Difference Between Mormons and Christians
Mormons vs Christians
Mormons and Christians both believe in Jesus Christ. Though Mormons consider themselves to be Christians, they are not considered so by the Protestant and Catholic Christians. Both the Mormons and Christians share many things in common but there are also many differences between the two groups.
Mormons, as a religious group, were formed by Joseph Smith, who is regarded to have restored the church. It was in the 1820s that Mormonism developed. Official name of the Mormon church is ” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints”.
Regarding the differences between Mormons and Christians, the former sect believes in the Book of Mormon, otherwise known as the Mormon bible as well as the Holy Bible; The Pearl of great Price, and Covenants and Doctrines. Christians believe in the Holy Bible.
Regarding their belief in God, the Mormons believe in a heavenly father who has a physical body. On the other hand, Christians believe in Trinitarian God, who has no physical body. For the Christians, they have one god, the Trinity with Jesus as Messiah. Christians also believe in salvation. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity or one God. But they have three Gods – The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. All the three are distinct from each other in all ways.
For the Christians, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, whereas Mormons believe that Jesus had a natural birth and was born of a Heavenly Father and of Mary.
In terms of Sin, the Mormons believe that all men are accountable for their own sins and all mankind will be resurrected and saved at the last day. For Christians, sin is horrific as it dishonours God. They believe that sin is treason against God and the Holy Spirit.
When compared to Christians, the Mormons lead a disciplined life. The Mormons are against the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and other addictive substances.
Summary
- Mormons as a religious group were formed by Joseph Smith, who is regarded to have restored the church. It was in 1820s that Mormonism was founded.
- Mormons believes in the Book of Mormon or the Mormon bible, they  also have The Pearl of great Price and Covenants and Doctrines. Christians believe in the Holy Bible.
- For Christians, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, Â whereas Mormons believe that Jesus had a natural birth.
- The Mormons believe in a heavenly father, who has a physical body. On the other hand, Christians believe in a Trinitarian God, who has no physical body.
- For Christians, there is one God – the Trinity, with Jesus as messiah. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity or one God, instead they have three Gods  – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
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I would just like to leave a statement about what books the Mormon’s believe in. My parents joined the Mormon Church when I was 9. I went to the Church up until I turned 18, when I had questions they could not answer I left. However, in the course of going to Sunday School, Primary, M.I.A. and Seminary…we ALWAYS referred to the King James version of the Bible above all other books. I think you have misrepresented the religion here. Yes, they do have The Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and the D. & C., but they also very strongly believe in the Holy Bible. In Seminary, when we had a scripture chase (see who could find a verse first), it was the Bible we were chasing through…not the other afore mentioned books.
To summarize, Yes they do believe in the other books, but one of the differences between them is NOT whether the Bible is true or not and yes, they use the Bible every day.
Sincerely,
Barbara K. Taylor
Thanks Barb for the clarification. interpretations of the bible vary from one religion to another, but to say Mormons do not believe in the bible is inaccurate.
From the time I posted about some of this specific mistakes that author of the article made…I have watched this conversation get completely blown out of hand.
TO ALL NON BELIEVER’S: No one is trying to change your mind. Nor are we trying to get you to understand The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was not set up so that you could list all your grievances with he church. It was simply an article, with some error’s in it, stating the differences between the two religions, Christianity and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Period.
If you have an axe to grind with the church or if you just plain don’t believe it, fine. Start a forum of your own and by golly let the bashing begin.
But seriously, talking about Mormons’ brain washing people, kidnapping people, and being racist? What does any of those things have to do with the article.
Show me a religion that has NEVER had anything to do with racism? Show me a religion, any religion will do, that hasn’t made mistakes in the past, only to pass ‘new church laws’ in which to rectify them.
Take your axe and go find someplace else to grind it. It doesn’t not belong here. And no, we don’t want to baptize you, just for the sake of being baptized. It has to be something you not only want, but have studied for too.
sigh…all of you are off your rockers. Heated debates between different religious sects reminds me of a group of fans arguing over who the best professional wrestler is despite the ridiculous amount of evidendence that they’re all just actors who dress up in costumes & think they’re the best thing in the universe. You might as well be arguing over the existence of Santa Claus; ha, there’s just as much to evidence to support the validity of every outlandish claims that have been made. If God has a plan for everything then he must’ve had good reason to create so many rival institutions of religion by communicating such baffling contradictions to multiple people all throughout recorded history. I’ll let you experts decide amongst yourselves what that reason actually is. I can’t seem to figure that part out, but you people seem to have quite the imagination so I’m sure you can come up with something. Just be sure to let the Pope, Franklin Graham, Joel Osteen, Thomas S. Monson, & Mitt Romney know whenever you’ve got things all sorted out. Maybe if you all band together it’ll only take another couple hundred centuries.
