The Eighth Article of Faith

Annette Nay, MS

Copyright © 1997

Many Versions of the Bible

The first part of the eighth article of faith states: The Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. Various versions of the Bible have found common usage among portions of the earth's inhabitants from time to time. Among them are these: The Septuagint was the Greek version of the Old Testament used by the Greek speaking world from the 3rd century B.C. down through the formative period of the Christian Church. It is said to be the version used by the early apostles and, according to tradition, was prepared by 70 learned Jews of Alexandria, hence the name Sepagint meaning Version of the Seventy. The Vulgate was a Latin version of the Bible prepared by Jerome under a commission received from the Pope in 382 A.D. It was in common use for over a thousand years; the Gutenberg Bible, published in 1452 A.D., was the first printed edition of the Vulgate (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

Wycliffe's Bible, the first English version of the whole Bible, was translated from the Vulgate beginning in 1382. Tyndale translated the New Testament and parts of the Old, his New Testament, in 1525 was the first one ever published in English. A great part of his translation is retained in the Authorized Version. Coverdale's Bible produced in 1535 was the first complete English printing. Luther's German translation was forthcoming about the same time. Other early English versions included Matthew's in 1537, Taverner's 1539, the Great Bible of 1539, the Geneva Bible of 1557 (also call the Breeches Bible from its use the word "breeches" in Genesis 3:7), the Bishop's Bible of 1568, and finally the King James or Authorized Version in 1611 (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

The Douay Bible is the English version of the old Vulgate. First published in 1609-10 it is the Roman Catholic version for English speaking people. Since the King James Bible, there has been published, among Protestant people, the Revised Version (in 1881) and the Revised Standard Version (completed in 1952). There have also been many published translations by individuals (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

Not all versions of the Bible or have been of equal worth. In large measure the hand of the Lord has been manifest in the preservation of his word among men. Though translators and custodians of Bible manuscripts have enjoyed unabridged agency in their work, manuscripts of some age have been endowed with greater inspiration and possess more integrity than those of other ages (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

The Great Perversion of the Bible

Many plain and precious truths were deleted by evilly disposed persons, which spoken of in 1 Nephi 13. The Great Perversion of the Bible took place primarily in the early centuries of the Christian Era. The English translations preceding the Authorized Version were preparatory in nature, that is, they paved the way and laid the groundwork for the literary, historical, and doctrinal masterpiece which was to come forth under King James (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

Certainly the King James Version is by all odds the greatest of the completed English translations. Scholars universally acclaim it as containing as forceful, direct, and majestic prose as has ever been coined in the English language. But more important than this, it was the version of' the Bible which was preserved for use by his Prophet who should lay the foundations of the mighty work of latter-day restoration. Joseph Smith read, respected, reverenced, and taught the King James Version. Whenever he found Biblical quotations in the Book of Mormon, he rendered them into English in the exact language of the King James Version, except in instances in which the language of that version did not convey accurately the original thought. It was on the King James Version that the Prophet worked when he corrected portions of the Bible by the spirit of revelation, always preserving the existing language unless a thought change was necessary (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

English versions that have come forth since the King James Version, and particularly the Revised Standard Version, have been translated by individuals and groups some of whom have questioned the divinity of Christ and his mission. As a consequence, there are passages in many of these versions which have been so altered as to leave in question of our Lord's Divine Sonship and other basic doctrines of the gospel. It is no wonder that the King James Version has been and remains the official version of' The Church of' Jesus Christ of' Latter-day Saints (McConkie, 1972 p.421-423).

The King James version Lord states, in Ezekiel 37: 16-17, that he would cause two sets of records or scriptures to be made. One was to be the stick of Joseph, for Ephraim, and all the tribes of Israel who were his companions. The other was the stick of Judah, for Judah and children of Israel who were his companions. The stick of Judah, is now known as the Bible.

The stick of Joseph has come forth to us as the Book of Mormon (McConkie, 1972).

The Mormon Bible

Some non-members call the Book of Mormon the Mormon Bible thinking that we do not recognize the Bible as scripture since we have The Book of Mormon. But they are wrong. We realize that the Book of Mormon is like the Bible in that it records a portion of the history of the children of Israel. The Book of Mormon is the history of the part of the tribe of Ephraim that left Jerusalem to come to America about 600 B.C. The combination of the Bible and the Book of Mormon gives the history of most of the children of Israel. That is why we know that both records are important (McConkie, 1972).

