June 22 – What are Gospel Ordinances? Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Posts Tagged ‘ordinances’
What are Gospel Ordinances?
Posted in June, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged false doctrines of Mormonism, Gospel Through the Ages pp 118-119, marriage in temple mandatory for salvation, Milton Hunter, ordinances on 06/22/2023| 3 Comments »
Jesus. Our Priest and King!
Posted in November, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged born again, false prophet Joseph Smith, ordinances, TPJS p 162 on 11/27/2021| 2 Comments »
November 27 — Jesus. Our Priest and King! Zechariah 6:12-13 “And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”
Hebrews 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” (more…)
Strength Comes ONLY from Ordinances, not God
Posted in General Conference April 2021, tagged ordinances, Restoration, Russell Nelson, TheChurchNews.com on 05/14/2021| 2 Comments »
As an update to this post – I somehow forgot to include some verses about finding strength in the Lord – yikes!
Psalm 28:7-8, 37:39, 59:9; Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 45:24…and the list goes on!
TheChurchNews.com “The word that defines counsel and direction from President Nelson during general conference — ‘faith’ …
Temples are a vital part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness,” he said. “Ordinances of the temple fill our lives with power and strength — available in no other way. We thank God for those blessings.” — Russell Nelson [emp. added] (more…)
Gospel Ordinances?
Posted in June, tagged false doctrines of Mormonism, Gospel Through the Ages pp 118-119, marriage in temple mandatory for salvation, Milton Hunter, ordinances on 06/22/2019| Leave a Comment »
June 22 – Ordinances. Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Tip of the Day November 27 — Jesus. Our Priest and King!
Posted in November, Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged born again, false prophet Joseph Smith, ordinances, TPJS p 162 on 11/27/2018| Leave a Comment »
November 27 — Jesus. Our Priest and King! Zechariah 6:12-13 “And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”
Hebrews 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” (more…)
Worst Quotes of Joseph Smith – Born Again
Posted in Discourses and Lectures, tagged born again, BYU Devotional, ordinances, Truman Madsen 2004 on 07/23/2017| 1 Comment »
Ephesians 4:29; “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
On October 26, 2004 Truman Madsen, Emeritus BYU Professor, was the keynote speaker at one of BYU’s devotionals in Idaho. The name of his talk was ‘The Foundation of Temple Worship’.
Beginning today and for the next few days, we’re taking a look at the significant comments made in this speech.
No Grace in Mormonism
Posted in False Prophecies of the Mormon Church, tagged grace v works for salvation, law, no grace in Mormonism, ordinances on 07/21/2017| Leave a Comment »
Journal of Discourses 13:233; “The Gospel of the Son of God that has been revealed is a plan or system of laws and ordinances, by strict obedience to which the people who inhabit this earth are assured that they may return again into the presence of the Father and the Son.” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, February 20, 1870
Witnessing Tip of the Day June 23
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged false doctrines of Mormonism, grace, ordinances, salvation on 06/23/2016| Leave a Comment »
June 23 Jesus said the two most important things to observe is to love the Lord with all your heart and love others as yourself. The only ordinances for a Christian is the Lord’s Supper (communion), and baptism. Ask your Mormon friend why they have so many ordinances to fulfill for salvation when it’s already been given to them as a gift.
Witnessing Tip of the Day June 22
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged false apostle, false doctrines of Mormonism, Gospel Through the Ages pp 118-119, marriage in temple mandatory for salvation, Milton Hunter, ordinances on 06/22/2016| Leave a Comment »
June 22 – Ordinances. Acts 2:38; “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Discovering Grace – Prayer
Posted in Discovering Grace, tagged Discovering Grace, false doctrines of Mormonism, ordinances, Prayer on 07/29/2015| 1 Comment »
The ability to communicate directly with God in prayer is one of the greatest blessings a believer possesses, and yet it’s the one thing many don’t access very often (myself included). When I take the time to think about why my prayer life isn’t what I’d like to be I have to admit that it has a lot to do with laziness, and pretty much just letting the business of life take over my time. Also it has to do with feeling my prayers are weak, and not knowing what I should say, or how I should say it. Anyone else ever feel that way?
Covenants Connects Us to Heaven
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged covenants, false teachers, Kevin Worthen, LDS Church News June 2015, ordinances on 06/15/2015| 1 Comment »
LDS Church News, June 5, 2015, ‘Covenants Connects Us to Heaven’
Today’s dilemma is about a speech delivered by BYU President Kevin Worthen and we’re wondering…
Are covenants the means by which we’re connected to God as the LDS Church stated last week, or is it ordinances? Oh, and what about Jesus? Does He play any part?
BYU President Kevin Worthen gave a speech at the Marriott Center BYU Women’s Conference earlier in the month that was published by Deseret News on June 5, 2015.
Sunday School Old Testament: Lesson 44
Posted in Sunday School - Old Testament, tagged Ezekiel, ordinances, Sunday school, temple on 04/08/2014| Leave a Comment »
When I began to read over this next lesson I couldn’t help but shake my head and sigh in disgust at its objective. The “purpose” is:
“To encourage class members to partake of the life-giving, healing powers that are available in the temple.”
In lesson 43 we left off in Ezekiel chapter 37, where Ezekiel has a prophecy of the Lord’s sanctuary, and we learned what this meant to us and to the Jews. The following lesson begins in chapters 43-44 where Ezekiel has a vision of the millennial temple, and the glory of God returning and fulfilling the temple with His glory.
LDS Sunday School OT Lesson 30
Posted in Sunday School - Old Testament, tagged David, false doctrines of Mormonism, LDS Sunday School OT Lesson #30, necromancy, ordinances, sacrifices, Solomon, temples on 03/27/2014| Leave a Comment »
The name of this week’s lesson is “Come to the House of the Lord” and it centers on activities that take place in the OT temple and the LDS temples today.
I’m starting this review with quoting the very last thing the teacher’s instruction manual said for lesson #30.
“Challenge class members to be more dedicated in their study of the scriptures.”
Thought of the Day about Mormonism and the Sacrament
Posted in Thought of the Day about Mormonism, tagged bible, bread and water, Christianity, false doctrines of Mormonism, false prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus, Mormon sacrament, ordinances on 07/13/2012| Leave a Comment »
Thought of the Day about Mormonism and the Sacrament
I encourage everyone to go to the link below and check out the two pictures that rotate on this page from the Church’s website. http://www.lds.org/ensign?lang=eng
One is a picture of bread and water while the other is a picture of Joe Smith kneeling in prayer, arms tightly folded while people are laying hands on his head and praying.
My focus on this set of pictures for this quick thought today is the bread and water. Notice the bread is filled with yeast and what in that water looks like the blood of Christ?
Mormon Dilemma 195
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged Christians, endowments, false doctrines, godhood, idolatry, Mormon temples, mormonism, ordinances on 03/15/2012| Leave a Comment »
Why Build Temples?
Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pg 147; “WHY BUILD TEMPLES. We are building temples to the name of the Lord. What are we building them for? That we may enter in and redeem the living and the dead.—JD 22:209, January 9, 1881.”
Firing Squad and Mormonism
Posted in Firing Squad and Mormonism, tagged bible, blood atonement, Book of Mormon, Brigham Young, false teachings, freedom, Jesus, joseph smith, law, mormonism, ordinances, sacrifices, salvation, truth, works vs. grace on 01/15/2011| Leave a Comment »
Firing Squad and the Mormons
Journal of Discourses 4:220; “This is loving our neighbour as ourselves; if he needs help, help him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth in order that he may be saved, spill it. Any of you who understand the principles of eternity, if you have sinned a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin unto death, would not be satisfied nor rest until your blood should be spilled, that you might gain that salvation you desire. That is the way to love mankind.” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, February 8, 1857
Mormon Doctrine, pg. 92; “But under certain circumstances there are some serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate, and the law of God is that men must then have their own blood shed to atone for their sins. Murder, for instance, is one of these sins; hence we find the Lord commanding capital punishment.”
Doctrines of Salvation 1:133; “But man may commit certain grievous sins-according to his light and knowledge-that will place him beyond the reach of the atoning blood of Christ. If then he would be saved he must make sacrifice of his own life to atone-so far as in his power lies-for that sin, for the blood of Christ alone under certain circumstances will not avail. …Do you believe this doctrine? If not, then I do say you do not believe in the true doctrine of the atonement of Christ. This is the doctrine you are pleased to call the “blood atonement of Brighamism.” This is the doctrine of Christ our Redeemer, who died for us. This is the doctrine of Joseph Smith, and I accept it….To these I will add: “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses…”
Doctrines of Salvation 1:135; “Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may commit, that they will place the transgressors beyond the power of the atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent. Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far as possible, in their behalf. This is scriptural doctrine, and is taught in all the standard works of the Church.”
D&C 42:79; “And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.”
The references above provide a clear understanding of what the Mormon Church has thought of blood atonement through the years and how it continues to see it. The reason we’re highlighting this particular teaching of the Church is because of what’s taking place in Utah as this I’m writing this.
In 2004 Utah changed its rules on capital punishment. As it stands today, if you’ve received the death penalty you will die by lethal injection with the exception of 4 men who sit on death row. Their sentences have been grandfathered into the new law passed seven years ago. Those four men have chosen to die by firing squad. The last person choosing this method was John Albert Taylor who stood in front of 5 prison guards in 1996.
The date of the next execution by firing squad in Utah will take place in June 2010 – the offender is a Mr. Ronnie Lee Gardner. In 1984 Gardner was on his way to his court sentencing after being convicted on a robbery and murder charge when he tried to escape. In the melee he shot and killed a defense attorney and injured a court bailiff. (His girlfriend had snuck a gun into the courtroom for him.) His repertoire also includes an escape from a minimum security facility, stabbing somebody over 100 times, breaking into a home to initiate a gunfight and the malicious attack of a couple of prison guards in a medium security prison.
If that wasn’t enough he also tried to escape from a medical appointment and in so doing, bashed in a guard’s face and kidnapped a med student at gunpoint. He’s been on death row since 1985. And here we are today, April 23, 2010.
Third District Judge Robin Reese signed Gardner’s death warrant after asking him if he still wanted to die by firing squad. Gardner’s reply: “I would like the firing squad please”. And yes, he is a Mormon.
