180 BIBLICAL TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES FOUND IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE HOLY BIBLE AND THE BOOK OF MORMON
Did you know that many teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have foundations or clear parallels in the Holy Bible?
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It confirms many biblical truths concerning faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, the Atonement, resurrection, charity, revelation, and eternal life.
Here are 180 teachings, doctrines, and practices, accompanied by references from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Some correspondences are explicit teachings found in both books. Others are biblical examples, spiritual parallels, or interpretations. Not every reference proves that a modern Church practice existed in exactly the same form in biblical times.
Let us study these scriptures together with an open heart and a sincere desire to follow Jesus Christ.
PART 1. GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST
- God is our Heavenly Father.
Bible: Matthew 6:9
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 13:9
- God loves His children.
Bible: John 3:16
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 11:17
- God is merciful.
Bible: Psalm 103:8
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:6
- God is just.
Bible: Deuteronomy 32:4
Book of Mormon: Alma 42:13–15
- God knows all things.
Bible: 1 John 3:20
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 9:20
- God hears prayers.
Bible: Matthew 7:7–11
Book of Mormon: Alma 37:37
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Bible: Matthew 16:16
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 11:10–11
- Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah.
Bible: John 1:41
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 10:4
- Jesus Christ is the Creator.
Bible: John 1:3
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 3:8
- Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
Bible: John 4:42
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 13:40
- Jesus Christ is without sin.
Bible: Hebrews 4:15
Book of Mormon: Alma 7:13
- Jesus Christ conquered death.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 15:20
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 16:7–8
- Jesus Christ will return.
Bible: Acts 1:11
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 29:2
- Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
Bible: John 8:12
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 9:18
- Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.
Bible: John 14:6
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:21
PART 2. THE PLAN OF SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE
- God created mankind in His image.
Bible: Genesis 1:27
Book of Mormon: Ether 3:15–16
- Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden.
Bible: Genesis 2–3
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 2:19
- The Fall introduced mortality.
Bible: Genesis 3:19
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 2:22–25
- Humanity needs a Redeemer.
Bible: Romans 3:23–24
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 9:7–9
- Jesus Christ accomplished the Atonement.
Bible: Isaiah 53:5
Book of Mormon: Alma 7:11–13
- Salvation comes through the grace of Christ.
Bible: Ephesians 2:8
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 10:24
- All people will be resurrected.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 15:22
Book of Mormon: Alma 11:42–44
- The body and spirit will be reunited.
Bible: Luke 24:39
Book of Mormon: Alma 40:23
- There is a state of existence after death.
Bible: Luke 16:22–23
Book of Mormon: Alma 40:11–14
- The Final Judgment will take place.
Bible: Revelation 20:12
Book of Mormon: Alma 11:43–44
- People will be judged according to their works.
Bible: Romans 2:6
Book of Mormon: Alma 41:3
- God allows human beings to choose.
Bible: Joshua 24:15
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 2:27
- Mortal life is a time of preparation.
Bible: Hebrews 9:27
Book of Mormon: Alma 34:32
- The righteous will receive eternal life.
Bible: Matthew 25:46
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 15:23
- Both mercy and justice are essential.
Bible: Psalm 85:10
Book of Mormon: Alma 42:15, 22–25
PART 3. THE FIRST PRINCIPLES AND ORDINANCES OF THE GOSPEL
- Have faith in Jesus Christ.
Bible: John 3:16
Book of Mormon: Alma 32:21
- Repent of sins.
Bible: Acts 3:19
Book of Mormon: Alma 34:33
- Confess sins.
Bible: 1 John 1:9
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 26:29
- Forsake sins.
Bible: Proverbs 28:13
Book of Mormon: Alma 39:9
- Be baptized.
Bible: Matthew 28:19
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 11:23–26
- Practice baptism by immersion.
Bible: Romans 6:4
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 11:26
- Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Bible: Acts 2:38
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:17
- Receive the Holy Ghost.
Bible: Acts 2:38
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:37
- Receive the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands.
Bible: Acts 8:17
Book of Mormon: Moroni 2:1–3
- Be born again spiritually.
Bible: John 3:3–5
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 27:25–26
- Experience a change of heart.
Bible: Ezekiel 36:26
Book of Mormon: Alma 5:14
- Endure to the end.
Bible: Matthew 24:13
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:20
- Keep God's commandments.
Bible: John 14:15
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:41
- Follow the example of Jesus Christ.
Bible: 1 Peter 2:21
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:7–10
- Make covenants with God.
Bible: Hebrews 8:10
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 18:8–10
PART 4. THE CHURCH, ITS LEADERS, AND THE MINISTRY
- Jesus Christ calls Apostles and special witnesses.
