“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:19-21
These events, similar to an earthquake, are often difficult to predict and come in various levels of intensity—wrestling with questions or doubt, facing affliction or adversity, working through personal offenses with Church leaders, members, doctrine, or policy. The best defense against these lies in our spiritual foundation.
What might spiritual cornerstones of our personal and family lives be? They may be the simple, plain, and precious principles of gospel living—family prayer; scripture study, including the Book of Mormon; temple attendance; and gospel learning through Come, Follow Me and home evening. Other helpful resources to strengthen your spiritual foundation may include the Articles of Faith, the family proclamation, and “The Living Christ.”
For me, the principles included in the questions discussed as part of receiving a temple recommend serve as a strong basis for a spiritual foundation—particularly the first four questions. I see them as spiritual cornerstones.” — Gary E. Stevenson
Luke 24:44 “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”
How very sad for Mr. Stevenson, his family, and anyone else who deems his advice as a trustworthy rule to follow. What he said at General Conference is the exact opposite of what the Lord has told us.
Following His resurrection, Jesus made a special appearance to two of His disciples who were on the road to Emmaus. Not realizing who their new companion was that walked alongside them, they spoke of their grief, and disappointments with recent events in Jerusalem.
After listening to their heartbreaks, Jesus reminded them He had just fulfilled scripture! Everything in the Bible points to Him, and Him alone. There weren’t any others they were to wait upon then, nor in the future.
Everything was fulfilled for both them, and us today beloved. The true cornerstone of our faith must be none other than Christ Jesus. The true redemption of our souls is found in His blood, not some interview questions. Neither is salvation found in the laundry list of must-dos Mr. Stevenson listed.
Verse 27 of this same passage says that Jesus started with Moses, then all the prophets, to show how they all point directly to Him alone.
Luke 24:27 “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Mr. Stevenson has erroneously led people astray on a wild good chase that doesn’t exist. Pray for Mormons to see how Jesus is the answer, not their temple!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle