A. Contradicts Doctrine and Covenants.
1. “Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord,” Jacob 2:24. In contrast to this, we read in Doc. & Cov. 132:1 that David and Solomon were justified because of polygamy! Which reference is wrong?
B. Refutes Mormon Doctrine. 1. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are ONE God, not three (Alma 11:44b; Mormon 7:7; 2 Nephi 31:21b and the last sentence in Testimony of Three Witnesses).
2. God is unchanging, not changing (Moroni 7:22; 8:18; Mormon 9:9,19; 3 Nephi 24:6).
3. God is NOT flesh and bones, but instead a spirit (Alma 31:15; 22:9-11; 18:24-28). Remember, Jesus said a spirit does NOT have flesh and bones (Lk. 24:39).
C. Condemns Joseph Smith for polygamy.
1. See Jacob 1:15; 2:23,24,27,31; 3:5; Mosiah 11:2-4; Ether 10:5,7.
While I was studying some points of interest in Masonry, I came across some names within their books that sounded familiar to me. The familiarity became abundantly clear when I opened the Book of Mormon. I began researching some of the names in the Book of Mormon and their meanings. I compared them with the Bible, bible dictionaries and even Webster’s dictionary.
I found 57 names of people and places that are demonic or names of false gods and their derivatives, however I have chosen to narrow this down to three names that I thought was most relevant.
Someone mentioned to me in a recent letter to Saints Alive that what I see as wrong or demonic is not necessarily demonic to that person. We need to take a firm stand against this rationalization. Truth is not relative. The following names of places and/or people are demonic or ungodly and the LDS Church has twisted their meanings into something other than what they truly are.
Ammonites-
Biblical meaning of people: These were a nomadic people that were descendants of Lot’s incestuous relationship with his youngest daughter. Genesis 19:38: ‘And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day’. According to Unger’s Dictionary of the Bible, the Ammonite’s deity was Molech.
Book of Mormon’s definition of Ammonites: They observed the laws of Moses and looked forward to the coming of Christ. Alma 25:15-16. Their origin is actually from the Lamanites; Alma 24:17-8.
Mulek
Biblical meaning: This is a derivative of Molech. In Leviticus 18:21 it says; ‘And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD’. Molek is found in Strong’s Concordance and in Hebrew it means the chief deity (king) of the Ammonites. #4427-4432 gives the definitions and derivatives of this name.
Book of Mormon’s definition: Mulek was land in the north that God prospered and appointed. Mulek was a son of Zedekiah. Helaman 6:10.
Sidon
Biblical meaning: This is a land that was possessed by the Cannanite cults. Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. Their goddess was Ashtoreth. 1 Kings 11:5. They brought nothing but misery to Israel. Jesus referred to the iniquities of the Sidonians in Matthew 11:21-3; ‘Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you’.
Book of Mormon’s definition: In 84 BC, Alma began baptizing the people in the river of Sidon. Alma 4:4. Sidon was also the river where the Nephites defeated the Amlicites & the Lamanites. Alma threw their bodies from the banks into the river so that they could cross to the other side. Alma 2:17, 27, 34-5. It says that the land where Sidon was became peaceful and prosperous.
In the book, Discourses of Brigham Young on page 257, he states; ‘I hope to see the time when we shall have a reformation in the orthography of the English language, among this people, for it is greatly needed. Such a reformation would be a great benefit, and would make the acquirement of an education much easier than at present’.
It’s obvious that this is exactly what they have done. Read, study, decipher what words and their origins mean. It is vital that we understand what we read and not take it for granted that what we read is always true. The only book that we can take for face value is the Bible.
I ask that you join me in prayer for the Mormons. I am praying Isaiah chapter 61 for them. And remember what it says in 2 Timothy 3:16; ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness’. With Love in Christ; Michelle
More Demonic and Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon
Over five years ago I wrote an article entitled ‘Demonic and Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon’. Since then I have been asked by numerous people to write more on this particular subject so here it is! Back by popular demand I went through my old notes and found some other names that I think would be of interest to the Mormon and non-Mormon alike. There were more than 50 names of people and/or places that contradict what the Biblical accounts report. Here are just a few of them.
Chemish
The name of Chemish so closely resembles the name of Chemosh from the Bible that it is hard to ignore. In Mormonism the name Chemish belongs to the brother of Ameleki. These two brothers and others were responsible for writing the book of Omni in the Book of Mormon. The official LDS website search engine says this about Chemish:
“The book of Omni: A book translated from the small plates of Nephi in the Book of Mormon. The book has only a single chapter, which contains an account of the wars among the Nephites and Lamanites. Omni wrote only the first three verses of the book. The plates were then passed in turn to Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and finally Amaleki. And it came to pass that I did deliver the plates unto my brother Chemish. He delivered the plates to King Benjamin, king of Zarahemla…”
In the introduction of the book of Omni it states:
“Comprising records kept by Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and Amaleki – Mosiah, leaving the land of Zarahemla, occupied by another colony from Jerusalem”.
It is evident from the writings in the Book of Mormon that they believe Chemish to be an honorable man, worthy of writing their ‘scripture’ and worthy enough to be listened to.
What is interesting to note in this however, is what the real meaning of Chemosh translates into. From the Jerusalem Publishing House Illustrated Dictionary and Concordance of the Bible, it says Chemosh is:
“The principle god of the Moabites who were also known as the “people of Chemosh” (Num. 21:29). He may have been the god to whom Mesha king of Moab sacrificed his son (II Kings 3:27)….Solomon tried to please his foreign wives by setting an altar to Chemosh “on the hill that is east of Jerusalem” (I Kings 11:7), thus incurring the wrath of the Lord (I Kings 11:33).”
Once again we see yet another of the Mormon ‘good boys’ that has a questionable name. It seems that the theme is the same as the last time I wrote on the ungodly names of the Book of Mormon. The theme: sex. The Moabites are the descendants of Lot who came from an incestuous relationship with one of his daughters.
Jared
This story is interesting because it shows two different accounts of what God did with the people involved with the tower of Babel. It seems that God is a god of confusion with his people if you believe the Mormon version.
As it turns out, Jared and his family are the only ones in the whole world that didn’t have his language confounded when God scattered the people at the time of the tower of Babel. After Jared told his brother to pray to the Lord to not confound their language, they somehow miraculously realized that God heard the brother of Jared’s cry. It’s also interesting to note that Jared’s brother never seems to have his own name.
Joseph Smith claims the people that descended from Jared are called the Jaredites. The Jaredites had grown to become a great god-fearing nation which moved to the Americas, thus the Book of Mormon. After many generations and hundreds of years they were destroyed by civil wars from caused from the disobedience unto the Lord.
Ether 1:33-4 says; ‘Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered. And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.’
Verse 35 tells us that their language wasn’t confounded. Then they prayed that even their friends’ language wouldn’t be confounded and theirs was spared as well. The Bible has always told us two things for sure:
God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corinthian 14:33 says; ‘For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.’ And then in Acts 10:34 we have Peter telling us that God is no respecter of persons.
With these two simple things in mind why would God decide that the rules were different for some and not all? What was so different about Jared and his non-named brother that they and their friends didn’t have the same treatment?
The story of the tower of Babel can be found in Gen. 11. Verse nine says; ‘Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of ALL the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth’.
Did you notice what it said in Ether 1:33? Let’s take a look at it again! It says; ‘…at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered.’
Two more things come to mind when I read this passage. 1-God can’t be trusted. If God ‘swore in his wrath’ that they would be scattered and he confounded the language then went back on what he said, it’s likely that he could be bought off the next time I sinned.
2-Did he or did he not confound the language? If he confounded the languages and then Jared’s brother started praying, did God have to give them back their languages? Call me picky but I think that knowing the God I worship is a serious business and I want to make sure I know it intimately!