The question for us at Life After Ministries isn’t about the worldview of capital punishment. It’s about the inconsistencies in the doctrines of the Mormon Church and the lies they tell about the Bible. If you’re LDS and you’ve murdered someone there’s no salvation for you unless you’ve shed your own blood.
According to the teachings of the Church, King David will not receive a true salvation. (1) The apostle Paul and even Moses should be banned from enjoying life in the hereafter because they all have the same thing in common as Mr. Gardner. They’re all murderers. Ironically, the rules don’t apply to Moses and Paul like they did to King David. The Mormon’s silence on their salvation status is deafening. And while I’m here on this earth long enough to talk about this I will continue to do so!
In the eyes of the Mormon god there is no way to atone for your murderous sin unless you have your own blood shed for that crime.
Did Moses shed his blood to atone for the murder he was guilty of? No. Deut. 34:5-7.
Did King David shed his blood to atone for the murder he was guilty of? No. 1 Kings 2:10-11.
What about the apostle Paul? Again, we know the answer to this question is also no. There are no biblical accounts on the death of Paul. Tradition has it that he was beheaded and buried in Rome. If you’re LDS and you’re thinking, “hey his blood was shed”, you’re wrong. Paul was beheaded for being a follower of Jesus, not for the murderous rampage he took part in before his salvation.
However, here we have Ronnie Gardner maliciously murdering innocent people and he is going to have the opportunity to go to the Celestial Kingdom all because of his incredible “sacrifice” of having his own blood shed for his sin. (See references above.)
Now let’s take a look at how this is done, shall we? In addition to the shedding of his own blood he will need someone to do his temple work for him.
Temple worthy family members can take out endowments for deceased relatives in their local temple one year to the day after that deceased person’s death. (2)
Never mind the fact we’re living in the New Testament era, or the fact this man isn’t remotely close to being in the same league as the power houses of the Bible. Oh, and did I mention the New Testament era? Hmmm…whatever happened to our Lord hanging on that cross for everyone’s sins, including Mr. Gardner’s?
For those not familiar with the ritual of “taking out endowments”, let me explain. An active, temple worthy member of the LDS Church has the opportunity to stand as a “savior on the mountain” for relatives who’ve died and not accepted Jesus into their lives. They do this through performing proxy works in the temple for that deceased person. (3)
There are a number of things to participate in and works to perform in the temple so the deceased person will have the opportunity to once again accept Jesus into their lives. It also serves as a way for you to earn your own salvation.
Baptism by proxy for the dead
Confirmation to become a member and receive the Holy Ghost by proxy for the dead
Ordination into the priesthood by proxy for the dead
Sealings to spouses for eternal marriages by proxy for the dead
Sealings of children by proxy for the dead
(The above information was retrieved from www.ldsendowment.org on 4/24/10)
Works for the dead violates every teaching in the New Testament you can imagine. Let’s take just a handful of examples for beginners, and leave others for you to investigate. Let’s begin with the fact this is necromancy!
Deuteronomy 18:11 explicitly tells us that consulting with the dead is forbidden.
Luke 16:19-31. Here we have Jesus giving a parable about the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man of course wants for someone to relay a message from him to his family members who are still alive that where he ended up is horrible. Jesus is very clear when He told the Pharisees about the chasm set in the afterlife and how no one can warn his family for him. You’ve got one chance while you’re here on earth.
Jesus told His disciple Thomas He is “the way, the truth and the life” in John 14:6. Remember the “highway” spoken of in Isaiah 35:6?
What about John 19:30? “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
Hebrews 9:11-14 – only the blood of Jesus qualifies for the redemption of sins.
Hebrews 10:10-14 – priests keep offering sacrifices in the temples and none of them are deemed worthy. And if you think this is the worst of the bad scenario that wouldn’t end – there’s more.
What in the world do you think you’re doing trying to atone for your awful sin? Is murder worse than stealing a pen from your work place? By the law of the land it certainly is, but in God’s eyes? Sin is sin my friend. We must follow the law of the land so yes, there are consequences for our behavior, but that does not mean God thinks any less of the murderer than he does the thief.
The catch you say? The “catch” is that none of us are good enough to get into heaven without Jesus’ precious spilled blood. Not you, certainly not me and definitely not anyone who’s trying to do it themselves.
The only way to heaven is through the cross. Galatians 2:16 & 20 says;
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
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.”
Notice Paul didn’t say just a little bit of work is required for this one thing…no! Paul said we are justified by the faith of Christ, and not by works.
Are you tired? Are you heavy laden? Jesus’ yoke is for you! Matthew 11:28-30. I remember being a Mormon and being exhausted all the time. It didn’t matter if I was active or not in the Church, I carried the spirit of Mormonism around with me and took it with me everywhere I went – Utah, Oklahoma, Idaho, California, Germany, Vegas, Tahoe, Washington…I kept unpacking the habits, the traditions, the “have to’s and must do’s” and I was very “lowly in heart”.
Worse than that is the man sitting on death row at the Point of the Mountain in Bluffdale, Utah right now. As if he didn’t have enough to think about, he’s obviously got his own atonement to think about.
