A P U B L I C A T I O N OF I M M A N U E L B I B L E C H U R C H THE GENESIS EXAMPLE The Evangelical Mormon Outreach Quarterly Mormons use the KJV of Genesis and also the Book of Moses, eight Supporting Christian Witness to Mormons chapters of “revealed,” long-lost text from Genesis. By “inspiration” MOQ Vol. 23, No. 1 • © 2012 IBC Outreach Ministries Joseph Smith imagined Moses and God conversing about the gospel, baptism, and “Jesus Christ...the Only Begotten.” Conveniently, it fore- TALKING TO MORMONS sees a far-future “Restoration” (the Mormon church and its unusual An every-day witness to Mormons can be effective and doctrines and scriptures) . easy. It does not require your research of that religion’s One “inspired” change expands the last three verses of Genesis to 15 history or its obscure prophets from its early days. It does require your unwavering loyalty to scripture. verses in which the names of Joseph [Smith] and his father are revealed as agents of the nineteenth century restoration of the true church on earth. TALK TO MORMONS ABOUT THE BIBLE THE GOSPEL EXAMPLE AMONG CHRISTIANS... THE MORMON CHURCH... As the Mormon church states in its Articles of Faith in its new ...there is general agree- ...uses the Bible’s King scriptures, Mormons believe they are saved “by obedience to...laws ment that the Bible, and it James Version (KJV). But it’s and ordinances.” This is reinforced by changes to the Bible. Contrary alone, is the word of God. not that simple. See “Views to ancient manuscripts, but by “inspiration,” Romans 4:5 was changed Churches and individual of scripture” on page two. to read that God does not justify the ungodly. Romans 4:16 (JST) re- Christians may use different Distinctively: Unskilled quires “faith and works,” not “faith” alone. (See also Romans 11:6 (KJV).) translations of the Bible, but Mormon prophets have all commit to accurate trans- amended the work of the KJV WHAT YOU CAN DO lation, understanding, and scholars. Some text has been Mormons have the evidence in their KJV and JST Bible versions. Help them decide: application of its text. added, some deleted, without may be •God does (KJV) or He does not Distinctively: All versions benefit of any ancient materi- and books, are translations of ancient als—that is, not by translation (JST) justify the ungodly. records, and consistent over but by supposed revelation to Other •One is justified by faith (KJV) or the centuries. The work of modern-day men. Some of faith and works (JST). linguists and other experts the changes are identified in Because they strive to prove themselves receives careful peer review. the Bible published by the worthy of eternal life Mormons may overes- Differences of opinion and Mormon church, but major timate themselves as worthy, or worthy uncertainties are identified, changes to Genesis, for ex- God’s word. • word. God’s enough, to gain eternal life, and underestimate but have never been found to ample, are published in an- is God’s requirement. Or they may be worried nullify or confuse the essen- other book of Mormon scrip- Views of scripture Views •Parts •Parts of the Bible that or frustrated, feeling that they are not, and may tial truths of the faith. ture. Some other changes “re- The Bible is the word of God. : : never become, worthy. Help them. (Some versions, preferred vealed” in the 1830s are no The Bible is unambiguous. All are dead in by some, use adjusted, more longer published by Joseph words of today’s prophets are scripture. are prophets today’s of words sin: unworthy. Christ gives life, eternal life. casual language, but always Smith’s Mormon church. Mormons can read about the gift, belief, and with a goal of preserving the The Mormon Bible trans- translated translated correctly are the word of Mormon of Book God. •The some confidence in 1 John 5:11-15. word of God, the actual trans- formation and fragmentation Christians Mormons lated message of the ancient is called the Joseph Smith Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Rd., Springfield, VA 22151 703-941-4124 • www.immanuelbible.net • [email protected] writers.) Translation (JST)..