Amaleki
This has to be one of the most confusing things I have ever had to study in Mormonism. There are two Amaleki’s mentioned in the Book of Mormon. What I originally wanted to point out are the disparities between the Amalekites of the Bible and the ones mentioned in the Book of Mormon, but alas that wasn’t all I found! Here are the characters in the Book of Mormon, their ‘jobs’ and the Amalekite people:
Amaleki #1 is described as a Nephite record keeper’ who died circa 130 BC, according to LDS.org. He was the 5th person to help author the book of Omni in the Book of Mormon. You can read his account in Omni 1:12-30 as he calls people to Christ (keep in mind it’s 130 BC), his handing over of the plates to King Benjamin (not the same King Benjamin as in the Bible) and the expedition to the land of Nephi.
Amleki #2 is one of the three brothers of Ammon. They were part of Zeniff’s group. They wanted to travel to the land of Nephi-Lehi from Zarahemla and ended up traveling in the desert for 40 days. They finally came upon a hill north of Shilom, pitched their tents and hiked it down to the land of Nephi. The four brothers were imprisoned by King Limhi but eventually freed when they explained that they were descendants of Zarahemla. This story can be found in Mosiah 7:6, it is said that this transpired circa 121 BC.
The Amalekites however are another story, there was nothing godly about these people, they were not the godly men great scholars that Amaleki #1 & #2 were. The Amalekites were a people that were apostates, originating from the Nephites. The Amalekites helped build a city called Jerusalem (Alma 21:2), their hearts were harder than the Lamanites (Alma 21:3) and were preached to by Aaron in their own synagogues (Alma 21:4). They were said to be from the order of Nehor. The Nehors were people who intentionally preached something other than the word of God. This all took place circa 90 BC as Aaron went to the sanctuaries to preach the scriptures of the crucified Lord Jesus. As the story progresses it talks of how Ammon even went out to preach in the synagogues in the land of Ishmael.
Now I could go on and on about the time-line part of preaching Jesus crucified and it still being 130 BC but bear with me here as I try to ignore that part of the story. Smith has made it hard to believe that anyone called by the name of Amaleki or its derivatives could be anything but horrible.
The Biblical accounts of the Amalekites spans from the book of Genesis to 1 Chronicles 4:43. Let’s see what the Bible says about them and why no mention of them is found after that. ‘And they [Israelites] smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day’. So it seems that there weren’t any Amalekites after this battle! How then did they make it all the way over the waters of the Atlantic ocean and survive being annihilated as well?
When I read the accounts of these people the stories are far too similar. I am also taken aback that anyone who is considered to be a ‘holy’ mouthpiece for the Almighty God would be touting a name such as Amaleki. Amalek is considered to be a descendant of Esau. They were the very first people who fought with Israel after they crossed the Red Sea! This is rather significant in the whole matter!
The Amalekites were a thorn in the side of Israel. They first met up with them in the region near Sinai, when Amalek tried to prevent the entrance of a new tribe into their region. Ex. 17:8-16. In the period of the Judges they aided the Moabites in raiding Israel and at a later time they even helped the Midianites to do the same thing, Judges 6:3.
The Illustrated Concordance and Dictionary of the Bible from G.G. The Jerusalem Publishing House LTD says this about the Amalekites; ‘Archeological surveys have shown that the kings of Judah strengthened their hold in the Negeb from the 10th Century B.C. and this led to the decline and disappearance of the Amalekites.’
There is also a problem here with who was preaching to whom. Why were the Amalekites being preached to by Ammon in the land of Ishmael? I have already established who Ammon was in my last article. The Mormons believe that he observed the laws of Moses. (Alma 25:15-6). The Bible says they [Ammonites] were a nomadic people who were descendants of Lot. Ammon’s deity was Molech. (Gen. 19:38).
My question is this; why was this ‘good prophet’ in the Book of Mormon out preaching to the Amalekites when in the Bible the Ammonites were bowing to Ba’al? Wouldn’t that mean that the Amalekites were getting another gospel?
When the Mormon is confronted with scripture from the Bible that refutes the teachings of the Mormon Church, or when he is faced with documentation proving the unreliability of the Mormon books of scripture, or when you have shown him a dozen absolute contradictions from Mormon sources, you will probably be treated with “THE MORMON TESTIMONY.”