Let me be clear about something. I used to not feel sorry for people like Mr. Gardiner, but as I’ve aged and grown in the Lord, my heart hurts for the messes he’s caused for himself and everyone who had the misfortune of coming near him. And yes, I strongly believe his punishment is just. I also feel horrible that he’s been lied to and might not come to the cross of the true Jesus. The Mormon god offers nothing but a perverted gospel of Joseph Smith. It has nothing to offer to the man in prison today or for the man who’s imprisoned by his works for the dead in the Mormon Church. May God have mercy on them both.
Know we’re praying for all the Mormon people; our hearts break for them each and every day. If you or someone you know would like further information, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us anytime!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
1 Cor. 1:18
1.D&C 132:39; “David’s wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife; and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord.”
2. Ensign, July 1999, pg. 65, “Guidelines for submitting names to the Ordinance Index using TempleReady from “I have a question”. Response by Paul E. Koelliker, managing director of the Temple Department.”
3. The Worth of Souls,” The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, p. 189; “That places us in a very responsible attitude towards the human race. By that doctrine, with the Lord at the head, we become saviors on Mount Zion, all committed to the great plan of offering salvation to the untold numbers of spirits. To do this is the Lord’s self-imposed duty, this great labor his highest glory. Likewise, it is man’s duty, self-imposed, his pleasure and joy, his labor, and ultimately his glory.” – John A. Widtsoe
Bishops and Young Women
Posted in Bishops, Bishops and Young Women, tagged bible, bishop, Book of Mormon, false teachings, freedom, grace, Jesus, judgment, Mormon, ordinances, salvation, temple, truth, Young Women on 01/15/2011| 4 Comments »
Bishops and Young Women in the Ward
Throughout my life as a Mormon I served in many areas of the Church. However, the one place I spent most of my time was in the Young Women’s program. I served as a counselor to the president and then as a Young Women’s president.
Converting to Mormonism
Posted in Converting to Mormonism, tagged bible, Book of Mormon, convert, false gospel, false teachings, grace, immortality, law, Mormon doctrine, mormonism, ordinances, Redeemer, salvation through Jesus, truth, works on 01/15/2011| Leave a Comment »
Converting to a Religion
Now that I’m a Christian I’ve discovered there’s a big difference in converting to a religion versus being converted to Christ. As a Mormon I never felt like I could do enough to earn God’s love and could never measure up. Now I can see the reason I never felt good enough. I was trying so hard to conform to the image of a religion and not to the image of Jesus Christ.
It was only after I began looking to Him and trusting in Him completely that I felt whole. I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. Nothing compares to the peace you have in your heart when you lay all your burdens and insecurities down at the feet of Jesus. When you let Him into your heart and have control of your life, you begin to conform to His image.
The culture of Mormonism is very different from anything you will see or experience in Christianity. With being LDS comes a constant yearning to be perfect. As soon as you convert to Mormonism, there is a list of “to do’s” in order to stay a member in good standing with “the Church”.
You’re told you must do these things for the Holy Spirit to remain with you and to receive blessings from God. When someone can’t meet the requirements, or do things that the church considers grievous sins they are stripped of their church membership and they aren’t allowed to participate in the basic tenants of church membership.
One of those tenants is partaking of the sacrament, or communion. In the Gospel Topics section of the LDS Church’s site under sacrament it says, “Today the sacrament is an ordinance which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This ordinance is an essential part of worship and spiritual development.”
It’s odd that when a Mormon is going through a rough time in their life, trying to get back into the good graces of their church leaders and to God, the church would strip them of something that might give them comfort and hope.
When it comes to salvation, the LDS are taught their religion holds all the cards and there is no salvation, meaning living in the presence of God, outside of their church. Bruce McConkie stated in Mormon Doctrine page 670,
“If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”.
It’s because of this idea the Mormons have an undying loyalty to their church, and an unyielding superiority complex when it comes to “non-members”. When someone decides to leave the Church it causes the active family members to weep and mourn for family member as if they were dead. Many times I’ll read stories of those who have left and they often talk about their active Mormon family members who have accused them of separating the family in the eternities
Mormons are taught salvation comes through church membership and don’t realize it comes through, by and because of Jesus Christ. We see this in 1Timothy 2:10 and 2 Timothy 3:15 respectively;
”Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
When your salvation is tethered to a relationship with a religion you will always have a salvation that is conditional. Case in point; in the Gospel Topics section of the LDS Church’s web site under the topic “eternal life” it reads;
“Like immortality, this gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, to inherit eternal life requires our “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel”
It’s very important to remember when an LDS resource or individual says “the Gospel” they are talking about the Mormon Gospel, not the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ. Another thing to remember; Mormons believe the atonement only makes it “possible” for them to live with God.
There are many stipulations to becoming exalted and having the gift of Mormon salvation. They don’t believe Jesus did all the work necessary for our salvation. They believe there are other things needed for salvation and eternal life. They will always fall back on their individual “works”.