I’m curious, why waste your time with smartbutt comments? You obviously don’t believe, and cant be convinced otherwise, but I will say this God gave each of us a soul, a soul to use as we want. We can believe or not believe. It’s up to us not God, he wants to have followers who love him, not made to love him. WE start religious groups that confuse the Christian wters. God helped write the Bible to treach us his laws, and right from wrong. Read the bible and you will understand way more whats expected of us as Christians.
evidence*
The problem with that is when you ask a specific guestion they dont give a specific answer.Do your own reasearch people,using everything and anything you can get your hands on!
Untas anyone else who reads the bible and until you take the time to ask them about there beliefs and faith you will never learn as I suprisingly did just a few moments ago will find out that most of what the believe is no different then anyone else who belives in the bible or the meanings of scripture and to my suprise I learned that at least the two I spoke with see and view and share the exact same beliefs and interpretation of the meaning of the scripture of God and I asked them alot of different things and was suprised to find out they talked about God and Jesus and expressed there faith by using scriprtures from the bible not once did they refer to the book of mormom or try and twist it to fit any narrative that is any different then the way its intended to mean it suprised me how much they believe and preach love and forgivness and many things all of which were explained by bible scripture and after hearing at least these 2 men I feel they share they same beliefs as most but are judged and believed to believe in things differently but I asked questions and learned they share the same beliefs as me and most christians and not one time did I hear about Jospeph Smith except for them saying he was a prophet who preached the true word od god but then again I am justbeginning to learn and try and read and look into everything they truly belive and try and preach to others and myself being just a christian who has no relegion they share the same beliefs and see things they same way as I do they just go about other things in a different way and from what i learned apparently are baptized weekly and spend two years with no money to missionaires and try and spread and teach the word of God. im not saying they may just be starting out using just the bible and scripture to explain the many questions I aked them but from what I have learned what they believe is what any other chirstian believes and that is that the word of God and never once explained there beliefs by using anything from the book of morman but I am going to keep asking questions and beging to read the book they gave me but with this being said I am not convinced or sure until I research for myself that they have any alterior motives or beliefs i dont have and how much they explained alot of whats mentioned above made sense to me and is no different from how i feel God intended us to see things. but 30 minutes also doesnt mean I know enough about them to sit here and say they are the same or any different then any other perosn who claims to be a christian and believe in God and the bible but I am still not sold there isnt some things they try to make others believe thats bullshit but I will wait until i look into it further before i can give my overall opinion of everything until i read the book like I am about to give it a shot and see for myself before I judge them but I just wanted to say I was suprised by how much at least these 2 seemed to share the same thoughts as myself except the sweet tea part im not giving up my sweet tea for anybody or anyone God gave us that ans that shit is delecious and tasty lol
You sound like you are still a Mormon by saying “we are not trying to baptize you” yet you say you left the church. Is this a Mormon website or not?
i have a question Barbara,well see my moms side is christian my dads side is christian but over the last coupke months my family and my dads side are slowly falling from the church. not because we dont’t believ but because my dad doesnt agree with the church that in order to reach heaven you must go to church and follow every single rule…that the church gives to become cleansed with god. he thinks that is something you do yourself as you grow up and become who you are not be forced who others think you should be. I respect, understand, and agree with my dad but, i have this friend that is mormon and i really love her, my parents let me go try out her youth group and it was a blast! there were the whole calling everyone sister thing and that wierd paul guy. i dont really understand or get the difference, i try to ask my friend questions but i get the feeling she thinks “ohhh we cant be friends cause of religion” and so i lay low…but i am really super curious. aand i need someones advice. the enternet doesnt really help cause idk wether its talking in the christians or mormons prospective. So i was wondering if you could answer this question. first, what were the questions you asked that werent answered? and what is the true differenc between christianity and mormonism? please answer not in email if you answer at all cause that isnt my real email nor real name.
If you want to find out about The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-Day Saints, a.k.a the “Mormons”, go to: Mormon.org
Kk,
The difference between a Christian and a Mormon is: The bible says we are saved by the grace of God (that is Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day.) Jesus put our sins on Himself and died in our place. Ephesians 2:8 tells us it’s a free gift. John 14:6 tells us Jesus is the only way. John 3:16 tells us by trusting in Christ we are saved. The Mormon’s, as all false religion teach another way to God. They teach that you are saved by Jesus AND their own good works. God says it is Christ alone that saves us. We must come to God His way, that is through Christ alone! If our good works could save us we would not needed our Lord Jesus to go to the cross for us. Jesus did not just die on the cross for us, but rose again, and lives right now. You can be saved by putting your trust in what He did for you and I on the cross.
There’s so much misunderstanding about a Mormon’s point of view on Grace. Quite frankly, Mormons believe that no one is saved without Grace. No one can ever do enough to be saved, no one will ever be saved without the free gift of grace from Christ’s sacrifice, and the salvation of man is dependent upon the free gift of grace from Christ’s sacrifice.
“But what about all the mormons say you have to do?” The view is that after all you can do, then Christ applies Grace and you’re saved. That is, when Christ said “come follow me” He wasn’t meaning “you can go and do what you want.” When Christ said “sin no more” He wasn’t meaning “do what you want to do, just make sure that you accept Grace and I’ll fill in all the rest.” If you accept Christ into your life and follow Him you naturally will do all you can to follow His teachings, Mormons basically say that Christ will judge whether you followed as good as you could or not.
Okay, but then you have the resurrection and the saving of the dead. Mormons believe that even if you don’t believe in Christ… you WILL be resurrected and saved from the grave, that’s given to everyone no matter what they believe or who they are.
And then you have the whole heaven and hell. To Mormons, there is no hell, there is only an inability to grow anymore, being static basically… which is what most Christian churches teach you do in heaven (basically nothing.) To Mormons, there are 3 degrees to heaven, the top degree reserved for those who do what they believe Christ said to do and ruled by God the Father. The second degree of heaven though is ruled by Jesus Christ the Lord, and so long as you live a good life then that’s where you’d go. In other words… a static heaven, Jesus Christ the Lord as ruler supreme, no pain, all happiness, is the second degree of heaven, and most Christian churches would be quite happy in that degree. The third degree has the Holy Spirit ruling. And quite honestly, all are believed to be heavenly as compared to Earth, so again Christ’s grace has saved everyone.
What Mormons do NOT believe is in a “If you believe in Christ, you can do anything you want and it won’t matter” point of view of grace. That sins separate from God, and that you have to not only recognize them as sins, confess, and ask forgiveness, but forsake them and try never to do them again. And they believe that Christ has said to do certain things (baptism, confirmation, gift of the holy ghost, make covenants to follow and bond to God in the temple, endure to the end) in order to follow Him. But no one will ever be saved without Grace in their views.
Cara,
Your comment is heresy! Jesus’s grace is sufficient for all our sins. Past, present and future. Read John 10. Jesus is the door (His grace) He is the good shepherd that saves us. He is the Great shepherd that keeps us saved, and He is the Cheif Shepherd that will come again in judgement. There is absolutely nothing you can do for your salvation. We are as filthy rags to God. Christians do not believe we will do nothing in heaven (it will be a life of service, serving, worshiping God, and learning more of His Holy attributes. To say there is no hell is to call the God of the bible a liar. There is a hell! Read revelation. It is eternal separation from God, where there is weeping and the mashing of teeth. Jesus is God! Read John 1:1. If you want to know the God of the bible, put down your book of Mormon and pick up the Holy Word of God, pray and begin to read the truth.
God Bless
Linda,
Not to burst your bubble, but… Mormons believe that only the grace of God can save them through their faith in Jesus Christ his son. Their church is so plastered with the aforementioned statement I cannot understand how you, or anyone else, could think otherwise.
If anyone wants to understand how/what LDS people believe, listen to them yourselves: mormon.org; LDS missionaries; etc…
I wouldn’t listen to a mormon to learn about a catholic, or a catholic to learn about a protestant. Hear it from the horses mouth, and stop spreading ill-informed opinions.
