Seminary Digs Mormon 1-6

Why does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the name “Mormon?”

We prefer the correct name of the church. The nickname comes from the Book of Mormon – perhaps the most criticized book in the world of Christianity.

We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and invite all to read it for themselves. Those who do can know of its truthfulness by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:3-5), and that it points us to the SAME gospel of Jesus Christ – given to another part of the world.

Is the Book of Mormon mentioned in the Bible? Asking that question is like asking if televisions, the internet, or the name of the prophet that is guiding us today - President Russell M. Nelson is in the Bible. The Bible refers to the Book of Mormon and restoration of the church as "a marvelous work and a wonder" that will bring light and understanding after a "deep sleep" from prophets on the earth (Isaiah 29). Or, the "stick of Joseph" that will join the "stick of Judah" (Ezekiel 37) and become one in our hand. We follow the Bible as purely as possible – and feel gratitude that God has once again called a prophet and 12 Apostles to guide us in these latter-days! They act in the name of Jesus Christ today – just like times of old. (Acts 3:6-7) This restoration (Ephesians 1:10) all began with a young man named Joseph Smith who was worried about his salvation and confused about the different opinions about religion. He read James 1:5 and decided to pray. In response to his prayer a vision of God and Jesus Christ standing next to God unfolded to him - similar to Stephen's vision in Acts 7:55-56.

We believe that the heavens are still open, and that God can authorize more of His word, answer our prayers, and inspire a latter-day prophet who holds keys like Peter in Matthew 16. His name is President Russell M. Nelson. We believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s New Testament church restored! It is not reformed but is restored from New Testament times. More of God’s word brings clarity and truth and clears confusion. So many denominations are sharing different opinions about different translations of the Bible. The Book of Mormon does not trump the Bible – it complements the Bible. It does not replace the Bible. Some critics point out Galatians 1:8, or other scriptures similar to it. We love the New Testament and we declare the Book of Mormon contains the SAME gospel of Jesus Christ. It is another testament of Christ – not another (or different) gospel. We hope all can read for themselves. We do not seek to please men, but to please God. God continues to work through a prophet today. (Amos 3:7). He listens to each of our sincere prayers. We are children of God. Joint-heirs with Christ as we are faithful to Him. We are his offspring (Acts 17:27-29)!