Blood Atonement
Journal of Discourses 4:49-50; “Some have received the Priesthood and a knowledge of the things of God, and still they dishonor the cause of truth…I say, that there are men and women that I would advise to go to the President immediately, and ask him to appoint a committee to attend to their case; and then let a place be selected, and let that committee shed their blood. We have those amongst us that are full of all manner of abominations, those who need to have their blood shed, for water will not do, their sins are of too deep a dye.” – Jedidiah Morgan Grant, Salt Lake City, September 21, 1856
Matthew 7:1-3; “Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
I’ve used this passage in Matthew to emphasize the point to the Mormon people how and when this should be used. In this particular case it’s a good time.
When Jesus gave this instruction He was directing it to everyone, but specifically to the Pharisees who sit in the seats of judging others. Notice the vocabulary the Lord uses.
In vs 3 He said “the mote in your brother’s eye”…
Many scholars and theologians teach this passage is meant for the body of Christ. As Christians we’re not to judge anyone – only God does that and we’ll receive the greater judgment – James 3:11.
So as Mormons if these people were your brothers then why are you judging them? How do you know your sin isn’t worse than theirs?
Note: While this entry was written in mid-May the subject of judging others actually presented itself from someone visiting our site here this week. She had some great insight and wanted clarification on whether or not we might be judging the Mormon people.
I want to reiterate it’s not our job as Christians to judge others. I wouldn’t dream of making a judgment against anyone. We aren’t God and we cannot judge what’s going on in the heart of a person. We can however use discernment to determine whether a teaching is from God or Satan. We’re given instructions from the Lord all through His word to use discernment! 🙂
I’m always telling the Mormon people that although it’s hard, you have to understand you are not a doctrine. You are a person.
It’s a mistake to believe you as a person are the doctrines of the Church. This is why many Mormons believe they’re being bashed or picked on and persecuted.
It’s not the people we are judging, but the doctrines of the Church.
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