Loves
Yes, Linda. Spot on. I was really interested in what the basic things are that the mormons believe, and it breaks my heart to see that all of these people are appearing as though they are not God’s elect. Don’t misunderstand though, some of them are God’s elect, and will be saved, but some also won’t. I’m sad every time I think of it, because pretty much all of my best friends are mormon. Best of luck to you all.
very well put
Dear readers, I was born and raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, otherwise referred to as the ” Mormon ‘ church. LDS members try not to refer to ourselves as Mormons, We are a Christian church. Hence the meaning of Christian, is one who follows and believes in Christ. There are a lot of incorrect references in this article. Although I don’t have every answer, obviously no one other than our Father in Heaven has every answer, I would be more tlhan happy to do my very best to explain LDS beliefs. We do have other books, or, “tools” that are used as well as the Bible. The Book of Mormon, is a companion to the Bible, not a replacement . It is not a Mormon Bible. Look at it this way. The Bible is a history of what was going on during specific times and places. The BOM is also a history, but history of another place,
which is known to us now as The Americas. After Jesus was resurrected, Jerusalem was not the only place he visited. He also visited the Americas. So basically your getting religious history about the same concept,but in another part of our world. This can’t be argued or denied simply because there is no one left alive to prove the histories of both books never existed. The BOM was translated from plates of gold which were revealed to him by an Angel found in the hill Camorah , not written by Joseph Smith just as the King James version of the Bible was translated by a mortal man . The Doctrine and Covenance, or D&C, and The Pearl of Great Price are books of the church’s history, prophets, and church beliefs. Another concept, we don’t believe a mortal man can forgive us of our sins. We believe in repentance and asking our Father in Heaven, through prayer for forgiveness. The article is correct in saying LDS members don’t believe in the trinity. Infact LDS members aren’t the only Christians that don’t believe in the Trinity. God, The Father, The Holy Spirit, & Jesus , the son of God are indeed 3 seperate beings. We believe in only 1 God, who is the Father. He also believe the virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus and the son of God. God can not be the father and son of himself. We are all Gods children and were created in, HIS image. Jesus is our brother, which is why you’ll find church members referring to eachother as brother or sister so & so. It is true that the majority of LDS members don’t marry non members, but its not frowned upon. I’m actually married to a non member. Family dynamics are a huge part of the LDS religion and so it should be in any religion. The commn belief to LDS members being polygamists is just not so. Yes at one time it was an accepted practice , but the LDS religion was not the only religion that practiced polygamy. There are still many religions that believe in and follow God , that still practice polygamy. The practice is now against the law, in the United States. God commands us to not only follow his laws but to also obey the laws of the lands. This is stated in the KJV, of the Bible. Speaking of mans and Gods laws. LDS members believe in order to get into the Kingdom of Heaven that you must do more than believe in the Lord and the teachings of Christ. You must strive to achieve a place in Gods kingdom and just being ” saved”, which I still yet to understand the meaning of that, will not earn you a place at Gods side. Just as in the laws of man you can’t simply proclaime yourself to be a Dr, or a lawyer , you must go to college to gain knowledge and put forth effort to achieve your goals. God expects the same to earn a place at his side. If we are to judge one another and say who will or won’t earn a place at Gods side, well I think that makes no person better than any other to make such an assumption. It is not our place to decide or judge. The only one who knows who will earn their place is God. This life is a test and we were given the free agency to choose right from wrong. How you make those choices is only up to you and whether you learn what’s right or wrong rests on our own shoulders. Everyone will be given a second chance , for that I truly believe. There are places and people that don’t know God & Christs teachings. Does ignorance mean you won’t earn a place at Gods side?? For this I do not know, but the one you least expect may have earned a place, in Gods eyes to be by his side. Open your minds… Close mindedness is what starts wars and self destruction. One day we may have all the answers, we fear what is unkown and try to destroy eachother, so I will close and say to all who have taken the time to read what is my testimony….. I am no better than anyone else in this world, or the next… Even if these words have only helped one person understand a little more, then It will set my soul at ease to know that I tried and that’s truly all that matters.
A Christian is not anyone that believes in Jesus! It must be the Jesus of the bible!! Mormon’s do not believe in the Jesus of the bible. Jesus is God in the flesh…John 1:1, Revelation 19:13. Just because the name Christ is in your church name does not make you a Christian. A Christian is someone that has been born again. (We trust in the work that Christ did on the cross Alone for our salvation. (He bore our sins on Himself and paid the penalty for us. He was buried and on the 3rd day He rose from the dead and obtained victory over death) The trinity is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and the 3 are One! Anyone that preaches anything else is the devils child and is going to hell! The bible tells us to work out our own salvation with trembling and fear. My friends if you are trusting in any religion to save you, then you are putting your eternal destination in their hands. Trust Christ alone! The bible is God’s instruction Book to mankind. It tells us Who God is and what we are. Please read Ephesians 2:8, pray the God will show you what this verse means.