“I TESTIFY TO YOU, I KNOW THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE. I KNOW JOSEPH SMITH WAS A PROPHET OF GOD. I KNOW THE MORMON CHURCH IS TRUE.”
Almost all Mormon testimonies are identical. If you ask the sincere Mormon, “How do you know these things are true?” He will probably respond, “Because I’ve prayed about it and the Holy Ghost has manifested the truth of these things to me.”
This manifestation which the Mormon believes is of the Holy Ghost is actually an “INNER FEELING.” To support this FEELING, Mormons often refer to the “TEST” in their book of scripture, the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 9:8:
“But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me [pray sincerely] if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your BOSOM SHALL BURN WITHIN YOU; therefore, you shall FEEL that it is right.”
Upon this same basis, literally millions of prospective converts are challenged each year to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about its truthfulness.
THE CHALLENGE
According to Moroni 10:4, which is printed in the front of every Book of Mormon, the “TEST” for the truth of this book is given:
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intest, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”
NO WAY OUT
If you have followed the instructions and prayed sincerely, will the Holy Ghost manifest to you the Book of Mormon is true or false? By this test “he will manifest the truth of it unto you.” What if the Book of Mormon is false? No provision has been made for this conclusion.
What if you didn’t get a “FEELING OR TESTIMONY?” According to this test it would have been because you had not been “sincere” enough or because you didn’t have “real intent,” or because you didn’t have “faith in Christ.” Read it again . . . and again . . . and again. Are you sincere? Do you have real intent? Don’t you have faith in Christ?
Perhaps you really did experience a FEELING. The question is, “Is this feeling from God?”
FEELINGS, FEELINGS, FEELINGS
In the Mormon Missionary handbook in the mid 1980’s, “The Uniform System for Teaching Families,” instructions were given to the missionary on how to “bring the people you teach to a knowledge and conviction of the truth” effectively. (Page A-l) “Keep in mind how you want the family to FEEL… help them FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE GOSPEL.” (Page A-l, No. 4)
Further instructions encouraging this FEELING were given:
“As the Spirit confirms to you that those you are teaching are receiving a witness of the Spirit, pause in the discussion and say, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Brown, what you are FEELING right now is the Spirit of the Lord testifying to you that we are teaching you the truth. You are beginning to receive YOUR OWN TESTIMONY of the truthfulness of this message.” (Page A-3, No. 4)
NO LESS THAN 84 DIFFERENT TIMES in the series of missionary lessons given to “Mr. Brown,” the missionaries were instructed to “TESTIFY” of the truthfulness of their message. Over and over and over again, they reinforced virtually every point they make of a personal assurance that it is true–that the Book of Mormon is true, that God did speak to Joseph Smith, that the true church was restored, etc., etc.
Although modern missionary handbooks have removed these embarrasing statements, they are still encouraged to “bear withness” to the truthfullness of their message as they feel the spirits prompting.
To the Mormon, the ultimate test for truth is an “INNER FEELING” or a “BURNING IN THE BOSOM” which tell him that every facet of Mormonism is true.
WHERE CAN FEELINGS COME FROM?
1.) GOD…
Certainly the ALL-POWERFUL GOD can cause good feelings: “…the Lord God OMNIPOTENT reigneth.” (Revelation 19:6)
2.) SATAN…
That great deceiver and father of lies could cause good feelings.
“…Satan with all power and signs and LYING wonders.” (II Thessalonians 2:9)“. . . some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to SEDUCING SPIRITS, and DOCTRINES OF DEVILS.” (I Timothy 4:1)
3.) YOUR OWN HEART…
is definitely capable of producing good feelings.
There is a way which SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)“The HEART is DECEITFUL above all things, and desperately wicked …. ” (Jeremiah 17:9)“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not DECEIVED …. ” (Deuteronomy 11:16)
Since our eternal destiny is dependent on what we put our trust in now, shouldn’t there be something more trustworthy than feelings? What does the Bible say?