They don’t have a full understanding of grace. Everything is attached to living the Mormon gospel, and doing what it says for the grace of Jesus Christ to kick in. In the Book of Mormon it says, “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)
Usually when a Mormon is challenged by examples of the duplicitous nature of the past and present LDS leaders, they fall back on the works of their church. They will say things like “Look at what our church has done!” or ask “What has your church done?” In a recent email to the ministry one Mormon said,
“The LDS Church is usually one of the first to give humanitarian aid to others who live across the world when tragedies appear. (Example- Immediately after the great flood happened in New Orleans from the hurricane, the LDS church already had millions of supplies on trucks headed for the city, before others could pull their forces together.)”
Everything points back to the church. Even when God may use them as a body to do good things to bring comfort and meet the physical needs of others, they still don’t see it’s Him doing the work through them. They pat themselves on the back and give glory not to God, but to their church. In the May 2005 Ensign, then prophet of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley said;
“Now, as a Church we have worked with others in lifting the sorrow and sufferings of those who are in distress. Our humanitarian efforts have literally blessed the lives of countless thousands not of our faith. In the terrible tsunami disaster, and in other disasters incident to conflict, disease, and hunger, we have done a great and marvelous work assisting others without worrying about who gets the credit.”
In this year’s October General Conference, speaker Ann Dibb said,
“Heavenly Father has not left us alone during our mortal probation. He has already given us all the “safety equipment” we will need to successfully return to Him. He has given us personal prayer, the scriptures, living prophets, and the Holy Ghost to guide us.”
Jesus is, as one former LDS puts it, nothing more than a “footnote” to their religion. If you were to ask a Christian what “safety equipment” God has given us, they would say Jesus Christ. With Jesus Christ we don’t have to clean ourselves up first before we come to him. We read in Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
When we have a relationship with Him, His love is unconditional. He loves us no matter what; He wouldn’t rescind the gift of the Holy Spirit when we fail or fall in our spiritual walk as the LDS believe!
I am so thankful I now have the one true God in my life that is so much bigger and awesome than the god I left! Jesus Christ doesn’t want you to be indebted to a religion. He wants you to have freedom from legalism. Most of all He wasn’t you to have a relationship with Him, not with a religion.
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes
Book of Mormon; Fullness of the Gospel?
Posted in Book of Mormon, tagged 600 BC, baptisms for the dead, Book of Mormon, elohim, endowments, fullness of gospel, god in embryo, godhood, golden plates, Jerusalem, lds church, Mormon, Mormon Church, mormonism, Nephites, ordinances, polygamy, pre-existence, salvation, temple on 10/20/2010| 1 Comment »
“Lord Increase Our Faith”, page 64; “The real focus on the Book of Mormon should be on the details of the book itself, not on the details of the process by which it came forth. Although we do not know everything about the process of its coming forth or its translation, the Book of Mormon is open to full scrutiny.” – Neal A. Maxwell
Ensign, May 2007, pg. 88; “This ancient volume of holy scriptures is a sacred companion to the Bible, containing the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.” – L. Tom Perry
My objective in this article is for members of the LDS Church to ponder the information presented here and honestly ask themselves if it makes sense the Book of Mormon is from God. While I don’t agree with Mr. Maxwell’s opinion on how people should view the Book of Mormon (Galatians 1:6-9), we’re going to take him up on what he said about it being open to full scrutiny.
All right, so I have an obsession with the book of Jeremiah; I’ll be the first to admit it! If you’re a Mormon, have you ever read the book of Jeremiah? There’s an important lesson to be learned in Jeremiah 36:20-32. King Jehoiakim had decided he didn’t like God’s written word so he cut it up and burned it thinking that would take care of God, but he was sorely mistaken.
I believe it was Matthew Henry who said “Those who hate it always seem to do things like this in life” …they either try to destroy or discredit God’s very words.
It was 600 BC and the prophet Jeremiah had been warning the Israelites for forty years that danger was lurking. He told them God had an important message He wanted for them to hear and if they obeyed Him they wouldn’t lose their lives. Times would be tough, but if they fled for Egypt on their own seeking safety, they would die by sword, famine or pestilence. If they stayed put in Jerusalem (Jer. 42:10) God would protect their lives in the upcoming onslaught of the Babylonian takeover. While they were in captivity for a time, there was a small remnant that was allowed to remain seventy years later.
The certifiably insane King Nebuchadnezzar (descendant of Queen of Sheba and Solomon) marched the Israelites out of Jerusalem, chained some of them nude alongside a river while partying on a boat nearby and eventually went totally mad, living with animals. He too hated God and turned the sacred scrolls into sacks filled with sand for the captive Israelites to carry into Egypt. No one escaped his wrath. (Eventually Nebuchadnezzar repented and worshipped God.)
Now some 2,400 years later we have the story of Joseph Smith and the “golden plates” which he said contains the “fullness of the gospel”, otherwise known as the Book of Mormon. One of the remarkable events about this story is the timeline. It’s the story of a lost tribe of Israelites fleeing Jerusalem in 600 BC and guess what? Yep, they’re headin’ for Egypt, seeking safety from the fall of Jerusalem.
Okay, foregoing the arguments, let’s say God told everyone but this lost tribe of “Nephites” to stay put in Jerusalem; what about Joseph Smith’s other assertion about the Book of Mormon?
