The many accounts of the first vision--How the first vision evolved
The official account told today:
The official account as told by the mormon church today is in the Pearl of Great Price (Joseph Smith-History, History of the church, vol.1, ch.1:17-20). It was published in 1842, 22 yrs. after the event supposedly took place in 1820. Joseph Smith claims that, due to a revival in 1820 when he was 14 yrs. old, he went into the woods to pray, two personages appeared to him. One spake,calling Joseph by name & pointed to the other personage saying "This is my beloved son. Hear him!" Joseph asked which church to join and he was told not to join any, that they were all wrong.
--Later the angel Moroni appears to Joseph & tells him about the gold plates that Smith translates into the book of mormon.
The 1st known account in 1832:
(See The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, compiled by Dean Jessee, Deseret
Book, 2002, pp. 11 and 17. Also in An American Prophet's Record, edited by Scott Faulring, Signature Books, 1989,
p. 5 and Early Mormon Documents, vol. 1.)
-This acount was handwritten by Joseph Smith in 1832
-Smith's first draft of his history. Only Jesus was mentioned as appearing.
-Smith started serious study of the scriptures at age 12
-Determined all churches were wrong
-No mention of a revival
-At age 15 (in his 16th year) he went into the grove and had a vision of the
Saviour
-His sins were forgiven. He reverted back to old ways
-At age 17 he again prayed and an angel appeared telling him about the plates
and announced he was forgiven of his sins.
The 2nd account in 1834:
Oliver Cowdery, with the help of Joseph Smith, published the first history of
Mormonism in the LDS paper Messenger and Advocate, Kirtland, Ohio, Dec. 1834, Vol. 1, No. 3.
-He began Smith's story with the angel vision in the bedroom in 1823. On page
42 Cowdery started the account when Smith was 14 (in his 15th year) telling of a
revival in the area. He named Mr.Lane, of the Methodist Church, as participating
in a great revival. Large additions were made to the Methodist, Presbyterian and
Baptist churches. During this revival his mother, one sister and two brothers
joined the Presbyterians.
-On page 78 Cowdery corrected Smith's age, stating Smith would have been in
his 17th year (16) not his 15th year (14) and placed the date at "1823."
-During this religious excitement Smith prayed to know "if a Supreme being did
exist, to have an assurance that he was accepted of him."
-His prayer was answered on Sept. 21, 1823, when a "messenger" appeared to him
in his bedroom "to deliver a special message, and to witness to him that his
sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard;..."
-There was no mention in Cowdery's history of a vision prior to the angel
coming to Smith's bedroom.
The 3rd & 4th account in 1835:
Joseph related his first vision to two different men. Both accounts relate
seeing angels but not God or Jesus.
3rd The Nov. 9, 1835 Account (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, pp.
75-76, 1984 ed., p. 105 in the 2002 edition. Also in An American Prophet's Record, p. 51. This account appeared in the serial printing of
Smith's history in the Millennial Star, Vol. 15, p. 396. However, this
account has been deleted from the History of the Church, Vol. 2, p.
304.)
-Smith related his story to a Jewish minister
-He didn't know which church was teaching the truth
-No mention of a revival
-He went into the grove to pray
-Two personages appeared—the second one "testified unto me that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God."
-He "saw many angels in this vision"
-At age 17 he "saw another vision of angels"—one told him about
the plates
4thThe Nov.14, 1835 Account (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 84,
also An American Prophet's Record, p. 59)
-Smith related his story to Erastus
Holmes:
-"...I received the first visitation of Angels which was when I was
about 14 years old..."
-Later received the vision regarding the plates
This same account was later printed in the Deseret News, May 29, 1852.
This entry has been changed in the History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 312.
It now reads "my first vision" instead of "visitation of angels."
1838
Joseph started working on his history but it wasn't published until
1842.
5th account in 1840:
Orson Pratt published A Interesting Account of Several Remarkable
Visions, Scotland, 1840. He related that when Smith was "about fourteen or
fifteen years old" he was praying in the woods when "two glorious
personages" appeared. But they were not specifically identified as the
Father and Son.
6th account, John Wentworth letter in 1842:
The letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842 Account (Personal Writings,
p. 213). Also printed in Times and Seasons, Nauvoo, Ill., March 1, 1842,
Vol. 3, No. 9, pp. 706-710
-At about 14 Smith started wondering which church was right.
-Went into the grove to pray.
-"Two glorious personages" appeared and informed him that none of the churches
"was acknowledged of God."
-He was told not to join any of them but wait for further revelation.
-In 1823 an angel appeared to tell him about the plates
7th account in 1842 Smith published his 1838-39 account:
Smith published his 1838-39 account in the Times and Seasons, Nauvoo,
Ill., March 15, 1842, Vol. 3, No. 10, pp. 727-728; pp. 748-749; pp. 753.
-When he was in his 15th year (age 14) his mother, sister, and two brothers
joined the Presbyterian Church due to a revival in the neighborhood. The revival
started with the Methodists and soon spread to the Presbyterians and
Baptists.
-Joseph went into the grove to ask God which church to join "for at this time
it had never entered my heart that all were wrong." Two beings appeared. One
spoke, pointed to the other being and said "This is my beloved Son, hear
him."
-He was told to join none of the churches "for they were all wrong...all their
creeds were an abomination in his sight;..."
-On Sept. 21st, 1823 he again prayed and the angel "Nephi" appeared to him to
tell him of the plates ("Nephi" was later changed to "Moroni" in the History
of the Church, Vol. 1, p. 11).
8th account in 1844:
Smith wrote a chapter on Mormonism for the book, An Original History of
the Religious Denominations at Present Existing in the United States, edited
by Daniel Rupp. But he did not state that he saw God and Christ in the vision:
"I retired to a secret place, and began to call upon the Lord. ...two
personages, who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness,
surrounded with a brilliant light, which eclipsed the sun at noonday. They told
me that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect
doctrines,..." (p. 404-405)
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Polygamy
-Joseph Smith had around 34 plural wives possibly more (34 were documented), out of the 34 wives, 11 were already married to a living husband, 11 were teenage girls as young as 14 yrs. old (average age for woman to marry in that time was 21-22). He was married to two sets of sisters and a mother daughter set (in old testament, law of God forbids marriage to a mother & her daughter, Lev. 18:17).
-Joseph Smith started practicing polygamy in 1833, yet recieved the revelation for polygamy 10 yrs. later in 1843.
-In 1844 Joseph Smith said: "What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one. I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago."(History of the Church vol.6, p408-412).---At the time Joseph Smith said this he had over 30 wives.---"Lying for the Lord"??? Joseph Smith continually lied about having plural wives to non-members & some member.
-plural marriage supposedly ended in the 1890 manifesto that ended plural marriage. The church publicly pretended that it was over but continued to secretly practice it amoung the leaders and those who could "handle the truth". They continued plural marriage for decades while lying to the public and some members.
-While the LDS don't practice polygamy today (here on earth) they still believe in it spiritually. A man can be sealed to his wife, if she passes he can be sealed to another, in heaven he will be married to as many wives as he has been sealed to on earth. Yet the church claims to have NOTHING to do with polygamy.
-The pluralty of wives is still in their doctrine today. Doctrine & Covenants 132.
A contradiction in mormon scripture:
Recorded in the BoM in 1830, Jacob 2:24--Behold David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.
Later in 1843...D&C 132:1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines-
To see a list of the 34 wives of Joseph Smith and read an autobiography of them click on this link: Wives of Joseph Smith
-Joseph Smith started practicing polygamy in 1833, yet recieved the revelation for polygamy 10 yrs. later in 1843.
-In 1844 Joseph Smith said: "What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one. I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago."(History of the Church vol.6, p408-412).---At the time Joseph Smith said this he had over 30 wives.---"Lying for the Lord"??? Joseph Smith continually lied about having plural wives to non-members & some member.
-plural marriage supposedly ended in the 1890 manifesto that ended plural marriage. The church publicly pretended that it was over but continued to secretly practice it amoung the leaders and those who could "handle the truth". They continued plural marriage for decades while lying to the public and some members.
-While the LDS don't practice polygamy today (here on earth) they still believe in it spiritually. A man can be sealed to his wife, if she passes he can be sealed to another, in heaven he will be married to as many wives as he has been sealed to on earth. Yet the church claims to have NOTHING to do with polygamy.
-The pluralty of wives is still in their doctrine today. Doctrine & Covenants 132.
A contradiction in mormon scripture:
Recorded in the BoM in 1830, Jacob 2:24--Behold David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.
Later in 1843...D&C 132:1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines-
To see a list of the 34 wives of Joseph Smith and read an autobiography of them click on this link: Wives of Joseph Smith
Video about Joseph's youngest wife (14 yrs. Helen Mar Kimball)
Video about a 16 yr. old wife of Joseph Smith (Lucy Walker)
To learn more about this subject you can read the book: In sacred lonliness, the plural wives of Joseph Smith. By Todd Compton.
Todd Compton is an LDS Historian in good standing with the church, he served an LDS mission in Ireland, graduated from BYU, was awarded the Best Book Award by the John Whitmer Historical Assoc. & the Mormon Historical Assoc., he serves on the board of editors Journal of Mormon History.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Kinderhook Plates
---The Kinderhook Plates are 6 small brass plates with mysterious engravings on them. They were claimed to have been found in a mound in Kinderhook Illinois in 1843. Joseph Smith claimed to translate a portion of the plates but died before he could finish. He claimed that they were an ancient document from a descendant of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh.
---In 1879 Wilbur Fugate said that the plates were a hoax. That they were forged by himself and two others (Bridge Whitten & Robert Wiley). They did it to test the validity of Joseph Smith.
---The plates were presumed lost and the church claimed that Fugate could not be trusted, the church continued to publish facsimilies of the plates in the History of the Church.
---In 1920 one of the plates was found in the Chicago History Museum. It was proved to be one of the 6 plates and was also proved to be a fabricated hoax. Fugate was telling the truth.
Here are some quotes:
"I have seen 6 brass plates... covered with ancient characters of language containing from 30 to 40 on each side of the plates. Prest J. has translated a portion and says they contain the history of the person with whom they were found and he was a descendant of Ham through the loins of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of heaven and earth." (William Clayton's Journal, May 1, 1843, as cited in Trials of Discipleship — The Story of William Clayton, a Mormon, page 117)
"I insert facsimiles of the six brass plates found near Kinderhook...
"I have translated a portion of them, and find they contain the history of the person with whom they were found. He was a descendant of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the Ruler of heaven and earth." (History of the Church, Vol. 5 page 372)
"Why does the circumstance of the plates recently found in a mound in Pike county, III., by Mr. Wiley, together with ethnology and a thousand other things, go to prove the Book of Mormon true? — Ans. Because it is true!" (Times and Seasons, Vol. 5, page 406)
" 'Six plates having the appearance of Brass have lately been dug out of the mound by a gentleman in Pike Co. Illinois. They are small and filled with engravings in Egyptian language and contain the genealogy of one of the ancient Jaredite back to Ham the son of Noah" (The Ensign, August 1981, page 73)
In this video I address being called a hypocrite.
---In 1879 Wilbur Fugate said that the plates were a hoax. That they were forged by himself and two others (Bridge Whitten & Robert Wiley). They did it to test the validity of Joseph Smith.
---The plates were presumed lost and the church claimed that Fugate could not be trusted, the church continued to publish facsimilies of the plates in the History of the Church.
---In 1920 one of the plates was found in the Chicago History Museum. It was proved to be one of the 6 plates and was also proved to be a fabricated hoax. Fugate was telling the truth.
"I have seen 6 brass plates... covered with ancient characters of language containing from 30 to 40 on each side of the plates. Prest J. has translated a portion and says they contain the history of the person with whom they were found and he was a descendant of Ham through the loins of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of heaven and earth." (William Clayton's Journal, May 1, 1843, as cited in Trials of Discipleship — The Story of William Clayton, a Mormon, page 117)
"I insert facsimiles of the six brass plates found near Kinderhook...
"I have translated a portion of them, and find they contain the history of the person with whom they were found. He was a descendant of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the Ruler of heaven and earth." (History of the Church, Vol. 5 page 372)
"Why does the circumstance of the plates recently found in a mound in Pike county, III., by Mr. Wiley, together with ethnology and a thousand other things, go to prove the Book of Mormon true? — Ans. Because it is true!" (Times and Seasons, Vol. 5, page 406)
" 'Six plates having the appearance of Brass have lately been dug out of the mound by a gentleman in Pike Co. Illinois. They are small and filled with engravings in Egyptian language and contain the genealogy of one of the ancient Jaredite back to Ham the son of Noah" (The Ensign, August 1981, page 73)
In this video I address being called a hypocrite.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Matt.7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Jude 1: 3-4
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 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.
Milk before Meat
Mormons are not willing to be as forthright about their doctrine & beliefs as Christians are.
If mormons were to disclose all of their beliefs & be open about their religion, that would make it much harder to appear christian to the world, and would also make it harder to gain converts, it would drastically lower the number of converts.
"Milk before Meat" is a phrase that mormons use to justify not disclosing potentially shocking & embarrassing doctrine & beliefs.
This is lying for the Lord<--referrs to lying to protect the image of & belief in the mormon religion.
Missionaries have been taught to avoid providing direct answers to questions that non-members or potential converts might ask, or to not tell everything they know. Not telling the potential convert the truth, by avoiding it, helps to not scare potential converts away.
Here are SOME of the things mormons often avoid (the"Meat"):
1. God is an exalted man
2. Man can become a God
3. Polygamy
4. the curse of cain
5. Mountain Meadows Massacre
6. Adam God theory
7. Temple endowments
keep in mind that many mormons themselves don't even know about some of these things.
This is why many people lable the mormon religion as a "cult". "Milk before Meat" is decieving and can be seen as trying to brainwash people.
