Biblical References to the Book of Mormon

Biblical Witnesses

Here are 41 Key Biblical Scriptures that foretell the importance of The Book of Mormon, specifically as it is needed to correct gospel doctrines that have either been loss or distorted by the philosophies of man over the last two millennia since Christ first walked in Galilee. It is needed so that the Church Of Christ can be fully restored before the Second Coming with all of its priesthood power, authority and ordinances necessary to prepare mankind to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.  Also it must stand as a second witness to convince both Jew and Gentile that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Some Common Points

Did God reveal the presence of the Early American peoples to his prophets in the Old World? How do they fit into God's divine plan for humanity? There are actually many prophecies about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon hiding in the Holy Bible:

In my citations of Biblical Scripture, I will try my best to show the entire scripture which gives a clearer understanding of the writer's intent and context, and thereby show that my citation was not some chance accident or a fluke in the old style English translation.

Also note that biblical prophecies about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the Last Days are only part of the picture which includes the restoration of all things so the church must be completed before and NOT after the Last Days. The true church will be fulfillment of all of these prophecies, not just a select few.

Disclaimer: This article is not an official statement or publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Instead it should be considered a journal of study by those who seek to gather evidences supporting the claims of the church regarding this subject. Constructive criticism can be added to the "talk" page.

• See Parent Article : Historicity of the Book of Mormon

Feast on the Word of God

Scripture is anytime reveals divine truth to his children for their happiness and benefit. We believe all that god has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and that he will yet reveal many great and important things.

(1)"But he[Jesus] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (St. Matthew 4:4 / Deuteronomy 8:3)

(2)"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. (Deut. 8:3 (Moses))

What is especially significant here is the usage of the term bread. There are many, many references in the Bible alone to bread (or manna) as a vital element of human sustenance. Moreover, Christ referred to it on occasion to symbolize the importance of the Word of God as vital sustenance for our spirit.

(3) "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)

This one also teaches us a second key doctrine, scriptures testify of Christ. But if God gave us an additional testimony, wouldn't it be a great sin to discard it? The title page reads : The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Christ.

Spirit of Prophecy

The Book of Mormon is a record made by ancient prophets who lived on the American Continent. They recorded their spiritual experiences for our benefit. Prophecy is one of the greatest gifts of God for his children.

(4) "Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? ... Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? ... Surely the Lord God will do nothing, abut he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy? (Amos 3:4-7)

This passage highlights a very profound question for every serious gospel student - How is Scripture created? Does it not happen when God speaks directly to one of His chosen servants? How do you discern between a real prophet and a fake one? And note how many times during the course of biblical history that the real prophets were falsely rejected by the people of God.

• Bible Prophecies - God calls prophets to teach His commandments, warn against sin, and prophesy of future events. The Bible records many prophecies that have already been fulfilled as well as many that have yet to happen. Many biblical prophecies center on Jesus Christ, His life, and His role in the destiny of all humankind. So how do these prophecies apply to me today?(ComeUntoChrist.org)

• • Prophets testify of God’s will
  • Prophets prepare us for the future
  • Prophets help us live happily
  • Prophets guide us today

(5) "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, acarried away unto these dumb bidols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (1 Cor. 12:1-10 (Paul))

(6) " Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (1 Cor. 14:1-6 (Paul))

In his First Epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul passionately spoke twice the importance of the Gift of Prophecy for the building up and strengthening of the church. Would not this then be a very important element for the Lord's true church in the latter-days?

“Spiritual gifts come from God. They are the gifts of God; they originate with him and are special blessings that he bestows upon those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie)

Christ himself taught that this is the source of gospel truth : "...for this is the law and the prophets." (Matt 7:12)

• 1 Cor 12-14 (Come Follow Me) - These gifts enable Christ’s followers to serve and edify others, thereby creating greater unity in the Church. Paul’s counsel in these chapters continued to address the problems that members of the Church in Corinth were having with doctrinal questions and a lack of unity. In contrast to powerless and voiceless idols, the Saints could rely on the powerful influence of the Holy Ghost as a source of testimony.
• Pure Testimony by Elder M. Russell Ballard - LDS General Conference address Oct 2004. Testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives.

Other Sheep Prophecy

(7) "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (St. John 10:11-16)

Students of the Bible are very familiar with the many references to "Scattered Israel" and the prophecies of its reunification in the last days. Is it not common sense, that Israel's God would visit and call prophets amongst all of the scattered parts and not just one select group?

The New Testament, when read in conjunction with the Book of Mormon, is a powerful witness that God does not forget about his children, especially when they feel lost or scattered.

Ezekiel's Two Sticks

Ezekiel in the Old Testament made many mighty prophecies about the last days and the gathering of Israel including this one about "two sticks" which references scripture scrolls wrapped around a sturdy stick:

(8) The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: Ezekiel 37:15-22)

See Also:

• Ezekie's Sticks and the Gathering of Israel - LDS Ensign Magazine Feb 1987. "Ezekiel’s ancient prophecy of the two “sticks”—or books—does more than foresee the Bible and Book of Mormon. It marks the coming of the Book of Mormon as the beginning of the great latter-day gathering."

Jacob's Blessing

Jacob Blessing His Sons (Jacob Blessing Joseph), by Harry Anderson; GAK 122; GAB 12; Genesis 49

In Chapter 49 of Genesis, Jacob (Israel) gives his final blessing to each of his 12 sons (the 12 tribes of Israel) before he dies. While eleven of these are short and simple, the blessing for Joseph is long and quite prophetic and signifies a very primary role in the Kingdom of Israel. This theme is not played out in the Bible (which follows the tribe of Judah) but is quite central to the Book of Mormon which follows Lehi, who is a descendant of this Joseph. And because of that, the rise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the last days is now a critical part of this very important prophecy. No other Christian sect comes close to fulfilling this prophecy:

(9) Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough [vineyard] by a well; whose branches run over the wall: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. (Genesis 49:22-26)

The Revelation of John

The Book of Revelations is well known to all Bible Students for its many colorful and cryptic prophecies about the last days. We should then focus in on every scripture there about the rise of the Church of Christ as sign of the Last Days. This happens in Chapter 14 and it is precisely fulfilled by the Angel bringing forth The Book of Mormon, as well as other angelic visitors to the church. Joseph Smith (and his followers) saw many angelic visitors come to restore the correct gospel doctrines and priesthood authority necessary for our time.

What other Christian church has had so many angelic visitors to come play such a significant role in their history? Why it is the opposite - for they all preach without exception that it is impossible to see angels in the last days. But that is not what the Apostle John the Beloved tells us in his book...

(10) "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (Revelations 14:6-7)

Also note what apocalyptic prophecy follows afterwards (vs. 14-2): The two angels with sickles that will gather together the righteous from the wicked for the great harvest of souls in the last days.

Prophecies of Isaiah

Isaiah was a prophet who lived in Jerusalem about 700 years before the birth of the Savior. He wrote many things about important events that had not yet taken place including much that pertains to the rise of the restored church in the last days. The Lord said to the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, “Great are the words of Isaiah,” and He promised that everything Isaiah prophesied would happen.

Much of Isaiah talks about this theme in general, about an apostasy and then a glorious restoration of the true church of God before the Second Coming of Christ (particularly Ch 30, 33 and 35). For brevity, I'll stick with a few of the more direct statements.

Church in the Mountain Tops

Ironically, fulfillment of his first great prophecy (chapter 2) was forced on the Latter-day Saints by their enemies when they murdered Joseph Smith and forced the church to seek refuge in the Rocky Mountains. Today it is the highest elevation for the headquarters of any of the major religious sects in the world:

(11) And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s chouse shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:2-4)

• See Also The Mountain of the Lord's House - Elder LeGrand Richards - June 1971 LDS Ensign

Isaiah 5

Chapter 5 has several prophecies that are unique in the context of the rise of the Book of Mormon and the Church of Christ in the Last Days with a particular focus to the great opposition that they will face, where supposed learned scholars will attempt to argue against the Lord's own annoited. I ask what Christian sect is more persecuted than that of the LDS Church and the followers of the Book of Mormon?

(12) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!(Isaiah 5:20-21,23)

(13) Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 5:24-25)

For this final passage note that today the Salt Lake Temple stands as a powerful "ensign" to attract the gaze of all the world to the restored church.

(14) And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind: Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young alions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the bprey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.(Isaiah 5:26-29)

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

(15) Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. (Isaiah 29:14 See Also vs 4, 11-16 of Isaiah 29.)

• See Also : A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by Elder LeGrand Richards - At the conclusion of Elder LeGrand Richards' presidency of the Southern States Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1937, he left with the missionaries an outline entitled "The Message of Mormonism." This outline was prepared to assist the missionaries in their study and presentation of the gospel in a systematic and logical manner. It has since been used in a number of missions and by stake missionaries. Repeated requests and suggestions that it be printed have influenced the decision to enlarge upon the original outline and have it published in book form. It is here presented under the title "A Marvelous Work and A Wonder." Elder LeGrand Richards loved the scriptures, studied them faithfully, and relied on them heavily when he taught and wrote. This is one of the the most popular books about the Church for good reason.
• See Also A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

Prayer and the Holy Ghost

Which Church is True?

There is much confusion in the modern world today over what is true and false doctrine, true and false scripture, true and false prophets and what churches that have only part truths, but lack the full and complete gospel of jesus christ and the full restoration of the divine priesthood power. And if Heavenly Father were to restore his full and complete church today - which of the many thousands that exist, could it possible be? And how will you be able to tell which one it really is?

Fear not - for surely God will provide a way for all His Children to find their way back to Him.

Seek and Ye Shall Find

You are commanded to Seek and Find the Restored Church :

(16) “Wherefore, seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:38)

(17) "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:7-11)

(18) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (Epistle of James 1:5)

How many times is it repeated in the New Testament, that if you want the kingdom of God, you must seek it out? Yet many of the opponents of the church say "don't look over there", "don't read that book", "Just say that you believe in Christ, there is nothing else that you need to do to be saved".

Here is a two prophecies for one scripture from The Lord about the restored gospel being hidden up and searched out in the last days and how extremely valuable its possession is:

(19) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." (20) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46)

Fruits of Righteousness

Again - Matthew Chapter 7 - from the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is very prophetic on describing how to find the true church in the last days:

(21) "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth devil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:15-20)

And continuing in Matthew 7 here is a mighty response to those many preachers that say you all you need is to say the name of Jesus in order to be saved, but proves their doctrine is false (because they only pick and choose just those parts to suit their selfish tastes) :

(22) "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus concludes Matthew 7 (Sermon on the Mount) with this mighty statement.

(23) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." (Matthew 7:24-29)

And what greater gift of God can you ask for then, to receive the fullness of His Word?

(24) "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. (Matthew 11:24)

(25) "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)

This next scripture comes not from the Bible, but from the Prophet Moroni in the Book of Mormon. It is a huge prophecy fully in line with doctrine taught above.

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moro. 10:4).

So what are some of the "fruits" of the Book of Mormon that we can consider?

• Witnesses to the Gold Plates - The powerful testimony of those, besides Joseph Smith, who have seen the Gold Plates and the Angel Moroni.
• Testimony of Mormon Pioneers - The stories of thousands of early converts to the Church whose lives were wonderfully transformed when they embraced the Book of Mormon as the Word of God.
• Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days - Read the inspiring true story of the Restoration in this new, four-volume narrative history. Watch for the evidence of the many miracles that helped the early Saints to overcome some extreme obstacles and persecutions in the early days of the church.
• D&C 135 - This piece of modern day scripture highlights the significant contributions of Joseph Smith made during his lifetime.
• Fruits of the Book of Mormon - LDS 2008 Liahona Magazine article by Elder Richard G Hinckley.
• "By Their Fruits" - Article on MormonWomenStand.com

The Great Apostacy

Curiously, there would not be a need for the Book of Mormon, if the full and complete gospel had stayed with us uninterrupted from the days of Christ and the Apostles until now. But there have been some mighty interruptions such as The Dark Ages, the lost of much scripture, and the interference of political powers (to name just a few).