He said a lot of things about this work so his claims should be investigated as Mr. Maxwell suggests. It’d be amazing if anyone escaped the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar, so these plates should be of significant value if true, right?
What do these brass plates tell us? Does the Book of Mormon contain the “fullness of the gospel”? Remember, parts of these plates are supposedly what the Nephites hauled over to the States when they sailed here.
Let’s begin with what Doctrine and Covenants 19:26, 27:5 and 135:3 says:
“And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God—”
“Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim.”
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth…”
As you can see, we have confirmation through the prophecies above; the Church does believe it’s the “fullness of the gospel”. Now in light of those prophecies by Smith, we need to compare them with what the Bible says about prophets and prophecies, in addition to looking at a few core Mormon doctrines and see if they’re in the Book of Mormon. If they’re not found on those plates, we ask in all sincerity – how can this be the fullness of the gospel if it doesn’t contain all the requirements for salvation?
What the Bible Says:
Deuteronomy 18:20-22; “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
Deuteronomy 13:1-5; “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.”
Mormons believe a true and full salvation can only be attained in the highest kingdom of heaven which they call the “Celestial Kingdom”. The Celestial Kingdom is reserved solely for those who have been found worthy enough to become a god themselves after they have accomplished a number of works here on earth. Below are a handful of requirements and beliefs each Mormon needs for a true salvation in the Mormon Church.
What the Mormon Church Says:
Church Government
3 Nephi 12 says the twelve Nephite apostles received power to share the gospel, baptize and give the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the closest we come to anything remotely close to the hierarchy we see in the Mormon Church today.
There is no “first presidency”, no quorum of the seventies, no bishops, no bishopric, no wards, no branches, no stakes and no stake presidents, no area presidency…compare it with what the Bible says about church structure:
1 Corinthians 10:32, 12:9-10, 18, 29, 30; Acts 13:1, Romans 12:8, Ephesians 2:20, 3:5, 4:11
God
Father God has a body of flesh and bones – D&C 130:22
God was once a man. – HC 6:305, Gospel through the Ages, pg. 105
God has many wives/Mother gods – Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pg. 25
God has a father – Gospel Truth, pg. 101; The Seer by Orson Pratt, pg. 132; Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 38
God had sex with Mary – Journal of Discourses 4:218 – Brigham Young, February 8, 1857; Journal of Discourses 1:50-51, 8:115, 11:268
God progresses/Eternal progression – Distinct Doctrines and Teachings of the Pearl of Great Price, pg. 76; Gospel through the Ages, pgs. 114-115; Articles of Faith, pg. 390
Three Separate Personages in Godhead – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 576; D&C 130:22-23; Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 552; Mormon Doctrine of Deity, pgs. 9-10; History of the Church 6:474, June 16, 1844
gods/polytheism
Many gods and councils of gods – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 348; Abraham 4:25
Man may become a god – Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 136-137; Gospel through the Ages, pgs. 105-106; D&C 76:58, TPJS 342-345
Man is a god in embryo – Miracle/Forgiveness, pg. 3
Heaven
Three levels of heaven. – Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 367; D&C 131:1-4
Jesus
Jesus chosen to become a god – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 129, Abraham 3:27-28
Jesus and Lucifer are brothers – Jesus the Christ, pg. 8; Gospel through the Ages, pg. 15
Jesus was Married – Journal of Discourses 2:82, 2:210, 4:259-26
Jesus was a polygamist – Jesus was Married by Ogden Kraut, pg. 27; Journal of Discourses 13:309
Jesus Crucified for Polygamy – Journal of Discourses 1:346
Polygamy
Polygamy Condemned – Jacob 2:24
Polygamy is true salvation – D&C 131:1-4, 132:4-6, 20-21; Journal of Discourses 5:204 & 282, 11:269, 12:262, 13:167-168, 13:189, 17:225; Doctrines of Salvation 2:67; Mormon Doctrine, pg. 219; Evidences and Reconciliations, pg. 390; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 332…
Pre-existence
Elohim populating earth through sexually begotten spirit children –
Discourses of Brigham Young, pg. 24; D&C 49:17, 93:23-29, 138:55-56; Mormon Doctrine, pg. 516; Abraham 3:22-28; Journal of Discourses 4:216; Melvin Joseph Ballard, Sermons and Missionary Services, page 247; Answers: Straightforward Answers to Tough Gospel Questions, pgs. 5-6; Life Before, pg. 91; For Behold Ye are Free, pg. 42; Ensign, November 1997, pg. 65; Way to Perfection, pg. 29…
Salvation
Temple marriage a requirement for exaltation – Teens, Temple Marriage and Eternity, pg. 1; Doctrines of Salvation 2:62; D&C 131:1-4
President of Church Holds Keys to – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 591
Salvation after Death
Book of Mormon – none is available after death – 2 Nephi 9:15, 38; Alma 12:13-14, 34:31-34, 42:22-23
Other LDS teachings say it is necessary
Baptism for the dead – D&C 124:29-30, 128:15; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 191; History of the Church 4:568-569; Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 1258; Are Mormons Christians? pg. 19; Doctrines of Salvation 2:175…
As the reader can plainly see, not one of those core doctrinal teachings is in the Book of Mormon. The list here is brief in comparison to the hordes of all their teachings. What we’ve presented here is enough to show the Book of Mormon certainly doesn’t stand up to the claims Joseph Smith and other Church leaders have made.
