Latter-day Saints accept the Bible as one of four collections of official scripture. The others are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
They read, quote, and describe the Bible as the Word of God. However, their acceptance of it includes an important qualification. The eighth Article of Faith says:
“We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.”
LDS teaching says that “plain and precious” truths were lost, removed, or obscured as the Bible passed through history. Latter-day Saints, therefore, believe additional scriptures and modern revelation are needed to restore what was lost.
This means a Christian and an LDS friend may both call the Bible God’s Word while understanding its authority differently.
Read: How to Talk About the Completeness of the Bible
Are Latter-day Saints Familiar with the Bible?
Some Latter-day Saints know the Bible well, while others are more familiar with the Book of Mormon or with passages commonly used in LDS teaching.
Do not assume your friend knows the same stories, passages, or theological terms you do. Familiar words such as grace, faith, gospel, and salvation may also carry different meanings in LDS teaching.
That is a reason to slow down and read the Bible together rather than simply exchanging verses.
Can I Use the Bible with My LDS Friend?
Yes. Most Latter-day Saints recognize the Bible as scripture, so it gives you genuine common ground.
More importantly, God powerfully works through his Word:
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).
The Holy Spirit uses the message about Christ to create and strengthen faith. Your confidence does not rest in your ability to win an argument or give the perfect response. God has promised to work through his Word.
That is why we want our LDS friends to hear more than our opinions about Mormonism. We want them to hear what God says about sin, forgiveness, and the completed work of Jesus.
How Should We Read the Bible Together?
Rather than trading isolated verses, choose a passage and stay with it. Read the surrounding verses and ask simple questions:
- What does this passage say Jesus has done?
- What is being given?
- How is it received?
- Where does this passage place our confidence?
Passages such as Ephesians 2:1–10, Romans 3:19–28, Romans 4:1–8, and Hebrews 10:10–18 clearly show what Jesus has accomplished for sinners.
Your friend may respond with another LDS scripture or a statement from a church leader. Listen respectfully, but do not let the conversation race from quotation to quotation. You might say:
“I understand that you also accept that writing. Could we stay with this Bible passage a little longer and look at what it says about Jesus?”
Let the passage define its own terms. Keep returning to what Jesus has completed and where the text places the sinner’s confidence.
You don’t have to make the Bible powerful. The Holy Spirit works through the Word. Your privilege is to share it clearly, patiently, and with confidence.