God Bless!
Um, wow. Just so much wow. This is a varsity level of clueless.
You say God bless at the end of everyone of your comments but yet you say if someone doesn’t believe in the exact same thing as your ignorant ass does they are the devils Child and are going to Hell you make me laugh and I hope one day you see how retarded you sound!!:) God bless!
You CANNOT tell someone they are going to Hell, say you are praying for them because they are lost, then say “God Bless”.
This is what is wrong with the self-rightous Christians. Who are you to say who is going to Hell, only God makes that decision during final judgement. Get off your soapboxes people, turn off the internet, get down in the trenches and TEACH and SHOW God to people.
Leave preaching to the ones who are called to it and have been trained.
I thank God everyday that I am a bible thumpin’, heavy praising, church dancing, hand raising Pentecostal Christian. And, I thank God I am not so narrow minded to think my religion is the only way to Heaven.
Heidi,
I tell you the truth and lie not, your religion won’t get you to heaven at all. No one’s will. It is Christ that gets you to heaven. John 14:6. I can tell someone that their beliefs will take them to hell. ( it is not my judgement, but God has already said it in the Bible)
God Bless!
Tanya: thanks for sharing your perspective. It is helpful to me to hear the views of a member of LDS. I would like to ask you a question, though. You said “This can’t be argued or denied simply because there is no one left alive to prove the histories of both books never existed. ” If it *could* be proven that the histories of these books is false, would you leave the LDS church? Would you be willing to read or listen to this evidence? It is easily accessible: http://shop.reasons.org/DNA-vs-The-Book-of-Mormon-p/d0402.htm and http://shop.reasons.org/The-Bible-vs-The-Book-of-Mormon-p/d0804.htm and http://shop.reasons.org/Putting-the-Book-of-Mormon-to-the-Test-p/ry0505.htm
It is truely sad when you see so much time and energy being devoted to such a load of nonsense instead of living the ONE life that we have and really appreciating the wonder of it. Faith is simply what religious people use to justify beliefs in 100% unproveable and far fetched nonsence. I know that it makes a lot of people happy (and causes way more untold misery), but that doesn’t change the fact that these superstitious fairy tales are just that. Please WAKE UP.
Kk,
I’m not sure if YOU have received an answer yet, but here is mine:
OK, first off, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, so, yes, I am Mormon. I for one, don’t understand why it is that people can’t regard us a Christians, Christ is in the name of our church, and He is the center of our beliefs.
We receive quite a lot of ridicule for our beliefs, so your friend may be cautious of you giving her ridicule, or you getting ridicule from your family.
If you have more questions, you can email them to me, talk with the bishop, or any other member of the LDS church nearest to you, or check out the church’s sites. be aware that there are many sites with false information. Another idea is to have a missionary lesson, they are one of the best ways to obtain information of our church.
some websites are:
http://mormon.org/
lds.org
But if you want to know God, bypass the church and the formalities and go straight to
God!
Ir
Hi KK!
This maybe a little late coming, but, if you have religious questions ask God. He has said in the Bible in James, “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God”. Ask having faith that you will receive Gods’ answers. You will find answers to your questions through prayer and the warm feelings in your heart. When you find those answers, follow them. They’re right for you. You can find true joy. I pray that you will find the answers you seek. As far as your Mormon friend, sometimes Mormons don’t always know exactly what is best in every situation- they’re human! Talk to her about how your feeling and make sure she knows that you don’t care about her religion. If she cares about yours, she’s not living her religion. Good luck in your search!
Carrie
Before we can distinct between religion or Christians we must make sure that we do not misinformed the reader by giving out the wrong information. When I heard about the Mormons or LDS Church and the Negative information that was out there, I want to find out more about this religion why they are different from other religions. The more I found out the about the religion the more I want to know how the they are structured and run. It is an amazing religion and I want to know more about it because the feeling that I have when studying about the church. It seems like the more I study about Mormons the more I want to know.
The truth seeker
Well in that case you also need to know that they are racist!!
They are racist?!? Every religion that belives in the bible is racist… They are racist because they consider that black people are descendent of Cain? That is almost literally writen in the bible.
I am a Mormon and I think I would know if I were racist.