The great political reformer Martin Luther was very much aware of this when he nailed his "95 Theses" to the door of his parish church. 95 points of false doctrine! You can see them all listed here. And he is not the only one, for there have thousands of Christian reformers beside him that have likewise cried how key doctrines of the gospel were lost or corrupted. And what additional lost doctrines are out there that not even they are aware of?

• Lutheran 50 - The Lutheran Church alone list 50 reformers who identified how parts of the gospel of Christ were lost. And that is only one of the many thousands of reformation churches existing today. So not only are the prophecies in the Bible, but many of the great thinkers of Christianity have identified a great need that could only be truely corrected by the coming forth of additional scripture.

There are several prophecies in the Bible about this Great Apostacy which is clearly a period a great religious commotion. It implies that they people had it, but lost it, and were quite confused and frustrated in their efforts to find it again, a very powerful reference to all of the religious discord in the last days.

(26) "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."(Amos 8:11-12)

“After the death of Jesus Christ, wicked people persecuted the Apostles and Church members and killed many of them. With the death of the Apostles, priesthood keys and the presiding priesthood authority were taken from the earth. The Apostles had kept the doctrines of the gospel pure and maintained the order and standard of worthiness for Church members. Without the Apostles, over time the doctrines were corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in Church organization and priesthood ordinances, such as baptism and conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“Without revelation and priesthood authority, people relied on human wisdom to interpret the scriptures and the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. False ideas were taught as truth. Much of the knowledge of the true character and nature of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was lost. The doctrines of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost became distorted or forgotten. The priesthood authority given to Christ’s Apostles was no longer present on the earth”

The Savior organized His Church and taught saving principles and ordinances during His earthly ministry. A great apostasy from the Savior’s Church was foretold by both Old Testament and New Testament prophets. Some of the Early Apostles warned of growing apostasy within the Church.

(27) The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isaiah 24:5-6)

(28) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)

(29) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (II Thessalonians 2:1-4)

(30) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (II Timothy 4:3-4)

(31) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (II Peter 2:1-3)

(32) 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 there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. (Galations 1:6-8)

(33) Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. (I Corinthians 1:10-12)

(34) For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (I Corinthians 11:18-19)

(35) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (II Timothy 1:15)

And now we have this curious scripture from the Revelation of John - highly critical of those that falsely teach that all that is necessary is "just say that you believe". Obviously the Lord is looking for something just a little bit more...

(36) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelations 3:14-16)

• See Also Bible Studies of the Great Apostacy -

• See Also The Great Apostasy by James E Talmadge - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the restoration of the Gospel and the re-establishment of the Church as of old, in this, the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. Such restoration and re-establishment, with the modern bestowal of the Holy Priesthood, would be unnecessary and indeed impossible had the Church of Christ continued among men with unbroken succession of Priesthood and power, since the "meridian of time."

Moroni's Scriptures

Many of the enemies of the church attack us piece by piece and lose sight of the fact that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is only one of many parts of the restoration of the true church in the Last Days. A sign of the true church is how it fulfills all of the prophecies.

When the Angel Moroni delivered the Gold Plates to Joseph Smith for to start the translation work, he cited many major biblical prophecies and told him of the important role The Book of Mormon would play in prepare the way for the church of the Latter-day Saints to fufill those prophecies:

Besides the five listed, Joseph said the Angel quoted many scriptures to him, all of which must have been in the Bible for that is all Joseph Smith (only age 17 then) had at that time. We

Malachi 3

(37) Malachi 3:1-7 has a Book of Mormon prophecy quoted by the Angel of the "Messenger of the Covenant" that will "Prepare the Way". It states several reasons why it is very important to bring forth this new scripture in the last days:

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:1 (see vs 1-7))

Then there is strict charge to call the church to repentence. (Something missing from many Christian denominations today. And what is "an offering in righteousness"?

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. (v. 2-4)

He shall bring righteous judgement to save his people.