Nowhere in the Bible are we told to pray for a feeling if a book is from God, if a prophet is a true prophet, or if a teaching is a true teaching. THE BIBLE WARNS:
” . . . believe not every spirit, but TRY the spirits whether they are of God: Because many FALSE PROPHETS are gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1)
The Bible also commands: “PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast that which is good.” (I Thessalon5:21)
The faithful Bereans,” . . . SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
No amount of prayer, despite the degree of sincerity, will ever convince God to change his mind concerning matters about which he has already clearly spoken.
The zealous Mormon will probably insist the true test for truth is found in James 1:5:
”If any of you lack WISDOM, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
A careful examination of this verse reveals that WISDOM–not KNOWLEDGE-is asked for. In context, the verse indicates that James is writing to believers who are experiencing various trials and afflictions (vv. 2,3). These trials are necessary to produce patience (w. 3,4). Thus, if anyone doesn’t understand the divine purpose in these hardships, he is to ask in faith without doubting, and God will give him the necessary wisdom (vv. 5-7).
Nowhere in the context is there an indication that a prayer for wisdom is to be equated with receiving an “inner testimony” that something is true.
God has given TESTS for a true prophet as well as TESTS for sound doctrine. If these tests are disregarded and one prays instead for an “inner confirmation,” the door is left wide open fto the powers of darkness:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the RULERS OF DARKNESS of this world, against spiritual WICKEDNESS in high places. “(Ephesians 6:12).
WHAT ARE SOME BIBLICAL TESTS?
1.) Galatians 1:8–“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.”
Mormonism has its origin from AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN (Moroni), bringing another gospel, The Book of Mormon.
The Gospel that Paul and the other apostles preached is summed up in Ephesians 2:8,9:
“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 Book of Mormon says–” . . . for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, AFTER ALL WE CAN DO.” (2 Nephi 25:23)
2.) Deuteronomy 13:1-5–A TRUE PROPHET will not teach a conflicting doctrine of God.
Joseph Smith proclaimed:
“We have imagined and supposed that God was God FROM ALL ETERNITY I WILL REFUTE THAT IDEA … he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did …. you have got to learn how to be GODS YOURSELVES… the same as all GODS have done before you …. “(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-47)
THE BIBLE: “… FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING, thou art God.” (Psalms 90:2) and “…I am he: BEFORE ME THERE WAS NO GOD FORMED, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE AFTER ME.” (Isaiah 43:1 O)
3.) Deuteronomy 18:22–A “true prophet” will not give any FALSE prophecies.
Among the many false prophecies of Joseph Smith are several on the Second Coming of Christ:
“There are those of the RISING GENERATION who shall not taste death till Christ comes . . . I prophesy in the name of the Lord God, and let it be written–the Son of Man will not come in the clouds of heaven till I am 85 years old.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 286).
Smith made this prophecy in 1843. No one of the “RISING GENERATION” is alive today. Smith died at the age of 38. The Lord did not come in his lifetime as he predicted.
Mormon history books document further:
“. . . and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the COMING OF THE LORD, which was nigh–even 56 years should wind up the scene.” (History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 182)
Over a century and a half have come and gone since Smith made this prophecy, and the Lord still hasn’t returned.
4.) Isaiah 8:20–The teachings of a “true prophet” must be in harmony with past prophets.
The Book of Mormon: Jesus was to be born at JERUSALEM. (Alma 7:10) The Bible: Jesus was born in BETHLEHEM. (Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:4)
The Doctrine and Covenants: God the Father has a body of FLESH AND BONES. (Section 130:22) The BIBLE: God is a SPIRIT. (John 4:24)
The Pearl of Great Price: An account of the creation is given in the book of Abraham (ch. 4,5). The “GODS” are mentioned 48 times (i.e., the GODS said.., the GODS organized.., the GODS went… the GODS formed … the GODS commanded … etc.) THE BIBLE: The creation is given in the first chapter of Genesis. 33 times in this chapter the Bible uses “GOD” in the singular (i.e., GOD created . . . GOD said… GOD made… GOD blessed.., etc.)