Congratulations… Me too… -.-‘
Can you give me a scripture reference for that? Because im fairly sure the bible doesn’t say anything about Cain’s race. And if Cain was black (which i havent heard confirmed or proven wrong) wouldnt that mean that Adam Eve Abel and Seth were too?
no, it doesn’t mean that the others were… what they are talking about is the bible saying that after Cain killed Able, Cain and his descendents would be cursed some versions say that Cain and his descendents would bear a mark so that no one would kill Cain however most versions say that Cain was the only one marked to not be killed that mark being their black skin… Hope that clarifies it for you! I would definitely say I am not racist! I do believe that when the people were trying to reach heaven and God gave them all a different tongue, that they then all dispersed and began to adapt to their environment which our bodies are made to do… not to be confused with evolution which I absolutely do not believe in. God bless you!
tell me where in the Bible its says that. God and christains believe that EVERYONE is equal. so next time i suggest that you know te right facts.
Right, so God never had a chosen or covenant people he called Israel or anything like that. This is a purely un biblical idea right? “I am a Father to Israel and Ephraim is my firstborn”. He calls them “The apple of my eye”. So, while I am not a racist, to say that God has never chosen a people for a purpose and called them a “peculiar people” meaning his chosen lineage is to ignore the entire Old Testament narrative.
Im not sure about your statement of the bible saying we are all equal. some decendants are blessed and some cursed. ive often wondered of cains decendants being marked and cursed with slavery and all that, it is easy to connect dots but racism isnt in question. I personally believe the more unlucky you are, the luckier you are. wisdom coming from hardships etc. to be blessed with riches and a easy life from birth is more of a curse in my opinion. im eternally greatful of learning the up side of down, something im conviced is neccessary before seeing the true brilliance of God.
Yeah, ummm… I am pretty sure I am not racist… stop basing your so called facts on South Park and other things that have no idea what they are talking about.
I don’t think you meant Cain, I think you meant Noah’s son Ham. He was cursed (or his son was) because he was ridiculing his father for being naked one time (or something like that) and his descendants are what we now call Africans. Same with Shem and Japheth although they weren’t cursed. Shem is the father of Asia and Japheth the father of Europe.
God is love and humble, He also want to communicate with humans and show His love and Just only Him can redeem the sins of mankind and He alone descend to earth to show the greatest love would die on the cross and that He rose and ascended into Heaven because He is almighty God.
God does not represent a human to redeem sin but He as Him self came down to heaven to earth to pay our debt/sin .
And because he is in Almighty even while was on earth he still has ppower almighty and we call that God /Father
Not even Ham, but Ham’s son Canaan. Who, by the way, did NOT settle in Africa, but rather in the land given to Israel.
To paint all Mormons or all members of any faith with a blanket label such as racist is in itself a kind of scurrilous smear that is every bit as bad as racism. There have never been segregated Mormon congregations. There have never been chapters of the KKK consisting mostly of Mormons. Calling Mormons is simply lazy and ignorant of what they are actually doing in the world right now. That is what should determine what a group thinks, not what was said by some from that faith in the increasingly distant past.
Somewhere in Africa a clean water project is being completed by these “racists”. Somewhere in an underdeveloped country infants who would die from malnutrition are receiving basic nourishment from these “racists”. Only hateful lazy guttersnipes label an entire group because of the past actions of those no longer around to explain them. Go back just two generations and most of us would be embarrassed by something our dear grandparents might have said. It is time to move forward.
What about what some of your dear prophets said? Like blacks could not hold priesthood for many years. You should very well be embarrassed! After all, you follow a religion that teaches opposit of what our un-changeable Lord Jesus Christ teaches. I am not saying this to slam you, but rather to have you seek out the lies your church is based on. Not the God of the Holy Bible. Read Ephesians 2:8 about the free gift from God that you cannot earn by merits or good works.
If you want this to be a reason the church is wrong, then read into it a little more.
Think of when this was said. In the heart of segregation and racism. The world wasn’t ready to understand that blacks were equal. Nobody can say that blacks not being able to hold the priesthood is an unheard of thing in this time when people in almost every other church wouldn’t allow them in the same building as them for service, and if they did, then they weren’t allowed to sit in the same area as the whites.
segregation was everywhere, and the only reason they couldn’t hold the priesthood at that time was because we weren’t ready for it.
“Mormons” call themselves Latter-Day Saints. Saints, just like the followers of Christ in biblical times. If you want to know what the “Mormons” believe, go to the source! If I want to learn about the Protestants I’m not going to go to the Catholics. If I want to learn about god I don’t go to an atheist. If I want to learn about Neuro-surgery I don’t go to a radiologist. To learn what the “Mormons” believe, go to MORMON.org and click on the “our beliefs” tab on the right or center part of the page. Learn from the source, not from someone elses’ flawed/biased/inaccurate prospective. This article has many inaccuracies about the LDS faith. The only “Mormon bible” I can think of is the King James version they use. It’s old and awkward to read but is the most accurate because the meanings of scriptures hasn’t been changed with the newer translations of the bible. Wikipedia the KJV if you don’t know what it is.
