The Absolute Certainty of the Restoration
Ensign, Nov. 2009, 37; “Some are willing to set aside the precious gospel truths restored by Joseph Smith because they get diverted on some historical issue or some scientific hypothesis not central to their exaltation, and in so doing they trade their spiritual birthright for a mess of pottage. They exchange the absolute certainty of the Restoration for a doubt, and in that process they fall into the trap of losing faith in the many things they do know because of a few things they do not know.” – Tad R. Callister, “Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration”
Romans 1:20-25; “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
Truth should never deter anyone from following God and denouncing a manmade religion built upon the precepts of a man.
Telling people they’d settle for a serving of pottage is nothing but scare tactics to keep you in their web of lies. There’s never been a time when God would punish you for investigating who He is in the Bible – never. There’s never been anything but blessings poured out onto people when they seek to know and worship Him!
John 8:32 tells us the truth shall set you free! What is harmful when you’re free?
Isn’t wonderful how you completely misapply the words of Tad Callister?
First of all, Tad Callister is talking about those who start to doubt because “archaeology” seems to disagree with something; or because a scientific theory sounds convincing (such evolution). He is merely saying that we should not surrender our belief in God based on the words and thoughts of men.
As to your quote from Romans, Paul is describing how the people came to be in the pagan state they were in, as they had once known the truth of God, and had rejected him, even considering the evidence of nature.
Truth will set a person free, when they are ready to receive it, and if it is the truth. But lies and theories can and frequently do cause confusion, and those who surrender to this momentary difficulty are much like Esau, who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage to alleviate the momentary discomfort of hunger.
This is not a scare tactic, but a lesson to be learned from Esau.