A Foundation for Faith, Pt 2

The Book of Mormon, a Foundation for Faith

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 

The Church of Latter-Day Saints claims that the Book of Mormon is Scripture. But what is scripture in the first place? Scripture is defined as a body of text that is authoritative or sacred. To Mormons, the Book of Mormon is as authoritative as the Bible. This is because like the Bible, the writings contained came by the spirit of prophecy revelation to Prophets. Because the text and the doctrines contained came through the Holy Spirit that means the text is the word of God.

Romans 10 teaches us that faith cometh through the word of God. The Book of Mormon prophet Alma teaches the same principle in Alma 32:

 "28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

 29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.

 30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.

 31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness."

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon challenge us to see if something comes from God by seeing if the study of in will increase our faith in Christ. If the Book of Mormon brings forth faith and good works then it must be good. If the study of the Book of Mormon yields the fruits of the spirit, then can you deny that it is the word of God?

The Book of Mormon and the Bible support each other

  "Latter-day Saints "believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith 1:8). Far from competing with the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports it, exhorts us to read it, and testifies of the truthfulness of its message. You should use the Book of Mormon and the Bible to support one another." -Preach My Gospel

The Book of Mormon was prepared by God for use in our day as a companion to the Bible. We've been promised as we use the Book of Mormon with the Bible then false doctrines and contentions will be set aside. (2 Nephi 3:12)

For instance, the Bible teaches that Christ was baptised to 'fulfil all righteousness' (Matthew 3:14–15). The Book of Mormon teaches us what it means to 'fulfil all righteousness'. 

 5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

 8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

 9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

The Book of Mormon is true. It is the word of God. I invite everyone to read it and to pray in earnest supplication if it is true. It is only through prayer and study that you can find out for yourself in the Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I promise that no 23 year-old farm boy could produce such a record. The Book of Mormon is a foundation for our faith in Christ, and none other. 

Check here to see Part 1 if you missed it!!