What Is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is a book The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints publishes as scripture, comparable to the Bible, and written to convince Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God. Who held the pen, the seer stone, and the 1829 translation are on Who Wrote the Book of Mormon?. This page is what the book says, and how that compares with the Nicene confession and with the church’s own Godhead essay.

Key Points

• The church’s introduction calls it “a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible” and a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas. (1)
• The title pageBook of Mormon title page · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgThe Book of Mormon An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed—To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of God. An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven—Which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations—And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.Book of Mormon title page · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source says it was written “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.” (2)
• 3 Nephi 113 Nephi 11:10–11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org¹⁰ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. ¹¹ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.3 Nephi 11:10–11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source narrates the risen Jesus descending in the land Bountiful, inviting the multitude to feel the prints of the nails, and saying he is “the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth.” (3)
• The same chapter says “the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one.” The church’s Godhead essay says each member of the Godhead is a separate being, and that the Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones. (4)
• John 20:27–28John 20:27–28 · King James Version^20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. ^20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:27–28 · King James VersionOpen the Source is the resurrection meeting the four Gospels narrate. Thomas is invited to see the wounds, and he answers, “My Lord and my God.” The New Testament does not narrate a visit to the Americas.
• The Nicene confession, which The Trinity sets out, says the Son is true God of true God, of one essence with the Father. Jesus is God. He is not a second embodied god beside the Father.

What the Church’s Introduction Says

The introduction printed with the book is the church’s own summary. (1) It says:

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

Source

It says many ancient prophets wrote by the spirit of prophecy and revelation, that Mormon abridged their words, and that the record tells of two civilizations: one from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., which separated into Nephites and Lamanites, and an earlier one, the Jaredites, from the time the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. It says that after thousands of years all were destroyed except the Lamanites, “and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.”

The same page calls the crowning event “the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection.” It dates an appearance of Moroni, “then a glorified, resurrected being,” to Joseph Smith on 21 September 1823, and says the plates were delivered to him and translated by the gift and power of God. The 1830 printing, the seer stone, and the return of the plates are on Who Wrote the Book of Mormon?. This page does not retell them.

The introduction quotes Joseph Smith: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” It then invites the reader to ask God whether the book is true, and it points that invitation to Moroni 10:3–5. It says those who gain that witness will also know that Joseph Smith is the Lord’s revelator and prophet in these last days, and that the church is the Lord’s kingdom established again on the earth.

What the Title Page Says the Book Is For

The title page, English on churchofjesuschrist.org, calls the book an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi and of the Lamanites, written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel, and also to Jew and Gentile, sealed and hid up, to come forth by the gift and power of God. (2) The purpose sentence:

And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations—And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.

The page itself says the book is to convince the reader that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God. For Latter-day Saints that sentence is why the book is scripture. For Nicene Christians it is the claim that has to be true if the book is what the title page says it is.

What 3 Nephi Says Jesus Did

3 Nephi 113 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org¹ And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. ² And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death. ³ And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. ⁴ And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. ⁵ And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. ⁶ And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: ⁷ Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. ⁸ And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. ⁹ And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: ¹⁰ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. ¹¹ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. ¹² And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. ¹³ And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: ¹⁴ Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. ¹⁵ And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. ¹⁶ And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: ¹⁷ Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. ¹⁸ And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth. ¹⁹ And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet. ²⁰ And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. ²¹ And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. ²² And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. ²³ Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. ²⁴ And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: ²⁵ Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. ²⁶ And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. ²⁷ And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. ²⁸ And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. ²⁹ For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. ³⁰ Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. ³¹ Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. ³² And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. ³³ And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁴ And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. ³⁵ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. ³⁶ And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. ³⁷ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. ³⁸ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. ⁴⁰ And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. ⁴¹ Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.3 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source is set at the temple in the land Bountiful, after the sign of Jesus’ death. A voice comes three times. The third time the multitude understands: “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.” They see a man descending out of heaven in a white robe. They think it is an angel. He says:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

3 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org

That is 3 Nephi 11:10–113 Nephi 11:10–11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org¹⁰ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. ¹¹ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.3 Nephi 11:10–11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source. (3) The multitude falls to the earth. He then says, “Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.” They come one by one, feel the wounds, and cry “Hosanna.” They fall at his feet and worship him.

The scene uses the wounds of the crucifixion and the invitation Thomas receives in John 20:27John 20:27 · King James VersionThen saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.John 20:27 · King James VersionOpen the Source. John’s account is one room in Jerusalem, on the first day of the week and again eight days later. Thomas answers, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen the Source). 3 Nephi adds a multitude in the Americas, a descent from heaven after the ascension the chapter itself mentions, and the sentence “I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth.” The four Gospels do not narrate that visit.

