Brigham Young and the Virgin Birth
In the book, “ The Maze of Mormonism,” written by Dr. Walter Martin; he reminds his reader, how the leaders of Mormon church: Joseph Smith, jr., and Brigham Young viewed the Lord Jesus and the Virgin Birth!
Dr. Martin in chapter four of his book, “ Brigham Young And The “Jesus of the Mormons,” under the subtitles: “ The Jesus of Mormonism,” and “Brigham Young and the Virgin Birth,” PP-111-113, he writes:
Brigham You and the Virgin Birth:
Following his predecessor; Joseph Smith, Jr., who stated, “It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainly the character of God” (King Follett Discourse, History of the Church 6:305; Times and Seasons 5:614; Journal of Discourses 6:3), Brigham Young had some intriguing “revelation” from God concerning the Person of Jesus Christ. In one of his most famous discourses Brigham Young declared:
“My next sermon will be to both Saint and sinner. One thing has remained a mystery in this kingdom up to this day. It is in regard to the character of the well-beloved Son of God, upon which subject the Elders of Israel have conflicting views…The question has been, and is often, asked, who it was that begat the Son of the Virgin Mary…I will tell you who it is. Our Father in Heaven begat all the spirits that ever were, or ever will be, upon this earth; and they were born spirits in the eternal world. Then the Lord by His power and wisdom organized the mortal tabernacle of man. We were made first spiritual, and afterwards temporal.”
Take the view of Brigham Young, you just read and compare it with Genesis 2:7 and then Genesis 2:21-24! If they claim that the Book of Mormon, “ another testament of ‘Jesus Christ’,” if their “inspired book” came from God—it must not contradict the Inspired Holy Bible; the True Word of God ( 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16).
Brigham Young continues:
“ Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. Again, See: (Genesis 2:7, 21-24). He helped to make and organize this world!
(AGAIN, READ GENESIS 1:1-31).
PAGE-2
Brigham Young and the Virgin Birth, Cont.
“He is MICHAEL, the Archangel, the ANCIENT OF DAYS! About whom holy men have written and spoken—He is our FATHER and our GOD, and the only God with whom, We have to do. Every man upon the earth, professing Christians or non-professing, must hear it, and will know it sooner or later…When the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father had begotten him in his own likeness. He was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. ( See: Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35).
And who is the Father? He is the first of the human family; and when he took tabernacle, it was begotten by his Father in heaven, after the same manner as the tabernacles of Cain, Abel, and the rest of the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve…Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the garden of Eden, and who is our Father in Heaven. Now, let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation…
Now, remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. (Emphasis theirs). [1]
[1] Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 1:50-51
THE JESUS OF MORMONISM
In the book, “ The Maze of Mormonism,” written by Dr. Walter Martin; he reminds his reader, how the leaders of Mormon church: Joseph Smith, jr., and Brigham Young viewed the Lord Jesus!
Dr. Martin in chapter four of his book, “ Brigham Young And The “Jesus of the Mormons,” under the title, “ The Jesus of Mormonism,”
PP-111-113, he writes:
“ In our study of the Mormon doctrine of God we learned that Jesus Christ was considered to be a second god, created by Eloheim (Mormon spelling), and that Michael or Adam was a god separate from Him. It is important not to overlook this affirmation by Brigham Young, because it was he (leaning heavily upon Joseph Smith, Jr.) who declared the doctrine of Adam-God and sustained it vigorously, along with his contemporaries.
Though the Jesus of historic Mormon theology was called Jehovah, He was not recognized as the Eternal God, even though the divine name from which the English translation “Jehovah” is derived was applied to Jesus by Himself (John 8:58, Greek; cf. Septuagint translation of Exodus 3:14; Christ is the great I AM, eternal God).
Contemporary Mormon theology attempts to hide Joseph Smith’s and Brigham Young’s doctrine concerning the identity of Jesus Christ and His virgin birth.”
Mormon’s Priesthood
Truth or Myth (Mendacity)
The LDS church has made the claim of its authority to preach and proclaim the “restored” Gospel of Jesus Christ! Their claim rests upon the alleged possession of the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood! Such claim entails and occupies a position of tremendous importance--which exercises authority over every male member of the church, from the age of twelve and up.
The claim of such enormity requires special scrutiny, for the validity of its alleged possession of such power!
Joseph Smith Jr., claimed that he and Oliver Cowdery were the recipients of the Aaronic Priesthood at the hands of John the Baptist on May 15, 1829. [1]
Furthermore, he claimed that the Priesthood of Melchizedek was conferred upon him later, when Peter, James and John appeared to him.
The first question that comes to the reader’s mind it will be this.
Where in the Scripture is mentioned of such authority being delegated to John the Baptist, Peter, James or John to confer such high office upon Joseph Smith Jr., and Oliver Cowdery. Furthermore, the Old Testament while still under the Law is very clear, regarding the person; who is acquiring such high office. He must be a Jew of the tribe of Levi, from the lineage of Aaron; Moses’ brother (Exodus 28:1-3). See also, Hebrews 7:5.
In the New Testament, according to the Book of Hebrews 7: 1-28, the Lord Himself fulfilled the office of the Priesthood! According to the Vs. 17-28, the Bible makes it clear, no man was qualified to maintain or fulfill that office, but the Lord Himself. And now, as True Great High Priest; He is sitting at the right hand of the Father and interceding for the believers (Hebrews 7:28; Hebrews 8:1)!
Not only from the biblical point of view, but also, a closer logical, and theological necessity, demands the examination of the teaching of the Mormon Church and their claim of priesthood!
Mormon’s Priesthood Cont.
It’s interesting to note, The Book of Commandments (which later was retitled (Doctrine and Covenants) in the edition of 1833 does not even mention Peter, James or John, or the priesthood. But, Joseph Smith “corrected” this in his; Doctrine and Covenants, the edition of 1835.[2]
However, there is no “revelation” given that declares the date in which this greater priesthood was allegedly conferred upon Joseph Smith Jr.
