January 13 — Jesus Alone Came from Heaven. John 3:13 “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Ensign’
Jesus Alone Came from Heaven
Posted in January, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged Ensign, February 2012, Quentin L. Cook, The Doctrine of the Father on 01/13/2021| Leave a Comment »
LDS Heavenly Father is Godhead President
Posted in Heavenly Father, tagged ‘The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation’, Dallin Oaks false apotle, Ensign, May 2017 on 01/06/2021| Leave a Comment »
Ensign, ‘The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation’, May 2017 “[It is] the province of the Father to preside as the Chief or President, Jesus as the Mediator, and the Holy Ghost as the Testator or Witness.”2 — Dallin H. Oaks (more…)
Last LDS Ensign Points to Magic 8-Ball Liahona
Posted in Ensign, tagged ‘From Banner to Compass’, December 2020, Ensign, Richard M. Romney on 01/01/2021| Leave a Comment »
‘Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.’ John 14:17
Ensign, ‘From Banner to Compass’, December 2020 “For five decades, the Ensign, published in English, stood as a banner “to the nations” 
(Isaiah 5:26), calling to mind the hymn that proclaims, “Zion’s standard is unfurled” (“The Morning Breaks,” Hymns, no. 1). Beginning in January 2021, it merges with the Liahona, the international Church magazine published in multiple languages worldwide. The new Liahona will serve as a spiritual compass guiding us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, as we give “faith and diligence and heed” (1 Nephi 16:28) to the voice of the Lord and His prophets.” — Richard M. Romney (more…)
LDS Disastrous Covenant Definitions
Posted in December, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged ‘Joseph Smith Among the Prophets, ’ June 1994, Ensign, Robert L. Millet on 12/18/2020| 1 Comment »
December 18 — LDS Disastrous Covenant Definitions Isaiah 42:6-7 “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”
Matthew 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (more…)
Rejecting God’s Power
Posted in December, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged ‘Five Marks of the Divinity of Christ, ’ December 2001, Ensign, Ezra Taft Benson on 12/13/2020| 4 Comments »
December 13 — Rejecting God’s Power. Jeremiah 31:22 “How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.”
Matthew 1:18-20 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (more…)
Scripture Fulfillment Lost in Mormonism
Posted in False Prophecies of the Mormon Church, tagged December 2013, Ensign, False Prophecies of Joseph Smith, fulfillment of scripture, Gospel Principles on 12/07/2020| Leave a Comment »
December 7 — Scripture Fulfillment Lost in Mormonism. Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
Luke 1:34-35 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (more…)
Contradictions and Racism Reveal True Mormonism
Posted in contradictions in Mormonism, tagged ‘Good Habits Develop Good Character’, Delbert L Stapley, Ensign, November 1974 on 12/02/2020| Leave a Comment »
Ensign, ‘Good Habits Develop Good Character’, November 1974, 20 “We are not born into this world with fixed habits. Neither do we inherit a noble character. … Confucius said that the nature of men is always the same. It is their habits that separate them. Good habits are not acquired simply by making good resolves, though the thought must precede the action. Good habits are developed in the workshop of our daily lives. It is not in the great moments of test and trial that character is built. That is only when it is displayed. The habits that direct our lives and form our character are fashioned in the often uneventful, commonplace routine of life. They are acquired by practice.” — Delbert L. Stapley (more…)
LDS: Our Light Doesn’t Shine Brightly Enough
Posted in False Prophecies of the Mormon Church, tagged Ensign, May 1987, Neal Maxwell, Overcome even as I overcame on 11/21/2020| 3 Comments »
‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.’ Matthew 5:14
Ensign, ‘Overcome Even as I Overcame’, May 1987 “To help us become true disciples, the Lord has given us prophets and scriptures to strengthen us…
Feasting upon the fulness of the gospel will help us to overcome. Additionally, if we will keep our covenants, the covenants will keep us spiritually safe. …
However, our collective light does not yet shine brightly enough to be “a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5).”
The Church would grow much faster now, numerically and spiritually, if it were not for the wickedness of the world…
It would also grow much faster if you and I were better by taking up the Christian cross daily (see Luke 9:23) …
Ours will be a time of great inversion as well as perversion, as some will call good evil and evil good (see Isa. 5:20; 2 Ne. 15:20; D&C 64:16; 2 Ne. 2:5). …
Peace has already been taken from the earth (see D&C 1:35).
