How Does the LDS Church View the Bible
| By: Sandra Tanner; ©2012 |
| While Christians view the Bible as the final authority on doctrinal matters, the LDS Church holds that their other books of scripture and their prophets are more reliable than the Bible. |
While Christians view the Bible as the final authority on doctrinal matters, the LDS Church holds that their other books of scripture and their prophets are more reliable than the Bible.
| Christian View of the Bible | LDS Church View of the Bible |
| Accurate—
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:17) |
Corrupted—
“We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” (8th article of faith) |
| Sufficient—
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13) |
Insufficient—
Joseph Smith taught that “many important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled ” (History of the Church, v. 1, p. 245) |
| Complete—
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8-9) |
Need additional revelation—
“We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (9th article of faith) |
| Authoritative—
“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 14:37) |
Subordinate to new revelation—
“In addition to these four books of scripture, the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders.” (Gospel Principles, p. 51-52) |
Sandra Tanner is the great-great granddaughter of Brigham Young, second president of the LDS Church. As a teenager, she was challenged on the truth claims on Mormonism, which eventually led Sandra and her husband on a quest for truth. This led her to leave the LDS Church and embrace evangelical Christianity. Together, Jerald and Sandra started and led a ministry to help other Mormons investigate their faith and embrace the Bible’s teachings. Sandra has published numerous books and appeared on many media programs on this topic. Find out more at Utah Lighthouse Ministry