When asked to discuss something that is potentially embarrassing to the mormon religion, mormons often take the stand that it is inappropriate to discuss such "sacred" things. What is "sacred" is treated as "secret". This is why most non-members & some members have no idea what "endowments " are and are not aware of the rituals done in the mormon temple. Mormons take an oath to not tell anyone about these "sacred" ceremonies/rituals. This conveniently keeps them from having to share these shocking rituals with the world, and also makes it easier to appear christian and gain converts. The mormon member themselves often have no idea what these "sacred endowment ceremonies" are until they actually go to the temple & do them for the first time. They take an oath to not tell, before they even know what they are about to do.
Mormonism teaches that we all came here (to earth) because we agreed with Christ's plan to have free agency (free will). We should be able to search & find out what is right & wrong, or true & false. By hiding & distorting information, the lds church is manipulating peoples choices and highjacking them of their free agency (free will), for it's own benifit.
This is a video of Lds BYU professor Bob Millet teaching missionaries to avoid telling truth. He is teaching "Milk before Meat".
Another example of "Milk before Meat" being used by the mormon church to decieve people.
*To all the mormons out there that do not know what the "Journal of Discourses" is, I would urge you to read it. It is 26 volumes of the sermons of the beloved, former leaders & prophets that you hold so dear. It was put together by the leaders of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. It is part of your church history, and there is some VERY interesting stuff in it. It includes 1,438 sermons given by 55 church leaders. It is one of the richest sources of early mormon theology and thinking. Here is a link: Journal of Discourses
If mormons were to disclose all of their beliefs & be open about their religion, that would make it much harder to appear christian to the world, and would also make it harder to gain converts, it would drastically lower the number of converts.
"Milk before Meat" is a phrase that mormons use to justify not disclosing potentially shocking & embarrassing doctrine & beliefs.
This is lying for the Lord<--referrs to lying to protect the image of & belief in the mormon religion.
Missionaries have been taught to avoid providing direct answers to questions that non-members or potential converts might ask, or to not tell everything they know. Not telling the potential convert the truth, by avoiding it, helps to not scare potential converts away.
Here are SOME of the things mormons often avoid (the"Meat"):
1. God is an exalted man
2. Man can become a God
3. Polygamy
4. the curse of cain
5. Mountain Meadows Massacre
6. Adam God theory
7. Temple endowments
keep in mind that many mormons themselves don't even know about some of these things.
This is why many people lable the mormon religion as a "cult". "Milk before Meat" is decieving and can be seen as trying to brainwash people.
When asked to discuss something that is potentially embarrassing to the mormon religion, mormons often take the stand that it is inappropriate to discuss such "sacred" things. What is "sacred" is treated as "secret". This is why most non-members & some members have no idea what "endowments " are and are not aware of the rituals done in the mormon temple. Mormons take an oath to not tell anyone about these "sacred" ceremonies/rituals. This conveniently keeps them from having to share these shocking rituals with the world, and also makes it easier to appear christian and gain converts. The mormon member themselves often have no idea what these "sacred endowment ceremonies" are until they actually go to the temple & do them for the first time. They take an oath to not tell, before they even know what they are about to do.
Mormonism teaches that we all came here (to earth) because we agreed with Christ's plan to have free agency (free will). We should be able to search & find out what is right & wrong, or true & false. By hiding & distorting information, the lds church is manipulating peoples choices and highjacking them of their free agency (free will), for it's own benifit.
This is a video of Lds BYU professor Bob Millet teaching missionaries to avoid telling truth. He is teaching "Milk before Meat".
Another example of "Milk before Meat" being used by the mormon church to decieve people.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Mormonism & Blacks
Before June of 1978, blacks were not allowed to hold the priesthood, due to "the curse of Cain". Because they could not hold priesthood, they were not permitted into the temple to do the ordinances and eternal marriage that are neccessary for salvation/exaltation. This excluded blacks from the oppertunity of doing the ordinances and eternal marriage (that are neccessary for salvation/exaltation) because of their skin color, which is "the mark of Cain".
In 1978 president/prophet Spencer W. Kimball announced that blacks could now hold the priesthood!---just in time for the opening of the new temple in Brazil, that many "dark skinned" Brazilians had contributed to. Lucky for them<-- (the Brazilians), they were now able to enter into the temple building that they contributed to and now also able to do the ordinances and eternal marriage neccessary for Salvation/exaltation.
The curse of Cain - taught by the Mormon Church:
Because Cain killed his brother Able, God cursed Cain with dark skin. Now all of Cains descendants would have "the mark of Cain". After the flood of Noah this curse was preserved through Ham.
If you were "noble" in the pre-existant life, then you would have an "honorable" (white) body down here. The spirits who were "less noble", and lent an influence to the devil, came into the world and took bodies of the "accursed" lineage of Canaan (dark skin). Due to the dark skinned people having a lack of integrity to righteosness in the pre-existant life, they rendered themselves unworthy of the priesthood and its powers.
*Mormonism still teaches about this curse in their doctrin today.
*While the priesthood ban has been lifted the church has yet to clarify its theological view on race or why the ban was ever instituted.
In this video I go over some verses in the mormon doctrine about the curse of Cain. Here are the verses: (2Nephi 5:21), (1Nephi 12:23), (Alma 3:6), (Jacob 3:5), (Jacob 3:8), (Mormon 5:15), (Moses 7:8), (Moses 7:22), (Abraham 1:24), (Abraham 1:26-27).
This is the 15th President/Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. He is asked about blacks & the priesthood in an interview with 60 minutes.
This is a conversation I had on missionary chat (on mormon.org) about the curse of Cain. Benjamin claimed that the Book of Mormon does not mention the curse nor did it even mention blacks, when I presented him with verses from mormon doctrin that mention the curse, he was unable to explain mormon doctrine to me, and promptly had to leave the conversation.
In 1978 president/prophet Spencer W. Kimball announced that blacks could now hold the priesthood!---just in time for the opening of the new temple in Brazil, that many "dark skinned" Brazilians had contributed to. Lucky for them<-- (the Brazilians), they were now able to enter into the temple building that they contributed to and now also able to do the ordinances and eternal marriage neccessary for Salvation/exaltation.
The curse of Cain - taught by the Mormon Church:
Because Cain killed his brother Able, God cursed Cain with dark skin. Now all of Cains descendants would have "the mark of Cain". After the flood of Noah this curse was preserved through Ham.
If you were "noble" in the pre-existant life, then you would have an "honorable" (white) body down here. The spirits who were "less noble", and lent an influence to the devil, came into the world and took bodies of the "accursed" lineage of Canaan (dark skin). Due to the dark skinned people having a lack of integrity to righteosness in the pre-existant life, they rendered themselves unworthy of the priesthood and its powers.
*Mormonism still teaches about this curse in their doctrin today.
*While the priesthood ban has been lifted the church has yet to clarify its theological view on race or why the ban was ever instituted.
In this video I go over some verses in the mormon doctrine about the curse of Cain. Here are the verses: (2Nephi 5:21), (1Nephi 12:23), (Alma 3:6), (Jacob 3:5), (Jacob 3:8), (Mormon 5:15), (Moses 7:8), (Moses 7:22), (Abraham 1:24), (Abraham 1:26-27).
This is the 15th President/Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. He is asked about blacks & the priesthood in an interview with 60 minutes.
This is a conversation I had on missionary chat (on mormon.org) about the curse of Cain. Benjamin claimed that the Book of Mormon does not mention the curse nor did it even mention blacks, when I presented him with verses from mormon doctrin that mention the curse, he was unable to explain mormon doctrine to me, and promptly had to leave the conversation.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The Book of Abraham
The book of Abraham is in the Pearl of great price (mormon scripture). Joseph Smith translated the Book of Abraham from an ancient egyptian scroll that he bought from an antiquities dealer in 1835. He claimed that it contained the book of Abraham. At that time nobody could read ancient egyptian. But today egyptologist are able to read the scroll. In 1966, 11 papyrus fragments from the scrolls were found in New York at the Metropolitan museum of art. Along w/ the fragments, was a letter signed by Emma Smith (Joseph Smith's wife), certifying that the documents belonged to Joseph Smith. Due to facsimiles (pictures Joseph copied from the scroll and put in the Book of Abraham), they were able to determine that within the 11 fragments were pieces that Joseph Smith translated from. The 11 fragments were presented to the mormon church on Nov. 27, 1967. There was an article about it in the deseret news of Salt Lake City. They were able to determine that the scroll did not contain the Book of Abraham, but, actually contained an extended prayer on behalf of a dead ancient egyptian priest (Horus). Abraham is not mentioned once.
Here is a video about it
My Testimony
This is VERY difficult for me to share. I have only shared my testimony with two people, my husband, and a friend of mine. I REALLY don't like sharing my personal business with everyone. However, I believe that it is important for me to do this, for the building up of the body of Christ. I know that God can reach people through a testimony. If I was still doing things MY WAY then I would not be sharing this or even doing this blog, but, I don't serve God MY WAY, I serve him HIS WAY, I have faith in him. I'm sorry for all the tears, like I said I've only shared this w/ two people, and this always brings me to tears. I pray that you will see his strength in my weakness.
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Cross
Mormon view: In Mormonism the cross is not embraced like it is in Christianity. Mormons believe that because Jesus died on it, it just represents the method of his death. When you ask why they don't embrace the cross, a common response is something like this: "Well, if one of your loved ones died in a car accident or was shot, you wouldnt want to keep the gun or car, would you?" This was similar to the response I got when I asked about it. As a child I was not allowed to wear a necklace with a cross on it. Embracing the coss was frowned upon.
Christian view: It is not the physical object itself that is important to a christian, but rather what it represents is important to christians. To a christian the cross does not merely represent the method of Christ's death. It represents: Love, peace, hope, being reconciled to God, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, fulfillment of the law, forgiveness of sins, dying to our old self, new life. Jesus endured on the cross and made peace through the cross, he reconcied us by the cross. Our old self dies on the cross with Christ when we are reborn. We take up our cross and follow him <---This means to deny yourself, be willing to suffer for Christ.
1 Cor.1:17-18
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Mat.16:24
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Gal.6:14
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Eph.2:16
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Col.1:15-20
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Christian view: It is not the physical object itself that is important to a christian, but rather what it represents is important to christians. To a christian the cross does not merely represent the method of Christ's death. It represents: Love, peace, hope, being reconciled to God, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, fulfillment of the law, forgiveness of sins, dying to our old self, new life. Jesus endured on the cross and made peace through the cross, he reconcied us by the cross. Our old self dies on the cross with Christ when we are reborn. We take up our cross and follow him <---This means to deny yourself, be willing to suffer for Christ.
1 Cor.1:17-18
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Mat.16:24
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Gal.6:14
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Eph.2:16
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Col.1:15-20
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Priesthood
* Mormons believe that the Aaronic & Melchizedek priesthood were restored through Joseph Smith. This priesthood gives man devine authority to act in God's name.
Aaronic priesthood (descendants of Aaron in Levitical priesthood)
Mormon view: 1st restoration: Joseph Smith claims that John the Baptist appeared to him and layed hands on him and Oliver Cowdery (his scrib) which gave them the Aaronic priesthood thus restoring Aaronic priesthood (descendants of Aaron in Levitical priesthood). This priesthood can be passed down to mormon boys as young as 12 yrs. old by the laying on of hands by a priesthood holder.
Christian view: In the Levitical priesthood the decendants of Aaron were the only ones allowed to be a high priest. Their was only one high priest at a time. Once the high priest died then another descendant of Aaron would be the high priest. He had to be at least around 30-40 years old. The high priest would performed the animal sacrifices for the covering of sins, in the Holy of Holies, once a year. After Jesus died (our ultimate sacrifice) there was no need for Aaronic priesthood. In old testament times people needed a priest as intermediary between them & God. They could not go directly to God because of sin. After Jesus died we can now go directly to God through Jesus. We, the believers, are the priesthood of all believers. When we are reborn we join in Christ's priestly work of reconciling God & man; we have the holy spirit sanctifying & renewing us, we walk by faith, allow him to work through us and do his will.
Melchizedek priesthood
Mormon view: 2nd restoration: Joseph Smith claims that Peter, John & James appeared to him and passed the Melchizedek priesthood to him.
Christian view: There was only one man in the Bible named Melchizedec. He is only mentioned in Gen.14:18-20, psalms 110:4 & Hebrews 6:20-7:21. He was an old testament 'type' (a shadow of something to come) for Jesus. Here is what we know about him: His name means "king of righteosness" & "king of salem" which means "king of peace". He was king of salem (Jerusalem) and priest of the most high God. He was without father, mother, or descent. Having neither beginning of days nor end of life, made like unto the son of God, he remains a priest continually. He met with Abraham and brought him bread & wine, he blessed Abraham, Abraham gave him tithes of a tenth of his spoils. (hmm...sound like Jesus?). The Bible tells us that Jesus holds the Melchizedek priesthood, he is our only High Priest. Melchizedek is not a priesthood to be handed down.
*In this video I explain what a 'Type' is and I go over the Aaronic & Melchizedek priesthood using the Bible (KJV)
Aaronic priesthood (descendants of Aaron in Levitical priesthood)
Mormon view: 1st restoration: Joseph Smith claims that John the Baptist appeared to him and layed hands on him and Oliver Cowdery (his scrib) which gave them the Aaronic priesthood thus restoring Aaronic priesthood (descendants of Aaron in Levitical priesthood). This priesthood can be passed down to mormon boys as young as 12 yrs. old by the laying on of hands by a priesthood holder.
Christian view: In the Levitical priesthood the decendants of Aaron were the only ones allowed to be a high priest. Their was only one high priest at a time. Once the high priest died then another descendant of Aaron would be the high priest. He had to be at least around 30-40 years old. The high priest would performed the animal sacrifices for the covering of sins, in the Holy of Holies, once a year. After Jesus died (our ultimate sacrifice) there was no need for Aaronic priesthood. In old testament times people needed a priest as intermediary between them & God. They could not go directly to God because of sin. After Jesus died we can now go directly to God through Jesus. We, the believers, are the priesthood of all believers. When we are reborn we join in Christ's priestly work of reconciling God & man; we have the holy spirit sanctifying & renewing us, we walk by faith, allow him to work through us and do his will.
Melchizedek priesthood
Mormon view: 2nd restoration: Joseph Smith claims that Peter, John & James appeared to him and passed the Melchizedek priesthood to him.
