"Is the Bible incomplete?"
Letter to the Editor:
GOD’S MESSAGE, October – December 1994, p.3
MY AUNT IS AN ACTIVE member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She wrote me a letter saying that I should join her religion. One reason she gave me was that the Bible is incomplete, especially on the written account of Christ’s life. She even added in her letter that the Mormons use the Book of Mormon. They consider it to be the most accurate book on earth. By strictly following its precepts, people would get nearer to God. I am quite confused. If the Bible is incomplete, why is it the basis of faith for other religions? Is my aunt, and the Mormons right in their assertion that the Bible is an incomplete book?
Jerry Bilaoen
La Union, Philippines
Editor’s Reply:
Thanks for writing us. The Iglesia Ni Cristo believes that the Bible should be the sole basis of man’s faith. It is the only book inspired by God and “…is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking errors, correcting faults, and giving instruction..” (cf. II Tim.3:16, Today’s English Version). Using the Bible as the only basis of faith will give us the wisdom that leads to salvation (cf. II Tim. 3:15).
With regard to the Mormons’ claim that the Bible’s account on Christ’s life is incomplete — the reason why all of His deeds were not recorded is that they are not necessary in attaining salvation. This is stated by Apostle John:
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn. 20:30-31, NIV)
What if others still insist that the Bible needs to be supplemented because of its supposed incompleteness? Apostle Paul warns us not to go beyond what is already written.
“Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written’.” (I Cor. 4:6, Ibid.)
That is why we should reject other religious books, such as the Book of Mormon. These books should not be the basis of faith. What is the danger if people persist in adding to or subtracting from God’s words? To those who will add, God will add to them the plagues written in the Bible and to those who take away words from His book, God will take away their share in the tree of life and in the Holy City — in short, they will not be saved (cf. Dt. 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19).
Note: Some words and phrases are in bold & italics for emphasis.
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(Eph. 4:29, Amplified Bible)
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(1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Amplified Bible)