Summary

The Pearl of Great Price is a selection of significant materials that illuminate many aspects of the faith and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These texts were translated and produced primarily by Joseph Smith, the first prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church, and initially published in Church periodicals during his lifetime. The book includes key revelations, translations, and narratives that provide foundational insights into LDS theology.

The book begins with selections from the Book of Moses, extracted from Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible’s Genesis. These passages reveal expanded details about the creation of the world, God's interaction with Moses, and deeper theological insights into the purpose of creation and the plan of salvation. Central themes include Moses's encounter with God, his confrontation with Satan, and the revelation of God’s work to bring about the immortality and eternal life of humankind.

The Book of Abraham follows, presenting an inspired translation of ancient Egyptian papyri acquired by Joseph Smith. This section details Abraham’s early life, his search for divine knowledge, and his covenant with God. Facsimiles from the papyri are included, with explanations providing context and interpretation. The book also explores the origins of the Egyptian people, their government, and their idolatrous practices, contrasting them with Abraham’s righteous pursuit of the patriarchal order.

Joseph Smith—Matthew offers an extract from Joseph Smith’s translation of the New Testament, specifically the testimony of Matthew. This section focuses on Jesus’s prophecies regarding the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and His Second Coming, providing a Latter-day Saint perspective on these eschatological events.

Joseph Smith—History presents excerpts from Joseph Smith’s official testimony and history, detailing his ancestry, early religious experiences, and the First Vision, where he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. This narrative recounts the unusual religious excitement in western New York, Joseph’s search for truth, and the divine calling he received, laying the groundwork for the Restoration. The account also covers his visitations from the angel Moroni, who revealed the Book of Mormon and the coming judgments, as well as the eventual translation and publication of the Book of Mormon.

Concluding the Pearl of Great Price are the Articles of Faith, a concise declaration of thirteen fundamental beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These articles cover core theological concepts, including the nature of God, the Atonement of Christ, the importance of ordinances, the structure of the Church, and principles of moral conduct. Together, these texts provide a rich tapestry of doctrine, history, and prophetic vision that are central to Latter-day Saint belief.