Sources of Authority
What does the Bible teach about sources of authority?
God’s Holy word (the Bible) is the ultimate authority.
The Bible is the inerrant word of God. In it, God has promised not to let it become lost. For nearly two thousand years, faithful disciples of Jesus Christ have preserved the word of God — many to their martyrdom. The thousands of Greek and Hebrew copies in existence verify the miraculous accuracy of these manuscripts and various modern translations of them.
God also tells us to put our trust in his Word, to seek his truth in his word, and to use his word to measure the truth of everything else. God has warned us not to use feelings as a way to discern the truth.
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:
If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
Revelation 22:18-19
What does Mormonism teach about sources of authority?
Mormonism teaches that man’s word, logic, and emotions are the ultimate authority. This includes the living prophet and apostles, a Mormon’s feelings, and Mormon scriptures including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the Bible (KJV) as far it is translated (transmitted) correctly.
Mormonism teaches that there are thousands and thousands of errors, deletions, and deliberate falsifications in all written versions of the Bible. Joseph Smith “retranslated” thousands of passages of the KJV, but the LDS church doesn’t use all of those retranslations.
LDS leaders purport that the Book of Mormon is far more accurate than any current Bible and that Mormonism’s additional teachings restore “plain and precious truths” lost during a universal apostasy. Finally, Mormons believe that if they are sincere, God will let them know what the truth is through their feelings.
And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth —
And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
Doctrine and Covenants 68:2-4
Why This Matters
Every belief we hold about God, salvation, and eternity comes from a source. If that source is unstable or ever-changing, our confidence will be as well. That’s why it’s crucial to know where our authority comes from.
Mormons are taught that truth comes through a combination of modern prophets, church leaders, additional scriptures, personal revelation, feelings, and the Bible—as far as it is translated correctly. However, when multiple sources conflict, something must take precedence. And in Mormonism, it’s not the Bible. LDS leaders and new revelations always have the final say.
This variety of sources of authority matters because it leads people to trust in shifting human voices or feelings instead of the unchanging word of God. It opens the door to doctrines and practices that directly contradict the Bible, all while still using biblical language. It also leaves sincere people wondering: How do I know what’s really true? What if tomorrow’s prophet changes today’s doctrine?
The Bible offers something better—a final, sufficient, trustworthy word. It doesn’t need to be corrected or completed. It’s not missing anything. Through it, God has revealed everything we need for salvation, godly living, and eternal life. Rather than pointing us to men who claim to speak for God, the Bible points us to Christ, the true and final word.
Trusting the Bible alone doesn’t limit our knowledge—it anchors it. It gives us confidence that what we believe today will still be true tomorrow because it comes from God, who never changes.
Scripture References
Matthew 24:35
Matthew 16:18
Summary
Christianity
The Bible is the ultimate authority.
Mormonism
Man's word, logic and emotions are the ultimate authority.