The Book of Mormon

On November 28, 1841, following a meeting with the Twelve Apostles, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote in his journal: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the key stone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 461.) On another occasion he said: "Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none" (McConkie, 1972).

The Book of Mormon is true and was translated correctly. The three witnesses testified, "We...have seen the plates, and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true." (Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of` Mormon.) (McConkie, 1972)

There are numerous Biblical and other ancient prophecies foretelling the coming forth of and various things pertaining to, the Book of' Mormon. (Moses 7:59-62; Ps. 85:11; Isa. 29: 45:8; Ezek. 37:15-28; John 10:16; Rev. 14:6-7; 2 Ne. 3; Inspired Version, Gen. 50:24-38.) Since its publication many archaeological discoveries have been made, particularly in Central and South America, which bear out some known facts relative to ancient Book of Mormon civilizations. (Milton It. Hunter, Archaeology and the Book of Mormon.) (McConkie, 1972 p.99-100).

How can you know, personally, if the Book of Mormon is the Word of God?

I was raised in Utah where I was spoon-fed the Book of Mormon throughout my life. I didn't have to read the Book of Mormon for myself or seek for a testimony of it because I believed on the words of my parents, my teachers. I didn't realize at that time, but I also had a personal testimony because of all the times the still, small, voice of the Holy Ghost testified the truth of the words of my parents and teachers by giving me a good feeling about what they were saying. I didn't recognize those good feelings were the testimony of the Holy Ghost.

In my 19th year, while I attending Weber State College in Utah the spirit whispered nudging thoughts that I should KNOW for myself that the Book of Mormon is true. I needed to be truly converted and gain a strong testimony on which I could base my life and be able to testify of its truth to my children-to-be and others.

I decided to read the Book of Mormon from cover-to-cover and put Moroni's challenge to the test. In Moroni 10: 4- 5 he says:

"And when ye shall receive these things. I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

My Conversion

As I read the Book of Mormon I kept getting the good feeling I always got when I read the scriptures. I didn't realize this was my answer. When I finished the Book of Mormon I went to my room and prayed. I didn't get an answer. I prayed again and still didn't get anything. Latter the next day I was outside my home when the Spirit came speaking thoughts to my mind, saying: "Well, Annette, you didn't get an answer did you. What were you expecting? Angels or something?" Then I began to think. What did I want? Was I expecting the angel Moroni to testify to me that the Book of Mormon was true just as he had to the prophet Joseph Smith? No, I guess I didn't expect that, although that would have been really something. I finally understood that all I really wanted was to know was that those I loved and cared about all these years had told me the truth. I wanted to know for certain that the Book of Mormon was true. Then the spirit led me to realize that if the Book of Mormon was the Word of God then Joseph had to have been God's prophet in these latter-days. If that was so then the gospel was true and so was the church.

I needed to know. I asked again if the Book of Mormon was true. Then came a strong burning of the bosom in which I could not doubt. I knew for myself it was true. Then came the spirit speaking to my mind saying, "You knew it all the time didn't you? You have always felt good about what was told you about the church. I didn't know the spirit had been testifying to me all the time.

Knowing the Promptings of the Spirit

When the spirit testifies the truth to you will you recognize it? What is it like? Can you tell the difference between your thoughts, the Holy Ghost's promptings and that of the deceiver, Satan? Do you know if your children know? You all must know. You must be personally converted or you will not be able to stand against the things to come which are testified of the last days.

Being Personally Converted

You must be personally converted or you will not be able to stand against the times that will come which are testified of the last days. When you have a testimony it is your job to testify the truth to others and keep the commandments so that you will be ready to meet Christ at his second coming. It is also your responsibility to be prepared for the disasters that will come before Christ's coming.

The End of the Sixth Dispensation

If God continues to follow his plans as they have unfolded in the past, then the sixth dispensation should end around the year 2000, ushering in the seventh and final dispensation in which Christ will come again to rule and rein over the earth. The year 2000 is just three years from now (Ludlow, 1992).

Before the end of the sixth dispensation, three things must occur. First, the gospel must be spread to all nations (D&C 77:8,10; Rev. 7:1). This is being accomplished now (Ludlow, 1992).

Second, There will be extraordinary natural phenomena will occur (Rev. 6:12-14; Joel 2:1-11; D&C 88:87 ). John speaks of a great earthquake, such as the world has never known.

