by Seth
The Holy Scriptures are here for the benefit of those that will take the time to read, study, ponder, and ask God if they are true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mistakenly called the ”Mormon Church” by many) teaches the doctrine that the Holy Scriptures have been written and persevered for us today. How blessed are we to have the Holy Bible to provide us the words of the prophets and apostles of those who were on the earth during the time of Jesus Christ and before Him. We have a loving Heavenly Father who is fair and loves all of His children. It is because of this love that we also have the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (a companion book of scripture to the Bible), which is an account of some of the people who lived in the ancient Americas. It was important for us to know that they also had the opportunity to see the resurrected Jesus and to testify that He is the Christ. This book of scripture is not only a companion to the Bible, but also provides important clarifications of doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ which have been lost or taken from the Bible.
Holy prophets and apostles receive revelation for the people during their specific times on the earth. This is important, as God wanted to be sure that His doctrine was taught correctly and His followers were provided the best opportunity to understand all aspects of the gospel. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Doctrine and Covenants 20:12), it seems only logical and necessary that today there is a living prophet to receive the necessary revelation to help guide God’s followers in the world we live in today. This is one of the important doctrinal aspects of the LDS Church that others have a hard time understanding and accepting. Members of the LDS Church are firm believers that Jesus Christ is at the head of His church and leads it through a modern-day prophet.
It was a modern-day prophet by the name of Joseph Smith who restored God’s only true church upon the face of the earth. It was through this same prophet that the Book of Mormon was translated so that we would be the beneficiaries of the teachings of those prophets and people who lived here in the Americas at that time. It was through the Prophet Joseph Smith that we also received the Doctrine and Covenants, which book is also considered scripture by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book of scriptures is a collection of revelations given to the Prophet Joseph and others as they restored God’s church. We are also blessed that the Prophet Joseph Smith translated what is known as the Pearl of Great Price as additional scripture. It is within these three important books of scripture, along with the Holy Bible that all of the doctrines of Jesus Christ can be found and taught.
Many religions utilize some form of scripture to help guide their members, but often times it is left up to the interpretation of men and women who preach and or teach from the bible. It is this interpretation that can lead to confusion, frustration, and even a falling away. As members of the LDS Church strive to live as Jesus Christ and God want them to, they do so in large part by reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures and praying to know that the scriptures are true. They also show their love and support of the modern-day prophet by listening to his guidance and doing their best to follow his example. It is through the prophet, his two counselors, and the twelve apostles where the greatest of all modern-day examples of living as Christ are found. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints not only understands but teaches that these men who hold the Holy Priesthood of God are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. As they travel throughout the world and minster to both members and non-members of the church, they teach, preach, and testify that Jesus is the Christ, that His Father is God, and that the Holy Ghost is our comforter.
There is a special spirit that can be felt as one comes to find his or her own personal witness of the scriptures, the prophets, and apostles. It is a witness that comes through feelings in one’s heart. These feelings are the Holy Ghost testifying that what you are feeling is true and is of God. This is how every person who is converted to the LDS Church finds their personal testimony. As one comes to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, he or she will also know that the Book of Mormon is truly scripture. Then individuals will know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly God’s church here on the face of the earth today. As it states in 2 Corinthians 13:1, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” Here we read directly from the Bible just how important it is to have multiple witnesses to ensure the true doctrine is taught and not left up to the interpretation of men. What comfort this brings to those who believe.
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Seth Saunders is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”). He is currently serving as Branch President of the Pembroke Branch.
