What do Mormons believe about scripture?
Mormons believe "the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” They “also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." 3 The Lord said, "The testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another." 4 Both the Book of Mormon and Bible testify of Christ, and they are the records of two separate nations: The Bible tells the story of those living in the Old Jerusalem, or Israel, and the Book of Mormon is the record of the people who traveled from Jerusalem to the American continent soon before Jerusalem was destroyed and taken into captivity.
The Mormon church has an open scriptural canon, meaning more scripture can be added. This is because of the Mormon doctrine which posits that leaders of the church continue to receive revelation about the church. Thus far, the scriptures of the Mormon church include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These four books are known as the “standard works” of the church. However, Mormons believe also that the leaders of the church continually receive revelation from the Lord God and thus their talks given can be considered ‘modern-day’ scripture for our time.
It is Mormon belief that each book of scripture contains the word of God and should be treated with reverence. Mormons conscientiously study the scriptures to learn the commandments and the will of the Lord, to come to know their Savior, and to receive personal revelation for their individual lives.
The Holy Bible, King James version, is considered by Mormons to be the translation of the Bible which is closest to the truth. Mormons understand that the records contained in the Bible have undergone many alterations throughout the thousands of years they have existed, but the Bible contains the beautiful and marvelous accounts of the Savior and His early prophets, so many truths can be found therein.
The Book of Mormon is known as another testament of Jesus Christ, because, as mentioned above, it is a record of the people on the American continent before, during, and after Christ’s appearance there. Mormons believe the prophet Mormon, who abridged the book in ancient times, completed his writing and abridgements and delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added words of his own and hid the plates. Mormonism teaches that the same Moroni visited the prophet Joseph Smith in 1823 and instructed him about the plates. These plates became the Book of Mormon.
The Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of revelations and records from the earlier days of the Mormon Church, after its restoration in 1830 through divine instruction, and headed by the prophet Joseph Smith.
The Pearl of Great Price is a selection of written materials relating to faith and doctrine of the Mormon Church. These records are also of ancient origin.