MORMONISM FAILS EVERY TEST!
Why not put your trust in the Bible alone which says:
“The grass withereth … but the WORD of our God shall stand FOREVER.” (Isaiah 40:8)“… the WORD that I HAVE SPOKEN, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the son of God hath not life.” (I John 5:12)
Christian, Mormon doctrinal differences by Tal Davis
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon church) professes to be a Christian church. However, a careful comparison of basic doctrinal positions of that church to those of historical, biblical Christianity reveal many radical differences. This comparison utilizes Mormon doctrines as stated in LDS authoritative primary sources and those of historic Christianity as derived solely from the Bible.
THE DOCTRINE OF GOD:
— Historic Christianity
The one God is a Spirit who is the personal, eternal, infinite Creator of all that exists. He is the only God and necessary for all other things to exist. He exists eternally as a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (see Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10; 44:6-8; Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; 17:3)
— Mormonism
God (Heavenly Father) is an exalted man with a physical body of flesh and bone. LDS founder Joseph Smith said, “If the veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by his power, was to make himself visible — I say, if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345). The trinity is denied with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost seen as three separate entities. “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us” (Doctrine and Covenants [D&C] 130:22).
THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST:
— Historic Christianity
Jesus Christ was the virgin born God incarnate who existed in all time with the Father and Holy Spirit in the eternal Trinity. As a man He possessed two natures — human and divine. He lived a sinless life and willingly died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sin of all humanity. (see John 1:1-18; 8:56-59; Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 1:13-22; Heb.1:3; 13:8)
— Mormonism
Jesus was the spiritual “first born” Son of God in the preexistence. “Every person who was ever born on earth was our spirit brother or sister in heaven. The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was Jesus Christ, so he is literally our elder brother” (Gospel Principles [GP], p. 11).”And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn” (D&C 93:21). He is also the “only begotten” physical offspring of God by procreation on earth. “Jesus is the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal father. That is why he is called the Only Begotten Son” (GP, p. 64). His atonement (death and resurrection) provides immortality for all people regardless of their faith. “Christ thus overcame physical death. Because of his atonement, everyone born on this earth will be resurrected … This condition is called immortality. All people who ever lived will be resurrected, ‘both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous’ (The Book of Mormon [BOM], Alma 11:44)” (GP, p. 74). (See GP, pp. 11, 17-19, 61-77.)
THE DOCTRINE OF SCRIPTURES AND AUTHORITY:
— Historic Christianity
The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the unique, revealed, and inspired Word of God. It is the sole authority for faith and practice for Christians. (see 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21)
— Mormonism
Recognizes the LDS Four Standard Works as authoritative. These include the Bible “as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith 1:8). It also includes The Book of Mormon (BOM) which Joseph Smith declared is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 194).
The church also regards The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) as Scripture. It “is a collection of modern revelations … regarding The Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored in these last days” (GP, p. 54).
The Pearl of the Great Price (PGP) is the fourth book believed to be inspired.
“It clarifies doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and gives added information concerning the creation of the earth” (GP, p. 54).
The church’s president is regarded as “a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet” (D&C 107:91-92).
THE DOCTRINE OF HUMANITY:
— Historic Christianity
Human beings are created in God’s image, meaning they have personal qualities similar to God’s. Every person is a unique, precious being of dignity and worth. (see Gen. 1:26-27)
— Mormonism
People are the preexisted spiritual offspring of the Heavenly Father and Mother. “All men and women are … literally the sons and daughters of Deity … Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal (physical) body” (Joseph F. Smith, “The Origin of Man,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1909, pp. 78,80, as quoted in GP, p. 11).They are born basically good and are “gods in embryo.” A commonly quoted Mormon aphorism (attributed to fifth LDS president Lorenzo Snow) says “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”
THE DOCTRINE OF SIN:
— Historic Christianity
Human beings have chosen to sin against God, rejecting His nature and pursing life opposed to His essential character and revealed law. (see Rom. 3:23; 7:14-25; 1 John 1:8-10)
— Mormonism
People sin by disobedience to God’s laws. Adam’s fall, a part of Heavenly Father’s plan, caused a loss of immortality, which was necessary for mankind to advance, (see GP, pp. 31-34). As Eve declared according to LDS scripture, “Were it not for our transgression we never should have … known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient”(PGP, Moses 5:11; see also BOM, 2 Nephi 2:22-25). Each person is responsible for his or her own sin.
THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION:
— Historic Christianity
Salvation is release from the guilt and power of sin through God’s gift of grace. It is provided through Christ’s atonement and received by personal faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. (see Rom. 3:20; 10:9- 10; Eph. 2:8-10)
— Mormonism
Jesus’ atonement provided immortality for all people. Exaltation (godhood) is available only to Mormons through obedience to LDS teachings: faith, baptism, endowments, celestial marriage, and tithing. “Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God — Wherefore, all things are theirs” (D&C, 76:58-59).
These are some of the blessings given to exalted people:
1. They will live eternally in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see D&C, 76).
2. They will become gods.
3. They will have their righteous family members with them and will be able to have spirit children also. These spirit children will have the same relationship to them as we do to our Heavenly Father. They will be an eternal family.
4. They will receive a fullness of joy.
5. They will have everything that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have — all power, glory, dominion, and knowledge (See GP, p. 302).
Baptism for the dead provides post-mortem salvation for non-Mormons, and is “by immersion performed by a living person for one who is dead. This ordinance is performed in temples” (GP, p. 375). (See also GP, chapters 18-23.)
THE DOCTRINE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH:
— Historic Christianity
Eternal life in heaven with God for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ. Eternal separation from God’s presence in hell for the unsaved. (see Matt. 5:12-30; 25:41; Rev. 20-22)
— Mormonism
One of three levels of glory:
1. Exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom for faithful Mormons where people may become gods or angels; “Then shall they be gods” (D&C 132:20).
2. Terrestrial Kingdom for righteous non-Mormons; “These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men. These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fullness” (D&C 76:75-76).
3. Telestial Kingdom for wicked and ungodly (not hell); “These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers … who suffer the wrath of God on earth”(D&C 76:103-104). (See also D&C 76:57-119; 131:1-4.)
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
— Historic Christianity
Christians congregate together in local bodies and along denominational lines sharing distinctive doctrinal and ecclesiastical concepts. There is no organization or denomination that can claim exclusive designation as the “one true church.” The universal church consists of all the redeemed in Jesus Christ in all of the ages. (see Matt. 16:15-19; 1 Cor. 1:12-14; Eph. 2:19; 3:11-12)
— Mormonism
Asserts that the LDS is the one true church on the face of the earth. Joseph Smith claimed Jesus Christ told him to join none of the existing denominations because “they were all wrong … that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt” (PGP: Joseph Smith-History 1:19-20). Mormons claim only the LDS possesses the divine authority of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood as restored by God to Joseph Smith in 1829. (D&C 13; 27:8- 13; 107:1-20; PGP: Joseph Smith-History 1:68-73)
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Tal Davis is the strategic mentoring manager of the North American Mission Board’s evangelization group.
References:
Gospel Principles. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1992.
McConkie, Bruce. A New Witness for the Articles of Faith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1986.
Smith, Joseph, Jr. The Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1982.
Smith, Joseph, Jr. The Doctrine and Covenants. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1982.
Smith, Joseph, Jr. History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 7 vols. 2nd ed. rev. Edited by B.H. Roberts. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-1951.
Smith, Joseph, Jr. The Pearl of Great Price. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1982.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1977.
A. Contradicts Doctrine and Covenants.
1. “Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord,” Jacob 2:24. In contrast to this, we read in Doc. & Cov. 132:1 that David and Solomon were justified because of polygamy! Which reference is wrong?
B. Refutes Mormon Doctrine. 1. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are ONE God, not three (Alma 11:44b; Mormon 7:7; 2 Nephi 31:21b and the last sentence in Testimony of Three Witnesses).
