Other Books of Scripture
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints read and study the Bible, both the Old and the New Testament. Mormons believe that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of each other. Both are witnesses that Jesus is the Christ. Two other books of scripture are recognized as canonized scripture in the Church: the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.
The Doctrine and Covenants
Joseph Smith did more than translate the Book of Mormon. He also received revelation. The Explanitory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants describes its purpose:
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sectinos are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation (The Doctrine and Covenants. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City. 1989. iii).
The Pearl of Great Price
The Pearl of Great Price is made up of several smaller books: The Book of Moses, The Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith – Matthew, Joseph Smith History, and the Articles of Faith.
The Book of Moses is a long excerpt from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (see bottom of page), which was revealed to Joseph Smith. The Book of Moses describes a confrontation between Moses and Satan, then a visitation of the Lord. It also tells the creation story.
The Book of Abraham was translated from Egyptian papyri which Joseph Smith purchased. This record reveals an early part of Abraham’s life and tells the creation story, among other things.
Joseph Smith – Matthew is another lengthy excerpt from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. This section is a translation of Matthew 23: 39 and Matthew chapter 24. It describes in detail the Second Coming.
Joseph Smith – History is a brief account of the events leading up to the founding of the Church. The account was dictated by Joseph Smith.
Finally, The Articles of Faith are a concise description of Mormon basic beliefs.
The Bible
The Mormon faith puts great importance on the Bible and its teachings. They use the Authorized King James Version of the Bible. Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Church, made another translation—the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Most of these translations are, in many places, identical with the King James Version. Some slight changes and additions were made which can be found in the footnotes (not the actual text) or the appendix of the Bible released by the Mormon Church. Other translations of the Bible include the Book of Moses (in the Pearl of Great Price) and Joseph Smith – Matthew (also in the Pearl of Great Price).
The Bible is an indispensable witness of Christ, along with the Book of Mormon. In a sense, the two books tell parallel stories with parallel themes. One book was written in ancient Israel and its surrounding lands. The other was written in ancient America. Both books tell the cycle of a chosen people through wickedness and righteousness, obedience and rebellion, rise and fall, and the power of Christ to save us all from our sins, if we follow Him.