Nation will rise against nation (see Matt. 24:7). It will also be a time of hardening as the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds (see D&C 45:27).” — Neal Maxwell (more…)
Witnessing Tip of the Day October 23 –– Jesus, not Joseph is from the Davidic Line
Posted in October, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged Bruce McConkie, Come Hear the Voice of the Lord, December 1985, Ensign, Joseph Smith chosen one of God on 10/23/2018| Leave a Comment »
October 23 –– Jesus, not Joseph is from the Davidic Line. Jeremiah 33:14-15; “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. 15 ¶ In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.”
Luke 3:23-31; “And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, 24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi… 31 …which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David”. (more…)
Mormon Terminology: Ensign
Posted in Mormon Terminology, tagged Ensign, Marion Romney, utah on 11/23/2016| Leave a Comment »
Conference Report, Afternoon Meeting, April, 1961, p. 119; “This Church is the standard which Isaiah said the Lord would set up for the people in the latter days. This Church was given to be a light to the world and to be a standard for God’s people and for the Gentiles to seek to. This Church is the ensign on the mountain spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. It is the way, the truth, and the life.” – Marion Romney
Mormon Dilemma 705
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged 1 Cor 11:3, bible, Ensign, false doctrines of Mormonism, Jesus, Jesus the head of the church, July 1972, lds church, Mormon prophet answers to no one on 09/07/2013| Leave a Comment »
Church Government
Ensign, July 1972, “We are Called of God”; “…The Twelve are accountable to the prophet, and not the Church, for the course they pursue…If we are to take that same principle and apply it at the ward level, we can see that the bishop, who is considered the father of his ward and who leads his ward with judiciousness and love and patience and kindness, is nonetheless not answerable to the members of his ward, but instead is answerable to the Lord and to those priesthood leaders who preside over him. The bishop is answerable for the members of his ward but not necessarily answerable to the members of his ward.
The church of Jesus Christ, then, is organized from the top down.” – Loren C. Dunn, First Council of the Seventy
Mormon Dilemma 631
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged apostates, bible, Christianity, Ensign, false doctrines of Mormonism, James Faust, Jesus, salvation on 06/26/2013| 5 Comments »
Apostates must Suffer
We’re taking a look at the latest Ensign and want to provide pointers on how to use this as a witnessing tool for your Mormon loved ones!
Ensign, “Dear are the Sheep that have Wandered”, June 2013; “My dear brothers and sisters and friends, my message this morning is one of hope and solace to heartbroken parents who have done their best to rear their children in righteousness with love and devotion but have despaired because their child has rebelled or been led astray to follow the path of evil and destruction…Successful parents are those who have sacrificed and struggled to do the best they can in their own family circumstances.”
Mormon Dilemma 280
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged bible, Christianity, Come What May and Love It, Ensign, Eph. 2:8-9, Jesus, Joseph Wirthlin, Nov 2008 pg 28 on 06/10/2012| Leave a Comment »
For Satan so Tricked their Minds…
Ensign, November 2008, pg 28; “‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.’ The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in.” – Joseph Wirthin, “Come What May and Love It”
Mormon Dilemma 120
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged Book of Mormon, Christianity dead after the apostles, Ensign, false doctrines, Jesus, Mormon apostle Joseph Wirthlin, mormonism on 12/15/2011| 9 Comments »
Whom Did the Lord Choose?
Ensign, Jan. 2006, 34-35; “In a surprisingly short time, the [ancient] Church disassembled. Without Apostles, the Church lost its anchor and began to drift on every wind of doctrine. Spiritual gifts disappeared, revelations ceased, the keys to the priesthood were lost, ordinances changed. Ultimately, the purity of our Lord’s gospel began to meld with other doctrines, beliefs, and practices. Philosophies and political influences began to infiltrate and transform the Church.
“During the centuries that followed, the light dimmed even further. President Thomas S. Monson . . . explained: ‘The dark ages of history seemed never to end.’ . . .
“At first a few great reformers began to speak out. When John Wycliffe completed the first English translation of the entire Bible, those in authority did all they could to destroy it. Many of Wycliffe’s followers were severely punished.
