April 18 – Cult Characteristics. 1 Corinthians 15:16, 29 “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?”
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An organization qualifies itself as a cult by basing an entire doctrine on one, or two verses. This always leaves an open door for errors on translation, and/or for something to be taken out of context. Remember, context is always king!
Paul asked the Corinthians why they were baptizing their dead when they didn’t believe in the resurrection. Most of chapter 15 was Paul’s argument in defense of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The reference below was part of the Church’s missionary tools they once used entitled ’17 Points of a True Church’. Each small card contained a point showing how they’ve fulfilled the requirement they deemed necessary. Today you might find them in LDS bookstores in the US.
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“Point 16. The true church must practice baptism for the dead. 1 Cor. 15:16 and 29.”
Creating an entire doctrine out of one particular verse brings to mind the Mormon belief in Spirit Prison: “By which he also went and preached unto the spirits in prison. For for this cause was the gospel preached to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:19; 1 Peter 4:6)
These scriptures were (intentionally) incorrectly translated by Joe Smith and then preached to his followers as being true revelations from God.
Preaching to spirits in prison, I believe is referencing 2 Timothy 2:26:”And that they may recover themselves from the snare of the devil who has captured them according to his will.” Jesus also spoke of a life free of incarcerations when he said: “If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
The Bible speaks of people being held captive in a spirit prison, right here on earth, The Bible says: “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them that believe not, so that the glorious light of the gospel of Christ , who is the image of God, should be revealed to them (2Corinthians 2:3,4).It is the light of the gospel that frees people from the darkness that is their spirit prison. Spirit prison is right here on earth and is the residence of all those that reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual prison is on earth, where the light of Christ does not shine. Spiritual prison is the place where the souls’ of people are held captive by a dark force (Satan), of who’s existence, most don’t recognize or acknowledge.
The Mormon church finds it easier to believe the words of Joe Smith than it does the almighty God. Shameful and sad, is what it is.
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