Like I said, GO TO THE SOURCE for unbiased information. If I want to learn about you, I’m not going to ask the groups who make fun of your or despise you because I’ll get inaccurate information. If I want to learn about you, I’m going to ask you!
Jason,
You people don’t even know what you believe. Since you love the kjv, as I do also, read Ephesians 2:8. For by grace are you saved and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. It means your own works cannot and will not save you, just as Cain’s fruit sacrifice was not sufficient. God’s way was a blood sacrifice, which is Crist our Lord. Not Christ plus works…..JUST CHRIST! Just as Cain’s way was false religion so is the Mormon church.
Linda,
Glad to hear you read the KJV like myself! I totally agree with you, there is nothing except the good grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that will save us. Remember, the author and finisher of our salvation, Jesus Christ, said, “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.” (Matthew 7:21)
I know we cannot save ourselves, but thankfully, the price on our sins has already been paid! It is by the good desires of our heart and works which are fruit of those desires, that we can show our Lord and Savior we accept him and will take up our cross and follow him.
I know what we Latter-Day Saints (“Mormons”) believe in and it saddens me that you, who has judged us all so harshly, do not know what we believe. To help you out, I’ve annotated our core beliefs at the end. In parting, I would like you to read the words of a great prophet, “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.”… “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” -2 Nephi 25: 23 and 26 (The Book of Mormon)
Surely you believe the words of Amos, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) We look forward to the second coming of our Lord and Savior as promised would happen. But before he does come, he will reveal it to his prophet, the leader of HIS “peculiar” people. Who is that? No one has the audacity and courage except the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to say THE Lord and Savior, the author and finisher of our salvation, even Jesus Christ, is at the head of our church, running it just like he did in Biblical times; through a man, called by him and GIVEN the AUTHORITY to lead his people. This is the prophet Thomas S. Monson.
Everyone seems to trash the “Mormons” like they’re an evil cult and all of them will go to hell. They say we’re not Christian and that’s fine, for so they said Jesus was posessed by a devil. Evil will always fight against good; thankfully, good will win. As for me and my people, We will serve the Lord!
May the Lord bless you Linda, and anyone else (even the sone throwers) who dilligently seek him that you may find him.
As promised, this is what the “Mormons” believe:
The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
-Joseph Smith
Let me ask you a question please. If you believe that God does not change, how do you explain the church going from teachings by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young first (when the church started) teaching you needed more than one wife to get to the highest heaven to the church now not condoning plural marriage? Also, at one time blacks could not hold priesthood, now they can? Did your god change his mind? Prophets were used by God, before Christ and the bible. We now have a complete account from God, no need for prophets. Read John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus is the Word, Jesus is God! Please read Revelation 22: 18,19. What does this verse say to you? I do believe that you would like to know the true God of the bible Jason. Please take your own advice and pray with a sincere heart. I pray that God will open your eyes, for you cannot see Him unless He does. As for your statement that I mis-understand the Morons, I used to be one! Born and raised in Utah. By the grace of God I am now a Christian saved by the grace of God! It is a free gift to all! Christ alone saved me by His work on the cross! Nothing more, nothing less.
preach it!!
Linda,
Thank you for bringing up Rev 22:18-19 as your defense for why Mormons are not true Christians. First – take at look at Dev 4:2-3 “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” So….. After Moses were we not suppose to add or diminish? Did Jesus not change the law by becoming the Law? Also – “keep the commandments”…. In order to keep commandments we must act, hence why Mormons believe that action and grace are both required to enter into their highest degree of heaven.
There’s also a historical look at how the Bible, and specifically the writings of John where both written and compiled. First off the bible as we know it, in the physical form in which we read (and I know this is going to start a firestorm but I mean the form of the bible and not the writings within) is a product of the Roman Catholic Church. It was put together around 200 or 300 AD (Not 100% on the dates. If I’m wrong on those dates, please feel free to correct me). Secondly, the book of Revelations, according to ancient historians, was written BEFORE the epistles of Peter and John AND the gospel of John. So if we are to take Rev 22:18-19 to mean all things written after Revelations, nothing from Peter or John to the church matters. Revelations was written while John was on Patmos and those particular scriptures were explicit instructions to the different churches and John’s messenger that the book of Revelations should not be touched.
