The key scripture distinct to the Mormon faith is the Book of Mormon. But what is it, and why do we need it? The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The Book of Mormon is true, just what it purports to be, and for this testimony I expect to give an account in the day of judgment (Juvenile Instructor, 15 March 1892, p. 173)." So what exactly does the Book of Mormon purport to be?
I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know from the Book of Mormon's truthfulness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. I know also that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, called of Him to restore the Church of Jesus Christ that Peter and Paul were members of. I know the Priesthood has been restored, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only authorized Church of God upon the earth! In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
The original Book of Mormom
The Book of Mormon is, first and foremost, scripture as great as the Bible. President Joseph Smith said, "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 (Book of Mormon Introduction)." It is "a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder (Isaiah 29:14)." It speaks of Jesus Christ, saying of Him that "there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved (2 Nephi 25:50)." It teaches that Jesus Christ was born of Mary "at Jerusalem . . . she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. (Alma 7:10)"
The Book of Mormon "is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites . . . Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation (Book of Mormon Title Page)." It is written to convince the world that there actually is a God, that He has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to Earth as our Savior, and that Christ's Church has been restored again to the Earth as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Book of Mormon testifies of the Gospel as found in the Holy Bible, and the Bible testifies of the Gospel as found in the Book of Mormon, for the Gospels are one and the same! The Lord hath said, "as your Lord and your God liveth it [the Book of Mormon] is true (D&C 17:6)."
I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know from the Book of Mormon's truthfulness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. I know also that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, called of Him to restore the Church of Jesus Christ that Peter and Paul were members of. I know the Priesthood has been restored, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only authorized Church of God upon the earth! In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
2 comments:
I value your writings, Clark, for your ability to think clearly and write what you mean - this is extremely hard to do online (for me, anyways). But with all good has to come bad. (There's always a but!) There are two GIANT inaccuracies in your post, though. The most visible (incorrect) statements are your comparison of the Book of Mormon to the Bible as an equal. This is not true. The Bible is the ONLY scriptures by which we hold inerrant and infallible.
Also, your justification for the COJLDS being the only "authorized Church of God" on the earth....what the heck?
God creates everything, and He loves everyone. I see no reason for there to be one 'official' church. God would ultimately like to see His name in ALL places, whether it be a house of worship or not.
I responded to your query by writing another post: Mormon Theology Part XXIII - The Only True Church. Maybe it can help you see where we Mormons are coming from. Please post a comment afterward to let me know what you think :). THANKS :)
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