If the Bible is the inspired, infallible, all-sufficient, authoritative and final word of God to man, then every religion which either: (1) rejects the Bible as the inspired word of God, or (2) claims to accept the Bible as the inspired word of God but claims that there are other revelations, either in books or direct revelation from God, in addition to the Bible, has actually rejected the Bible and is a false religion.
Those advertising the Book of Mormon will hold up the Bible along side it and refer to the Bible as a testament of Jesus Christ, and this book (Book of Mormon) as "another testament of Jesus Christ." They regard the Bible as the word of God, but they teach it is not the complete record. They use the term, "a testament" but Jesus said, "For this is the blood of the new testament" (Matt.26:28), thus implying only one!
We read from their book in 2 Nephi, 29:3,6,10. "And because my words shall hiss forth-many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible; Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible...Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words: neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written."
If the Book of Mormon is true, what does II Tim. 3:16-17 mean when it says: "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, throughly furnished unto all good works." If the Bible provides us with everything we need to be saved, and live a Christian life, what good is "another testament of Jesus Christ?"
It is said that, "The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from plates which he received from the angel Moroni." But the inspired Paul had something to say about such in Galatians chapter one. Note carefully: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another... But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you let him be ACCURSED" (vs. 6-8). The Book of Mormon teaches "another gospel." Those who believe and teach it, Paul said they would be accursed!!!
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). Note again The Book of Mormon: "Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words." Did Jesus lie when He said the Holy Spirit would "teach you all things?"
Jesus himself warned: "And many false prophets shall rise, and deceive many" (Matt. 24:11). It is said that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Jesus again warns: "For there shall arise false Christ's, and false prophets, and shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24).
Men are urged to "buy the truth and sell it not" (Prov. 23:23). Jesus said: "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).
God said with reference to His word: "Thou shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it" (Deut. 12:32; 18:20; Prov. 30:6). If The Book of Mormon is true, it is an addition, and those who believe and teach it are guilty of adding to, and God said he would "take away his part out of the book of life" (Rev. 22:18-19).
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11).
Don H. Noblin
For questions or comments about this article, email Don H. Noblin. If you decide to email me, please include the title of the article. Thank you.