Using Restoration Scripture to Understand the Bible

Define

You might share how Nephi saw in vision that many “plain and most precious” parts would be taken from the Bible (1 Nephi 13:26). He also saw that additional books of scripture would “[come] forth by the power of the Lamb” to “establish the truth of [the Bible]” and restore plain and precious truths that had been lost (1 Nephi 13:39–40). Restoration scripture refers to the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and Joseph Smith Translation. You might also share the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson:

Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible. … [Restoration scripture] restores and underscores biblical doctrines. … With these scriptural witnesses, doctrines of the Bible are not only reaffirmed but clarified. (Russell M. Nelson, “Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 43, 44)

Consider sharing the following ideas and resources to help students use Restoration scripture to understand the Bible. You could display this list or provide it as a handout:

• If using an edition of the Bible produced by the Church, search footnotes for references to Restoration scripture passages and the Joseph Smith Translation.

• Use the Joseph Smith Translation Appendix, found in Study Helps in the Gospel Library or in the appendix to the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible.

• Look up topics mentioned in Bible passages in the Guide to the Scriptures, the Topical Guide, or the index to the triple combination. Study Restoration scripture passages cited in these sources.

Model

Briefly model how to use some of the resources above to find and use Restoration scripture to understand a Bible passage. You could use the following example or one of your own.

Bible Passage	Resources	How Restoration scripture unlocks additional meaning
Bible Passage Genesis 14:18–20 provides only a brief mention of Melchizedek.	Resources Footnote a in Genesis 14:24 points to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40 in the Joseph Smith Translation Appendix. Searching “Melchizedek” in the Guide to the Scriptures and the index to the triple combination points readers to various references, including these two scripture passages: Alma 13:14–19 and Doctrine and Covenants 84:14.	How Restoration scripture unlocks additional meaning We learn that Melchizedek was a mighty prophet-king who established peace and righteousness among his people. He ordained Abraham to the priesthood and foreshadowed Jesus Christ and His divine mission.

Practice

Invite students to study a passage from this week’s scripture reading that Restoration scripture can help clarify. Or you could choose from the examples provided below. Encourage students to use the resources and ideas introduced in the “Define” section as they practice. You might invite students to share the following in small groups or with the class: (1) a Restoration scripture passage they discovered and (2) what insight and additional understanding it provides.

Additional passages for practice:

• Genesis 24:1–4. Students could search “Marriage, Marry” in the Guide to the Scriptures. Then students could find a Restoration scripture passage under the heading “New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage” that clarifies the importance of eternal marriage in God’s plan.

• Isaiah 11:1–5, 10. Students could search footnotes and Doctrine and Covenants 113:1–6 for help to understand this passage.

• Mathew 26:36–39. Students could search footnotes and the entry for “Atone, Atonement” in the Guide to the Scriptures to find Restoration scripture passages that add clarity to the Savior’s atoning sacrifice.

• Romans 4:16. Students could search the Joseph Smith Translation Appendix, found in Study Helps in Gospel Library and on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to find helpful clarification of this passage.

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to enhance their personal study by using Restoration scripture to better understand the Bible. Ask them to come to class next time prepared to share what they learned. Remember to follow up and allow time when you meet again for students to share what they discovered. You may want to discuss with them how practicing this skill influenced their scripture study.