Today we’re doing things a bit differently. Woo-hoo!
I went on the LDS website and saw a link for “scriptural definition of Christians” and the link took me to their “Gospel Topics” section and this is what it said;
“CHRISTIANS
A name given to believers in Jesus Christ. Although this term is commonly used throughout the world, the Lord has designated true followers of Christ as Saints (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 1 Cor. 1:2; D&C 115:4).
The disciples were called Christians: Acts 11:26;
If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed:1 Pet. 4:16;
Because of the covenant ye shall be called the children of Christ: Mosiah 5:7;
True believers were called Christians by those who were not members of the Church: Alma 46:13–16”.
Now that we know the Mormon definition of Christian, let’s see what Christianity says about this. Holman’s Bible Dictionary defines Christian this way;
“CHRISTIAN (khrihs’ tyan) The Greek Christianos originally applied to the slaves belonging to a great household. It came to denote the adherents of an individual or party. A Christian is an adherent of Christ; one committed to Christ; a follower of Christ. The word is used three times in the New Testament. 1. Believers “were called Christians first in Antioch” because their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ (Acts 11:26). 2. Agrippa responded to Paul’s witness, “Almost thou persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). He spoke of becoming an adherent of Christ. 3. Peter stated that believers who “suffer as a Christian” are to do so for the glory of God (1 Pet. 4:16). A Christian is one who becomes an adherent of Christ, whose daily life and behavior facing adversity is like Christ. Darrell W. Robinson”
Take note of what Holman’s said – the word Christian is used THREE times in the NEW TESTAMENT.
Now take a look at the LDS definition again. The book of Mosiah and Alma were supposedly written in the BC era. BC means BEFORE CHRIST.
How can you be a Christian before Jesus came along?
The words “disciple” and “saint” weren’t exclusive to the New Testament so they’re wrong there as well. Christians couldn’t have been known as disciples or saints of Christ before Jesus was born!
Again from Holman’s Bible Dictionary it says;
Disciple
“Background of Disciple The term “disciple” comes to us in English from a Latin root. Its basic meaning is “learner” or “pupil.” The term is virtually absent from the Old Testament, though there are two related references (1 Chron. 25:8; Isa. 8:16). Robert Sloan”
Saint:
“Old Testament Two words are used for saints: qaddish and chasid. Qaddish comes from the qadosh and means holy. To be holy is to separate oneself from evil and dedicate oneself to God. This separation and union is seen both with things and people. All the items of worship are separated for the Lord’s use: altar (Ex. 29:37), oil (Ex. 30:25), garments (Ex. 31:10), and even the people are to be holy (Ex. 22:31). This separation reflects God’s very character, for He is holy (Lev. 19:2). See Holy; God. Holiness is clearly portrayed as an encounter with the living God, which results in a holiness of life-style (Isa. 6). So holiness is more than a one-time separating and uniting activity. It is a way of life. “Ye shall be holy: for I … am holy” (Lev. 19:2). Saints are people who try to live holy lives (Dan. 7:18-28).
Chasid means “to be kind or merciful.” These are qualities of God. Thus, chasid people are godly people because they reflect His character. Saints praise the Lord for His lifelong favor (Ps. 30:4), rejoice in goodness (2 Chron. 6:41), and know that God keeps their paths (1 Sam. 2:9). God’s encounter with His people through the covenant enables them to walk as His saints. William Vermillion”
When/if you’re witnessing to your Mormon friends and relatives ask them for their opinion on this very important word. Tell them that their opinion matters to you (and it should!) because it matters to God.
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