Christian view: There was only one man in the Bible named Melchizedec. He is only mentioned in Gen.14:18-20, psalms 110:4 & Hebrews 6:20-7:21. He was an old testament 'type' (a shadow of something to come) for Jesus. Here is what we know about him: His name means "king of righteosness" & "king of salem" which means "king of peace". He was king of salem (Jerusalem) and priest of the most high God. He was without father, mother, or descent. Having neither beginning of days nor end of life, made like unto the son of God, he remains a priest continually. He met with Abraham and brought him bread & wine, he blessed Abraham, Abraham gave him tithes of a tenth of his spoils. (hmm...sound like Jesus?). The Bible tells us that Jesus holds the Melchizedek priesthood, he is our only High Priest. Melchizedek is not a priesthood to be handed down.
*In this video I explain what a 'Type' is and I go over the Aaronic & Melchizedek priesthood using the Bible (KJV)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Prophets
Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, in the same sense as Moses and the other old testament prophets. After Joseph Smith died, Brigham Young was the new prophet, then John Taylor...and so on. Today, Thomas S. Monson is the lds present day prophet who they believe is a prophet of God in the same sense as Moses & the other old testament prophets. They believe that their prophet is to guide them in these latter days. The lds have had 16 presidents/prophets.
Here is a picture of the prophets, starting with Joseph Smith all the way to Thomas S. Monson. at the bottom of the photo it reads: "We thank the oh God for our prophet to guide us in these latter days."
Christian view: While there is the gift of prophesy from the holy spirit spoken of in the new testament (Eph.4:11), we no longer have prophets like the ones in the old testament. The old testament prophets all pointed to ---> JESUS! When Jesus died he gave us the gift of the holy spirit. Now we have the holy spirit to guid us through ALL things. A modern day prophet is someone with the gift of prophesy from the holy ghost, for the building up of the body of Christ. We are not meant to follow them. It is very clear that we are to follow JESUS (not man) and that we have the holy spirit to guide us in these latter days. In fact we are to test all things with the bible to see if they match up with God's word. We are to be like the Bereans (in Acts 17:11) who searched the scripture to see if what Paul & Silas were teaching was true. We are to prove all things (1 Thess.5:21).
Going over some verses about prophets and the Holy Ghost in this video
This is an LDS children's song called "Follow the Prophet". It is highly disturbing in that the mormon church teaches this song to young children in primary. It teaches them to "Follow the Prophet".
Goes like this:
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don't go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet, he knows the way.
Here is a picture of the prophets, starting with Joseph Smith all the way to Thomas S. Monson. at the bottom of the photo it reads: "We thank the oh God for our prophet to guide us in these latter days."
Goes like this:
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don't go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet, he knows the way.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Born Again vs. Feelings
* A key difference between the testimony of a mormon & one of a christian is:
--A mormon testimony is a result of trusting in their own heart
vs.
--A christian testimony is a result of trusting in the Lord
Feelings
Mormons base a testimony on feelings. It's based on a "burning in the bosom" or that they "feel in their heart" that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, and Joseph Smith is a true Prophet. They know this because they read the Book of Mormon, prayed about it, and felt in their heart that it was true.
Born Again
Christians base their testimony on a conversion of the mind & heart. They are born again, they see everything in a new way. Its based on what God has shown them after they placed their trust in him. While warm feelings are involved it is not based off of those feelings, but, on that their mind and heart have been converted, their eyes opened, and they see the truth that God has shown them. They see that they are sinful and broken and that they need Jesus. They are a new creature in Christ Jesus. They no longer live for worldly things or for themselves but now live for Jesus. Their old self has passed away and all things are new! Believers in Christ are reborn spiritually as sons and daughters of God. They experience a complete Christian conversion of mind and heart.
In this video I am going over some verses about the heart and about being born again.
--A mormon testimony is a result of trusting in their own heart
vs.
--A christian testimony is a result of trusting in the Lord
Feelings
Mormons base a testimony on feelings. It's based on a "burning in the bosom" or that they "feel in their heart" that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, and Joseph Smith is a true Prophet. They know this because they read the Book of Mormon, prayed about it, and felt in their heart that it was true.
Born Again
Christians base their testimony on a conversion of the mind & heart. They are born again, they see everything in a new way. Its based on what God has shown them after they placed their trust in him. While warm feelings are involved it is not based off of those feelings, but, on that their mind and heart have been converted, their eyes opened, and they see the truth that God has shown them. They see that they are sinful and broken and that they need Jesus. They are a new creature in Christ Jesus. They no longer live for worldly things or for themselves but now live for Jesus. Their old self has passed away and all things are new! Believers in Christ are reborn spiritually as sons and daughters of God. They experience a complete Christian conversion of mind and heart.
In this video I am going over some verses about the heart and about being born again.
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Church & The Temple
Church
Mormon veiw: The church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is the one true church and this church has the fullness of the gospel because the founder of the church who is viewed as a prophet of God (prophet in the same sense as Moses & Abraham) restored the gospel. He (Joseph) says that God and Jesus came to him in a vision & told him that there was no true chuch out there and that he (Joseph) was to restore the church. Then came the book of mormon (another testament of Jesus Christ). Joseph Smith is viewed as a prophet, seer, revelator, and the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mormons also refer to their place of worship as a church. There is a dress code at the chuch. Men must wear dress shirt & slacks while women must wear a dress or skirt. They have sacrament meeting (church service) they take sacrament (communion), and they attend classes.
Christian view: The church is the body of Christ, the body of Christ is made up of the believers. We, the believers, are the church. Christians also refer to a place of worship & fellowship as a church. Christians go to church for fellowship, to encourage & build each other up, to minister to one another and to serve.
"A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints." ~ Abigail Van Buren
Temple
Mormon view: It may be helpful to understand that in mormonism, they see God the father, Jesus Christ & the holy spirit as seperate beings (one in purpose). God the father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies and can not dwell in us but the Holy Ghost is a spirit and can dwell in us, this is not God dwelling in us, but, God speaks to us through the Holy Ghost. They believe that while the holy ghost dwells in us, the temple building is the house of the whole Godhead . & although God & Jesus have physical bodies they are capable of being in more than one place at a time & we can not see them unless they reveal themselves to us. The holy ghost is aslo able to be anywhere.
Mormons build temples specifically for God. The temple is where mormons, who have a temple recommend, go to do their ordinances: endowments (sacred ceremonies/rituals), baptisms for the dead, and are sealed in marriage for eternity.
Christian view: In the old testament times the holy spirit did not dwell in people because the people could not be perfectly cleansed, there had to be animal sacrifices done for the temporary covering of sin. God dwelt in the tabernacle (which means dwelling place) and animal sacrifice took place here too, until the temple was built, then God dwelt in the temple and animal sacrifice took place there. After Jesus died, he was our ultimate sacrifice, once for all time. So we no longer need to do animal sacrifice. Jesus also left us with the gift of the indwelling of the holy spirit. Now our body is a temple, God dwells in us through the holy spirit.
*I meant to say Hebrews 10 :16-20.
