Today we’re looking at a couple of his comments and comparing them with what the Bible says. To read Mr. Stevenson’s talk in full, see General Conference, ‘Deceive Me Not,’ October 2019. Here we go!
“Wickedness Never Was Happiness …
Obedience to commandments given to our prophet is a key not only in avoiding the influence of the deceiver but also in experiencing lasting joy and happiness. …
…in the same way that the adversary tried to deceive Moses, he seeks to trick you. He has always pretended to be something that he is not. He always attempts to hide who he truly is. …
Oh the irony in this man’s words…
Mr. Stevenson was referring to the Book of Moses where it tells the story of Moses being enticed by Satan to turn over his kingdom just like the biblical account of when Satan tried to trick Jesus – Matthew 4:1-11.
Moses 1:25-26 “And calling upon the name of God, he beheld his glory again, for it was upon him; and he heard a voice, saying: Blessed art thou, Moses, for I, the Almighty, have chosen thee, and thou shalt be made stronger than many waters; for they shall obey thy command as if thou wert God. 26 And lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days; for thou shalt deliver my people from bondage, even Israel my chosen.”
The problem is obvious – we hope! Why was Moses using the same phrases Jesus used? Moreover, why was Smith plagiarizing a book he condemned?
The words written so many centuries ago by a Book of Mormon prophet are especially relevant for our day: “Wickedness never was happiness.” [14] May we recognize Satan’s deceptions for what they are. May we withstand and see through the lies and influences of the one who seeks to destroy our souls and steal from us our present joy and future glory.
This time Mr. Stevenson was referring to Alma 41:10 which states –
“Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.”
The problem is that it contradicts another LDS scripture from Moses 5:10-11 –
“And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. 11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.”
It’s amazing how twisted this man’s words became. The longer he spoke, the worse it got. I can’t imagine what it’d be like as a Mormon trying to figure this out. Our hearts are sickened by the depths of deception.
Mr. Stevenson’s parting words were another reminder to listen to, and follow the prophet and his leaders.
My dear brothers and sisters, we must continue to be faithful and vigilant, for so is the only way to discern truth and to hear the voice of the Lord through His servants. …
“For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. … These things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.” — Gary E. Stevenson
Be sure you’re diligently praying for these dear people to escape the web of lies they’re ensnared in!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle