 If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved from the punishment of sin. Romans 10:8-9 (NLV)
I hope I’ve answered your question concerning the Book of Mormon. The Bible is the only book we have written by God. When God says His Word is complete we can be assured it is complete, and we can trust it without question.