After showing Nephi the colonization of the Americas, the angel who narrated his vision explained the relationship between two books of scripture: the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Bible, which he described as proceeding “from the mouth of a Jew” would “go forth from the Jews unto the Gentiles” (1 Nephi 13:23-26). Later, the writings of Nephi’s descendants would be translated and published as the Book of Mormon by Gentiles. (See 1 Nephi 13:35-36.) These two books would complement each other:
These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles [the Book of Mormon], shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [the Bible], and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.
1 Nephi 13:40
According to this passage, the Book of Mormon serves three purposes with respect to the Bible:
- It provides evidence that the Bible is true.
- It fills in gaps in biblical teachings.
- It stands as a second witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Elder L. Tom Perry taught:
Neither the Bible nor the Book of Mormon in and of themselves is sufficient. Both are necessary for us to teach and learn about the full and complete doctrine of Christ. The need for the other does not diminish either one of them. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are necessary for our salvation and exaltation.
“The Power of Deliverance,” General Conference, April 2012
Today, I will be grateful for the complementary witnesses of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I will look for ways that the Book of Mormon affirms the veracity of the Bible, teaches interrelated principles, and joins the Bible in testifying of Jesus Christ.