Today we’re looking at a small portion of the latest Church Handbook. To say it was disheartening would be an understatement. Sadly, however, it was the typical thing one would expect from LDS, inc.
Near the beginning of their lesson plan, you’ll find a systematic method of pointing to their belief in godhood status, and the importance of being self-reliant, both spiritually, and temporally.
We’ve listed some of the bullet-point topics from this section below, and compared them to what the Bible says. Our remarks are in red font. To read their lesson in full, see General Handbook Work of Salvation.
“God’s Plan and Your Role in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation
The work of salvation and exaltation focuses on four divinely appointed responsibilities. These are outlined below. …
We come unto Christ and assist in God’s work by:
- Living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Obeying LDS leaders, follow the prophet. Remember that our identity is found in Jesus, and Him alone beloved! Galatians 2:20
- Caring for those in need.
- Those in need is usually reserved for members.
- Inviting all to receive the gospel.
- ‘Every member a missionary’, which means more work.
- Uniting families for eternity.
- AKA, baptisms for the dead. The Bible says there’s no such thing in 1 Corinthians 15:29, and today is the day of salvation 2 Corinthians 6:2.
This handbook will help you understand these four aspects of God’s work. The Holy Ghost will guide you as you do your part in fulfilling them (see 2 Nephi 32:5).”
Here’s what it says in 2nd Nephi…
“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” c. BC 559-545
Note the date. This supposedly took place c. BC 559-545. The first time the Holy Spirit fell on people was at Pentecost, c. 33 AD. Acts 2:1-13.
1.2.1
…Living the gospel of Jesus Christ includes:
Shouldn’t living the gospel of Christ mean obeying the 2 greatest commandments like Jesus told us in Matthew 22:36-40?
- Exercising faith in Christ, repenting daily, making covenants with God as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and enduring to the end by keeping those covenants (see 5.1).
- Works, works, works. This isn’t faith in Christ, this is works for salvation!
- What happened to Ephesians 2:8-9?
…
- Becoming self-reliant in providing for ourselves and our families, both spiritually and temporally.”
- If you want to be spiritually self-reliant, why go to all the trouble of proclaiming Jesus as your Redeemer? It’d be less laborious if you just claimed you’re the way to heaven.
We pray that if you’re LDS, you will consider what we’ve said here. More importantly, however, we pray you’ll read what Jesus says in His word!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Well said Michelle,
LDS INC”… So true…it’s more like a multi-billion $ corporation than a church. Corporations have presidents, where in the bible did Jesus elect a president? He had 12 deciples not 15.
But in all fairness, Christians struggle with being self-reliant. We as human beings feel a sense of accomplishment when we’re able to take care of ourselves without relying on anyone else. We just need to always remember Who ultimately provides the means to take care of ourselves. And to never forget that Jesus ALONE is the only way. Works can’t save us.
Works alone can’t save us, as you said. But remember that faith without works is dead. (See James 2)
Jesus alone is the way, and a vibrant faith will inspire good works that manifest that faith.
Sorry, I don’t understand what you’re saying about baptism for the dead. You claim the bible says there is no such thing, and then cite a verse that talks about the practice to show that there will be a resurrection of the dead.
Where in this verse does it say that there is no such thing?
Hi Voro,
Where in 1 Corinthians 15:29 or in any of the previous, or later verses does God COMMAND us to baptize the dead? Where are the specific instructions? Paul is being rhetorical here…Why are THEY (those people over there), not why are we baptizing for the dead. Followed with instructions on how and why we should baptize for the dead. God doesn’t need our help, it’s His kingdom not ours, He alone decides who spends eternity with Him. It was and still is considered a pagan ritual. 1 Corinthians 15:29 is referring to denying the resurrection. Not instructing us to baptize for the dead.
As for James 2… He is referring to a dead faith. Real faith produces the good works, because we have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. The Holy Spirit doesn’t exist in a dead/shallow profession of faith. God knows our heart, so we don’t have to prove ourselves by our by what we do, but it’s by what Jesus has already done. It’s only by Jesus are we made righteous, not by what we do.
Hope this helps
Melissa
Excellent explanation. It clarified things for me too.
So you referenced a bible verse to prove your point that doesn’t actually prove your point because it requires extraneous information to say what you want it to say.
I never understood the claim that Paul would appeal to a pagan ritual to prove his point on the resurrection. Seems like a thorny path to legitimize paganism when it suits you, since then pagan-associated individuals could use the same logic to justify other activities that may not be quite as suitable for a Christian. Q: “Why are THEY baptizing for the dead?” A: “Maybe because THEY believe in a resurrection of the dead, but if they’re nothing but pagans, then why do we care what they believe?”
Saying that God doesn’t need our help is also a really odd statement. Why do you witness at all? God doesn’t need your help, He can decide who enters His kingdom all on His own. Luckily, though, there actually is a verse to address this (Matthew 28:19, among others), so we don’t have to guess at what God wants or doesn’t want. We are to do the work. Though He still gets to decide who enters His kingdom, naturally.
As for the James 2 part, what you said seems to be the same as what I was saying, so I’m glad we can agree on something.
The blasphemy that is taught by mormon prophets, over and over again, that our Savior and Lord was a really good man is heartbreaking. No one can become god, period. He is I AM. His ways and thoughts are not like ours at all…see Isaiah 55:8-9. He is beyond any imagination we have in understanding His Holiness, Glory, Beauty, Mercy, Justice….must not forget that aspect of Him. Amazing grace brought me to truth and sight. Hallelujah!