The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary 1:47, see footnote #3; “Even a cursory knowledge of the overall scheme of things reassures spiritually discerning persons that all things center in the Father; that the plan of salvation which he designed was to save his children, Christ included; and that neither Christ nor Lucifer could of themselves save anyone. As Jesus said: “The Son can do nothing of himself. . . . I can of mine own self do nothing.” (John 5:19, 30.)” – Bruce McConkie
1 Timothy 1:15-17; “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
To imply or even insinuate Jesus isn’t God or that God saved Jesus is heresy. It has no place amongst the true doctrines of Christ, nor does a teaching such as this hold any weight when compared to other teachings in His word. In fact, it contradicts it!
McConkie’s words imply that everyone who doesn’t ascribe to Mormon doctrine is bereft of discernment. How could any Christian believe that Christ hasn’t saved them?
If you don’t believe in Jesus’ power to save you then why call yourself Christian and want/expect the community at large to think of you as such?
If you’re LDS I know and remember well what it felt like when “outsiders” didn’t think I was a Christian. I was Mormon after all! To me that meant an automatic inclusion of my place in Christianity.
What I didn’t realize is that Christians believe Jesus saved them. His blood alone atoned for the sins of man. Even non-believers know that Christians believe this. How is it the Mormon Church doesn’t believe it yet they want to be thought of as a Christian organization? Again, even non-believers know that Jesus is the Christian God.
The only people that don’t believe Jesus Christ atoned for all sins on the cross and came here to earth as God in the flesh are Mormons and non-Christians.
It was a shock to me when I realized this for the first time. I was a tour guide in Germany and four day s a week my duties included escorting civilians and military members from different bases out on the economy, teach basic German, how to ride trains, order food and also to point out historical references for the surrounding villages of where they were stationed.
While pointing out the architectural significance of a church around an Army base near Zweibrucken, Germany a pilot and WW2 vet in my group shared a story of the painted murals inside that particular church. He went into great detail of the story the paintings told, how the church had stayed intact since the early fourteen century and how God uses that church to this day for His glory.
I remember standing there staring at him and my group of tourists wondering why they were wiping tears from their eyes. Matthew 16:18 never crossed my mind. The inside of the church contained floor to ceiling murals of each gospel and the book of Acts, while the ceiling depicted John’s Revelation. I never grew tired of the beautiful paintings that adorn most churches throughout Europe.
The next day as I took another group of tourists from a different military installation down on the economy someone in the group shared the historical aspect of that local church. They told my group of 100 people about a copy of Martin Luther’s 95 Point Thesis that had been posted on the outer doors. I’d never heard of Martin Luther and once again my confusion to the group’s reaction spoke volumes. They asked me if I was a Christian and when I said yes they looked more confused than I was.
The constant reminder of God’s presence in Europe got me to thinking twice about the Mormon Jesus.
“The Son can do nothing of himself. . . . I can of mine own self do nothing.”
That’s like a knife in my heart. Just awful. Talk about twisting Scripture!
It hurts me the most…. A total blasphemy. Never call your self a Christian if you don’t accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
It hurts me the most…. A total blasphemy. Never call your self a Christian if you don’t accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.