Another interesting point demands special attention! No where in the Bible, are we told that John the Baptist was authorized to confer priesthood on anyone. But he had the authority to baptize (Matthew 3:13-16). Yet, we find no where being mentioned that John the Baptist baptized Joseph Smith Jr., and Oliver Cowdery in accordance with the Mormon regulations of the “restored” gospel. This “other” gospel requires that one be baptized before he obtains the priesthood. [3]
Consider this also, Mormon theology teaches that only a valid priest may baptize, and, according to Joseph Smith’s “Lord” in a revelation given November, 1831, “… no man has legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant and the first-born of Aaron.[4]
According to what we have observed, it seems, Joseph Smith Jr., and Oliver Cowdery were not valid priests!
Bible regards every true believer to be a priest (1 Peter 2:9).
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…” Although, Christ Himself is the, TRUE GREAT HIGH PRIEST!
The true Believers are also the saints of God (Ephesians 1:1; 2:19; 4:12).
The Lord Jesus also, fulfilled the office of the Prophet, and will fulfill His office as the King of kings and Lord of Lords! As Prophet, see: (Deut. 18:15; John 1:45; Acts 3:22; 7:37). As King, see: Revelation 19:11-16.
[1] Joseph Smith, Pearl of Great Price 2:68-73.
[2] Book of Commandments, 1833, Chapter 28; and Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, Section 27
[3] Doctrine and Covenants, Section 20.
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 19:31, 20:25, 37, 68; 68:18.
Mormons’ Concept of Jesus
(A Counterfeit Jesus).
The Apostle Paul, led by the Holy Spirit warned of the false prophets; who will come and preach; a counterfeit gospel, counterfeit Jesus and the counterfeit Holy Spirit! So, it is of the utmost importance, to understand that the nature of that counterfeit Jesus, and that counterfeit gospel;
“ the other gospel of Jesus,” would be different from the Eternal Word; Who was made Flesh and dwelt among us ( John 1:1, 14).
In 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Paul stated that, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” Paul is saying, ( be patient with them, they are being used of Satan…, as we shall find in Vs. 13-15).
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “ For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. V-14, And no marvel; for Satan himself is transforming into an angel of light. See also,
(2 Corinthians 4:4). V-15 “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
It seems, Paul wanted to make sure! He will repeat the same warning with much stronger tone; in Galatians 1:6-9! Worth your time, reading it!
Paul is stating that, a counterfeit Jesus, a counterfeit gospel, a counterfeit spirit with be presented by a counterfeit disciples of Satan! Paul is saying, since the start; the time of his deception, in the Garden, and his dealing with Eve, Satan has not given up yet! He will continue until he is, “…cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophets are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10).
NOTE: IN THE NEXT POSTING, I WILL EXPLAIN ABOUT JOSEPH SMITH’S, AND BRIGHAM YOUNG’S VIEW OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH!
THE MORMON’S TRUE CONCEPT OF:
SAVIOR & SALVATION!
In my many years of debatings and dealings with the Mormon missionaries, I have learned that, they are being taught to use the Christian language and terminology which sounds like those of evangelical Christians. It seems that, they themselves, who are using the terminology, are not fully aware of the meaning of it. That includes those in the leadership.
For example, a popular tract, “What Mormons Think of Christ,” published by the Mormon Church, Elder Bruce R. McConkie writes, “Christ is our Redeemer and our Savior. Except for him there would be no salvation and no redemption, and unless men come unto him and accept him as their Savior, they cannot have eternal life in his presence” (p.22).
Biblically, this statement seems to be a correct expression of the Christian doctrine of salvation.
On the other hand, upon closer examination of LDS teachings, we find different meanings for traditional Christian terms. When we do that, we discover the following statement in the same tract. “ Grace is simply the mercy, the love and the condescension God has for his children, as a result of which he has ordained the plan of salvation so that they may have power to progress and become like him” (“what Mormons think of Christ,” P.19, emphasis added). This unique teaching of Mormon’s plan of salvation needs to be measured against the teachings of the Holy Bible.
Their teaching of the plan of salvation; the Redeemer (Savior,) and Redemption is fully in accordance of their teaching of Pre-Mortal Existence. The LDS believes, all people exist first as spirits in the spirit world. In this pre-mortal existence, the spirit children of the heavenly Father and Mother wait to be born into human bodies. It is necessary to go through an earthly probation to reach the celestial kingdom. In human bodies God’s spirit children have the opportunity to follow the Mormon path of obedience to the law of eternal progression and prove they are worthy of entering the celestial kingdom. To provide bodies for these bodiless spirits is an important good work for Mormons. This is the reason Mormons oppose birth control and abortion. Also, the former practice of polygamy had been rationalized with this teaching of the need to give bodiless spirits a body-home ( The Seer, Vol. 1, no. 3, P.39).
“No Other Gospel—No Other Prophet”
A Pamphlet to Enlighten the Mormon’s
My hope is that--;this addition would confirm in the reader's mind that there is "No Other Gospel" as we read in the Living Word of God; The Bible, in Galatians 1:6-9! And that there is , "No other Prophets or Prophecies", according to 1 Corinthians 13:8! "...but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;..."
In Galatians 1:6-9, in four verses, the Apostle Paul warns the reader three times of not receiving any other Gospel except the one which has been given. Paul points out that even if the angels came down from heaven and preached “another Gospel” to you, do not listen to them. He also uses two times in four verses the words, “let him be accursed.” Those are strong words. With a topic like this, I will try to be as loving and as positive as I can be, but allow the Word of God to do the talking.
So, since Galatians 1:6-9 is the theme of this pamphlet; I would like to quote the entire four verses for better understanding of my message, and for anyone who does not have the Bible with them as they are reading this pamphlet.
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."—Galatians 1:6-9 (emphasis mine)
Sadly, their main book, The Book of Mormon, is given the subtitle “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” At the same time, they walk around carrying the King James Version of the Bible which contradicts this title (Matthew 16:18; Galatians 1:6-9).
“No Other Gospel” (Not “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”)
The Mormons say, “Look around you. You will find scores of different Christian denominations.” They claim the churches are divided because of doctrinal conflicts. Because of this, God waited until September 21, 1823, and then, angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, telling him, “Make me another church.”
