Articles of Faith

In the articles of faith we read -

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly..." (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:8)

Early in his ministry, the Prophet Joseph Smith was commanded to provide a inspired version or translation of the Bible. I believe it was through reading and pondering the Bible that many "more clear or more plain" revelations were received that are included in the Doctrine and Covenants. A study of the Bible was essential to the restoration of truth. In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants we read -

"Some later sections reflect the work of the Prophet Joseph Smith in making an inspired translation of the Bible, during which many of the great doctrinal sections were received (see, for example, Sections 37, 45, 73, 76, 77, 86, 91, and 132, each of which has some direct relationship to the Bible translation)." (Doctrine and Covenants Preface Introduction:7)

It is apparent that study of the Bible in conjunction with other revealed scripture will provide the reader greater revelation, knowledge, and understanding. President Ezra Taft Benson said -

"I love the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments. It is a source of great truth. It teaches us about the life and ministry of the Master. From its pages we learn of the hand of God in directing the affairs of His people from the very beginning of the earth’s history. It would be difficult to underestimate the impact the Bible has had on the history of the world. Its pages have blessed the lives of generations.

But as generation followed generation, no additional scripture came forth to the children of men. Without additional revelation to guide them, men began to interpret the Bible differently. Numerous churches and creeds developed, each using the Bible as its authoritative source.

But this in no way lessens the worth of the Bible. That sacred and holy book has been of inestimable worth to the children of men. In fact, it was a passage from the Bible that inspired the Prophet Joseph Smith to go to a grove of trees near his home and kneel in prayer. What followed was the glorious vision that commenced the restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. That vision also began the process of bringing forth new scripture to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Bible in bearing witness to a wicked world that Jesus is the Christ and that God lives and loves His children and is still intimately involved in their salvation and exaltation." (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 100–101; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 78)