For many Christians, the Bible is not only sacred scripture but also the final and complete record of God’s word. Because of this, discovering that Latter-day Saints use additional books of scripture often raises questions. Why would any Christian group need more scripture? Does having extra books mean the Bible is incomplete, or even rejected?
For Latter-day Saints, the existence of additional scripture is not a rejection of the Bible, but a natural consequence of believing in a living God who continues to speak. They believe God’s communication with humanity did not end in the ancient world and that divine revelation is not confined to one time, place, or people.
Additional scriptures are understood as companions to the Bible, standing alongside it as witnesses of Jesus Christ. Rather than competing with biblical authority, they are believed to reinforce, clarify, and expand understanding of God’s plan.
For Latter-day Saints, having extra scripture reflects confidence that God remains involved in human history and continues to guide His children in every age.
The Bible Is Central, Not Rejected
One of the most important clarifications Latter-day Saints make is that they deeply value the Bible. They consider it the word of God and a foundational source of doctrine, moral teaching, and testimony of Jesus Christ.
The Bible is read, quoted, studied, and revered in Latter-day Saint worship and personal devotion. It forms the backbone of Christian belief within the Church.
Additional scriptures are not meant to replace the Bible or diminish its authority. Instead, members believe all scripture works together to teach the same gospel.
One Gospel, Multiple Witnesses
Latter-day Saints often describe their scriptures as multiple witnesses of one gospel. Just as the Bible itself contains several accounts of Christ’s life in the four Gospels, additional scripture is seen as reinforcing truth through multiple testimonies.
In this view, more witnesses strengthen faith rather than weaken it. When different records testify of the same divine truths, confidence in those truths increases.
Multiple witnesses are considered a biblical principle rather than a departure from it.
Harmony, Not Replacement
Additional scripture is believed to harmonize with biblical doctrine, not contradict it. When questions arise, Latter-day Saints often look at how teachings align across all scripture.
Rather than discarding the Bible, extra scripture is seen as supporting biblical teachings about Christ, salvation, repentance, and covenant relationships.
This harmony is central to how Latter-day Saints understand their scriptural canon.
Why Additional Scripture Makes Sense to Latter-day Saints
At the heart of belief in additional scripture is a particular understanding of God’s nature. Latter-day Saints believe God is not silent, distant, or limited to one historical era.
If God loves all His children, they reason, it makes sense that He would communicate with people in many places and times. The Bible itself records God speaking to prophets across centuries and cultures.
From this perspective, it would be surprising if God stopped revealing His word entirely after the biblical period.
God Speaks to All Nations
Latter-day Saints believe revelation is not limited to the ancient Near East. They believe God has spoken to people throughout the world according to His purposes.
Additional scripture reflects this universal concern. It suggests that God’s relationship with humanity extends beyond one geographic region or cultural tradition.
This belief broadens the understanding of God’s work and emphasizes His involvement with all His children.
A Broader Record of God’s Work
Additional scripture is seen as expanding the record of God’s dealings with humanity. The Bible tells one part of the story; other scriptures tell additional parts.
Rather than diminishing the Bible, this broader record is believed to enhance appreciation for God’s consistent purposes and methods.
Scripture, in this sense, is not limited by human boundaries.
The Book of Mormon
The most well-known additional scripture used by Latter-day Saints is the Book of Mormon. They believe it is an ancient record translated by Joseph Smith and that it stands as another testament of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon is believed to record God’s dealings with ancient peoples in the Americas and includes prophetic teachings, historical narratives, and direct testimony of Christ.
Its primary purpose is not to introduce a different gospel, but to affirm biblical teachings and invite readers to believe in Jesus Christ.
Focus on Christ
Central to Latter-day Saint belief is the idea that the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ’s divinity, mission, death, and resurrection. Christ is the central figure of the book, not a peripheral character.
Teachings in the Book of Mormon emphasize faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, covenant living, and discipleship—core Christian principles also found in the Bible.
Because of this Christ-centered focus, Latter-day Saints view the Book of Mormon as strengthening, rather than weakening, Christian faith.
Doctrine and Covenants
Another key book of scripture is the Doctrine and Covenants. Unlike the Book of Mormon, which is ancient in origin, the Doctrine and Covenants contains modern revelations.
These revelations are believed to have been given to guide the Church in organization, doctrine, and practical challenges faced by believers in the modern world.
The Doctrine and Covenants reflects the belief that revelation did not end with ancient prophets, but continues today.
Modern Guidance
Latter-day Saints believe God continues to instruct His Church as circumstances change. The Doctrine and Covenants addresses issues such as church governance, priesthood authority, missionary work, and spiritual principles relevant to modern life.
This scripture illustrates how eternal truths are applied in contemporary settings.
For believers, it confirms that God’s guidance is ongoing rather than frozen in history.
Pearl of Great Price
The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of writings that expand understanding of biblical events, prophetic calling, and God’s plan for humanity.
It includes teachings about creation, the nature of God, premortal life, and the mission of prophets. These writings provide doctrinal context that Latter-day Saints believe clarifies and enriches biblical narratives.
Expanded Perspective
Rather than rewriting the Bible, the Pearl of Great Price is believed to deepen understanding of biblical themes. It adds perspective on events such as creation and prophetic authority.
This expanded view helps Latter-day Saints connect scripture into a more unified theological framework.
Consistency With Biblical Pattern
Latter-day Saints often point out that the Bible itself is a collection of many books written over centuries. It was not revealed all at once, nor was it immediately compiled into its current form.
Revelation occurred gradually, line upon line, through different prophets in different eras. From this perspective, adding scripture follows the biblical pattern rather than contradicting it.
The idea that God’s word grows over time is seen as consistent with how scripture developed historically.
Revelation Is Ongoing
The belief that revelation is ongoing does not diminish past scripture. Instead, it affirms that God continues to build upon what has already been revealed.
Latter-day Saints believe God teaches according to humanity’s readiness, adding knowledge as people are prepared to receive it.
This gradual process reflects patience and divine wisdom.
Testing Scripture Through Christ
Latter-day Saints believe all scripture—ancient or modern—should be evaluated by its testimony of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate standard.
Additional scripture is valued because it points people toward faith in Christ, moral living, repentance, and covenant discipleship.
Scripture that draws people closer to Christ is considered good and inspired.
Fruits of Scripture
Rather than focusing only on origin or tradition, Latter-day Saints often emphasize the fruits of scripture. Does it inspire faith? Does it encourage love, humility, and commitment to God?
They believe additional scripture produces positive spiritual fruits, which they see as evidence of divine origin.
This experiential approach complements historical and theological reasoning.
Common Misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding is that having extra scripture means denying the Bible’s authority. Latter-day Saints strongly reject this idea and affirm their belief in the Bible as the word of God.
Another misunderstanding is that additional scripture creates confusion or contradiction. Members believe it brings clarity, context, and deeper understanding.
Some also assume extra scripture replaces Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints emphasize that Christ remains the center of all scripture.
Why This Belief Matters
Belief in additional scripture reinforces faith in continuing revelation and a living God. It affirms that God is not silent and that His relationship with humanity is ongoing.
Extra scripture broadens understanding of God’s plan, strengthens testimony of Jesus Christ, and invites believers to seek personal revelation.
For Latter-day Saints, additional scripture is not about adding complexity for its own sake. It is about trusting that God still speaks and continues to guide His children toward Christ.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Scriptures
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Scripture Central – Book of Mormon and Restoration Scripture
https://scripturecentral.org
Pearl of Great Price Central
https://www.pearlofgreatpricecentral.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