How sad! To believe this, is to say that Jesus either did not know what He was promising in Matthew 16:18, so He had to switch from, Plan A to Plan B; or flatly, He just got caught off guard. So now He had to call on Joseph Smith.
Matthew 16:18 states, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Emphasis mine).
The Mormons also claim that, because of persecution throughout history, the Church was fully dissolved. They do not recognize that as the Church was persecuted, as believers were killed, the Church increased. Read Fox’s Book of Martyrs and see how many Christians were burned at the stake or thrown to the lions. They never recanted and the Church grew.
Jesus Himself taught the disciples this principle in John 12:24. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
This principle was proven in the book of Acts. In Acts 1:15, only one hundred and twenty were present. In Acts 2:41, the number of believers jumped to 3,000. And in Acts 4:4, it jumped to 5,000. In Acts 5:14, a multitude of men and women were added. And in spite of persecution, the number of believers has been increasing ever since. So at no time was the Church in danger of being dissolved because He Himself, Christ, protects the Church. Man does not protect it, for Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23; I Corinthians 11:3), and the head of every man is Christ. In Philippians 1:6 we read, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Emphasis mine)
Jesus Himself allowed persecution so believers would be scattered among other regions and nations of the world to proclaim the gospel. They were spending too much time among themselves. For a better understanding of this concept, see the book of Acts, chapters 2 to 13.
Then what about all these churches with different doctrines, different beliefs, different names? The answer, as we shall see later, is given to us by Jesus Himself in Matthew 13:24-30.
Satan is Alive and Well Since the Garden
Satan made the attempt to thwart God’s plan from the time he was cast out of heaven. Notice in Isaiah 14:12-14 the repeated personal pronoun “I.” Satan started his plan and his attack in Genesis 3:1-15. He was finally defeated on the Cross. The book of Hebrews 2:14 alludes to this fact.
So our Lord, in the early part of His ministry, warned His apostles what to watch for down the road. In Matthew 13:24-30, He likened His Kingdom to a field where the good seed was sown. Then He states, “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.... He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up. But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” (Matthew 13:25,28,29).
What is our Lord saying? Every true church of God existing today has a number of believers and unbelievers. Division and conflict among the good and the bad, the wheat and the tares, is always going to exist. We cannot say that the true church of God has failed. Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 13:24-30 were true then and are even truer today.
Our Lord did not have to switch from Plan A to Plan B by calling on another prophet. The full decree of the Christian doctrine, the canon of Scripture, was completed as the sixty-six books of the Bible. They were inspired and were given to chosen men of God. In 2 Peter 1:20 and 21 we read, “Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
The Smorgasbord Mentality
As we read in both 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16, all Scripture is given by God as He inspired men of low status to write it. He did not choose the elite or educated rabbis from the synagogue. He chose lowly men to state that the Lord Himself was writing the Scripture, using man as His instrument.
Then why is it that the Bible (King James Version) which the Mormons carry, the Bible they promote, the Bible they give away freely; why do they not fully trust it? They use (plagiarize) those verses they want to fit into their theology and ignore the rest, claiming it is errant because it was written by man. But their Mormon books have also been written by man.
In the following pages, we shall see a handful of direct quotations, comparing the KJV of AD 1611 with the Book of Mormon, which they claim was written in 600 BC.
King James Version Book of Mormon
Bare record that this is Bear record that it is the
the Son of God (John 1:34) Son of God (I Nephi 11:7)
Pervert the right ways of Pervert the right ways of
the Lord (Acts 13:10) the Lord (I Nephi 13:27)
Blood, and fire, and vapour Blood, and fire, and vapour
of smoke (Acts 2:19) of smoke (I Nephi 22:18)
That old serpent, which is That old serpent, who is the
the Devil (Revelation 20:2) devil (2 Nephi 2:18)
Made them white in the blood Made them white in the blood
of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14) of the Lamb (I Nephi 12:11)
Endureth to the end shall be Endure unto the end shall be
Saved (Matthew 10:22) saved (I Nephi 13:37)
The same yesterday, and to day, The same yesterday, today
and for ever (Hebrews 13:8) and forever (I Nephi 10:18)
First shall be last; and the Last shall be first, and the
last shall be first first shall be last
(Matthew 19:30) (I Nephi 13:42)
Shall be thrust down to hell Shall be thrust down to hell
(Luke 10:15) (2 Nephi 9:34)
Darkness rather than light Darkness rather than light
(John 3:19) (2 Nephi 26:10)
Partakers of the heavenly Partakers of the heavenly
calling (Hebrews 3:1) gift (Ether 12:8)
The lake of fire A lake of fire
(Revelation 20:14) (2 Nephi 28:23)
The name of thy holy child The name of his Holy Child
Jesus (Acts 4:30) Jesus (Moroni 8:3)
The Judge of quick and dead The Eternal judge of both
(Acts 10:42) quick and dead (Moroni 10:34)
I know whom I have believed I know in whom I have trusted
As was pointed out before, there are many such plagiarisms taken directly from the Holy Scripture, the Bible. Copying something from the Scripture is one thing, but taking verse after verse and twisting them to match your own theology is another. This alone speaks volumes of the man who wrote the Book of Mormon, or “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” as it is called.
Examination of Some of These Cock-eyed Concepts Mormons believe that by nature man is born sinless. It is the act of sin which is bad, they say. Man’s nature is good and always has been good. They believe infants are just small gods in the embryo, and this small god will someday become the God. This was their prophet’s motto, “As man is, God once was; as God is, man shall become.”
I presume they have forgotten to read the Bible (KJV) they carry, the Bible they give away free of charge. The Bible tells us that man is born a sinner by nature because of the Adamic fall. Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 3:10 says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Regarding man becoming God, the Bible also is very clear about this. In Genesis 2:7 we read, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” This verse plainly tells any lay person that the creature cannot and will not become the creator. Also, the Scripture tells us that we are in the state of conflict and animosity with God until we get saved. (See Romans 5:6 and Ephesians 2:3.)
