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Many people in India read the Bible with love. If you are a Christian, or a friend of Christians, you may ask: "Do Latter-day Saints also believe in the Bible?" The answer is yes.The answer is yes. The Bible is the word of God, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to study it and follow its teachings.

The Bible Is a Witness of Jesus Christ

For members of the Church, the Bible is not only an old history book. It is a living witness of the life and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. It also bears witness of God the Father. Members treasure it for this reason.

The Bible itself teaches:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

— 2 Timothy 3:16

Which Bible Translations Does the Church Use?

The Church uses many Bible translations in many languages. In some languages, the Church publishes its own edition of the Bible. These editions include footnotes, subject indexes, and other study helps.

  • In Church classes and meetings, members generally use a Church-preferred or Church-published edition. This helps everyone understand the same doctrine in the same way.
  • Other translations may also be used. You are welcome to read the Bible you already love.
  • Simpler translations are good. The Bible can be hard to understand. It is appropriate for children, youth, and anyone who needs help to use an easier translation.

A list of approved Bible translations is on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, under "Holy Bible."

What Did Joseph Smith Say About the Bible?

The Prophet Joseph Smith studied the Bible all his life and taught from it. He said that a person who sees the power of God in the heavens can also see God's own handwriting in the Bible:

"He who reads it often will like it best, and he who is acquainted with it, will know the hand [of the Lord] wherever he can see it."

— The Prophet Joseph Smith

In other words, the more you read the Bible, the more you will love it, and the easier it becomes to recognise the hand of the Lord in your life.

Is Everything God Said in the Bible Today?

The Church teaches that the Bible we have today does not contain everything. The Bible itself speaks of other holy writings that we do not have. For example:

The Church also teaches that the Bible, as it is available today, is not free from error. Joseph Smith said: "I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers." Over many centuries, the Bible was collected, translated, and copied by hand. Small errors entered the text. You can see this when you compare the many different translations that exist today.

Many sincere readers are puzzled by these questions. They are fair questions, and the Church answers them with respect for the Bible.

Other Scripture That Supports the Bible

Members of the Church also read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Together with the Bible, these are called the standard works.

These books do not replace the Bible. They explain the gospel taught in the Bible, and they add a second witness that the Bible is true. All of them testify of our Heavenly Father's plan and invite everyone to come unto Jesus Christ.

Is the Bible God's Last Word?

Some Christians believe the Bible is the final written word of God. But the Bible does not say this about itself. A few verses may seem to teach a closed Bible, but the history of when they were written, and other verses, show that God would continue to speak to His children.

The Bible teaches that God speaks through prophets:

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." — Amos 3:7

Latter-day Saints believe that God still speaks through living prophets today.

The Bible is not the end of God's words to His children. It is part of a continuing conversation between a loving Heavenly Father and the people He created.

Read It, Study It, Live It

The Bible is the word of God and a witness of Jesus Christ. Members of the Church around the world, including in India, read it, study it, and try to live by it.

Start with one chapter today. Read it slowly. Ask God to help you understand. As Joseph Smith taught, the more you read it, the more you will love it.

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