Bible: Luke 6:13
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 12:1
- God calls prophets.
Bible: Amos 3:7
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 1:4–5
- The Church needs spiritual leaders.
Bible: Ephesians 4:11–12
Book of Mormon: Moroni 6:1
- Ministers must be called by God.
Bible: Hebrews 5:4
Book of Mormon: Alma 13:1–3
- Authority is required to baptize.
Bible: Matthew 28:19
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 11:21–22
- Ordination is performed through the laying on of hands.
Bible: 1 Timothy 4:14
Book of Mormon: Moroni 3:1–4
- Elders minister in the Church.
Bible: Acts 14:23
Book of Mormon: Moroni 3:1
- Priests perform religious ministry.
Bible: Hebrews 5:1–4
Book of Mormon: Moroni 3:1
- Church leaders teach the word of God.
Bible: 2 Timothy 4:2
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 18:18–19
- Missionaries preach repentance.
Bible: Mark 6:12
Book of Mormon: Alma 17:11
- God's servants work together.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 3:9
Book of Mormon: Alma 17:2–3
- The Church should preserve unity.
Bible: Ephesians 4:3–6
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 18:21
- Members should bear one another's burdens.
Bible: Galatians 6:2
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 18:8
- The Church gathers to teach and strengthen its members.
Bible: Hebrews 10:25
Book of Mormon: Moroni 6:5–6
- Church leaders should serve with humility.
Bible: Mark 10:43–45
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:17–19
PART 5. THE SACRAMENT, WORSHIP, AND PRAYER
- Partake of bread in remembrance of Jesus Christ.
Bible: Luke 22:19
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:1–7
- Partake of the sacramental cup in remembrance of Jesus Christ.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 11:25
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:8–11
- Examine oneself before partaking of the Sacrament.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 11:28
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:28–29
- Always remember Jesus Christ.
Bible: 2 Timothy 2:8
Book of Mormon: Moroni 4:3
- Pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Bible: John 14:13
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:19
- Pray individually.
Bible: Matthew 6:6
Book of Mormon: Alma 34:21
- Pray as a family.
Bible: Joshua 24:15
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:21
- Pray for enemies.
Bible: Matthew 5:44
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 12:44
- Pray continually.
Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Book of Mormon: Alma 34:27
- Practice fasting.
Bible: Matthew 6:16–18
Book of Mormon: Alma 6:6
- Gather together to worship God.
Bible: Acts 2:46
Book of Mormon: Moroni 6:5
- Offer praise to God.
Bible: Colossians 3:16
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:28
- Bear testimony.
Bible: Acts 4:33
Book of Mormon: Alma 5:45–46
- Give thanks to God.
Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Book of Mormon: Alma 34:38
- Worship God sincerely.
Bible: John 4:23–24
Book of Mormon: Alma 34:38
PART 6. SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND REVELATION
- God communicates through revelation.
Bible: Amos 3:7
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 10:17–19
- Believers can receive personal revelation.
Bible: James 1:5
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:4–5
- God can give visions.
Bible: Acts 10:9–16
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 11:1
- God can communicate through dreams.
Bible: Matthew 2:13
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 2:1–2
- The Holy Ghost teaches truth.
Bible: John 16:13
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:5
- The Holy Ghost brings comfort.
Bible: John 14:26
Book of Mormon: Alma 17:10
- The gift of prophecy exists.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:10
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:13
- The gift of tongues exists.
Bible: Acts 2:4
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:15–16
- The interpretation of tongues is a spiritual gift.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:10
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:16
- The gift of healing exists.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:9
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:11
- The gift of wisdom exists.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:8
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:9
- The gift of knowledge exists.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:8
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:10
- Spiritual influences must be discerned.
Bible: 1 John 4:1
Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:15–19
- Faith makes miracles possible.
Bible: Mark 9:23
Book of Mormon: Ether 12:12
- God continues to perform miracles.
Bible: Hebrews 13:8
Book of Mormon: Mormon 9:19–20
PART 7. CHARITY AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
- Love God.
Bible: Matthew 22:37
Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:48
- Love your neighbor.
Bible: Matthew 22:39
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:17
- Love your enemies.
Bible: Matthew 5:44
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 12:44
- Forgive others.
Bible: Matthew 6:14–15
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 26:31
- Practice charity.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:45
- Feed the poor.
Bible: Matthew 25:35
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:16–19
- Clothe those in need.
Bible: Matthew 25:36
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:26
- Visit the sick.
Bible: Matthew 25:36
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:26
- Help people in distress.
Bible: James 1:27
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 18:9
- Comfort those who mourn.