In this video I am going over Hebrews 10:16-20. Mat.27:51, and John 2:19. check it out! I am explaining how when Jesus died we can now go to the holiest through the veil (Jesus). There is a new and living way!
Mormon veiw: The church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is the one true church and this church has the fullness of the gospel because the founder of the church who is viewed as a prophet of God (prophet in the same sense as Moses & Abraham) restored the gospel. He (Joseph) says that God and Jesus came to him in a vision & told him that there was no true chuch out there and that he (Joseph) was to restore the church. Then came the book of mormon (another testament of Jesus Christ). Joseph Smith is viewed as a prophet, seer, revelator, and the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mormons also refer to their place of worship as a church. There is a dress code at the chuch. Men must wear dress shirt & slacks while women must wear a dress or skirt. They have sacrament meeting (church service) they take sacrament (communion), and they attend classes.
Christian view: The church is the body of Christ, the body of Christ is made up of the believers. We, the believers, are the church. Christians also refer to a place of worship & fellowship as a church. Christians go to church for fellowship, to encourage & build each other up, to minister to one another and to serve.
"A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints." ~ Abigail Van Buren
Temple
Mormon view: It may be helpful to understand that in mormonism, they see God the father, Jesus Christ & the holy spirit as seperate beings (one in purpose). God the father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies and can not dwell in us but the Holy Ghost is a spirit and can dwell in us, this is not God dwelling in us, but, God speaks to us through the Holy Ghost. They believe that while the holy ghost dwells in us, the temple building is the house of the whole Godhead . & although God & Jesus have physical bodies they are capable of being in more than one place at a time & we can not see them unless they reveal themselves to us. The holy ghost is aslo able to be anywhere.
Mormons build temples specifically for God. The temple is where mormons, who have a temple recommend, go to do their ordinances: endowments (sacred ceremonies/rituals), baptisms for the dead, and are sealed in marriage for eternity.
Christian view: In the old testament times the holy spirit did not dwell in people because the people could not be perfectly cleansed, there had to be animal sacrifices done for the temporary covering of sin. God dwelt in the tabernacle (which means dwelling place) and animal sacrifice took place here too, until the temple was built, then God dwelt in the temple and animal sacrifice took place there. After Jesus died, he was our ultimate sacrifice, once for all time. So we no longer need to do animal sacrifice. Jesus also left us with the gift of the indwelling of the holy spirit. Now our body is a temple, God dwells in us through the holy spirit.
In this video I am going over Hebrews 10:16-20. Mat.27:51, and John 2:19. check it out! I am explaining how when Jesus died we can now go to the holiest through the veil (Jesus). There is a new and living way!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Law
Mormon view: Must try to be perfect. Must have faith and follow laws, ordinances & principals to become righteouse before God. Must have faith and live righteously to be righteous before God. You are made righteouse by faith plus following the law.
Christian view: Once you put true faith in Christ you are made righteous in Christ. You are no longer bound by the law. There is now righteousness without the law (Rom.3:21). The law is the old covenant and it could never perfectly cleanse (Heb.10:1). Now we have a new covenant where God puts his law in our hearts & writes them in our minds (Heb.10:16), and we uphold that law (Rom.3:31). God no longer remembers our sins. We will have boldness to enter into the holiest BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS (Heb.10:17-19). Nobody is justified by the law, the law is to bring forth knowledge of sin (Rom.3:20).
AND
(Matthew7:21-23)21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Christian view: Once you put true faith in Christ you are made righteous in Christ. You are no longer bound by the law. There is now righteousness without the law (Rom.3:21). The law is the old covenant and it could never perfectly cleanse (Heb.10:1). Now we have a new covenant where God puts his law in our hearts & writes them in our minds (Heb.10:16), and we uphold that law (Rom.3:31). God no longer remembers our sins. We will have boldness to enter into the holiest BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS (Heb.10:17-19). Nobody is justified by the law, the law is to bring forth knowledge of sin (Rom.3:20).
In this video I am going over:
(James2:10)10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.AND
(Matthew7:21-23)21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Baptism
Mormon view: Traditionally baptized at age 8 (by someone w/ proper authority), and then the laying on of hands for the gift of the holy ghost (by someone w/ proper authority). This constitutes confirmation into the Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
--(side note) I was baptized at age 8 or 9 (?). When I asked why, this was the answer; "So you can recieve the holy ghost and the holy ghost can guide you through life."
--Mormons believe that this is the way to recieve the holy ghost.
Christian view: Christians get baptized because of their faith, because they are saved. It is an outward showing of our faith and a first step to obediance. (obediance out of love & gratitude, not to attain salvation). We are proclaiming and rejoicing that we are God's children. It represents the washing of our sins and redemption:
1. As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross.
2. As you are lowered into the water, you symbolize Jesus buried in the tomb.
3. As you are raised from the water, you symbolize Jesus raising from the dead.
You are saying; I (old self) died with Jesus, I (old self) was buried with him, and now I am raised with Christ to brand new life!!!
Watch this AMAAAAZING video about baptism!!!!
--(side note) I was baptized at age 8 or 9 (?). When I asked why, this was the answer; "So you can recieve the holy ghost and the holy ghost can guide you through life."
--Mormons believe that this is the way to recieve the holy ghost.
Christian view: Christians get baptized because of their faith, because they are saved. It is an outward showing of our faith and a first step to obediance. (obediance out of love & gratitude, not to attain salvation). We are proclaiming and rejoicing that we are God's children. It represents the washing of our sins and redemption:
1. As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross.
2. As you are lowered into the water, you symbolize Jesus buried in the tomb.
3. As you are raised from the water, you symbolize Jesus raising from the dead.
You are saying; I (old self) died with Jesus, I (old self) was buried with him, and now I am raised with Christ to brand new life!!!
Watch this AMAAAAZING video about baptism!!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Faith, Works & Salvation
--(side note)-- Salvation is--to be saved--will be wih God in heaven--mormons often refer to this as exaltation (will be in celestial kingdom with God).
Mormon view-- Faith + Works = Salvation
Christian view-- Faith = Salvation + Works
Christians believe that if you have true faith (not dead faith) in Jesus then you will be saved and that true faith will produce good works, but it is faith that saves you not works. Genuine faith transforms your heart, and from that heart will flow good works.
"Faith alone saves, but, the faith that saves is never alone." ~ John Calvin
(Eph. 2:8-9) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Romans 11:6) 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Mormon view: These are some of the things that mormons believe are necessary for salvation/exaltation (to be with God): ---Faith, repentance, Baptism (by emersion for remission of sins), Gift of Holy Ghost by laying on of hands (by someone w/ mormon priesthood authority), must do temple endowments (sacred ceremonies/rituals done in temple), eternal marriage, and continued faithfulness.
2Nephi 25:23(Book of Mormon)--"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."
I'm really not the best speaker, but, In this video I'm trying to convey how James 2:14-26 works together with Romans 4:1-5. I have heard some people insinuate that in James2 he is implying a faith plus works salvation. & some people believe that some verses (in James2 & Romans4) contridict eachother. Such as these:
--(James2:21)21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
--(Romans 4:5)5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Mormon view-- Faith + Works = Salvation
Christian view-- Faith = Salvation + Works
Christians believe that if you have true faith (not dead faith) in Jesus then you will be saved and that true faith will produce good works, but it is faith that saves you not works. Genuine faith transforms your heart, and from that heart will flow good works.