2. God is unchanging, not changing (Moroni 7:22; 8:18; Mormon 9:9,19; 3 Nephi 24:6).
3. God is NOT flesh and bones, but instead a spirit (Alma 31:15; 22:9-11; 18:24-28). Remember, Jesus said a spirit does NOT have flesh and bones (Lk. 24:39).
C. Condemns Joseph Smith for polygamy.
1. See Jacob 1:15; 2:23,24,27,31; 3:5; Mosiah 11:2-4; Ether 10:5,7.
D. Contains a false prophecy. 1. “And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded…” (2 Nephi 3:14).
COMMENT: Smith’s enemies were not confounded but successful when they desired to destroy him on June 27, 1844 in Carthage, Illinois!
E. Refuted by Anthropology.
1. The Smithsonian Institution’s Dept. Of Anthropology declares the Americas did NOT have steel or horses BEFORE 1492! The Book of Mormon (600 B.C. to 421 A.D.) claims each.
a. Steel (1 Nephi 4:9).
b. Horses (Alma 18:9).
2. Gordon H. Fraser, anthropologist and ethnologist, agrees with the Smithsonian Institution and adds that copper (Mosiah 8:10) was unknown at that early date as referred to in the B.O.M.!
F. Allegedly contains the fullness of the everlasting Gospel (Doc. & Cov. 27:5), but doesn’t mention the following:
1. God the Mother, men can become gods, God is an exalted man, marriage for eternity, baptism for the dead, etc. COMMENT: According to Doc. & Cov. 128:17, baptism for the dead is the “most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel.” However, it’s not even mentioned!
G. Wrongly labeled the “most correct book” (History of the Church, Vol. 4, p. 461).
1. Had 3,913 changes from the original 1830 edition!
a. The 1830 edition calls Smith the “author and proprietor.”
H. Claims itself to be UNtrustworthy.
1. May have errored (1 Nephi 19:6), wrote from memory (Ether 5:1), wrote to the best of THEIR knowledge (Jacob 7:26; Mormon 9:32), wrote as a result of HUMAN command (Mormon 8:1; Jacob 1:2), wrote what they considered precious (Jacob 1:2) and implies imperfection in their record (Mormon 9:32,33). COMMENT: Unlike the B.O.M., the Bible claims itself to be the inspired Word of God. See 2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:21.
I. Three witnesses for the Book of Mormon.
1. Martin Harris
a. Claimed he visited the moon (The Story of the Mormons, New York, 1902, p. 35).
b. Called “wicked” (Doc. & Cov. 3:12,13 and 10:6,7).
2. Oliver Cowdery
a. Was a thief (Letter quoted in Senate Document 189, Feb. 15, 1841, pp. 6-9).
b. Attempted counterfeiter (A History of the Latter-day Saints in Northern Missouri From 1836 to 1839, p. 146).
3. David Whitmer
a. Said in the Spring of 1838 the heads of the church and many of the members had gone deep into ERROR and BLINDNESS (An Address to all Believers in Christ, by David Whitmer, 1887, pp. 27,28).
b. Was likened unto a “dumb ass” by Joseph Smith (History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 228).
4. All three apostatized (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, pp. 114,115).
Friend, to become a Christian, go directly to God in sincere prayer asking for mercy because of your sins (Lk. 18:13). Know that Christ bought our salvation with His own blood (Isa. 53:6; Col. 1:14; Eph. 2:13). Place all 100% of your TRUST in Jesus for your salvation (Acts 16:30,31; Jn. 6:47; etc.) as you submit to Him (Lk. 9:23-26). Baptism, good works and church membership play no role in our salvation (Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; Rom. 11:6). “We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first” (Heb. 3:14). Study your Bible and only the Bible to learn about salvation.
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“What,” says Satan, “do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are
getting more liberal, they are giving away what does not belong to them—God’s
truth; they are removing the old landmarks. Acts of uniformity are to be repealed,
articles and creeds are to be laid aside as useless lumber, not necessary for this very
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