The Book of Mormon claims to have a parallel timeline with the Bible.
But, when put to the test, does it hold true?
Lets look at the historical evidence.
Last time we met, I introduced the tests that proved the evidence for the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon against – time, history and inspiration.
So, let’s begin these tests.
The Introduction of the Book of Mormon claims that it is comparable to, superior to, and in harmony with the Bible. If that is accurate, the timeline in the Book of Mormon should reflect the Bible’s timeline.
But it does not!
The first inconsistency is in regard to Christ’s atonement. The cross, which was where Christ shed his innocent blood for the sins of the world was a defining moment.
As stated in Hebrews 9:15-17, Jesus’ blood was not only operative for those who lived in Jesus’ day forward through today, and into the future, but it also was retroactive for those who lived faithfully before the atonement.
But it did not happen until the death of Christ in AD 33.
So, how does that effect the Book of Mormon?
In the Book of Mosiah 4:2 there is a crowd of people saying, “O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
If you’ll look at the footnote, it says “about 124 B.C.”
How is it that they appealed to have Jesus’ blood applied to them if it had not yet been shed?
The second timeline discrepancy is in the establishment of the church. In Matthew 16:18, we find the very first usage of the word “church” in the Bible.
Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Notice, Jesus promised to establish His church in the FUTURE – meaning after His death and resurrection.
According to the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:17 says “And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church.”
What does it have for the date of that passage?
It says, “about 147 B.C.“
The New Testament says that in 32 AD the church didn’t even exist yet. It wouldn’t exist for about another year after the resurrection of Christ.
The Book of Mormon claims that even before Christ came to this earth, people were being added to the church. Which one is it?
Another discrepancy has to do with when and where the disciples of Jesus were named. The first time the Bible refers to “the church” is in Acts 2:47 after the day of Pentecost.
Eventually, they received a new name.
Acts 11:26
“And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
The FIRST, time disciples were ever called Christians was in Antioch, about 42 AD.
The Book of Mormon has a different story
Alma 46:15
“And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.”
“about 73 BC”
So, which one is it? The Bible – 42 AD or the Book of Mormon – 73 BC?
The Book of Mormon claims to be congruent with the Bible. But, when put to the test, does it hold true?