How can the Book of Mormon contain the “fullness of the gospel” if their teachings are not to be found in the Book of Mormon?
If you’re LDS we want you to know that we pray diligently for you each and every day. We hope you’ll investigate these claims for yourself and see that God is not a God of confusion as it says in 1 Cor. 14:33. Ask yourself and your leaders why there is such a huge contradiction in what D&C says and what the Book of Mormon doesn’t say.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
1 Cor. 1:18
Recent Comments
Mormonism
-
Recent Posts
Joe Smith Brought Light and Knowledge
What’s the Greatest Commandment; Do You Know?
Mormon Jesus Begotten by Adam
LDS: Jesus Sired by Exalted Man
Activity Rate, Retention, & Growth Rate of Mormonism
Amazing Facts About God
Anti-Mormon? How Mormons View the Body of Christ
Anyone or anything that disagrees with the LDS Church is considered anti-Mormon. Yet, the Church considers themselves to be a Christian church.
The Bible & Mormonism
Why Joseph Smith hated the word of God
Bible is Reliable Scripture Database
Scriptures that show Mormons can fully trust God's word!
Blood Atonement
600 BC Jerusalem & America
Historical evidence proves Lehi & Nephi didn't exist!
And It Came to Pass
20% of verses in the Book of Mormon contain the phrase "and it came to pass"
Book of Mormon
Almost 4,000 changes to the Book of Mormon and over 7,200 Greek and Latin words found
Book of Mormon Artifacts & Smithsonian’s Response
Book of Mormon Artifacts; Smithsonian & National Geographic says no artifacts found
Book of Mormon Basics
Book of Mormon: broken promises, false prophecies, historically inncorrect, poor grammar...how can you trust this?
Book of Mormon; Fullness of the Gospel?
Does God speak to prophets with glowing stones in a hat?
Book of Mormon Research Pages
Grab the info you need on several topics all in one easy access point!
Book of Mormon Witnesses
More than 1/2 the witnesses denounced their testimonies! Find out who and why we shouldn't trust their testimonies.
Demonic & Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon
How can the names in the Book of Mormon be holy if they're ungodly in the Bible?
Foundation of the Book of Mormon
Έλληνες (Greek) in the Book of Mormon
Burning in the Bosom
Christianity & Christian Ministries
News from around the globe about Christianity & the ministries God works through.
Coincidences in Mormonism
Are these incidents all coincidental, or well planned trickery?
False Prophecies of the Mormon Church
The Lord says to disregard the prophet who speaks a lie in His name - Deuteronomy 18:20-22
Contradictions & Interesting Facts about the 3-in-1
See how the Mormon canon of scripture contradicts itself & the Bible
Creeds of Christianity
The Early Christian Church's Statements of Faith
Cross of Christ; Why do Mormons Hate It?
The 10th Mormon president/prophet of the LDS Church called the cross 'repugnant'!
Discourses and Lectures of LDS Leaders
Easter & Holy Week
Essays of the LDS Church
Faith
Follow the Prophet
Why must Mormons follow a prophet and not God?
Foundation of Mormonism
Who, or what, is the foundation of your Christian faith?
Galaxy Teachings of the LDS Church
Why does Mormonism have so many false doctrines about our galaxy and the Lord?
General Conferences
Semi-annual reminders to follow the prophet
General Research
God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit of the Bible
37 Miracles of Jesus Christ
What Do Mormons Think of the Virgin Mary?
Godhead of Mormonism
A look at the 3 gods of the Mormon godhead. Their godhead is nothing like that of the Christian Trinity - find out why!
GRACE
Heavenly Mother, Goddess Wife
Ishtar, an Assyrian and Babylonian Goddess known as the Queen of Heaven
Jesus, My Brother and Butch Cassidy
Robert LeRoy Parker, aka "Butch Cassidy"
Jesus and Lucifer are Brothers
Moses 5:13; "And Satan came among them, saying, I am also a son of God..."
Great Apostasy?
Ten questions about so-called apostacy
Handouts for Witnessing to Mormons
Witnessing tracts & handouts for missions and classes at your church
History of Mormonism
How Mormonism Attacks Christianity
Why do Mormons attack the body of Christ if they're Christians?
How to Witness to a Mormon
How to Witness to a Mormon/Help for your Mormon friends & loved ones
120+ Chronological False Prophecies of Joseph Smith
All about Joseph Smith
Church leaders have said that without the vision of Joseph Smith, they'd have nothing so let's take a look at some of the things of Joseph
Arrest of Jesus and Arrest of Joseph Smith
We know Jesus died for our sins, but what did Joseph die for?
Joseph Smith; Angels, Magic, Masonry and the Occult
Should we trust someone who's involved with these things?
False Prophecies of Joseph Smith
Why would you place your salvation into the hands of a false prophet?
The Many Visions of Joseph Smith
There are several versions of Smith's first vision; which one do you believe?
Joseph Smith’s Questionable Activities
Joseph Smith the Martyr?
