What Are Scriptures?

Answer

Scripture is the complete collection of sacred writings revealed by God and accepted by His Church as the standard works of sacred scripture.

Going deeper

Scripture is the complete collection of sacred writings revealed by God and accepted by His Church as the standard works of sacred scripture ¹. It consists of four distinct volumes—the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price—each preserved as essential tools for spiritual growth and understanding the doctrine of Christ ². These ancient and modern witnesses are not separate entities but interwoven records of the same Savior, illuminating different aspects of the plan of salvation ³. They are studied diligently because they open doors to revelation and help us live according to God’s word ⁴.

The Church does not view scripture as a static artifact but as a living record that continues to be revealed as long as prophets are present ⁵. When prophets were absent, scripture ceased to grow, but their return restores the flow of divine communication ⁴. Today, the Church preserves these scriptures as essential tools for salvation and understanding the doctrine of Christ ², ensuring that each generation can draw upon God’s eternal counsel.

Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that the scriptures are the constant, providing the pattern and basis for correct doctrine ⁶. By following this scriptural guidance, members align their lives with the divine plan and maintain the integrity of the Church’s practices ⁶. This article explores what scripture is, how it has developed, and how it continues to shape Latter-day Saint beliefs and daily living.

Defining Scripture: Ancient and Modern Testaments of Jesus Christ

To understand what scripture is in the Latter-day Saint tradition, we must first recognize that it encompasses both ancient and modern writings, all unified by their divine origin. Scripture is not limited to a single book or era; rather, it is a collection of sacred records that testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel. The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is regarded as the first testament, containing the written words of ancient prophets who received revelation from God ⁷. Alongside the Bible, the Church accepts the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as additional testaments, each adding to our understanding of the Savior’s mission ⁸. These modern writings are not separate from the Bible but complement it, providing a fuller picture of God’s plan for humanity ⁹.

What unites these diverse texts is their status as the word of God, revealed through prophets under the guidance of the Holy Ghost ⁴. Ancient prophets like Lehi and Nephite writers preserved and wrote down divine revelations, believing that the scriptures would benefit future generations ¹⁰. Jesus Christ himself affirmed the value of additional writings, saying, “Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not,” indicating that revelation continues even after His earthly ministry ¹¹. Today, the Church preserves these scriptures as essential tools for spiritual growth, salvation, and understanding the doctrine of Christ ². They are studied diligently because they open doors to revelation and help us live according to God’s word ⁴.

The Sacred Canon: Structure and Authority of Each Book

The sacred canon of Latter-day Saint scripture is composed of four distinct yet harmoniously related books, each with a specific role in the fullness of the gospel. The Bible is held as the word of God as far as it is translated correctly ¹², serving as the foundational record of God’s interaction with humanity across the ages. Alongside it, the Book of Mormon stands as Another Testament of Jesus Christ ⁹, containing the personal ministry of Christ in the Western Hemisphere and offering a plain and precious witness of the gospel ⁹. This companion text, described by President Ezra Taft Benson as the “keystone of our religion,” contains the fulness of the gospel required for salvation ³, ¹³.

The Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price represent latter-day revelations that continue to guide the Church. Elder Russell M. Nelson noted that these additional scriptures were canonized as divine revelations to prophets, both ancient and modern ¹. Together, these four works form the complete standard works of sacred scripture ⁸, ¹. They are not isolated texts but interwoven witnesses of the same Savior, each illuminating different aspects of the plan of salvation and the character of Jesus Christ ³, ¹³.

Prophetic Voices on Modern Revelation

Modern prophets and apostles consistently teach that the revelation of scripture is not a historical event confined to ancient times but an ongoing reality that continues to inform and guide the Church today. Elder Quentin L. Cook emphasized this living connection, stating, “In addition to these great foundational scriptures, we are blessed with continuing revelation to living prophets. Prophets are “commissioned agents of the Lord, authorized to speak for Him” ¹⁴. This authority does not replace the canonized books but complements them, ensuring that divine guidance remains relevant to each generation. Elder Mark E. Petersen affirmed that the Lord communicates with His people through current revelation, noting, “How could he direct his people unless he spoke to them? Such communication would constitute current revelation and would be given only in the approved manner to living prophets ministering here on earth” ¹⁵. These teachings affirm that the Church’s understanding of scripture is rooted in an unbroken chain of divine communication that bridges ancient and modern eras.