Mormons believe that the concept of repentance, which the Bible speaks of, is referring to individual acts and not the heart repentance of man’s nature. Therefore, they believe that man can be perfect. After all, they say, wasn’t Jesus perfect? The true Word of God, the Bible, tells us otherwise. Man by nature is born rebellious and needs to repent. The Old and New Testaments attest to this fact. (See Jeremiah 17:9.) In the New Testament, we read REPENT in Matthew 3:2,8 and 11; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 9:13; Mark 1:15 and Luke 5:32.
Mormons believe that everyone at one time has preexisted eternally. The Bible says that only Jesus Christ preexisted (John 8:58; Exodus 3:14; Colossians 1:16, 17). Colossians 2:9 says, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
Mormons refer to being “born again” as the time of baptism into the Mormon church. The Bible, the true Word of God, says that Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-6 that he must be born again. We also read of this in I Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8,9; and Romans 10:9,10. The Church, which consists of a group of believers (men and women), cannot save anyone. (See Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23). They are pushing this misconception on millions of people by going door-to-door all over the world, now seven days a week. And someday, sadly, they all will wake up in a place they did not expect. That brings us to the next point regarding their views on HELL.
Mormons believe that hell is a form of a correctional institution and one just stays there long enough until all his/her debts have been paid. Find me such a cock-eyed view of hell in the Scriptures. The Bible says hell is a place of torment and flame (Luke 16:20-31). Jesus Himself called it “everlasting fire” in Matthew 25:41. (See also Matthew 25:30, 46; Mark 9:48b; Matthew 5:22; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:14, 15; Revelation 21:8 and Matthew 13:24-43, 47-50.) In the Scripture, Jesus referred to hell more than heaven or salvation.
Regarding heaven, Mormons believe that almost everyone will end up in heaven. It all depends on how hard you have worked on earth and how good you have been while living on earth. Depending on how many “brownie points” you have, you will end up in the Celestial kingdom, Terrestrial kingdom or in the Telestial kingdom. The Bible, the true Word of God, speaks of two conditions: everlasting life or everlasting punishment and judgment (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:31-46).
Regarding the Virgin Birth, Mormons believe that God is a physical being just like us. He lived with many other gods on a planet called KOLOB. The other gods had given Him the name Elohim because He was more powerful and upright. This God, who also is known as God the Father (the Father of Jesus), came to earth and had a literal sexual relationship with Mary,. The result was the conception and the birth of Jesus. They blatantly reject Matthew 1:18 and say this verse is in error. By doing so, they are ignoring and rejecting 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20 and 21. But they carry the Book with them.
Concluding Note
We need to remember that the Mormons use many right words such as “salvation,” “resurrection,” “baptism,” “sin,” “redemption,” “Jesus,” “eternal life,” “Holy Ghost” and many more Christian words or titles. But their definitions and concepts of these terms do not correspond with the Bible, the Word of God. And because of this trap of Satan, many are being led to hell right at this moment. (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 11:3,4, 13-15.) It also needs to be noted that the Book of Mormon uses 25,000 words from the King James Version of the Bible, while some verses are plagiarized directly.
The True Gospel
The Bible, the true Gospel that I read, tells me that God never lies (Titus 1:2). So whatever we read from the Scripture must correspond and agree with what the Holy Spirit is telling us. This is to say we cannot go by feelings, as far as our beliefs are concerned, but our feelings should match the fact, the truth, the Word of God.
I’m pointing this out because any time you talk with a Mormon; they tell you their testimony is based on their own feelings or experience. But if the feeling does not correspond with the fact, it is possible that this information is coming from the god of this world, Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).
This happened with the slave girl in Acts chapter 16. She received information and she prophesied based on her own feelings (Acts 16:16-24). But we see that the Apostle Paul, after many days of discouraging her not to be his public relation agent, had to cast the demon (bad spirit) out of her (Acts 16:18).
We need to be like the Bereans of Acts 17:11. We need to examine whatever we hear, any feelings we have, and compare them with Scripture. The teachings of God’s truth (His Word, John 17:17b), concerning Himself, must always be compared and correspond with the Bible—comparing Scripture with Scripture.
The Mormons claim to do this in Journal of Discourses 16:46. They compare the Bible with the religion of the Latter Day Saints. Let’s do that ourselves.
God vs. Man
In Genesis 2:7 we read, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Compare this verse from the Word of God with the Mormon’s History of the Church, Volume 6, page 305. “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man.... I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and suppose that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea.... He was once a man like us....”
This is only one example of the preposterous, ridiculous ideas that you come across as you read their books. The Lord, the God of the universe, tells us in Isaiah 43:10b and 11, “...before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.” In Hosea 13:4b we read, “...for there is no savior beside me.”
The Bible tells me that God has always been God, from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2). The Scripture further tells me that God never lies (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2), and He never changes (Malachi 3:6).
Now, why God would change His plan and call on Joseph Smith to build Him another church is beyond me. The Scriptures are clear that the church was founded on Christ (see Matthew 16:18). The problem with understanding the above verses is found in 2 Corinthians 4:3 and 4. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
The Oneness of Essence of Christ with God
Christ’s oneness with God appears in numerous places in the Old Testament. There He took the form of a Christophaney (Christ in His pre-incarnate form) or Theophaney (manifestation of God in Person; Genesis 18:1, 12-15; Exodus 40:34-38: Isaiah 6:1-8). References to such are very clear in Genesis chapters 15 and 16. In Genesis 15:5-18, we see clearly the Lord God Jehovah (God the Father) speaking to Abraham and giving him the promise that his seed would be as numerous as the stars of heaven. In Genesis 16:7-11, the “Angel of the LORD,” which is the Lord Jesus in His Christophaney, appears to Hagar and gives her a similar promise (Genesis 16:10). Other such claims are found in Exodus 23:20-23 and Exodus 32:34.
Mr. Cary Trivanovich, an ex-Mormon, wrote a book called, Speaking the Truth in Love: What Every Mormon Should Know. I would like to quote this book, for he clearly makes the same point I’m trying to make. But he is much more familiar with Mormon theology, and I would like to quote from him to bring this much needed and important point home. First he quotes Isaiah 44:6 to show (and I agree) that Jesus and His Father are one God in unity.
