March 27 – ‘If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.’ 1 John 1:8-9
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We have been born into sin (John 9:34) and have need for a Savior who can cleanse us from ourselves! Mormons don’t believe they’ve been born under the sin of Adam, (2nd Article of Faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression”). They say man has their own free will to sin or not, yet their own scripture would deny this claim. In a loving manner be sure to ask them why.
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2 Nephi 2:21 “…for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents”.
[…] Denying You’re a Sinner is Deceiving Yourself […]
Luke 18: 9-14…”And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisees stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humble with himself shall be exalted.”
I think the last temple recommend question, sums it up.
#15 Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and participate in Temple ordinances? How does one even answer that? If you are truthful and answer no, I’m not worthy. Then you may not get your recommend. But, even more important, if you answer yes, you are lying to God, yourself and your Bishop.
We are all sinners. Romans 3:10 say’s, “as it is written, There is none righteous no not one:”
The body of Christ recognizes we are sinners, and for that very reason we are in need of a Savior. We are ONLY worthy through Christ Jesus, and not of ourselves. If you believe you can be worthy by yourself, then you don’t need a Savior.
Romans 5:8
Melissa