Rather than viewing scripture as a static archive, the Church embraces it as a living witness that grows in clarity and application through continued revelation. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland clarified that closing the canon would reject the very scriptures Latter-day Saints hold dear, saying, “In thus pronouncing the canon of revelation closed, our friends in some other faiths shut the door on divine expression that we in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold dear: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the ongoing guidance received by God’s anointed prophets and apostles” ¹⁶. President Ezra Taft Benson similarly highlighted the purpose of modern revelation, explaining, “Thus, the Doctrine and Covenants is a glorious book of scripture given directly to our generation. It contains the will of the Lord for us in these last days that precede the Second Coming of Christ. It contains many truths and doctrines not fully revealed in other scripture” ⁵. Through these teachings, modern prophets affirm that scripture remains a dynamic source of divine wisdom, continually refined through the words of God’s anointed leaders.

Historical Development of Scriptural Understanding

The compilation of scripture has a long, unfolding history that mirrors the restoration of the gospel. Elder Mark E. Petersen observed that the Bible itself grew gradually over time as new prophets contributed their writings to the existing collection ¹⁷. This pattern of expansion is central to the Church’s understanding of how God communicates. He does not limit revelation to a single era or individual. Instead, He works through prophets across generations, ensuring that His people receive the guidance necessary for each age.

Following the ancient record, the Restoration introduced new scriptures that directly addressed the needs of the last days. Joseph Smith received the Book of Mormon, which serves as “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” ⁹. Alongside it came the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, both of which contain vital revelations given to modern prophets ¹⁸. President Ezra Taft Benson explained that the Doctrine and Covenants acts as “the binding link between the Book of Mormon and the continuing work of the Restoration” ¹³. These books are not separate from the Bible but complement and clarify it, offering a fuller understanding of God’s plan.

Elder Ezra Taft Benson further noted that “whenever God has his representatives on the earth, there is always new revelation and new scripture” ¹⁹. This ongoing pattern reflects the Church’s belief that revelation continues as long as prophets are present. When prophets were absent, scripture ceased to grow, but their return restores the flow of divine communication. Thus, the scriptures are not a closed collection but a living, expanding record of God’s will for His people.

Scripture in Connection with Gospel Doctrines and Practices

The scriptures shape core doctrines and practices by providing the divine blueprint for salvation, restoration, and worship. They testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel, helping believers exercise faith in Him ². For example, the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, offering the clearest presentation of the doctrine of Christ found anywhere in scripture ²⁰. It outlines the five key points of the gospel: faith in Christ, repentance through His Atonement, baptism by immersion, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end ²⁰. These teachings are not abstract ideas; they form the foundation of what Latter-day Saints believe and do.

Scripture also directs how the Church operates and how members interact with each other. The great and grand secret of the whole matter consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood, which are necessary for understanding facts related to the salvation of the living and the dead ²¹. The baptism for the dead serves as the welding link between fathers and children, making it possible for a whole and complete union to take place ²². Elder Boyd K. Packer emphasized that the scriptures are the constant, providing the pattern and basis for correct doctrine ⁶. By following this scriptural guidance, members align their lives with the divine plan and maintain the integrity of the Church’s practices.

Clarifying Misconceptions About Scripture

Many outside the Church assume that scripture refers only to the Bible, yet this view overlooks the full scope of God’s revealed word as restored by Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly ¹², but they also hold that the Book of Mormon is the word of God ¹². This dual recognition does not diminish the Bible; rather, it completes the picture. The Book of Mormon supports the Bible, exhorts us to read it, and testifies of the truthfulness of its message ²³. Far from competing with the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Bible support each other, forming a unified witness of Christ ²³. The Book of Mormon speaks of ancient covenants God made with His children, while the Bible records great prophets who also received these covenants by faith ²³. Together, they complement and enrich one another, offering a more complete understanding of the gospel ²³.

Another common misconception is that scripture is a static, finished text that has not changed since its original writing. In reality, scripture in the Latter-day Saint tradition is living and ongoing. The Lord and His prophets have instructed us to use the scriptures as the basis for teaching ²⁴. The scriptures invite the Holy Ghost into your teaching. They teach God’s word with power (see Alma 31:5). Modern revelation continues to flow through the standard works, which include the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price ⁴. These books contain the will of the Lord for our generation ²⁵, showing that God’s word is not confined to ancient times but extends into the present. The holy scriptures are given to us for our salvation ⁸, and they bear testimony of the Savior, leading us to Him ⁸. Great prophets like Enos cried unto the Lord in faith to preserve the scriptures ⁸, demonstrating that safeguarding and advancing God’s word remains a vital responsibility ⁸.