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)
Now, let’s pay close attention to the exact quote from Mr. Cary Trivanovich, an ex-Mormon who is now serving the true God Jehovah. As I pointed out before, he knows the terminology and the religious jargon of the Mormons much better than I do, so I will quote him.
In Mormon theology, Jesus is Jehovah. However, two persons are called Jehovah (translated “LORD”) in this verse. The first Jehovah is called “the King of Israel.” The second Jehovah (“LORD of Hosts”) is called “His Redeemer,” namely the One who belongs to the King of Israel. This presents another serious problem in the Mormon doctrine of God, because if Jesus is the only Jehovah in Mormon theology, then who is His Redeemer? The Bible tells us here that two separate persons are Jehovah. Also notice that the two persons exclaim as one Jehovah, “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God.” Furthermore, Jesus Himself did claim to be the same God in essence, as His Father. In John 10:30 Jesus says, “I and my Father are one.” The Greek word for “one” is neuter and demands the meaning of “one in essence.” This does not mean one person, but two persons who constitute one God. The Greek text literally reads, “I and my Father, We are one (essence).” You may wonder, why then, in John chapter 17, does Jesus pray for believers “that they all may be one” as the Father and the Son are one. Here, the word “one” in Greek does not refer to one in essence like in John 10:30, but just as the context reads—one in sanctification and truth. However, in John 10:30, Jesus was claiming to be the same God in union with His Father. There is no way to change Christ’s claim grammatically.
[2]Jesus Christ and Lucifer (Satan)
In their book, the Mormons have the oddity of equating our Lord Jesus as the brother of Lucifer, the fallen angel. In Isaiah 14:11-14, we read about this proud and pompous angel. How they could equate him with Christ is beyond me. In verses 13 and 14 of Isaiah 14, we note five times the use of the personal pronoun “I.”
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.
Knowing this, the stated absolute fact from Scripture of Lucifer’s fall, the Mormons believe that Elohim’s eldest sons, Lucifer (Isaiah 14:11-14) and his brother, Jesus, were at the great heavenly council. They say Lucifer stood up and made his bid to come to earth to redeem the earth and become the Savior of the world. Lucifer wanted to force everyone to become gods, but the Mormon Jesus suggested that it not be done by force. The Mormon Jesus suggested that man needs to have the freedom of choice to come to Elohim voluntarily. So there was a fight; Lucifer lost and he was thrown out of heaven.
I do not read this claim from the first or second Persons of the Trinity. Even Lucifer himself does not make such a claim. The Scripture is very clear as to how and why Lucifer fell. Once again, where they got this idea is beyond me.
The Mormons continue their story: all the heavenly host of heaven voted then, and they approved the plan of the Mormon Jesus. But one-third of the heavenly host took Lucifer’s side and, as a result, they fell and become demons. Lucifer became the devil.
Now here is the most interesting part. Those who did not take sides, who neither defended Lucifer nor defended the Mormon Jesus during the battle, were cursed and became black, as in the black race. As a result, the African-American race cannot qualify for the Mormon priesthood. The Mormons also believe that Cain, because of God’s curse, had black skin and this resulted in the Negro race. The spirits that willingly fought against Lucifer are white and have a better chance to become Mormons.
Jesus’ Claim to Be God
The question that Mormons and non-Mormons ask: How could Jesus be in union with God, be God, and yet on more than one occasion pray to God the Father or ask God the Father for help? This same question is puzzling to many born-again believers.
The Bible is clear in pointing out that Jesus was both God and Man at the same time. As we have seen before, this is the claim Jesus made Himself (see also Matthew 22:42-45; Psalm 110:1; John 10:30-33). But Jesus never claimed to be God the Father and God the Son at the same time. He claimed to be the second Person of the triune God in communication with God the Father. And He willingly put aside His divine deity, His divine rights, in order to reconcile with us and redeem us.
Once again, Mr. Cary Trivanovich elaborates on this specific concept which the Apostle Paul points out in Philippians 2:6-8. Since this brother has a much better command of Greek grammar, I will quote from what he has to say regarding the unity of God the Father and God the Son. This would clarify the prayer of our Lord in John chapter 17. Mr. Trivanovich gives us the translation of Philippians 2:6-8 from the original Greek. He states, “Read this passage, making note of the bold words. These are key words which, in the Greek, give clear meaning to the passage:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Now examine these key words in the Greek and read them in their context.
“Form” (morphe):
Our English word, “metamorphosis,” which comes from “morphe” is used to explain that a caterpillar’s true nature is a butterfly. It literally means an outward expression of an inmost nature. For example, take the statement “The winning tennis player’s form was excellent.” Here, “form” would refer to the outward expression he gave of his inward ability. Jesus Christ is the outward expression of the essential nature of God. We have no word to convey this meaning in English. “God”
The word “God” is not preceded by an article (e.g., the, a), thus essential nature is being stressed. Rather than being in the form of a God, Jesus Christ is God, the outward expression of the essential nature of God Himself. “Made—of no reputation” (kenoo): This is one word in Greek. If a General going into battle wanted to disguise himself from the enemy, he would take off all of his regalia and insignia which identified him as a General, and then put on the common garb. The process of taking off the regalia and insignia is the word “kenoo,” which is translated here as “made of no reputation.”
“Fashion” (schema):
The Greek word refers to the outward mode and expression of either of two natures which are embodied within one figure. Therefore, this passage indicates that Christ had two natures (divine and human), but by becoming a man, only his human nature was given outward expression.
“Unto Death” In the Greek this literally refers to the process leading up to death. Studying this passage in its original grammar shows clearly that:
1. Jesus Christ was the exact inner essence of God the Father and also the outward expression of God in human form (vs.6).
2. Although Christ was full Deity, He expressed Himself in the likeness of men (vs.7-8).
3. Christ willingly became submissive to the will of the Father in the events leading to, and including, His death (vs.8; John 10:17-18).
