The Book of Mormon
Introduction. The religious order known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is a very industrious group. Mormonism looks to Joseph Smith as its founder (there are about twelve major divisions among Mormons). Mr. Smith claimed to have had a visit from the Father and Son and the Angel Moroni in 1820 and 1823 respectively. He was allegedly advised of his mission and of a book written on golden plates. In 1827 he reportedly received the plates. The plates were translated and in 1830 we had the results: The Book of Mormon. Smith produced two other books before his death in 1844, Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price.
The Book of Mormon claims to be an account of the ancient inhabitants of North America, their origin, beliefs, and wars. For example, 3 Nephi informs us that the “other sheep” of John 10: 16 is not a reference to the Gentiles of the East, but to those living in “America” (15: 21-24). The Book of Mormon purports to foretell America's history 2500 years ago. Columbus, the fate of the Indians, and the Revolutionary War are all supposedly foretold (I Nephi. 13: 12, 14, 17-19).
The Book of Mormon tells us the Bible is incomplete and unreliable (I Nephi 13: 24-32). The book derides those who cherish the Bible as God's complete revelation: “Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and need no more Bible …” (2 Nephi 29: 6). More than the Bible has been given by God, according to the book and, of course, the additional revelation is the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 29: 10). Joseph Smith claimed the Book of Mormon was superior to all books, the Bible is not intended to be an exception. Hear him:
The Book of Mormon consists of 15 different books, from 1 Nephi to Moroni. About 18 percent of the book appears to have been copied directly from the King James Version (see 2 Nephi 12: 2, 3 cp. Isa. 2: 2-4, KJV). This is an interesting fact. How could you have the exact same wording (classical English of King James Version) when the writing of the alleged plates reportedly pre-dated the King James Translation by centuries?
The Bible and the Book of Mormon are incompatible because the Bible condemns and forbids all claimed latter day revelations. Mormonism depends on additional revelation for its distinctive beliefs and identity. However, God's word tells us there were to be no additional revelations (Jude 3, 2 Pet. 1: 3, 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). In fact, the apostle Paul taught that even if an angel (including the “angel” Moroni) presents a different gospel, he is accursed (Gal. 1: 6-10). We must not add to or take away from God's word (Rev. 22: 18, 19).
Mormonism contradicts God's word. God's word affirms its sufficiency, the Book of Mormon denies the completeness of the Bible (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17; I Nephi 13: 24-32. The Book of Mormon teaches God has flesh and blood while the Bible denies this (Ether 3: 8, 9; I Cor. 15: 50, Jn. 4: 24). The Book of Mormon says that Jesus is the Father while the Bible teaches they are separate entities (Ether 3: 14; 2 Cor. 13: 14, Eph. 4: 4-6). The Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem while the Bible says Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea (Alma 7: 10; Matt. 2: 1).
Conclusion. Mormonism is not only foreign to the scriptures, it is diametrically opposed to God's word. The only way you can be a Mormon is by accepting the Book of Mormon. Accepting the truth found in the Bible makes one a Christian, not a Mormon (Lk. 8: 11, I Pet. 4: 16).
The Book of Mormon claims to be an account of the ancient inhabitants of North America, their origin, beliefs, and wars. For example, 3 Nephi informs us that the “other sheep” of John 10: 16 is not a reference to the Gentiles of the East, but to those living in “America” (15: 21-24). The Book of Mormon purports to foretell America's history 2500 years ago. Columbus, the fate of the Indians, and the Revolutionary War are all supposedly foretold (I Nephi. 13: 12, 14, 17-19).
The Book of Mormon tells us the Bible is incomplete and unreliable (I Nephi 13: 24-32). The book derides those who cherish the Bible as God's complete revelation: “Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and need no more Bible …” (2 Nephi 29: 6). More than the Bible has been given by God, according to the book and, of course, the additional revelation is the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 29: 10). Joseph Smith claimed the Book of Mormon was superior to all books, the Bible is not intended to be an exception. Hear him:
- “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 461)
The Book of Mormon consists of 15 different books, from 1 Nephi to Moroni. About 18 percent of the book appears to have been copied directly from the King James Version (see 2 Nephi 12: 2, 3 cp. Isa. 2: 2-4, KJV). This is an interesting fact. How could you have the exact same wording (classical English of King James Version) when the writing of the alleged plates reportedly pre-dated the King James Translation by centuries?
The Bible and the Book of Mormon are incompatible because the Bible condemns and forbids all claimed latter day revelations. Mormonism depends on additional revelation for its distinctive beliefs and identity. However, God's word tells us there were to be no additional revelations (Jude 3, 2 Pet. 1: 3, 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). In fact, the apostle Paul taught that even if an angel (including the “angel” Moroni) presents a different gospel, he is accursed (Gal. 1: 6-10). We must not add to or take away from God's word (Rev. 22: 18, 19).
Mormonism contradicts God's word. God's word affirms its sufficiency, the Book of Mormon denies the completeness of the Bible (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17; I Nephi 13: 24-32. The Book of Mormon teaches God has flesh and blood while the Bible denies this (Ether 3: 8, 9; I Cor. 15: 50, Jn. 4: 24). The Book of Mormon says that Jesus is the Father while the Bible teaches they are separate entities (Ether 3: 14; 2 Cor. 13: 14, Eph. 4: 4-6). The Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem while the Bible says Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea (Alma 7: 10; Matt. 2: 1).
Conclusion. Mormonism is not only foreign to the scriptures, it is diametrically opposed to God's word. The only way you can be a Mormon is by accepting the Book of Mormon. Accepting the truth found in the Bible makes one a Christian, not a Mormon (Lk. 8: 11, I Pet. 4: 16).