Is the Book of Mormon inspired? Does it have a place in the New Testament, or is it an addition to it?
The "Book of Mormon" is a book which purports to give the history of the Indian race. It forms part of the foundation of the Mormon Church, which headquarters are in Salt Lake City, Utah. This book came off the press in 1830 in Fayette, New York as a result of the work of Joseph Smith, who claimed it resulted from translation of the golden plates revealed to him by an angel named Moroni. According to documented statements, Smith was called "Peep Stone Joe" because of his visionary escapades long before "Moroni" entered the scene. Suffice it to say, the Smith family was far from reliable, trustworthy or respected in Seneca, New York in the 1820's. Various claims are made for the book of Mormon by its devoted followers. Smith himself said, "The book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book." While living in Las Vegas, in a discussion with two Mormons elders, one told me "I would never get to heaven by reading the Bible alone". Strong words--but are they correct--Joseph Smith or these elders?
A careful study of this keystone of Smith's and Brigham Young's legacy, however, causes one to concur with Mark Twain who once said about the Book of Mormon,"It's chloroform in print". Its literary style is weak, its grammar is replete with glaring mistakes, its theme is dull, it is historically inaccurate and constantly contradicts the Bible, which actually is the word of God! It has gone over numerous changes over the past 168 years. The original Book of Mormon, and the one which is printed today, has more than 3500 changes in it from the original translation of Joseph Smith! For instance, Alma 2:10 states that Jesus was born in Jerusalem; the Bible correctly assigns His birth to Bethlehem, according to prophecy and fact!--Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1. In another part of the book, the prophet of Jared is coming over to the America on barges which God told him to build. Jared beseech God, for the barges have no light and ventilation in them. What did God do? He ASKED JARED what He should do? He told God to make the stones on the barges illuminate for light. Get this--GOD ASKING MAN WHAT HE SHOULD DO!!!! Who can believe such nonsense!!!Hundreds more examples could be given.
No, it does not have a place in the NT. The only connection it could possibly have with the Bible is fulfilling such prophecies such as: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."{Matthew 7:15} "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."{2 Peter 2:1} It is freely admitted by Mormons that what Joseph Smith revealed in the Book of Mormon was NOT preached by the apostles Peter, James, John, Paul and the rest. But what did Paul say concerning other teachings than theirs?
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."{Galatians 1:8,9}
It was not preached by the original 12 apostles, it is not from God!! Therefore, the Book of Mormon cannot be from God! On the cover of the book you will see these words:"ANOTHER GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST".
We are complete in Christ--Colossians 2:10. We are told:
"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." {Jude 3}
"As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue," {2 Peter 1:3}
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." {2 Tim.3:16,17}
These thoughts were penned 1800 years before Joseph Smith came upon the religious scene. Thus standing complete, giving us all things that pertain to life and godliness, and equipping us for ALL good works. All that man needs has been revealed to Him by the work of the Holy Spirit--giving us the mind of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13. Thus we must reject Joseph Smith's work and his book as a fraud and deception. Ask yourself this question: If the Bible and the Book of Mormon both came from God, as they claim-- both are a pair of gloves, one right the other left (as it has been explained to me), then why do they not agree with one another? Would this not make God the author of confusion? God says He is not--1 Corinthians 14:33.
One other point worth considering--what did man do until 1830 when these plates were given to Joseph Smith? Did he just wander in hopelessness without any direction or guidance? Did mankind, those who served God prior to Joseph Smith, wander around deluded and lost--because God gave them no direction? Who can believe it????