“Jan Hus, another fearless reformer who spoke against corruption in the church, was chained by the neck to a stake and burned.
“Thousands of others heroically searched for the truth and risked their all as they sought to worship God according to the dictates of their consciences.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Restoration and Faith”
Mormon Dilemma 115
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged Ensign, false doctrine, Follow the Spirit, Jesus, Julie Beck, mormonism, obedience, salvation on 12/12/2011| Leave a Comment »
Follow the Spirit
Ensign, May 2010, pg 12; “We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit.” – Julie B. Beck, “And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit”
Mormon Jesus 2011
Posted in Mormon Jesus, tagged bible, Christianity, Dallin Oaks, Ensign, false doctrines, Jesus, Jesus was created, salvation on 11/04/2011| 13 Comments »
The Mormon Jesus
Ensign Article November 2011, “The Teachings of Jesus”
We could sit at our computers all day, every day of the year to write and publish articles and that’d be okay. However, none of those articles mean anything or can do anything if we don’t have the right understanding of Jesus.
Mormon Dilemma 92
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged bible, Book of Mormon Timeline, Ensign, false gospel, Jesus, mormonism, Mulek, salvation on 11/03/2011| 1 Comment »
Book of Mormon Timeline
Today’s dilemma is filled with many subject matters for the Mormon and non-Mormon alike to explore in the Book of Mormon.
While perusing the latest edition of the monthly LDS magazine, Ensign, I came upon a section called “Book of Mormon Timeline”. Since this kind of fits in with the false prophecy we talked about yesterday we thought it’d be a good thing to look at! Here is the link for the Ensign article;
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/10/book-of-mormon-time-line?lang=eng
Solid Rock or Sinking Sand?
Posted in Solid Rock or Sinking Sand?, tagged bishops, Book of Mormon, Brigham Young, Ensign, false prophets, Jesus, joseph smith, Journal of Discourse, mormonism, prophecy, salvation, Solid Rock or Sinking Sand on 05/11/2011| 1 Comment »
Mormonism: Solid Rock or Sinking Sand?
Not long ago I heard an old hymn for the first time that many of you are probably familiar with; it’s called “The Solid Rock”. As I read over the words to this wonderful song I thought of the LDS Church, and how their doctrines are not centered on Jesus Christ.
Families are Forever
Posted in Families are Forever, tagged bible, Ensign, false gospel, false prophet, families are forever, freedom, grace, Jesus, mormonism, truth on 01/16/2011| Leave a Comment »
ARE FAMILIES REALLY FOREVER?
I was reminded of a familiar phrase well known by church members this past week when I received my LDS-Gems e-mail of the day. The topic was about the Families are Forever plan the LDS Church promotes to its members.
While I have entertained many questions about this doctrine throughout the years, I was saddened and perplexed by the content of the message that had originated from an article in the November 1996 issue of the Ensign. The message was delivered by Robert D. Hales, one of the apostles for the LDS Church.
The very first line of the e-mail said the following: “While our individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family.”
“Wow”, I thought to myself, “am I ever thankful this isn’t truth”! It reminded me of what it says in 2 Nephi 25:23; “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” Just those two teachings from the Church have me exhausted already! It is certainly all about mortal man and his obedience to perform good works and then if he got anything wrong, Jesus will be the sweep-up man “just in case”.
In contrast, here is what Paul said in Romans 2:12; “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.”
If I am the one responsible for making sure I get to heaven then I am doomed from the get-go. I am unworthy to live under the Law of Moses. I do want to obey; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak – Matthew 26:41. I am unworthy because of my sin. I am absolutely certain I would not go to heaven if my salvation was dependent upon the Law.
The first thing that comes to mind is that I am without a temple to perform sacrifices unto God. The LDS temples we see dotting various landscapes throughout the world are not patterned after the specifications of what our Holy and Righteous God commanded the Israelites must build when He gave them the Law.
Next, I am without a proper sacrifice to offer to God. Now I could probably come up with enough money to purchase a sacrifice outside the walls of the temple from those who sell that commodity. But where am I going to find a temple? Would I even know which sacrifice to purchase to give to the priests inside the temple so they could sacrifice in my name? There are 613 laws in the Old Testament. If I am to live by obedience to get me into heaven, I have a lot of studying and behavior modification to take into consideration and get performing!