He then gives Nephi and others power to baptize, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” and says, “the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one” (3 Nephi 11:273 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org¹ And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. ² And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death. ³ And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. ⁴ And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. ⁵ And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. ⁶ And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: ⁷ Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. ⁸ And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. ⁹ And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: ¹⁰ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. ¹¹ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. ¹² And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. ¹³ And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: ¹⁴ Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. ¹⁵ And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. ¹⁶ And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: ¹⁷ Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. ¹⁸ And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth. ¹⁹ And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet. ²⁰ And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. ²¹ And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. ²² And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. ²³ Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. ²⁴ And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: ²⁵ Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. ²⁶ And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. ²⁷ And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. ²⁸ And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. ²⁹ For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. ³⁰ Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. ³¹ Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. ³² And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. ³³ And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁴ And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. ³⁵ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. ³⁶ And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. ³⁷ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. ³⁸ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. ⁴⁰ And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. ⁴¹ Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.3 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source). Verse 36 repeats, “the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.” The same chapter says there shall be no disputations, and that “he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil” (3 Nephi 11:293 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org¹ And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. ² And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death. ³ And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. ⁴ And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. ⁵ And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. ⁶ And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: ⁷ Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. ⁸ And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. ⁹ And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: ¹⁰ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. ¹¹ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. ¹² And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. ¹³ And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: ¹⁴ Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. ¹⁵ And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. ¹⁶ And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: ¹⁷ Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. ¹⁸ And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth. ¹⁹ And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet. ²⁰ And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. ²¹ And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. ²² And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. ²³ Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. ²⁴ And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: ²⁵ Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. ²⁶ And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. ²⁷ And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. ²⁸ And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. ²⁹ For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. ³⁰ Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. ³¹ Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. ³² And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. ³³ And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁴ And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. ³⁵ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. ³⁶ And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. ³⁷ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. ³⁸ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. ⁴⁰ And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. ⁴¹ Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.3 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source). The sermon that follows echoes Matthew 5–7 in this new setting. The book’s Jesus is worshipped.

What the Church Says the Godhead Is Now

The Book of Mormon’s “are one” has been read in more than one way. The church’s present essay does not leave the reading open. Gospel Topics, “Godhead,” quotes the first article of faith, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost,” and says these three beings make up the Godhead. (4) It says Latter-day Saints pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, acknowledge the Father as the ultimate object of worship, the Son as Lord and Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as messenger and revealer. Then the difference, in the essay’s words: “where Latter-day Saints differ from other Christian religions is in their belief that God and Jesus Christ are glorified, physical beings and that each member of the Godhead is a separate being.”

The same paragraph says the true doctrine of the Godhead was lost in the apostasy after the apostles, and began to be restored in Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.” They are “one in purpose and doctrine,” not one being. Do Mormons Believe in Jesus? stays with that essay and with Doctrine and Covenants 130. This page does not label 3 Nephi secretly modalist or secretly Nicene. It sets the book’s “are one” beside the essay’s “separate being.”

The Book of Mormon and Trinitarian Christianity

Nicene Christianity, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, confesses one God in three persons. The Son is begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father. The Trinity quotes that confession. The Orthodox Church in America pageSymbol of Faith · English, Orthodox Church in AmericaTo be an Orthodox Christian is to affirm the Orthodox Christian faith—not merely the words, but the essential meaning of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan symbol of faith.Symbol of Faith · English, Orthodox Church in AmericaOpen the Source prints “true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father.” (7) John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source says the Word was God. John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen the Source has Thomas call the risen Jesus Lord and God. Jesus is God. He is not a second god with a body of flesh and bones beside the Father.

The likeness is real. Both books tell a crucified and risen Jesus, a baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and a sermon close to Matthew 5–7. The difference is also in the texts. The Book of Mormon offers a visit the New Testament does not tell, and the church’s essay offers three separate beings, two of them with bodies. Offered as history and as scripture, the book is either what the title page says or it is not. Which Bible Translation Is Most Accurate? is a different question, about English Bibles, not about this book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Book of Mormon True?

The title page says it is an ancient record, come forth by the gift and power of God, to convince the reader that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God. The introduction invites a prayer that God will confirm the book. Who Wrote the Book of Mormon? is the translation, the witnesses, and the 1830 printing. The Christian question on this page is the one the title page itself raises, set beside John 20 and beside the Nicene confession that Jesus is God.

What Is the Difference Between the Book of Mormon and the Bible?

The church’s introduction calls the Book of Mormon scripture comparable to the Bible, and another witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. (1) The Bible’s resurrection chapter is John 20. The Book of Mormon adds the ministry in 3 Nephi. The Godhead essay then says the Father and the Son are separate physical beings. (4) Nicene churches do not receive the Book of Mormon as scripture. How Was the Bible Canon Decided? is how those churches decided which books they do receive.

Does the Book of Mormon Teach the Trinity?

3 Nephi 11:273 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.org¹ And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. ² And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death. ³ And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. ⁴ And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. ⁵ And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. ⁶ And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: ⁷ Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. ⁸ And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. ⁹ And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: ¹⁰ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. ¹¹ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. ¹² And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. ¹³ And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: ¹⁴ Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. ¹⁵ And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. ¹⁶ And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: ¹⁷ Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. ¹⁸ And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth. ¹⁹ And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet. ²⁰ And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. ²¹ And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. ²² And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. ²³ Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. ²⁴ And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: ²⁵ Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. ²⁶ And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. ²⁷ And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. ²⁸ And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. ²⁹ For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. ³⁰ Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. ³¹ Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. ³² And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. ³³ And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁴ And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. ³⁵ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. ³⁶ And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. ³⁷ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. ³⁸ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. ³⁹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. ⁴⁰ And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. ⁴¹ Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.3 Nephi 11 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen the Source says the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one. The church’s Godhead essay says they are three separate beings, one in purpose, and that the Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bones. (4) That is not the Nicene confession of one essence. The Trinity is the Nicene sentence. Do Mormons Believe in Jesus? is the church’s sentence.

Keep Reading

• Who Wrote the Book of Mormon?
• What Do Mormons Believe?
• Do Mormons Believe in Jesus?
• Did Joseph Smith Receive Revelation?
• The Trinity
• Is the Bible True?
• How Was the Bible Canon Decided?
• Which Bible Translation Is Most Accurate?
• What Is the Deity of Christ?