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Hello, I’m Danny and welcome to this video. I was an active Latter-day Saint for 60 years and I always had a passion for studying scripture. The keystone to Mormonism is the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith called it the most correct book on earth. LDS prophets have said that the truth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands or falls on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
I was reading the Book of Mormon one day and came across a passage I had read many times before in 2 Nephi that was quoting the Book of Isaiah. It had the word “Lucifer” in it. And I thought to myself “Lucifer” is such a strange name. It sounded neither Hebrew nor Greek. It caused me to stop and do some research. And was I enlightened by what I found! I trust you will be edified as well.
Did you know the word “Lucifer” was an invented term? That it is not in any of the earliest biblical manuscripts? It is completely made-up!
If it’s a fictional term, then how did “Lucifer” get into the Bible – and how did it end up in the Book of Mormon? Here’s what I discovered:
The name or term “Lucifer” appears only once in the King James Bible. It is found in Isaiah 14:12 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” What is the first word or creature you think of when you hear the name “Lucifer?” Did you answer, Satan - Or the Devil?
Fact is the name of “Lucifer” was a word invented by Saint Jerome – in his translation of the Latin Vulgate Bible from the 5th century. And later the translators of the King James Bible in the 17th century adopted Jerome’s term into their Bible version.
Some Christian scholars see this as a description of Satan before his rebellion in heaven against God. They claim that passages in Isaiah 14 and in Ezekiel 28 are referring to the Devil - who was created the highest, most beautiful of all the angels - but that his pride and desire for God’s own throne - resulted in his being cast out of heaven and given the name “Satan” – which means “adversary.” Over the centuries, the idea that the word “Lucifer” represented Satan became accepted throughout Christianity.
But when Isaiah 14:12 is read in full context of the chapter, it appears to be referring to a mortal king – most likely, King Nebuchadnezzar. Today’s modern translations have corrected this passage so that it does not refer to Satan - but to the intended Babylonian King. Instead of the word “Lucifer,” the following modern translations use these other terms, altogether omitting “Lucifer.”
New International Version, Isaiah 14:12 “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!”
English Standard Version, Isaiah 14:12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!”
American Standard Bible, Isaiah 14:12 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning!”
Here is where it becomes a significant problem for Mormonism:
The Book of Mormon claims - that the writings of the Book of Isaiah - were contained in the Brass Plates of Laban that were brought from Jerusalem to the Western Hemisphere - and were thus included by Nephi into the Book of Mormon.
Reading the heading summary of 2 Nephi 24 written by LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie it states, “Israel shall be gathered and shall enjoy millennial rest – Lucifer cast out of heaven for rebellion – Israel shall triumph over Babylon (the world) – Compare Isaiah 14.”
Supposedly from the Brass Plates of Laban into the Book of Mormon - here is how it reads, 2 Nephi 24:12 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” That is exactly – word for word – in the Bible verse of Isaiah 14:12.
Here is the conflict for Mormonism:
For the Book of Mormon to repeat the Latin Vulgate AND King James Version in the Book of Mormon is evidence against - its alleged ancient origin and inspired translation.
The money question is – How did the name “Lucifer” get into the Brass Plates and then consequently into the Book of Mormon - centuries before the term “Lucifer” was even invented?
If that wasn’t bad enough – “Lucifer” appears as a name in Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76 – which supposedly was a revelation given to the prophet Joseph Smith in 1832 – including a reference to the “fallen angel of God.” D&C 76:26 “And was called Perdition for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning.” Why would God use a made-up name for this fallen angel in the Doctrine and Covenants? Makes you wonder!
And even more condemning for the doctrine of Mormonism: Presently, in 350 modern-day temples - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to use “Lucifer” as the preexistent name for Satan – who plays a major role within the temple endowment ceremonies. In other words, Mormonism wants you to believe that “Lucifer” was Satan’s pre-mortal name - as Jesus’ spirit brother and our spiritual brother - who rebelled and was cast out of heaven to become the Devil here on earth.
Time after time, Joseph Smith got it wrong in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the temple endowment. And yet the LDS Church and its member continue to perpetuate this myth about “Lucifer.”
All, of this proving that Smith simply copied and plagiarized straight from the Holy Bible. And in the process, has misled millions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its potential converts.
So, I’ll leave it up to you to decide if the Book of Mormon IS the most correct book on earth and that the truthfulness of Mormonism stands or falls on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I hope this presentation helps.
Well, that’s it for this one. But look for more videos where I examine Book of Mormon difficulties. I think you’ll find them interesting.
As Jesus said, “Who hath ears to hear, let him (or her) hear.” (Matthew 13:9)
Please share with family and friends. Also, check out more videos like this one on YouTube or my website at talkingtomormons.com.
Until next time, God Bless!