An examination of Joseph Smith's death
Joseph Smith the Translator
Kinderhook Plates and The Greek Psalter Incident serve as further proof Smith was a false prophet
Will the Real Joseph Smith Please Stand Up?
Who was the real Joseph Smith?
Journal of Discourses
LDS: Not Everything in Mormonism is True
LDS Hymns
LDS Sunday School Lessons -Old Testament
LDS OT Sunday School Lessons
Lifestyles of the Mormons
Mormon lives are busier than most. With meetings, temple attendance, food storage, the strive to be perfect - it's overwhelming and far from having peace in knowing Christ. Find out why!
Man and Original Sin
The LDS Church doesn't ascribe to the orthodox belief in original sin; why is that?
Man’s sinful nature
Marriage & Childbirth Mandatory
Mentoring Handbook
Compare LDS doctrine w/ the Bible
Mitt Romney, Mormonism & America
Mormonism's True Agenda; Saving Souls or Ruling America?
Mormon Bishops
Mormon Dilemmas
Mormons are faced with confusing doctrine every time they open their scriptures.
3,000+ Mormon Quotes
Quotes & false prophecies from Mormon leaders
Mormon Church Structure
Mormon Missionary Discussions
Mormon Priesthood
Mormonism & World Religions Compared
Why does Mormonism mimic so many religions? Astrology, witchcraft, Satanism, Masonry, Universalism, Hinduism...it's all there in one package called Mormonism. Why?
Mormons On The Internet
Jesus said; "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32
Moroni & Hill Cumorah; real stories or stolen?
Moroni, Comoro off the coast of East Africa
Moroni the Angel of Light
Galatians 1:6-9 says not to accept another gospel from an angel of light, yet atop every LDS temple there sits an angel of light proclaiming a new gospel...
Mountain Meadows Massacre
Necromancy in Mormonism
Why is talking to dead people condoned in Mormonism?
Nepotism in the Mormon Church
News Updates, First Presidency Messages & Visiting Teaching Messages
An examination of the LDS' latest teachings from the presidency to the women's groups. Find out why their monthly messages aren't biblical!
Numbers Game
Why are there so many rules to obey for salvation if Mormonism is a Christian church?
Pearl of Great Price; Is It Worth Your Life?
Could this book cost you salvation in Jesus?
Polygamous Mormon Church Leaders & Wives
Why Doesn't the Church Practice Polygamy Today?
Polygamy
Ordained of God?
Polygamy Quotes
Find out what Mormon Church leaders really think of polygamy
Prayer Life of Mormons
All the rules of how to pray and what to say leaves no room for a conversation with the Lord!
Prophets & Apostles of the LDS Church
"Prophet" John Taylor in prison for polygamy
Curse of Cain
Does a true prophet of God preach racism?
Racism
1978 Prophecy, Book of Moses, Curse of Cain, 2 Nephi 30:6, All are Alike Unto God...What is the truth?
Racism in the Mormon Church
Are comments like "blacks are slaves mentally" really from the God of the Bible or racist men?
Romans Road
Romans Road to Salvation
Salvation!
Mormon Salvation vs. Biblical Salvation. Find out why they're not the same!
Signs of a Cult – Is Mormonism a Cult?
Know the Difference between Christianity and pseudo-Christianity!
Spirit Babies
True Mormon salvation = godhood with multiple wives and countless spirit babies
Suicide in Utah; 12 Per Week, 1 Every 14 Hours
Ten Tribes Quotes by Mormon Leaders
Baptisms for the Dead
A commandment from God or necromancy?
Occult Markings on Mormon Temples
Temple Ceremony Videos
Sacred or secret?
Temple Endowment Film, Ceremonies & Clothing
How does swearing secret oaths glorify God?
Temple Furniture
The biblical temple and Mormon temples have virtually nothing in common; find out why
Terminology of a Mormon vs. Biblical Terminology
Mormon vocabulary is vastly different from the norm. If you're a Christian & feel you're speaking a different language, learn about the differences here.
Testing for Truth
How you can know and trust what God has to say in His word
Thought of the Day about Mormonism
A Collection of News Items and Prophetic Utterances from and about Mormonism
Tithing Quotes
Unequally Yoked
Mormonism & Christianity are not compatible - find out why.
Visiting Teaching Messages
Why I Left the Mormon Church & Resignation Letter
"...for I know whom I have believed..." 2 Tim. 1:12
Women & Mormonism
Would a true apostle say this? Heber C. Kimball; "I think no more of taking another wife than I do of buying a cow."
Word of Wisdom
Worshiping Mormon Pioneers
The Mormon pioneers trekking across America is re-enacted every year by faithful Mormons to honor the faith of their ancestors
YouTube Mormon Quotes
And then there’s this…
E-mails, tweets, comments and posts
Email Subscription
Join 914 other subscribersNews
RSS Links
Tags
bible Book of Mormon Brigham Young Bruce McConkie Christianity false apostle false christ false doctrine false doctrines false doctrines of Mormonism false gods false gospel false prophecies False Prophecies of Joseph Smith false prophecies of Mormonism false prophet false prophet Joseph Smith false prophets General Conference godhood idolatry Jesus joseph smith Journal of Discourses lds church mormonism polygamy polytheism salvation truth
