Scriptures

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in holy books of scripture that were recorded by prophets and handed down through the ages to our time. Now, we have the blessings of the knowledge of those who came before us, especially those who have testified of Jesus Christ. Members of the Church believe that scriptures are direct revelation from God to His chosen prophets. They study four books of scripture: the Holy Bible (usually the King James Version), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

These books of scripture, when studied together, complete each other. Each expounds on the doctrine presented in its counterparts, and each testifies of the role of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. The Holy Bible contains the Old Testament and the New Testament. This book is an account of the prophets who lived before the time of Christ, of the life and miracles of Jesus Christ during his time on the earth, and the apostles of Christ and their journeys after the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ into Heaven. The Book of Mormon is a record of people who inhabited the ancient Americas. The Doctrine and Covenants are records of modern revelations received during the Restoration of the gospel. Today, the prophet of the Church continues to receive revelation to lead, guide, and instruct the members of the Church. The Pearl of Great Price contains the books of Moses and Abraham as well as the Articles of Faith.

Each of these books of scripture is unique and special. One can come to know whether or not these scriptures are truly the word of God by studying them. The scriptures are referenced often in BYU devotionals and forums, and can be accessed for free at churchofjesuschrist.org. These specific talks discuss the study of the scriptures and the blessing it can be in one’s life.

Richard M. Houseman, dean of Continuing Education at BYU

Richard M. Houseman | June 10, 2025

Go to Christ’s light. Let His word, His mercy, and His house fill you with His light. Then share His light by giving, forgiving, and loving.

devotional 2025

Mark L. Pace | March 16, 2021

Mark L. Pace explains how Christ's sheep still hear His voice by the power of the Holy Ghost. Daily gospel habits help us create change.

devotional 2021

McKay Christensen | May 9, 2017

When we truly lay hold upon the word of God, believing it and committing to it, we open ourselves up to the life-changing power He has in store for us.

devotional 2017

Allan F. Packer | January 12, 2016

We can safely travel life’s journey by relying on the maps of the scriptures and the words of the living prophets and the compass of the Holy Ghost. God’s plan and desire is that we all successfully reach our destination.

devotional 2016

Todd B. Parker | January 20, 2015

Studying the scriptures daily, listening to the words of Christ, and driving darkness from our lives are ways to understand true doctrine.

devotional 2015

Jay E. Jensen | March 10, 2009

Elder Jay E. Jensen demonstrates the importance of building upon the rock of Jesus Christ by anchoring ourselves in His word.

devotional 2009

Mary Anne Prater | June 10, 2008

Mary Anne Prater shows how spiritual maps help us navigate life, and also how we can relate the counsel given to Emma Smith to ourselves.

devotional 2008

Terry B. Ball | March 11, 2008

By applying his knowledge of botany to a passage in Isaiah, Professor Terry Ball shows how higher education can enhance our faith in the scriptures.

devotional 2008

David A. Bednar, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

David A. Bednar | February 4, 2007

The scriptures are like living water, nourishing and sustaining. To drink deeply, we must study the scriptures and search for connections daily.

devotional 2007

Susan W. Tanner | September 11, 2005

Feasting on the scriptures, says Susan W. Tanner, is how we fill our lives with the Lord's words that are "more precious than gold and sweeter than honey."

devotional 2005

Charles A. Didier | September 21, 2004

Revelation is how we combine spiritual and secular knowledge. A foundation of both will help us to positively impact the world.

devotional 2004

L. Tom Perry | November 2, 2003

Anciently and through the Restoration, God has given us indispensable revelation. He promises immense blessings if we study the scriptures.

devotional 2003

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | March 3, 2002

Elder Ballard offers six ways that we can strengthen our spiritual armor and access the power of God to protect ourselves from danger.

devotional 2002

Merrill J. Bateman - BYU President - and Marilyn S. Bateman

Merrill J. and Marilyn S. Bateman | January 8, 2002

The scriptures were central in Jesus' early learning and growth. They are also essential in our lives, helping us to understand Christ and His mission.

devotional 2002

Dean L. Larsen | February 3, 1991

Drawing parallels between our day and Book of Mormon times allows us to see how to fortify ourselves against the trials of our time.

devotional 1991

Bruce L. Brown | July 22, 1986

Bruce L. Brown shares insights that demonstrate the importance of studying and appreciating the prophecies in the Bible, or the "stick of Judah."

devotional 1986

Robert J. Matthews | July 14, 1981

It is not enough to be casually reading the scriptures; we need to be using the scriptures to learn the gospel thoroughly and learn how to live it.

devotional 1981

Mark E. Petersen | September 30, 1979

The scriptures teach that prophets and apostles, called by God, are the foundation of the Church, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.

devotional 1979

Ronald E. Poelman | August 5, 1979

Seriously, this is a fireside? As I commence this assignment, I do not see the fire, but I feel the heat. I am grateful to be here; I am thankful to be one of you, a fellow student with you. I regard myself as a lifetime student and have a very fond affection for this campus and this school although I was never a student here. Many years ago there…

devotional 1979

James M. Paramore | May 2, 1978

Constant study of the gospel will help you in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be guided by the Spirit in following the Savior.

devotional 1978

S. Dilworth Young | March 9, 1976

As we search the scriptures, we will hear the Savior's voice. The word of the Lord has the power to touch our hearts and to change us.

devotional 1976

Bruce R. McConkie | December 2, 1975

Elder McConkie offers his testimony of Christ's divine parentage. We, too, can testify of his identity as the Son of God; we can “declare his generation.”

devotional 1975

Delbert L. Stapley | February 2, 1975

Obeying God's commandments requires concerted effort. Delbert L. Stapley encourages each student to be a believer and keep the faith throughout their lives.

devotional 1975

Hugh Nibley | July 26, 1967

Professor Hugh Nibley discusses Egyptology and other subjects concerning the secular study of the origins of the Pearl of Great Price.

devotional 1967

LeGrand Richards | February 21, 1967

The scriptures are our best tool in defending truth and in changing the hearts and behavior of men. Don't neglect the treasures of knowledge found in them.

devotional 1967

Hugh Nibley | March 18, 1965

Hugh Nibley draws parallels between language and traditions found in the Apocrypha to the culture of the people in the Book of Mormon.

devotional 1965

Hugh Nibley | March 18, 1965

In the second half of his lecture, Hugh Nibley compares the linguistics and culture of the Book of Mormon to that found in the Apocrypha.

devotional 1965

Boyd K. Packer | March 21, 1962

Take a moment to reflect on your life, your strengths and your weaknesses. What does your life say about your personal articles of faith?

devotional 1962

Marion G. Romney | May 13, 1959

The scriptures give us a guide to meaningful prayer. Sincere, reverent communion with God, with a willingness to accede to His will, is always answered.

devotional 1959

Cecil B. DeMille | May 31, 1957

Cecil DeMille, producer of the film The Ten Commandments, delivers a call to BYU graduates to let the laws of God empower their lives.

commencement 1957