Then and only then, I see in 2nd Nephi that I have the privilege of looking to Jesus and honoring his name by knowing he died after I did all my duties to obey the Law of Moses. It reminds me of a friend of mine. She was expecting company to come in from out of town that she hadn’t seen in years. She wanted everything to be perfect for the visit so she invested almost $500 to have a cleaning brigade come in and help her in advance. Before they got there she spent an entire week bleaching walls, scrubbing floors and washing windows so no one would see the “real Janet”. I felt so badly for her. She was in a complete mess by the anticipated arrival of family members. They stayed for a few days, but most of their time was spent site-seeing and very little time was spent in her ultra-clean home.
To the members of the LDS Church: are you racing around like Janet trying to clean things up before Jesus’ arrival? I guarantee you; it’ll never be enough when you don’t believe your salvation is free! Hebrews 10:5-6 tells us that God isn’t interested in your sacrifices. “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.”
The other part of that first sentence in the e-mail I received gave me more things to think about as well. “…, it is equally important we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family.”
For those who are not intimately aware of what this really means, here’s the translation: If you do not go to the temple and take oaths to be sealed to your family for eternity you will not be going to the highest level of heaven, the Celestial Kingdom. For the Mormon, this is where “true salvation” is found.
The Teachings of Joseph Smith, pg. 300 says this; “Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. But those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory.”
Here’s reality with the family I was born into – my parents are divorced – an eternity for them is being in the same room together for longer than five minutes. I am fully aware I am not the only person that has been Mormon with this situation.
So – if I were still a member of the LDS Church, with whom would I be spending eternity with? My father isn’t active and my step-mother is; while my mother is very active, but my step-father isn’t active at all. Let’s complicate the matter a little further by imagining that my husband and I were active, as well as his parents. Do we live with his family or mine? What if our kids get married and have a family – if they decide not to reside with us wouldn’t that negate the phrase “Families are Forever”?
Tired yet? I know I am and I also know that this must be what goes on in the minds of many Mormons. Just think of all the time wasted on the “I wonder if’s” in life instead of the one sure thing – that being Christ Jesus! 2 Cor. 10:5 tells us to hold all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. Philippians 4:8 says whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute and worthy of praise; these are the things that we are to have our minds dwell upon. Does the scenario of possibilities with my family exemplify these admonitions from Paul?
When I presented my mother with her reality, she told me it wasn’t for her to worry about here on earth; she’ll be getting all those answers after she dies. I’ve no doubt she will and it’s what makes me so sad for her.
As we read further into the “Gem” of the day we see the following:
“It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families. If we return home alone to our Heavenly Father, we will be asked, ‘Where is the rest of the family?’ This is why we teach that families are forever. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family.””
Again, all I can say is “wow” as I shake my head in bewilderment. If you choose to believe you must work your way to heaven, so be it. I’d never say that I agree with your precepts; however you’re free to worship as you see fit. The issue I have is with the doctrines of the LDS Church. They are in exact opposition to the most basic teachings of historical Judeo-Christian theology.
My heart is sad all over again not just for my mother, but for all Mormons as well when I read statements like the one made by Mr. Hales, the LDS apostle. What a burden it must be for the Mormon believing they are responsible for the salvation of those in their family as well as for themselves. Talk about a guilt trip!
In the Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith’s Teachings it says; “The question is frequently asked “Can we not be saved without going through with all those ordinances, &c.?” I would answer, No, not the fullness of salvation. Jesus said, “There are many mansions in my Father’s house, and I will go and prepare a place for you.” House here named should have been translated kingdom; and any person who is exalted to the highest mansion has to abide a celestial law, and the whole law too. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 6:184).”
To show that I am not taking things out of context let’s take a look at yet another doctrine of the LDS Church. It’s fascinating, the more I read about the necessity of being sealed to family members, the more incredible the story becomes.
The Doctrines of Salvation 2:173-5 says; “When everything gets finished, we will all be one family…And we will all be subject to our first progenitor, Adam, Michael, the archangel, who has been appointed and given authority under Jesus Christ to stand at the head and preside over all his posterity….There will be cases where some of our ancestors will not be worthy and will drop out, but the links will have to be joined without them…And, therefore, when the Prophet says we cannot be exalted without them, he is thinking of the family connections-generation to generation. And if we are going to sit down and do nothing…we are just setting ourselves off on the side.”
