Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
October 8, 2023

The Book of Mormon: A Companion to the Bible?
by Bryan Gibson
The Mormons portray it as such, but what they actually believe is that the Book of Mormon is superior to the Bible. “Almost all the doctrines of the gospel are taught in the Book of Mormon with much greater clarity and perfection than those same doctrines are revealed in the Bible. Anyone who will place in parallel columns the teachings of these two great books will find conclusive proof of the superiority of Book of Mormon teachings” (Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 99).
This claim of superiority is based on two things: translation problems with the Bible, and the so-called “lost books” of the Bible, some of which they claim have been removed by the Catholic Church. Orson Pratt, one of their early “apostles,” said, “Who knows that even one verse of the whole Bible has escaped pollution, so as to convey the same sense now that it did in the original? Who knows how many important doctrines and ordinances necessary to salvation may be buried in oblivion in some of the lost books?” (Orson Pratt’s Works, p. 218). See also 1 Nephi 13:29 for a reference to the “many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book” (Book of Mormon).
On the other hand, according to them, the Book of Mormon is a perfect, word for word translation, because it was “translated by the gift and power of God” (Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon). A strange claim indeed, especially for a book that has undergone several thousand changes since it was first published in 1830. As to what was “lost” from the Bible, the Book of Mormon claims to contain the “fullness of the gospel,” to even restore those “plain and precious things” which have been removed (1 Nephi 13:40; 15:13, Book of Mormon).
Make no mistake about it, the Mormons have very little confidence in the Bible, so don’t be deceived when they tell you otherwise.
Here’s what I believe with all my heart, based on abundant Scriptural evidence. The Book of Mormon is not a companion to the Bible, because it’s not even what it claims to be. It is not “another testament of Jesus Christ,” which its subtitle suggests, because there is no need for another. Paul wrote, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). The Holy Spirit revealed “all truth” (John 16:13) to New Testament apostles and prophets, and they recorded it all (Ephesians 3:1-5). Foolish we would be to expect any “latter day” revelations, because the gospel was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). It is this “once for all” revelation that must abide in us, and us in it. “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24; see also 2 John 1:9). Have portions of it been lost, or has it been so corrupted through translation to make it unreliable? I don’t believe it for a minute. “There is nothing too hard” for God (Jeremiah 32:17), so I have full confidence in His ability to preserve His word, the same word which He says “lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). Read it, understand it, and obey it, because one day we will be judged by it (John 12:48).

Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way...therefore I consider all Your precepts to be right; I hate every false way (Psalms 119:104, 128).

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

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Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.