You see, Christ is the second person of the Triune God and is in subjection to the authority of his Father (John 14:28). He prayed to the Father as an act of submission to His will. (Luke 2:42).
Throughout the Bible, God reveals to us how He expressed Himself through the person of Jesus Christ. I Timothy 3:16 says, “God was manifest in the flesh;” literally in Greek, God was “put on display.” In John 1:1, Jesus is called “the Word,” which in the Greek is Logos, meaning the “expression and manifestation” of God. We are told in that same verse that “the Word was God.”
This parallels Hebrews 1:3 beautifully which says that Christ is “the brightness of His glory.” This term in the Greek (apaligama) means “to flash forth,” and is used of the light which beams from a luminous body. This same verse calls Him the “express image” of His person. This word (charakter) was used in classical Greek of a branding iron or stamp impressed into coins and seals, giving the exact reproduction of the original. What beautiful illustrations to show us that Christ was the manifestation of the Father!
Christ said, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9).
Just a little Bible study will make clear what Jesus meant when he said, “I and My Father are one.” When Christians accuse Mormons of worshiping a “different Jesus,” they are not implying that the Mormon Jesus isn’t the Jesus of Nazareth, but that Mormons have the wrong interpretation of who Jesus really is. He is not separate from God and He is not the spirit brother of Lucifer. He is Almighty God, “for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).[3]
So, with such a warped view the Mormons preach of Christ and His doctrine, let’s examine first their prophet and the men who are propagating Mormon beliefs.
No Other Prophet
Neither the Old nor New Testaments are silent about false prophets. Look at Deuteronomy 13:1-5. In verse 5a we read, “And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death....” In Deuteronomy 18:22 we read, “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.” Look at Jeremiah 14:13-15. Verse 14a reads, “Then the Lord said unto me, the prophets prophesy lies in my name....” Read Jeremiah 23:11, 14-16, 26, 30-32, 39-40, and Jeremiah 28:9, 15-17. All these verses speak of false prophets and priests.
In the New Testament our Lord Himself spoke of them in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The Apostle Peter warned of such men also. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you...” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
The Apostle Paul was not silent either. “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus...” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Galatians 1:6-9 states, “That if anyone comes to you and preaches another gospel, let him be accursed.” The Apostle Paul emphasizes the same concept in 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 4 of someone coming as a false prophet with another testament or another gospel.
The Mormon’s Prophet
Bearing in mind the information given regarding false prophets, let us examine the background, life, and work of the Mormon’s prophet, Joseph Smith.
It has been said that the prophet’s mother, Lucy Smith, was an acclaimed psychic, practicing magic. The father, Joseph Smith Sr., was known as Captain Kidd’s treasure hunter, spending much of his time in scavenging, digging the ground for mystical treasure while running into trouble with the law. It has been reported that the man went as far as minting his own money. He was also known as “the Glass-Looker” and “the Peep-stone gazer,” an art similar to fortune telling.
People, who knew the family, including the neighbors, categorized them as illiterate, irreligious whisky-drinkers.
A man of such caliber and character, Joseph Smith Jr., claimed that in 1820, God the Father and Jesus appeared to him, telling him to restore the message of the true gospel—as if the message of truth and the church of Jesus Christ up to that time was operating by man and not Christ as the head of the church. (See Ephesians 5:23; Philippians 1:6.) Jesus Christ said in Matthew 16:18b, “...Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Was Joseph Smith saying that Jesus Christ did not know what He was claiming when He made this statement? Or was our Lord so desperate, and no other godly men were around, that He had to call on a man of this caliber?
Smith claimed that God appeared to him in 1820, but both father and son continued using their “peeping stones” and their divining rods to locate Captain Kidd’s treasure until 1812. Then in 1812, Smith claimed to have a vision of an angel named Moroni, who was supposed to be the glorified son of Mormon. After this vision or dream was repeated three times by the angel Moroni, in 1827 Joseph Smith found the Book of Mormon, which is also called “Another Testimony of Jesus Christ.” It was written on gold plates in “reformed Egyptian.” Now how this illiterate man was able to translate these writings is beyond everyone. He claimed to use the “Urim and Thummin” (Exodus 28:30; I Samuel 28:6) in the translation. It has been said that Mr. Oliver Cowdery wrote the words down as Joseph Smith translated the writings from the plates.
In 1829, because they could no longer restrain their joy, John the Baptist was sent—not by God the Father or the Son, but by Peter, James and John—to anoint Joseph Smith and confer the Aaronic priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Then these two men baptized each other.
The translation of the Book of Mormon was published in 1830. Five men founded the Mormon church. It was first called, “The Church of Christ,” then renamed, “The Church of the Latter Day Saints.” Finally it was changed to “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”
Mormon Doctrine
Here are a few quotations from the founder of the Mormon church.
“As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”[4]
“Therefore, the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man. The Son also, but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit.”[5]
Answer from the Bible: God was never a man (Numbers 23:19), for God is a Spirit (John 4:24) without a body, invisible and without material substance (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 11:27). He is not progressive (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 102:27; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). He is eternal (Psalm 90:2). He does not have flesh and bones as Christ had (Luke 24:39-43). Nowhere in Scripture does it state that the creature becomes the Creator.
Here are some of the concepts the Mormon religion has:
1. The Indians are the descendants of the Lamanites; hence they are Semitic and of Jewish origins.
2. All Christian sects are wrong and corrupt.
3. God is a resurrected, glorified man.
4. The planets of the universe are inhabited by different gods who are procreated spirit children but are now clothed with bodies.
5. The Trinity is denied.
6. The Holy Spirit is a substance. (Note from the author: They are ignoring the personal pronouns of “He” and “Him” in John 14:16 and 26 and John 15:26.)
7. One has to atone for his sins by shedding his own blood. Adam was God and had sexual relations with Mary.
The Mormon Apostle Orson Pratt taught that after Jesus Christ grew to manhood, he took at least three wives, Mary, Martha, and Mary Magdalene. Through these wives, the Mormon Jesus (from whom Joseph Smith claimed direct descent) supposedly fathered a number of children before he was crucified.