Living Scripture in Everyday Life

Scripture is not reserved for Sunday services or academic study; it is meant to be lived out in ordinary moments. Elder Boyd K. Packer taught that the scriptures are teaching you about everyday life ²⁶, inviting us to apply their principles as we make choices and face challenges. When we read them intentionally, we begin to recognize the voice of God in our daily routines. Elder Richard G. Scott emphasized that the word of God in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets are essential tools for guiding our decisions ²⁷. He noted that God most often communicates through His written word, so making the scriptures an integral part of everyday life helps us understand His promptings. This means reading them not as distant texts but as living guidance for how to act, how to love, and how to grow.

The practical power of scripture becomes clear when we see how it shapes our families, our communities, and our spiritual discipline. Elder D. Todd Christofferson observed that we have never been blessed with such a quantity of holy writ, and that every person may possess and study it in their own language ²⁸. This accessibility allows families to gather together, read aloud, and discuss what they learn, turning study into shared experience. The Church encourages daily scripture study as a way to open the door to revelation ⁴. By feeding on these words, individuals and families are equipped to face trials, raise children in the gospel, and build a culture rooted in truth. Scripture, then, is not merely read; it is lived, debated, and applied in the ordinary rhythms of life.

Deepening Your Study: Recommended Resources

To deepen your understanding of scripture’s role in the Church, begin with the official instruction that defines the standard works. Lesson 4 of The Commandments teaches that the scriptures are written records of God’s dealings with His children, preserved by prophets under the guidance of the Holy Ghost ⁴. It further states that the approved scriptures are the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price ⁴. These four books together form the complete canon of revelation for Latter-day Saints.

Elder Russell M. Nelson clarified the scope of scriptural authority by defining “scriptural” as pertaining to the Bible and the scriptures of the Restoration ²⁹. He explained that members believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly, and they also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God ²⁹. The Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are equally authoritative because they contain direct revelations given in this last days ²⁹.

President Boyd K. Packer described the complete collection as “the library of the Lord,” encompassing 86 books, 138 sections, and over 2,540 pages ³⁰. He emphasized that this library is not fragmented but unified by its purpose: to teach the fundamental literature of religion ³¹. Elder Howard W. Hunter noted that when we follow the counsel of our leaders to read and study the scriptures, benefits and blessings of many kinds come to us ³¹.

Elder Boyd K. Packer also explained that the Latter-day Saint edition of the scriptures was prepared to make doctrine quickly and easily available to every member ³². He clarified that the text of the King James Bible was left completely unaltered, while cross-references were added to connect it with the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price ³². This careful compilation ensures that all scriptures are accessible and mutually supportive.

Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that the scriptures of the Restoration include the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price ²⁹. These books provide ongoing revelation and guidance for the Church ²⁹. President Richard G. Scott encouraged members to view the scriptures as an excellent source of understanding and strength ³³. He said that when carefully read, pondered, and applied, they fortify faith in truth ³³.

Elder Richard G. Scott also emphasized the importance of daily study, saying that President Benson counseled members to make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit ³⁴. This ongoing engagement helps members acquire spiritual knowledge and grow in their understanding of truth ³⁴.

Elder Howard W. Hunter described the Old and New Testaments as the fundamental literature of religion ³¹. He noted that these books have been regarded as scientific treatises, philosophic dissertations, and historical records, but their true purpose is to teach God’s word ³¹. The Book of Mormon, according to Elder Boyd K. Packer, is another testament of Jesus Christ, written in biblical language ³⁵. It testifies of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of His doctrine ⁴.

Elder Howard W. Hunter also stated that the scriptures answer the great questions of the soul ²⁴. They teach God’s word with power ³¹. Elder Russell M. Nelson explained that the scriptures of the Restoration include the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price ²⁹. These books provide ongoing revelation and guidance for the Church ²⁹.

Elder Richard G. Scott said that the scriptures are an excellent source of understanding and strength ³³. He added that when carefully read, pondered, and applied, they fortify faith in truth ³³. President Richard G. Scott emphasized that daily study of the scriptures is a lifetime pursuit ³⁴. This ongoing engagement helps members acquire spiritual knowledge and grow in their understanding of truth ³⁴.

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