He also states that the sun will darken, the moon will have a blood-colored hue, and stars will fall from the heavens (Ludlow, 1992).

Third, there will be a special calling given to 144,000 high priests (Rev. 7: 3-4; 14:3-4 ; D&C 77:11). These individuals are to receive special ordinances to administer the everlasting gospel throughout the earth (Ludlow, 1992).

The Seventh Dispensation

At the Beginning of the seventh dispensation, John, states, there will be seven plagues (Ludlow, 1992).

• The first will be major electric/lightning hailstorms that will burn up 1/3 of the trees and grass in the affected areas (Rev. 8:7; Ludlow, 1992).
• The second plague was described as a great burning mountain plunging into the sea which will destroy 1/3 of the ships and the sea life (Rev. 8:8-9; Ludlow, 1992).
• Third, will be the coming of a great star from heaven falling from heaven, burning like a lamp, which disintegrates and falls upon 1/3 of our earth's waters, turning them bitter and poisonous (Rev. 8:10-11; Ludlow, 1992).
• The fourth is the sun, moon, and stars loosing 1/3 of their bulk which causes them to emit less than 1/3 of their regular light to the earth (Rev. 8:12; Ludlow, 1992).

• The fifth plague will be five months of stinging locusts (Rev. 9:1-12) which will torment those individuals who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads (Rev. 9:4; 7:3-4; Ludlow, 1992).
• The sixth is war (Rev. 9:13-21; 16:14-16). Two legions of legions will gather together for battle bringing much destruction and death to the world (Ludlow, 1992).
• John states that this battle will contain a three and a-half year siege in which two prophets in Jerusalem, seal the heavens so no rain falls and pronounces other plagues. At the end of the siege the two prophets will be martyred and have their bodies lie in the street for three days before their resurrection, just as a great earthquake hits the Holy City (Rev. 10:1-11;13; D&C 77:13-15; Ludlow, 1992).
• The seventh and final woe is a great conflict between the forces of good and evil, with seven powerful punishments to befall the wicked who refuse to repent (Rev. 16). These will end as the temple in Jerusalem is desecrated and the battle of Armageddon (Ludlow, 1992).
• It is then that Christ will appear on the Mount of Olives (Rev. 11:15-19:21; Ludlow, 1992).

These things will happen. We have been told them so we can be prepared. The Lord doesn't want his people to be hurt, but that is exactly what will happen if we will not listen. Who among you have your food storage? Who among you can last for long without water when the waters have been poisoned. What will you do when your children and friends come crying to you for help. Get prepared.

I was taught in a collage salesmanship course that people turn a deaf ear to scary things so they don't have to be scared and they don't have to do anything. I hope this is not the case this time. If you don't believe what I have told you, you have the right and the obligation to ask God if they are not true. If you don't have a testimony get one. If you do not have your storage, start now. If you don't know how to get started, ask me.

This discourse is on the eight article of faith. Let me repeat it for you.

8. We believe the bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.

We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

Having a Testimony

If you have a testimony of this article of faith then you must know that you need to follow the things that are in there to help us get back to God and prepare for his second coming.

If you don't know if there is a God,

if you don't know if the scriptures are true,

or if you have questions that need solving in your life then . . .

1. Study it out in your mind.

2. Make a decision about it.

3. Then ask God if your decision was right.

If your decision is correct you will have a burning of the bosom which is like having sunshine and happiness filling your chest, or having a peaceful feeling and knowing what you are thinking is right. Other times your mind will feel fuzzy, tired, or you may forget the thoughts you had. This is called a stupor of thought. It is also an answer to your prayer. It is a "No" answer. If you get this answer, pray again for guidance to understand your Higher Power's will for you. Then go through steps 1 through 3 again. Do this until you come up with a "yes" answer.

Gain a Testimony, then Start Storing

• There is no reason why you should not know what do in your life.
• There is no reason why you should not have a personal testimony of the gospel as contained in the scriptures.
• If you have a testimony of these scriptures, there should be no reason you are not ready for the plagues that will be in our life-time. If you don't believe that, ask God.
• The Lord says that by small things great things can occur.
• Out of each pay check buy something that your family will need and set it aside for your food and water storage.

Start now!

References

Bible, (King James version).

Book of Mormon (1993). Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Ludlow, Victor L., (1992). Principles and Practices of the Restored Gospel. Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, Inc

McConkie, Bruce R., (1972). Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, Inc. Smith, J. (1981). Doctrine and Covenants. Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

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