8. There is no original sin.
9. Women are inferior to men.
10. Lucifer and Jesus were brothers.
11. Celestial marriages in the Mormon temple make one a “god” in his/her own right.
12. The devil is the spirit son of God.
There are many more such ludicrous claims.
An Examination of the Prophet’s Failed Prophecies
There were numerous unfulfilled prophecies of Joseph Smith, but I will list just a few. At this point we need to remember God’s warning in Deuteronomy 18:2-22 about the consequences of claiming to be a prophet without being sent. Also it is important to read Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Jeremiah 14:13-15; 23:15-40 and Jeremiah 28:9; Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1-3; and Galatians 1:6-9.
The prophecies which I will expound upon mostly come from one of their books called Doctrine and Covenants. Keep in mind that all together they carry around four different books, including the King James Version of the Bible. At this point it should be noted that the Book of Mormon contains 25,000 words from the King James Version, many of which have been plagiarized, as pointed out previously. The four books which they normally carry are Doctrine and Covenants; Pearl of Great Price; the Book of Mormon and the King James Version of the Bible. They claim the King James Version was written by man and has many mistakes. They have ignored the authenticity and inherence of the Word of God given us in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20 and 21.
Here are the prophet’s prophecies:
“A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Junior, and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon MountZion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Junior, and others with whom the Lord was well pleased....”[6]
He continues to say that this generation shall not pass away until this New Jerusalem is built in the State of Missouri. The documented facts on record indicate that not only was he himself killed two weeks later, but what he called New Jerusalem was never built in the State of Missouri. That generation passed away and New Jerusalem was not built; even to this day, nothing has happened. So much for this prophecy.
Here is another:
“And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there....”[7]
That so-called Zion he was talking about was never built where he said it would be built. But today, if one confronts the Mormons by pointing out this issue to them, they will say, “Well, Zion was reestablished in Salt Lake City.” However, they have forgotten that in Doctrine and Covenants 101:17-21, there is to be no other place, “none other place appointed.”
Then there is another prophecy concerning the building of the “Nauvoo House,” which was never built. There are many more such prophecies which were never fulfilled. Now God said if a prophet comes and prophesies once in His name the thing which He has not said, stone that prophet. Here we see Smith prophesying repeatedly and all his prophecies have failed.
The Elders of the Mormon Church
In spite of this, we see their missionaries, the so-called “Elders” who are on average only 19 to 25 years of age, taking their so-called “gospel” door to door, deceiving many. Even their approach of witnessing is not based on the Scripture. In I Timothy 3:1-13 we read about the qualifications for the Bishops and Elders. “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (I Timothy 3:6).
Let’s consider the word “novice.” Webster’s New World Dictionary defines it as “a person new to something, a beginner.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “one who is inexperienced or untrained.” What I comprehend from I Timothy 3:6 is that the Bishop and Elder ought not to be a novice—a young person with no maturity and no experience. But by now we recognize that there are many areas in Mormon doctrine which do not correspond with the Scripture, the true Word of God.
The Apostle Paul knew by God’s providence that a day would come when false prophets would increase. Satan would know his time was short and intensify his activity. Therefore, Paul alludes to such groups in 2 Timothy 3:5-7, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (referring to the Word of God as the truth, John 8:31, 32; John 17:17b). The Book of Jude is not silent on this important subject. In Jude 4 we read, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 19 speaks of the same. (Also see 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15.)
The Bible’s Answer
The true believer, a child of God, has trouble with Mormon doctrine for the following reasons:
1. Jesus Christ claimed that His true Church was founded not on a prophet, but on Himself. In Matthew 16:18, He said, “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Their own Bible, which they carry as they go door to door, says the same thing. Did Christ not know what He was saying when He claimed that nothing would prevail against His Church?
2. After the Apostles’ deaths, the Church not only did not dissolve, but it grew steadily. We have previously examined how the Church grew from 120 members to over 5,000 people in the Book of Acts. As we move forward in time, the true Church is on the increase but so is the false church. Satan always duplicates what God is doing. If you truly want to know why there are so many divisions within the Church today, and why so many other nominal Christians are forming so-called churches, you need to read Matthew 13:24-30. Then read the interpretation which was given by our Lord Jesus in Matthew 13:37-43. We had these kinds of individuals on earth during the time of Jesus, and we have them even now as I write this pamphlet.
So the true Church of God was never dissolved, for Jesus Christ Himself is the Head, as stated in Ephesians 5:23, not a man. The Church is not operated by man, but by Christ.
Christ’s Work as Priest, Prophet and King
The Mormons also have a misconception of understanding the true Gospel where it concerns the Aaronic priesthood. Please note carefully, Jesus Himself represented and fulfilled all three offices of Priest, Prophet and King.
The Old and New Testaments are very clear that to become a priest and take the role of a priest, one needs to be a descendant of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. I have trouble believing these teenage novices are in any way related to Aaron and tribe of the Levites.
Let’s examine these three offices according to the Bible and see how the Word of God points out their original inception and their final fulfillment. There are detailed references in the Old and New Testaments as to how and why these three offices existed, but in this pamphlet, I will allude to them briefly.
The Priesthood
A clear picture of the offices of priest and king are presented to us as early as the book of Genesis. In Genesis 14:18-22, we read that Melchizedek represented our Lord Jesus. This is a good picture of a Christophaney, Christ pre-incarnate. Genesis tells us that He was the King and the Priest of the Most High. Hebrews 7:1-5 tells us that this King and Priest were without father and mother, picturing our Lord Jesus. Because Melchizedek represented the priesthood, Abraham gave him a tenth part of all (Hebrews 7:2).
Jesus is our High Priest. In Hebrews 4:14 and 15 we read, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” There are other allusions to His office as Priest, but I hope the point has already been made.
Prophetic Office
Deuteronomy 18:15-18 gives us a clear picture of our Lord representing the office of the Prophet. In the New Testament, Acts 3:22, Acts 7:37 and John 1:45 confirm and speak of the fulfillment of Christ as a Prophet.