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (v. 5-6)

This passage concludes in verse 7 with another mighty prophesy about the coming Great Apostacy. Only additional scripture and prophesy to the church would be able to clarify what ordinances and commandments have been lost and to lay out a path "to return" to the Lord of Hosts.

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? (v. 7)

Malachi 4

The same angel went on to quote all of Malachi 4, one of the most important of the Last Day's prophecies (38). Horeb (Mt Sinai) is the place where Jehovah gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. (Malachi 4:1-4)

Then follows a ancient verse (the concluding statement for the entire Old Testament) that has since become of the most quoted passages in all of Mormonism. The Book of Mormon was necessary to pave the way for the church to be ready to receive the Prophet Elijah - for that church would not only understand and appreciate the importance of his message, but be fully committed to build temples to carry out his important ministry to seal together families across multiple generations.

(38) "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:5-6)

Note that this commandment is so significant that the entire human race is threatened with a great curse if it is not properly heeded. There is no other church today that understands, let alone follows, this mighty commandment. And it is precipitated by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

Isaiah 11

In addition to these, the angel quoted to Joseph Smith the eleventh chapter of Isaiah (rather lengthy prophecy of the 2nd Coming), saying that it was about to be fulfilled. I will highlight just a few key elements:

(39) Summary of Isaiah Ch 11: The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness—The knowledge about God will cover the earth in the Millennium—The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel. (Isa. 11)

There are several references to the Root (or Stem) of Jesse which means descendants of the Royal House of King David, a symbol of power, keys and authority of righteousness to the Israelites. In what church can you find this restoration today and how will it be brought about? One answer is that in the last days there will be an additional scripture from the lost ten tribes and that this book will stand forth to attract the gaze and respect of Gentile peoples everywhere and facilitate the spread of the restored church worldwide. Not a study guide type book, but book that speaks with the authority and power of the prophets.

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. (v. 10)"

And a prophecy to gather Israel from all four corners of the earth is to foretell the rise of the Church of God like no other. One church that clearly stands apart from the others in this regard is the one with the Book of Mormon. (Even reaches to every island in the sea! That church is so thorough and complete.)

" In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. 12 He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. (v. 11-12)

• See Also Isaiah 11 - detail review at GospelDoctrine.com.

Acts 3

He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ; but the day had not yet come when “they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people,” but soon would come.

I look to this scripture as a great warning to watch for every true revelation that comes from God. The Bible is full of stories of people who were cursed for rejecting the messenger of God. This verse is especially important during a time of Great Apostacy when many mighty miracles will be needed to restore the true church of God to the earth.

(40) "For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ " (Acts 3:22-23)

Joel

He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in.

(41) "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls. (Joel 2:28-32)

• Jared H. Davis, an instructor at Brigham Young University, prepared a detailed thesis on the meaning and fulfillment of this passage "I Will Pour Out My Spirit upon All Flesh": A Study on Joseph Smith's Reception of Joel 2:28–32
• LDS Freedom Forum - in 2010 it generated a very large discussion thread on the significance of this passage to the church.

More Biblical Prophecies

(42) Israel blessing to his son Joseph: "Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:" (Gen 49:22)

Many believe that this is a prophecy that Joseph's seed would be scattered across the world - including to the isles of the sea and the American continent.

Rebuttal to Bible Critics

Myth #1: God will not answer your prayer to know if the Book of Mormon is true and that you cannot trust any of your "feelings" on this.

Answer: The basic premise of all scripture is that God is real and the He loves you and will miraculously answer your prayers, particularly on a subject that helps to draw you closer to Him. Section 4 highlights just a few of the many biblical references for this. Also note that there are many different ways that God can answer prayer. Another theme Christ himself used is to follow these teachings and see how it improves your life.

• See Also : "Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer" - LDS Ensign 1989 by Elder Robert G Scott.
• See Also : "Discerning Answers to our Prayers" - LDS Ensign 1996 by Elder Grant E Barton.
• See Also : "Answered Prayers or Coincidence" - LDS Ensign 1990 - By Raymond A. Haeckel - The Lord’s subtle way of answering prayers sometimes escapes us.

