PRE-EXISTENCE DOCTRINE
In John 3:1-15 we read Jesus saying: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” LDS doctrine of the pre-existence creates a number of dilemmas in light of this teaching:
1. After reading John 3:6, we ask, “How were we born spiritually in the pre-existence if God is a man of flesh and bones?”
2. Nicodemus asks if we could be born a second time. Shouldn’t he have said a third time if he obviously already knew we were born 1) In the pre-existence, 2) In the flesh, and now 3) In the Spirit through revival?
3. Where in the Bible does it say we would be born in the pre-existence?
4. What did Jesus mean in John 3:13 when He said that no one but Him has descended from heaven? How did we get to earth if we didn’t descend from heaven too?
5. What did Paul mean in 1 Cor. 15:42-47 by saying that our bodies are sown in dishonor? Does this mean that God who begat us in the pre-existence did this in dishonor?
6. When did we see the kingdom of God the first time? John 3:3 says that unless we’re born again we cannot see it.
John’s gospel illustrates the many inconsistencies within Mormon doctrine and if you are intellectually honest Mormon, you will agree it leaves the reader with more questions than answers.