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Mormonism

Comparing the Book of Mormon with the Bible

It’s easy to write a book and claim that one was given the words by God Himself, but to prove divine authorship a text must pass many tests. It must be historically accurate, have much external literary support, and have writers who must be recognized by both friend and foe to be commissioned by God.

The Bible passes all tests. Its bitterest enemies have been proven wrong again and again. But no such support exists for the Book of Mormon. Its authenticity depends completely on the integrity of Joseph Smith and his “witnesses”. But Smith was proven to be a liar when he claimed to have translated the golden plates from “reformed Egyptian”. He took the translation to be verified by a Prof. Charles Anthon, who concluded that this was merely a hoax made up by Smith, but Smith claimed he said it was authentic. Some of the “witnesses” of the golden plates later disavowed ever seeing them and were condemned by Smith. So both Smith and his “witnesses” have been discredited.

If God’s Word can be changed, then what is printed as absolute truth today may be heresy tomorrow! How can you ever know the truth about God if it can be changed by a man? Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon say that God never changes. But if something as fundamental as the method of salvation is changed by the Book of Mormon, then God has contradicted himself, which can’t be true.

The subtitle of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, is countered by 2 Corinthians 11:14, which says that all other teachings than what the original apostles taught are false. The chapter headings sometimes make reference to America, but it never appears in the text, and there is no way to identify it from the vague descriptions of places and geography it contains. Large sections of text are taken verbatim from the Bible, but are taken out of context and mixed together. Over all, the Book of Mormon contains the writings of one who is described clearly in Colossians 2:18-19.

Concerning priesthood, Hebrews 7:12-17 shows that the Aaronic priesthood was REPLACED by the Melchizedek priesthood, and that Jesus holds that position FOREVER. No other priests are needed or qualified. Only those who are in Christ are priests (1 Peter 2:9), which includes ALL true believers. Therefore, Mormon priests have no authority.

1 Nephi 13:15, 2 Nephi 5:21, etc. are clearly racist. The Bible makes no reference at all to skin color as having anything to do with salvation or judgment.

1 Nephi 15:35 is opposite of Matthew 25:31: hell was created by God for the devil and his angels.

1 Nephi 19:6 Nephi disqualifies himself as a prophet of God (see Deut. 18:20-22, 2 Peter 1:20-21).

In 2 Nephi 2:22-25 Lehi makes the outrageous claim that God wanted Adam to fall so he could have children, without which there could be no joy! Contrast this with Gen. 3:16-24 and Romans 5:12-21.

Alma 46:15 claims the term Christian was first used for those who believed Christ would come soon, but Acts 11:26 says it wasn’t used until after Christ’s resurrection.

Alma 60:35-36 justifies armed rebellion against one’s own government, but Romans 13:1-6 considers it rebellion against God.

3 Nephi 18:1-10 shows Jesus drinking wine after his crucifixion and resurrection, but Jesus said he wouldn’t drink wine until he returned in his kingdom (Luke 22:17).

In 2 Nephi 9:24, 31:5ff, Alma 7:16, etc. additional requirements for salvation are added to faith: baptism, speaking in tongues, and keeping the commandments. But the Bible clearly teaches salvation by faith alone (Galatians 2:21-3:25, Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:14).

2 Nephi 29:10 speaks of “the lost tribes of Israel”. This false teaching, known as Replacement Theology, is an attempt to show that some modern civilizations (England, US, etc.) are true Israel. But both history and the Bible, in numerous references, prove this to be false.

2 Nephi 29:3-14 rails against those who believe the Bible was completed with the writings of the original apostles. But Proverbs 30:5-6, Jude 3, etc. warn against adding to God’s Word. Matthew 16:18 shows that the church would never be defeated by evil.

Key Verses from the Bible