On Sunday nights we are doing a survey of Mormonism. I mentioned last week that I wanted to give a brief survey of the Book of Mormon, a self-proclaimed "other testament of Jesus Christ."  In my many years of ministry I have spent a great deal of time reading, studying, examining, and even memorizing the Holy Bible. It is my conviction that if I read no other book I would have sufficient material to bless every aspect of my life. The Word even confirms that, "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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16-17)   However, from time to time I will read books, articles, and material from men that often offer encouragement or have educational and historical value. 

The first and most important aspect of the Book of Mormon is that it claims to be an addendum to "Word of God," not just something of spiritual value. This false proclamation must be considered to see the nature of the material presented in it. If you read it, you will see  Biblical phrases, many repeated verbatim from the Holy Bible. For instance, when you read the Book of Moroni, which is found in the last section, you will find nearly one hundred occasions where the Old Testament and New Testament are directly quoted or referenced. The problem is that Joseph Smith did not provide cross-references or citations showing the Bible as his source. This means that he chose to pass off the words of God as his own.

In the Book of Mormon you will find doctrinal teachings about the judgment seat of Christ, the holy priesthood, and the second coming of Jesus with alternate perspectives, but since Biblical terms are used it can cause confusion. Likewise, dozens of Bible stories are longer and more detailed in hopes of "filling-in the gaps" of the Word of God to fit their own doctrinal teachings. In my opinion, the Mormon creed book is full of holes that cannot be filled, doctrines that cannot be explained, and was basically written without passion. Joseph Smith may have been a charismatic person, but his book is weak. 

Another thing to be taken into consideration when studying Mormonism, or reading the Book of Mormon, is that it is basically worthless to memorize its doctrine. The book reveals the need for modern-day prophets to provide further revelations. This means that what they teach today, may conflict with their own book, because a new revelation has come to their minds. Don't worry if you think their teachings are strange (i.e. promoting racism, polygamy, baptism for the dead, no caffeine, etc.) because a new teaching to contradict it may be on the horizon. When I read the prophets of God in the Holy Bible I don't see them changing their positions with the wind or bowing because of political pressure. No private interpretation is needed because "holy men of God spoke as they were moved" by God's Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:20-21).

We should not view the Book of Mormon as a genuine new "revelation," or a "another testament of Jesus Christ," but a poor imitation of God's Holy Book.   All of its internal "evidence" indicates it was written by  a man who did not receive new "revelations," but sought out to compile a book of misleading ideals and erroneous biblical concepts to spread his own false doctrine.   One preacher said it is not "another testament of Jesus Christ, but rather a false testament of Jesus Christ." Be cautious when reading it. Be on guard when studying with Mormons. Hold fast to the Word of God!