Let’s take a good look at what God says in the Bible about works and our salvation. Galatians 2:20-1 says; “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
It wouldn’t matter where you turn in Mormonism, the message is pretty clear. Sure, they say that they believe Jesus is the Son of God; why yes, they also say He was crucified for man’s sin and then resurrected on the third day so that we can live forever with Him.
Tell me though my friend, where in the above LDS teachings did you see anything said about the cross? I saw they exalted Adam and named him as Michael the archangel, which of course isn’t true either. They exalted man, a created being, and tried lowering the status of Jesus. His blood means nothing according to what Paul says if living by righteousness is needed.
There’s something else that needs attention to this matter. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 22:23-29; “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”
Obviously the Sadducees had a few issues and Jesus answered them plainly letting everyone know the ways of the Lord God in heaven. Isn’t it interesting that when we have our minds set on earthly things we cannot, or will not, believe there are other things possible that man cannot imagine?
This is another example of what happens when man exalts himself and chooses to de-glorify Christ Jesus. How much of a “coincidence” do you think it is that this passage of scripture is in the Bible? It’s just like what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10; “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.”
The real New and Everlasting Covenant is Christ Jesus, God’s perfect Sacrificial Lamb provided for you. You can read about it in the book of Hebrews chapters 7-10; Jesus is the only one who holds the priesthood now. The New and Everlasting Covenant is not that of marriage in the LDS temple. You’ve been lied to my friend and we are praying that you know the truth because we are convinced that in your hearts you truly want to know and love the Jesus of the Bible!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
1 Cor, 1:18
Ensign and Journal of Discourses
Posted in Ensign, tagged bible, blasphemy, Ensign, false prophecy, false prophet, Jesus, mormonism, polygamy, racism, truth on 01/12/2011| Leave a Comment »
The Ensign and Journal of Discourses
The LDS Church’s claim to fame is that they are “the only true church” of Jesus Christ on the earth. Members learn their church leaders are “called” by God and upon receiving a calling to serve in the Church you are told that it’s God who is calling you to this position, not the person behind the desk. They say they have a living prophet and this person is the “mouthpiece” of the Lord. He is said to receive modern day revelation from God for the members of the Church.
The Journal of Discourses is a compilation of various General Conference sermons that were given from November 1, 1853 to May 17 1886 by past and prominent leaders of the LDS Church. The sermons from these men used to be considered scripture. At the time, the Saints believed what these people said and believed these men were speaking for God. Nowadays they are not printed by the Church anymore and when members ask about them they are told the Church doesn’t recognize them as scripture or doctrine. They are considered as their past leader’s opinion, yet there are many revelations in the Journals that are supposed to be eternal and/or to always be practiced.
Here is what Apostle Albert Carrington said about the Journals;
“We take great pleasure in presenting to the Saints and the world … the JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES, which they will find contains rich treasures of information concerning the glorious principles of Eternal Life, as revealed through God’s anointed servants in these last days. All who read the discourses contained in this volume are earnestly recommended to adapt them to their lives by practice, and we can confidently assure them that, in doing so, they are laying up a store of knowledge that will save and exalt them in the Celestial kingdom.”
In the Journals you’ll find various quotes on such subjects as polygamy, whites mixing with blacks, blood atonement, and blacks holding the priesthood. (In the case of blacks holding the priesthood, it wasn’t supposed to happen until the millennium.)
Below are a few quotes from Brigham Young on the Church’s view on the above subjects:
White’s Mixing Their Seed with Blacks:
“Shall I tell you the law of God to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God is death on the spot. This will always be so.” Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 10.
Polygamy:
“The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy. Others attain unto a glory and may even be permitted to come into the presence of the Father and the Son; but they cannot reign as kings in glory, because they had blessing offered unto them, and they refused to accept them. “Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 11.
Blacks and the Priesthood:
“When all the other children of Adam have had the privilege of receiving the Priesthood, and of coming into the kingdom of God, and of being redeemed from the four quarters of the earth, and have received their resurrection from the dead, then it will be time enough to remove the curse from Cain and his posterity. He deprived his brother of the privilege of pursuing his journey through life, and of extending his kingdom by multiplying upon the earth; and because he did this, he is the last to share the joys of the kingdom of God.” Brigham Young, Volume 10.
