The scriptures are holy books that were written mainly by prophets. The scriptures testify of Jesus Christ and teach about His gospel. The official scriptures of the Church are the Bible (which includes the Old Testament and the New Testament), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Old Testament
The Old Testament is a record of God’s dealings with His covenant people in ancient times. It includes teachings of prophets such as Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Although it was written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ, many Old Testament prophets wrote about Him.
New Testament
The New Testament records the birth, mortal life, teachings, and Atonement of Jesus Christ. It also includes the teachings of Christ’s Apostles and other disciples. The New Testament helps us understand how to live the gospel of Jesus Christ today.
Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Book of Mormon is a record of some of the people who lived in the ancient Americas. It includes teachings from prophets, and its main purpose is to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ. The Prophet Joseph Smith translated it from gold plates by the gift and power of God.
Doctrine and Covenants
The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations given to Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets. The revelations describe how Christ’s Church is organized. They also contain important gospel teachings about the priesthood, the ordinances of the gospel, and what happens after this life.
Pearl of Great Price
The Pearl of Great Price includes the books of Moses and of Abraham, the testimony of Joseph Smith, and the Church’s Articles of Faith. It also includes Joseph Smith—Matthew, part of Joseph Smith’s translation of the New Testament.
Studying the Scriptures
Prophets have taught us to study the scriptures daily. Doing so helps us increase our faith and come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we study the scriptures prayerfully, the Holy Ghost will help us find answers to our questions.
Modern Prophets
When prophets and apostles today speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words are like scripture. One example of this is general conference. We can study the teachings from conference in the May and November issues of the Liahona.
Why Read the Scriptures?
The scriptures testify of Jesus Christ (see Jacob 7:10–11).
Scriptures are given by the inspiration of God (see 2 Timothy 3:15–16).
We can apply the scriptures to our lives (see 1 Nephi 19:23).
More Details about the Pearl of Great Price
Moses Overcomes Satan, by Joseph Brickey;
Book of Moses: The Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the first few chapters of Genesis. Moses chapter 1 is unique; the rest of the chapters are based on Genesis 1:1–6:13.
Book of Abraham:nullThe Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of Abraham’s writings, from papyrus scrolls found in Egypt.
Articles of Faith: Thirteen statements written by Joseph Smith that list our key beliefs as members of the Lord’s Church.
Image Credit: Old Testament Prophet, by Judith A. Mehr