General Conference, ‘Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers,’ October 1999; “I reiterate: there are false prophets and false teachers who have or at least claim to have membership in the Church. … they attempt to redefine the nature of the Godhead … False prophets and false teachers are those who arrogantly attempt to fashion new interpretations of the scriptures to demonstrate that these sacred texts should not be read as God’s words to His children but merely as the utterances of uninspired men, limited by their own prejudices and cultural biases. … They argue, therefore, that the scriptures require new interpretation and that they are uniquely qualified to offer that interpretation.” – M. Russell Ballard
2 Corinthians 11:13-14; “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light”.
Today we’re taking a look at Mr. Ballard’s warning, and diligently pray Mormons take heed to his crucial message!
Ballard argues there are false prophets and teachers in the Church, and you can tell who they are when they try to do the following things listed below. Ironically enough (or maybe not!), they’ve pointed to themselves as the guilty party.
1.Redefine the nature of the Godhead. Joe Smith did this – see TPJS, p. 372.
2.Arrogantly fashion new interpretations of scripture – Article of Faith #8.
3.Demonstrate the sacred texts shouldn’t be read as God’s words to His people – See Orson Hyde.
4.Teach people that sacred texts are merely the utterances of uninspired men.
5.Argue for a new interpretation of scripture. This applies to all of Mormonism.
6.Proclaim only they are uniquely qualified to interpret God’s message. See Witnessing Tip March 18.
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