These sermons were coming from a prophet, someone speaking for the Lord. Since these things happened before they were supposed to or were done way with, does that make Brigham Young and other LDS prophets, false prophets? The Bible has a very clear test for false or true prophets when someone declares themselves to be a prophet.
In Deuteronomy 18:20-22 we learn that if a person calling themselves a prophet is wrong one time, they are a false prophet and false prophets do exist. Why would Jesus and the apostles warn us about them if they didn’t? (Matthew 24:11) Paul also warned the people about false prophets and teachers in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Here he said these people may appear to be apostles of Jesus, but even Satan can appear good and as an angel of light.
It seems the Church can’t make its mind up about whether God changes or not. Some LDS scripture will say God never changes, that he is the same always, while others say that God does change his mind on doctrinal things. As a Christian I know God never, ever changes. He knows all; he won’t implement a doctrine then change his mind because he knows how it’s going to work out from the beginning.
Today the LDS Church has a monthly publication called the Ensign which carries various articles about different teachings or insights pertaining to the LDS religion. The first publication was in January 1971 along with two other LDS magazines, the Friend and New Era. The issues for May and November are the General Conference issues which contain the talks given by a few leaders in the Church at General Conference in April and October.
Much like the Journal of Discourses used to be considered scripture, these issues are also considered scripture. I was taught I should keep the current Conference Ensign right by my scriptures. I was to study it and treat it as such; it was “scripture” until the new one came out. Then I was to replace the old issue with the new one.
Like the Conference issue of the Ensign, the sermons in the Journal of Discourses were and are given in front of the LDS people. They aren’t given in the barber shop or across a backyard fence, so they can’t be just opinions. Joseph Smith once said “A prophet of God is only a prophet when acting as such” (Joseph Smith History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by B.H Roberts) When a prophet addresses the followers of the Church in conference or in a sermon they are “acting as such”.
In a popular LDS Hymn called “We Thank Thee, O God for a Prophet”, the end of the first line reads:
“We thank thee for every blessing, bestowed by thy bounteous hand.
We feel it a pleasure to serve thee, and love to obey thy commands.”
These men were “acting as such” when they stood up to speak to the members of the Church. What they say when speaking to the members is doctrine like the hymn says; they want to obey what the prophet commands. They want to listen to and obey what these men say because they trust that they won’t lead the LDS people astray.
If the LDS Church is “the only true church” on the face of the earth, how is it their doctrines keep changing? I would think “the only true church” would have the same doctrines and beliefs from the beginning to the present. What Brigham Young taught about polygamy and whites mixing with blacks is no longer considered doctrine. I would think an all knowing, all powerful LDS god would know the hurt and damage those “doctrines” would cause his children and he would swiftly correct any so called prophet when he spoke those things.
I wonder how long before all the things that the LDS believe now will soon be “not doctrinal”. Will they not be allowed to refer to books or past Conference talks by leaders such as Gordon B. Hinckley, Neal Maxwell or Thomas S. Monson? Will what they taught be considered “just their opinions” and the Church doesn’t recognize that has doctrine?
I am very grateful to my Father in Heaven. I am glad that I have the Bible, God’s word as “A lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105. God’s word is his will for all of us. I pray the LDS people will realize this and come to the Jesus of the Bible.
I was listening to a pastor on the radio today who said, “Satan likes to use the Christian vocabulary, but not the Christian dictionary”.
In Romans 16:17-18, Paul is telling us that sure, someone may come to you with a wonderful message and it may sound really good, but if it is contrary to what I taught you then stay away from it. You may have someone come to you using all the right words, all the “Christian vocabulary”, but they don’t have the correct desire behind it. They want to lead away from the Jesus of the Bible, to another Jesus and another gospel.
In Galatians 1: 8-9, Paul continues to warn us about false prophets and teachers. He says if an angel of light, or even if I preach a different gospel than what I have taught you from the beginning, don’t listen to it.
As you can see Jesus and his apostles were very concerned that others would come along and deceive his followers. Jesus loves us so much. He doesn’t want any of us to latch on to other gospels that will take us away from him. He wants all of us to be with him in Heaven.
My hope is that the LDS people would truly study their Bibles and see what their Church teaches versus what Jesus taught.
Melissa Grimes
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