Bible: Romans 12:15
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 18:9
- Avoid unrighteous judgment.
Bible: Matthew 7:1–2
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 14:1–2
- Be merciful.
Bible: Luke 6:36
Book of Mormon: Alma 41:14
- Be patient.
Bible: Galatians 5:22
Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:45
- Be humble.
Bible: James 4:10
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:11
- Be peacemakers.
Bible: Matthew 5:9
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 12:9
PART 8. COMMANDMENTS AND MORAL LIVING
- Do not kill.
Bible: Exodus 20:13
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:21
- Do not steal.
Bible: Exodus 20:15
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:22
- Do not commit adultery.
Bible: Exodus 20:14
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:22
- Do not bear false witness.
Bible: Exodus 20:16
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:23
- Honor your father and mother.
Bible: Exodus 20:12
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:20
- Do not covet.
Bible: Exodus 20:17
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:24
- Avoid pride.
Bible: Proverbs 16:18
Book of Mormon: Alma 5:28
- Avoid unrighteous anger.
Bible: Matthew 5:22
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 12:22
- Be honest.
Bible: Ephesians 4:25
Book of Mormon: Alma 27:27
- Avoid contention.
Bible: 2 Timothy 2:23–24
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 11:29
- Avoid sexual immorality.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 6:18
Book of Mormon: Alma 39:3–5
- Do not set your heart on riches.
Bible: 1 Timothy 6:10
Book of Mormon: Jacob 2:18–19
- Seek righteousness.
Bible: Matthew 6:33
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 9:18
- Keep your promises.
Bible: Ecclesiastes 5:4
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 5:5
- Avoid hypocrisy.
Bible: Matthew 23:27–28
Book of Mormon: Alma 5:27
PART 9. FAMILY, MARRIAGE, AND CHILDREN
- Marriage is instituted by God.
Bible: Genesis 2:24
Book of Mormon: Jacob 2:27
- Be faithful to your spouse.
Bible: Hebrews 13:4
Book of Mormon: Jacob 2:35
- Treat women with respect.
Bible: Ephesians 5:25
Book of Mormon: Jacob 2:31–33
- Protect children.
Bible: Matthew 18:6
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:14
- Teach children the faith.
Bible: Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:15
- Teach children about repentance.
Bible: Acts 2:38–39
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:14–15
- Little children are precious to God.
Bible: Matthew 19:14
Book of Mormon: Moroni 8:8–12
- Jesus Christ blesses children.
Bible: Mark 10:16
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 17:21
- Parents should set a good example.
Bible: Ephesians 6:4
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:14–15
- Families should seek peace.
Bible: Colossians 3:13–15
Book of Mormon: 4 Nephi 1:15
- Families should pray together.
Bible: Acts 10:2
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:21
- Children should learn the truth.
Bible: 2 Timothy 3:15
Book of Mormon: Enos 1:1–3
- Faith should be passed from one generation to another.
Bible: Psalm 78:4
Book of Mormon: Alma 56:47–48
- Parents should act with love.
Bible: Colossians 3:21
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:14–15
- The family can be a place of spiritual instruction.
Bible: Deuteronomy 11:19
Book of Mormon: Alma 36–42
PART 10. FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND SOCIETY
- Defend freedom.
Bible: Galatians 5:1
Book of Mormon: Alma 46:12
- Choose between good and evil.
Bible: Deuteronomy 30:19
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 2:27
- Respect just laws.
Bible: Romans 13:1–7
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 29:26–27
- Defend justice.
Bible: Isaiah 1:17
Book of Mormon: Alma 46:12
- Protect religious freedom.
Bible: Acts 5:29
Book of Mormon: Alma 21:21–22
- Beware of tyrannical governments.
Bible: 1 Samuel 8:10–18
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 29:16–18
- Choose righteous leaders.
Bible: Exodus 18:21
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 29:25–27
- Reject corruption.
Bible: Exodus 23:8
Book of Mormon: Helaman 7:4–5
- Defend the innocent.
Bible: Proverbs 31:8–9
Book of Mormon: Alma 43:47
- Seek peace.
Bible: Romans 12:18
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:13
- Reject secret combinations organized for evil.
Bible: Isaiah 29:15
Book of Mormon: Ether 8:18–25
- Avoid social divisions.
Bible: James 2:1–4
Book of Mormon: 4 Nephi 1:17
- Treat everyone fairly.
Bible: Acts 10:34–35
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 26:33
- Do not seek power merely to dominate others.
Bible: Mark 10:42–44
Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:11–14
- Recognize that God can guide nations.