His Office as King
By comparing the following verses, one will get a clear picture of who the King is: compare Zechariah 9:9 with Matthew 21:2-5. Also compare Ezekiel 37:22 with Revelation 19:16 and Daniel 2:47. The only ONE FINAL KING is the Lord Jesus Christ.
At this point, one might be thinking that it is so obvious. Anyone with an elementary education could read and compare the Old and New Testaments and see that Jesus Himself fulfilled all three offices and did not delegate these important offices to any man.
Here is the problem with the cults in general. They do not read or understand the Old and the New Testaments together. Plain reading is not sufficient. One must read and understand, with the discerning power from the Holy Spirit, that the Old and the New Testaments are to be read in context as one Book. But by reading only one part, here and there at one’s whim, one cannot see God’s plan for man as a whole picture. Instead, the Mormons do not believe in the Bible (King James Version), which they carry in their hand. They claim it was written by man and has many mistakes, although they quote and plagiarize the King James Version of the Bible as they please. They ignore 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16.
This false concept of the full knowledge of the Word of God has led them to take verses out of context. A good example of this is their belief in being baptized for dead persons. They take I Corinthians 15:29 out of context and ignore Hebrews 9:27. This verse in Hebrews reads, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” In I Corinthians 15:29, the Apostle Paul is posing a rhetorical question to the believing Jews who had trouble believing in the resurrection. The entire chapter of I Corinthians 15 is about the resurrection. Read I Corinthians 15:17-22 carefully. It appears that the Apostle Paul is appealing to some superstitious Jews who believed they should be baptized for the dead. Paul asked them, “If you used to believe in baptism for the dead, why are you having so much trouble believing that believers will rise from the dead?”
Now the Mormons, these cultists, are encouraging people to join their church so their elders can pray for their dead relatives and get them saved. This is nothing but a ridiculous act of mockery to the work of Christ. They have perverted the inspired Word of God, the Bible, and replaced it with other man-made books, in spite of God’s warning to Moses the Lawgiver in Deuteronomy 4:2, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you.”
Where It All Started
The formation of the Mormon church and Joseph Smith’s revelation supposedly were given to him in three books, namely, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Book of Mormon. I truly believe if they had read and knew the true Word of God, the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible, in depth and in context, they would recognize there is no need for these books.
Briefly, here are the claims of these books.
1. Pearl of Great Price. In this book, Joseph Smith, Jr., tells about his vision and his discovery of the so-called “golden plates.” (Of course, if you ask the Mormons where these plates are now, they will tell you no one knows. Some claim that the plates went up in the sky.) The golden plates supposedly contain Joseph Smith’s own “Inspired version” of the Bible, which mainly contain the book of Moses and the book of Abraham. The Mormons are ignoring God’s commands not to add to His Word. (See Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18, 19.)
2. Doctrine and Covenants. This book supposedly contains the revelations given to Joseph Smith, Jr., and Brigham Young.
3. Book of Mormon. This book supposedly contains the history of two nations, the Nephites and the Lamanites, covering the period 600 B.C. They believe the Lamanites are the principal ancestors of the American Indians. It is interesting to note that God, even after sending our Lord Jesus, waited from 600 B.C. until September 22, 1827, to give His revelation to Joseph Smith, Jr., in New York.
To Sum it All Up: The Common Misconception
Among all the cults there is one common denominator and it is this: self-righteousness and self-justification by one’s own efforts (works), not by faith (see Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:16, 17; Galatians 3:6, 11; Ephesians 2:8, 9). The misconception comes mostly from not knowing or not reading the Word of God in context. They have put Ephesians 2:10 before Ephesians 2:8 and 9. Verse 10 of the book of Ephesians says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
No human being could do this unless he/she recognizes verses 8 and 9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The principle is this: trying to fulfill verse 10 in the flesh does not qualify one for verses 8 and 9.
What to Know
Know that man has a fallen nature (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:1-8). Physically and spiritually he is born a sinner. Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
King David, in Psalm 51:5 and Psalm 58:3 alluded to this fact. From the time of conception, from the womb, we have all gone astray. Our standard of living, how we live and what we eat and any other righteousness that we have, is as “filthy rags” before God. No preacher, no church, no Sunday school teacher, no priest or pope can save us, only Jesus can. And no matter how far you have gone astray, not matter how much you have drifted or how much you have been misled by man’s religion, the Lord Jesus is waiting and willing to receive you.
What to Do to Receive Christ
1. Recognize and acknowledge that you are a sinner from birth and understand that no man can save you but Jesus. Romans 3:10 states, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
2. Just as a person goes to work every day and receives wages for his/her work, sin also has a wage, and this wage is death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The word “death” in this verse is not so much physical death, for everyone dies. This death is spiritual death and later leads to an eternal death, separation from God forever. A person can walk the earth physically strong and alive and be spiritually dead, not having the Spirit of Christ. If the matter is not dealt with while this person is alive, he will eventually be separated eternally from God.
3. Christ died on the cross to take your sins from the past, present and the future. Hebrews 4:15 and 9:22 tells us that Christ shed His blood for our sin and He imputed His righteousness in us just as if we had never sinned. (See Romans 5:8; Isaiah 53:5-6; Hebrews 10:17-23; and I Peter 1:18-20.)
4. Receive Christ by reading and acknowledging Romans 10:9, 10 and 13.
5. Pray a short prayer. “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner by nature. I know my good works, good living and good deeds will not earn me eternal life in heaven. I know that I cannot pay for my sin, and no other sinful man can pay for them either. But You paid for my sin on the cross. So, I acknowledge that and receive you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life and indwell me from this point on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
6. Get baptized in a fundamental, Bible-believing church. Jesus Himself set an example for us (Matthew 3:16-17).
7. Tell this good news of your salvation to someone and confess the Lord Jesus publicly. Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
8. Join a Bible-believing, God-fearing church (Hebrews 10:25).
9. Stay in the Word of God, the Bible, daily (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 1:10-11; 2 Peter 1:5-8 and Ephesians 1:18).
10. Know that you are a new person, born again (John 3:3-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
For more information or questions, please contact Pastor Mike at:
May God Bless you!
 | 