Myth #2: The Book of Mormon is a Fraud and a Forgery.

Answer: See Section 4.3 above - "Fruits of Righteousness". Links to thousands of testimonies of those would share by personal experience that the Book of Mormon is true. 2 or 3 stories may be a coincidence, but thousands upon thousands of personally answered prayers is no coincidence.

Myth #3: Their is no scientific or historical foundation for the Book of Mormon.

Answer: The article Historicity of the Book of Mormon will show the many scientific evidences supporting its veracity.

Myth #4: There can be no other scripture besides the Bible.

Answer: This myth originates with Revelations 22:18 that says "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" Which also was written in the Law of Moses time Deuteronomy 4:2. If Moses wrote this, than are Isaiah, Ezekiel and the remaining 90% of the Holy Bible false? Of course not.

We believe that Moses and John are specifically referencing their own writings and saying that those should not be altered. And what if man has altered those writings, how would God correct it? But this same Apostle John who also wrote this verse which makes it pretty clear that Bible is missing a lot of the teachings and ministry of Jesus and his other prophets, yet we are told to feast one every word that comes from Him:

• Lost Scriptures - List of 12 major books of the Bible referenced by other Old and New Testament writers, but their scriptures were either lost or significantly altered. Includes 3 missing epistles of Paul and over 8 missing books of the Old Testament.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. (John 21:25)

Myth #5: Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon Prophets are all false prophets. Beware of prophets.

Answer: Nearly every prophet of God was accused of being false. Even Christ, the Son of God was so falsely accused of Blasphemy and put to death for it. Eventually Joseph Smith was also murdered because he would not deny his testimony. Why, because God sent them forth to share the truth and not to win a popularity contest. Use the 41 Bible verses above to help discern between true prophets and a false ones. Christ had great condemnation for those who rejected his servants the prophets as shown in these three passages:

• Matt 22:1-10 - Christ's Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son.
• Matt 21:33-46 - Christ's parable of the Landholder.
• Matt 5:10-12 - Christ's Sermon on the Mount. Blessed are those who are presecuted for righteousness sake, even like unto the prophets of old.

Myth #6: The Jesus in The Book of Mormon is different from the Jesus in the Bible.

Answer: The entire premise of the Book of Mormon is that it is a testimony of the very same Jesus beginning with it's own title page: "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ". They both very clearly testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Lord and our Redeemer. Scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. Do you have any doubts about the Bible being true? Go read the Book of Mormon for it testifies that the Bible is true.

• See Also "How the Bible and Book of Mormon Work Together" - (ComeUntoChrist.org) Both can help you draw closer to Jesus Christ and learn more about His gospel.

Myth #7: Some teachings of the Book of Mormon are inconsistent to those found in the Bible.

Answer: There are thousands of Christian denominations in the world today that contradict each on what the Bible says. One example is the doctrine of baptism: Is it necessary? Must it be by immersion? Must babies be baptised? Must it be done by priesthood? Must you repent first? Where are to be baptised at? (And the list goes on.) There is no way that I can get into the details on individual doctrines here other than to encourage you to look at the ComeFollowMe Study Guide for the Book of Mormon However we teach that it is because of all these many inconsistencies in Bible interpretation today that shows why the true Church needs additional scripture, prophecy and revelation.

What do these verses Mean? As I'm going through the list of Book of Mormon myths. I see the critics incorrectly use scriptures to disclaim the Book of Mormon, when in actuality they support it. Here are a couple of examples:

(1) "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. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The followers of the LDS church who live the teachings of the Book of Mormon are highly regarded as sincere disciples and doers of many good works. (See Myth #7 above) Check.

(2) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

(2) "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." (John 14:6-7)

The primary purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify that this statement is true. Therefore the Bible and Book of Mormon again must be complimentary scriptures. Check.

See Also

More rebuttals to Book of Mormon naysayers:

• "So You Think the Book of Mormon is a Fraud?" - GregTrimble.com - If you’re ever having doubts about the restoration or about Joseph Smith, just read the Book of Mormon and ask yourself these 11 questions.