Bible: Daniel 4:17
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 17:36–37
PART 11. SCRIPTURES, PROPHETS, AND COVENANTS
- Study the Scriptures.
Bible: John 5:39
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 19:23
- Meditate upon the word of God.
Bible: Joshua 1:8
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 32:3
- Teach the Scriptures.
Bible: 2 Timothy 3:16
Book of Mormon: Alma 31:5
- God speaks through prophets.
Bible: Amos 3:7
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 22:2
- Listen to prophetic warnings.
Bible: 2 Chronicles 20:20
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 10:12
- God reveals truth progressively.
Bible: John 16:12–13
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 28:30
- Test spiritual teachings.
Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:4–5
- Prophets testify of Jesus Christ.
Bible: Acts 10:43
Book of Mormon: Jacob 4:4–5
- God establishes covenants.
Bible: Genesis 17:7
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 15:18
- God remembers His covenants.
Bible: Leviticus 26:42
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 16:11
- The gathering of Israel is foretold.
Bible: Isaiah 11:11–12
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 22:11–12
- God will bless all nations through Abraham.
Bible: Genesis 12:3
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 15:18
- Scriptures can testify alongside one another.
Bible: John 5:39
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 29:8
- God can speak to different peoples.
Bible: Hebrews 1:1
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 29:12
- The Gospel must be proclaimed to all nations.
Bible: Matthew 24:14
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 16:4–5
PART 12. ENDURANCE, THE LAST DAYS, AND THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST
- Endure trials faithfully.
Bible: James 1:12
Book of Mormon: Alma 36:3
- Have hope in Jesus Christ.
Bible: Romans 15:13
Book of Mormon: Ether 12:4
- Stand firm in the faith.
Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:13
Book of Mormon: Helaman 5:12
- Do not fear when God is with you.
Bible: Isaiah 41:10
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 4:1
- Beware of false prophets.
Bible: Matthew 7:15
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 14:15
- Recognize spiritual fruits.
Bible: Matthew 7:16
Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:16–17
- Prepare for the last days.
Bible: Matthew 24:42
Book of Mormon: Mormon 8:34–35
- Recognize that apostasy can occur.
Bible: 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 28:3–6
- Believe in a work of restoration.
Bible: Acts 3:21
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 27:26
- Believe in the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
Bible: Matthew 24:30
Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 29:2
- Believe that Jesus Christ will overcome evil.
Bible: Revelation 19:11–16
Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 22:24–26
- Believe in the universal resurrection.
Bible: John 5:28–29
Book of Mormon: Alma 40:4–5
- Seek holiness.
Bible: Hebrews 12:14
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:32–33
- Remain faithful until the end.
Bible: Revelation 2:10
Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:20
- Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
Bible: Matthew 11:28–30
Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:32
WHAT DO THESE 180 SCRIPTURAL COMPARISONS SHOW?
These 180 examples demonstrate that many teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have identifiable biblical foundations, examples, or spiritual parallels.
They also demonstrate how the Book of Mormon bears witness of many of the same fundamental truths taught in the Holy Bible.
Both books testify of Jesus Christ.
Both teach repentance.
Both teach faith.
Both teach baptism.
Both teach the importance of the Holy Ghost.
Both teach charity, forgiveness, obedience, prayer, and eternal life.
Both proclaim the reality of the Resurrection and the Final Judgment.
And both invite mankind to come unto Jesus Christ.
Of course, a scriptural parallel does not automatically establish that every modern Church practice is identical to an ancient biblical practice.
Certain distinctive teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also rely on modern revelation, including the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.
But these comparisons give us meaningful reasons to study the Bible and the Book of Mormon together rather than treating them as opposing witnesses.
MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY
I believe that the Holy Bible is the word of God.
I also believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and another testament of Jesus Christ.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, the Savior of the world, and the Redeemer of mankind.
I believe that His Gospel teaches us to have faith, repent, make sacred covenants, love one another, serve the poor, forgive our enemies, and endure faithfully to the end.
To those who criticize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I offer a sincere invitation.
Before rejecting its teachings, study them carefully.
Read the Bible.
Read the Book of Mormon.
Compare their teachings.
Examine the scriptural references.
Pray sincerely and ask Heavenly Father for understanding.
The purpose of this study is not to claim that every Christian must interpret these passages in exactly the same way.
It is to show that the beliefs of Latter-day Saints are deeply connected to biblical themes and to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon does not ask us to abandon Jesus Christ.
It invites us to come unto Him.
As Moroni 10:32 teaches:
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him."
That is the heart of my testimony.
Jesus Christ is our Savior.
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer.
Jesus Christ is our Lord.
And I testify that He lives.
In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. 
For further study, visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org