"Faith alone saves, but, the faith that saves is never alone." ~ John Calvin
(Eph. 2:8-9) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Romans 11:6) 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Mormon view: These are some of the things that mormons believe are necessary for salvation/exaltation (to be with God): ---Faith, repentance, Baptism (by emersion for remission of sins), Gift of Holy Ghost by laying on of hands (by someone w/ mormon priesthood authority), must do temple endowments (sacred ceremonies/rituals done in temple), eternal marriage, and continued faithfulness.
2Nephi 25:23(Book of Mormon)--"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."
--(James2:21)21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
--(Romans 4:5)5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Marriage, new covenat, & Mat 16:17-19
Marriage
Christian marriage- Joining together of a man and woman. They become one flesh. It's until death do they part. No marriage in heaven.
--(Mat.22:30) For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. (KJV)
--also see Luke 20:33-36
Mormon marriage- Married in mormon temple by mormon priesthood authority. Sealed in marriage, marriage may continue through eternity if couples live lives worthy of that blessing. May also have children sealed to them for time & all eternity.
New Covenant
Christian - Comes through the blood of Jesus, the death of Jesus. We can go directly to God through Jesus & there is forgivness of sins.
--Jer.31:31-34 --Luke 22:20 --Hebrews 7,8, 9, 10
Mormon - Called the new and everlasting covenant. Revealed by Jesus through Joseph Smith. Sacred ordinances, such as, baptism & eternal temple marriages done by priesthood authority. They provide salvation, immortality and eternal life.
Mat. 16:17-19 (KJV) 17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18. 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. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mormons believe this justifies eternal marriage. They believe that the "keys" given to Peter were keys to a priesthood (passed to Joseph Smith) that would give men authority to act on earth in Gods name. With the "keys" came authority to "bind" on earth and it will be "bound" in heaven. (binding eternal marriage)
Christians - The "keys" given to Peter, was the authority to open the doors of the church. He opened the doors to, the Jews (Acts2), Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17), & to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, Peter would give wisdom to know what to "bind" (forbid) and "loose" (permit).
Christian marriage- Joining together of a man and woman. They become one flesh. It's until death do they part. No marriage in heaven.
--(Mat.22:30) For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. (KJV)
--also see Luke 20:33-36
Mormon marriage- Married in mormon temple by mormon priesthood authority. Sealed in marriage, marriage may continue through eternity if couples live lives worthy of that blessing. May also have children sealed to them for time & all eternity.
New Covenant
Christian - Comes through the blood of Jesus, the death of Jesus. We can go directly to God through Jesus & there is forgivness of sins.
--Jer.31:31-34 --Luke 22:20 --Hebrews 7,8, 9, 10
Mormon - Called the new and everlasting covenant. Revealed by Jesus through Joseph Smith. Sacred ordinances, such as, baptism & eternal temple marriages done by priesthood authority. They provide salvation, immortality and eternal life.
Mat. 16:17-19 (KJV) 17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18. 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. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mormons believe this justifies eternal marriage. They believe that the "keys" given to Peter were keys to a priesthood (passed to Joseph Smith) that would give men authority to act on earth in Gods name. With the "keys" came authority to "bind" on earth and it will be "bound" in heaven. (binding eternal marriage)
Christians - The "keys" given to Peter, was the authority to open the doors of the church. He opened the doors to, the Jews (Acts2), Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17), & to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, Peter would give wisdom to know what to "bind" (forbid) and "loose" (permit).
Mat. 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mormons believe this also justifies eternal marriage.
Christians - Believe this has nothing to do with marriage. If you read verse 15-18 you will see that this is directed towards correcting another believer.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Salvation & the Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Mormons believe that once you recieve the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost comes and goes depending on if you are living righteously or not. In other words, if you stop living righteously the Holy Ghost leaves you. If you start living righteously again the Holy Ghost comes back to you.
Christians believe that once you recieve the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost stays with you, continually renewing you and sanctifying you.
Salvation
To a Christian salvation means that you are saved by grace through faith in Christ. You have forgiveness of sins, are made righteous in Jesus and will be with God in Heaven.
You are reborn!!! Christ paid it all on the cross!!!! Praise God!
Mormon View:
Have you ever heard: Mormons think every one is saved?
Ever also heard: Mormons think that only they are saved?
Which one is true? --Both are true. Confusing huh?
This is because there are two different meanings of "salvation" to mormons. Here are the two meanings:
1. Saved from physical death in the resurrection. Everyone will be resurrected. Everyone gets salvation here and then will go on to one of the "degrees of glory" (heaven) or "outer darkness" (hell)
2. Being cleansed from sin and being with God in the celestial kingdom (highest degree of glory). Only a faithful mormon can get to the celestial kingdom.
So, not everyone who does not attain salvation will go to "outer darkness" (hell). Some who dont attain salvation will go to one of the two lesser kingdoms of glory (terrestrial kingdom or telestial kingdom) and very few will go to "outer darkness" (hell) as this is for the "really really bad" people. They call these "really really bad people" the "sons of perdition".
Mormons believe that once you recieve the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost comes and goes depending on if you are living righteously or not. In other words, if you stop living righteously the Holy Ghost leaves you. If you start living righteously again the Holy Ghost comes back to you.
Christians believe that once you recieve the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost stays with you, continually renewing you and sanctifying you.
Salvation
To a Christian salvation means that you are saved by grace through faith in Christ. You have forgiveness of sins, are made righteous in Jesus and will be with God in Heaven.
You are reborn!!! Christ paid it all on the cross!!!! Praise God!
Mormon View:
Have you ever heard: Mormons think every one is saved?
Ever also heard: Mormons think that only they are saved?
Which one is true? --Both are true. Confusing huh?
This is because there are two different meanings of "salvation" to mormons. Here are the two meanings:
1. Saved from physical death in the resurrection. Everyone will be resurrected. Everyone gets salvation here and then will go on to one of the "degrees of glory" (heaven) or "outer darkness" (hell)
2. Being cleansed from sin and being with God in the celestial kingdom (highest degree of glory). Only a faithful mormon can get to the celestial kingdom.
So, not everyone who does not attain salvation will go to "outer darkness" (hell). Some who dont attain salvation will go to one of the two lesser kingdoms of glory (terrestrial kingdom or telestial kingdom) and very few will go to "outer darkness" (hell) as this is for the "really really bad" people. They call these "really really bad people" the "sons of perdition".
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Some differences in word meaning
Although mormons talk about some of the same things as christians and use some of the same words, those words have different meanings to a mormon than they do to a christian. If you don't know the differences it can cause some confusion. Here are some examples:
SCRIPTURE
MORMON SCRIPTURE:
- KJV Holy Bible: So far as it is translated correctly. They believe it to have errors.
-Book of Mormon (BoM) They regaurd this as the most important and correct scripture. It's a record of people in ancient america, engraved on metal plates.
-Doctrine & Covenants (D&C). Contains revelations from the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to a few other latter-day prophets.
