Another Testament of Jesus Christ

I have been on my mission for close to two years now, during which time I go around talking with people about Jesus Christ. Something that I have noticed on my mission is many people hear many things about what we believe, some of which is true, and some is not. Something that many people don't fully understand is the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Because of the confusion around this book many people are hesitant to read it. I am sure many people wonder why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints use more scripture than just the Bible, so why do we have it?



To begin, for those who wonder if Mormons, as we are commonly called, use the Bible, we love it, we study from it, learn from it and apply its teachings to our lives. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly as one of our articles of faith states. The Bible is an amazing set of scriptures! It contains teachings of Christ as written down by his apostles as well as many of the writings of the prophets who lived before Christ.

For those familiar with law, whether they have studied it, seen it on TV or have even been in the courtroom, witnesses are very important to deciding a case. If in a trial only one witness could be found that could testify for a side, they will have a harder time in the case; however, if there were two or more witnesses whose independent testimonies align with each other, the case becomes easier as validity is added with each additional person. Similarly, if the witnesses disagree with each other, there is less validity to a case.

To some they may consider Christianity under trial, Christians claim that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world and that without him, we could not live in the presence of God. Christ teaches in the Bible "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) The Bible just is one witness that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ.

The Book of Mormon is a second witness that Jesus is the Christ. It was written by the ancient inhabitants of the American continents and is a record of their teachings. Amulek, a man who was sent to teach the gospel shares:

And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it. For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made. Alma 34:8-9

The Book of Mormon is primarily another Testament of Jesus Christ given to us to help us better our understanding of Jesus Christ. It teaches that without Christ we would never be able to return to the presence of God.

Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Israel,  prophesied about how his descendants as well as the descendants of Judah would write records and together they would confound false doctrine, lay down contentions, establish peace and bring us to a knowledge of the covenants, or promises, of God (see 2 Nephi 3:12).

For those who have not already read this second witness about our Savior Jesus Christ, by reading it, you will come to more fully recognize his love for you and gain further truth from your loving Father in Heaven. It will bring you closer to God as you study it along with the Bible. I have come to know for myself that it truly is inspired scripture and has helped me see God's love in my life.