- Pearl of great Price. A selection of choice materials touching many significant aspects of the faith and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE:
-Holy Bible: Believed to be correct
GOD
MORMON GOD: Once a man, became God, has a physical body, is the only God "for us/for this world". Man can become like God and can become a God of their own planet in the afterlife.
CHRISTIAN GOD: Was never a man, has always been God, not a physical body, unchangeable, One and only God ever. Man can never become God & God was never a man.
JESUS
MORMON JESUS: Firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father & a heavenly mother. spirit brother to Satan and us. We all lived in a premortal existance together w/ Heavenly father & heavenly mother before we came to earth to recieve physical bodies. Jesus was later begotten of God & Mary. Atoned for sin in garden of Gethsemane & on the cross. Christ's sacrifice was necessary for salvaion but works are also necessary for salvation.
CHRISTIAN JESUS: God in the flesh, no beginning or end, uncreated, creator of all, Jesus came from above, we came from below (dust of the earth). Jesus Atoned for sin on the cross. Christ's sacrifice on the cross was complete.
AFTERLIFE
MORMON VIEW: After death all spirits go to a spirit world & undergo preparation. The good spend the intervening time in spirit paradise, while the wicked go to spirit prison (the wicked have a 2nd chance during this time of preperation). then all rejoin with bodies in the resurrection. Then after judgment, only the most obstinately wicked will be consigned to "Outer Darkness"(hell) for eternity. There are 3 degrees/kingdoms of glory (heaven) that consist of a celestial kingdom, terrestrial kingdom and telestial kingdom. God & Jesus are in the celestial kingdom and where one goes depends on how they lived their mortal lives & also depends on ones choices in the spirit world.
CHRISTIAN VEIW: Those who are saved through grace by faith in Christ go to heaven to be with God for eternity. Those who are not saved are seperated from God in hell for eternity.
SCRIPTURE
MORMON SCRIPTURE:
- KJV Holy Bible: So far as it is translated correctly. They believe it to have errors.
-Book of Mormon (BoM) They regaurd this as the most important and correct scripture. It's a record of people in ancient america, engraved on metal plates.
-Doctrine & Covenants (D&C). Contains revelations from the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to a few other latter-day prophets.
- Pearl of great Price. A selection of choice materials touching many significant aspects of the faith and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE:
-Holy Bible: Believed to be correct
GOD
MORMON GOD: Once a man, became God, has a physical body, is the only God "for us/for this world". Man can become like God and can become a God of their own planet in the afterlife.
CHRISTIAN GOD: Was never a man, has always been God, not a physical body, unchangeable, One and only God ever. Man can never become God & God was never a man.
JESUS
MORMON JESUS: Firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father & a heavenly mother. spirit brother to Satan and us. We all lived in a premortal existance together w/ Heavenly father & heavenly mother before we came to earth to recieve physical bodies. Jesus was later begotten of God & Mary. Atoned for sin in garden of Gethsemane & on the cross. Christ's sacrifice was necessary for salvaion but works are also necessary for salvation.
CHRISTIAN JESUS: God in the flesh, no beginning or end, uncreated, creator of all, Jesus came from above, we came from below (dust of the earth). Jesus Atoned for sin on the cross. Christ's sacrifice on the cross was complete.
AFTERLIFE
MORMON VIEW: After death all spirits go to a spirit world & undergo preparation. The good spend the intervening time in spirit paradise, while the wicked go to spirit prison (the wicked have a 2nd chance during this time of preperation). then all rejoin with bodies in the resurrection. Then after judgment, only the most obstinately wicked will be consigned to "Outer Darkness"(hell) for eternity. There are 3 degrees/kingdoms of glory (heaven) that consist of a celestial kingdom, terrestrial kingdom and telestial kingdom. God & Jesus are in the celestial kingdom and where one goes depends on how they lived their mortal lives & also depends on ones choices in the spirit world.
CHRISTIAN VEIW: Those who are saved through grace by faith in Christ go to heaven to be with God for eternity. Those who are not saved are seperated from God in hell for eternity.
Why am I doing this?
-Why am I doing this?- I want to show the difference between mormonism and christianity. If you dont know much about mormonism and/or christianity then on the surface it can seem that mormonism is christian. From this I hope that people will see truth, seeds will be planted, people will come to know Christ, and God will be glorified.
-Is this Religism?- No, I do not hate, dislike, look down on, or disdain mormons. I am contending for the faith. This is done in love. I do not expect to change anyone, only God can do that. If you are a mormon and choose to stay mormon, then I am still going to love you.
-What is love without truth?-
“Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it. God's saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God's mercy and grace.” ~Timothy Keller
(Eph. 4:14-16)
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
-Is this Religism?- No, I do not hate, dislike, look down on, or disdain mormons. I am contending for the faith. This is done in love. I do not expect to change anyone, only God can do that. If you are a mormon and choose to stay mormon, then I am still going to love you.
-What is love without truth?-
“Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it. God's saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God's mercy and grace.” ~Timothy Keller
(Eph. 4:14-16)
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
A little about myself
Both my parents are lds mormon, married in the lds temple, and I was raised mormon. In my early years our family was not very active in the lds church, we went once in a while. Sometime in early elementary school we became non active, just stopped going. For a few years in high school I attended a seminary class at the lds church ,with a friend of mine, before school. She is a sweet person and I am still in contact with her today. Her parents would pick me up in the morning and drop us off (the church was across from our high school).
So, although I considered myself a mormon, I really didnt know that much about mormonism. Throughout high school I started to hear some things about mormonism that I actually did not believe until I asked my mom & most were confirmed. These things bothered me but I was not ready to say I was certian mormonism was not true because I still did not know much about it. As a result I no longer considered myself to be mormon. I did however believe in God & I considered myself to be christian, I believed that Jesus was our savior, and I still considered mormonism to be christian.
It was not until after I was married and had 3 kids, that God really opened my eyes and showed me truth. He used my marriage, the bible, and many other things & people to show me what it really meant to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus. I was reborn, I started to see everything differently and the bible started to make sense to me, I could actually understand it.
I did still have the whole mormon thing lingering in my head. I had believed that mormonism was christian before, but I really didn't know much about it. I decided to look into it & learn more about it. As I did, it became obvious to me that mormonism is a false religion and Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
So, although I considered myself a mormon, I really didnt know that much about mormonism. Throughout high school I started to hear some things about mormonism that I actually did not believe until I asked my mom & most were confirmed. These things bothered me but I was not ready to say I was certian mormonism was not true because I still did not know much about it. As a result I no longer considered myself to be mormon. I did however believe in God & I considered myself to be christian, I believed that Jesus was our savior, and I still considered mormonism to be christian.
It was not until after I was married and had 3 kids, that God really opened my eyes and showed me truth. He used my marriage, the bible, and many other things & people to show me what it really meant to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus. I was reborn, I started to see everything differently and the bible started to make sense to me, I could actually understand it.
I did still have the whole mormon thing lingering in my head. I had believed that mormonism was christian before, but I really didn't know much about it. I decided to look into it & learn more about it. As I did, it became obvious to me that mormonism is a false religion and Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
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