Truth Seeker,
If you think you can work your way to heaven then seek the Mormon church, but if you truly want to get there, seek God! The bible tells you it is a free gift, If you will read the bible you will see that our Mormon friends are going to hell. Read Ephesians 2:8 , John 3:16, John 14:6 and make sure you read Romans 6:23 (which sums it all up in one verse) All have sinned, the penalty for sin is death! The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. He died for you and for me. It is His work on the cross that saves you and me. Nothing more, Nothing less!
I would like to clarify a few points regarding the Mormon church. The article had several errors that need to be corrected.
First, as Barbara stated, the Mormon church does believe in The Holy Bible. They have 4 works of scripture they believe in. They are The Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.
Second, Mormons do in fact believe that Jesus was born to a virgin mother, Mary, and Heavenly Father (God) is his father. I’m not sure what the author means by saying Mormons believe he had a “natural” birth.
Third, the Mormon church was organized on April 6, 1830.
Fourth, the author implied that Mormons do not believe in salvation. Mormons certainly do believe in salvation, and regard Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
If you would like factual information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormon church), check out lds.org or mormon.org.
Thanks!
Please read the comments i wrote below, thank you.
Yeah, the research on this article was especially lazy. I am sure the Wikipedia article on Mormons is much more accurate. While we’re at it, not all protestants agree that Mormons are not Christian (as if they agree on anything other than the falseness of the Catholic Church and Mormon faith).
you say that mormons believe in salvation how’s that????
Because they do, that’s how.
There idea of salvation is Christ died for our sins, but it our good works or deedsthat really saves us and if that don’t work we can seal ourselves to others that (will) be there and if that don’t work when we get to heaven and see God then we can always change our mind or someone living will do a baptism for the dead. You see, Christ work is not sufficient for them. They have all kinds of things they can do to save themselves. Problem is (there all wrong according to the scriptures) In the end they will end up in hell, just like the bible says along with all the blind followers that relied on them.
When Jesus saw the apostles fishing and filled their nets. He said: Come follow me and be fishers of man! Notice that believing alone was not sufficient. They followed Christ and went with him. Action was required.
If they said no Lord go your way and we are going to stay here in fish. Would there be a consequence?
The problem is, they believe Jesus plus their works saves them, the bible says that Christ alone saves us. Not the 2 put together. We must come to God His way! Cain also thought he could come his own way! It’s called false religion!
Please explain James 2:17-19 then. If faith without works is dead how does salvation work?
Glad you asked James,
The bible thru and thru shows us that it is by the grace of God thru faith in the work of Christ on the cross that we are saved. (Given eternal life) first in order to know we need to be saved we must first know what we need saved from. Romans 3:10 there is none righteous, no not one! Romans 3:23 all have sinned and come short of God’s glory. We need a Savior! John 3:16 tells us God gave his only begotten Son to die for us to anyone that believes. John 14:6 says that Christ is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by Him. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God) but the gift of God is eternal life (a gift is always free! We never work or pay anything for a gift) Ephesians 2:8 says by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God. (There is the word gift again) V. 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. ( The Lord wants us to know that we do nothing for our salvation except trust in His Free gift) as for your question James 2: 17, 18 notice in V. 15 James is saying If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. ( in the bible a brother and sister is someone that trust in Christ for salvation) James is telling these people that (after) you trust Christ, your works shows because of your faith in Christ. In other words if you trust that the reason you have eternal life is because Christ died, was buried, and rose on the 3rd day and paid for your sin in full, it will show by your works, or attitude towards others. Christ died that we might live. He reconciled us to God where we were separated by sin. When you trust in Christ alone by faith alone you become a born again Christian. Read John 3:3 except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God. (Words of Jesus) when you become born again, God gives you the Holy Spirit to guide you and teach you all truth. He dwells in you. The true Church is not a religion, but Christ himself. Is there any reason why you or anyone reading this post cannot trust Christ right now for your eternal life? John 5:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word (did you do that?) And believes in Him who sent me (did you believe what God said and trust Christ as your Savior?) Has everlasting life! (Does that mean later or right now?) And shall not come into judgement (does that say shall not or might not?) But has passed from death into life. (Does that say shall pass or has passed?) if you did trust Christ you could pray right now and let God know and Thank Him for the gift He gave you. (Remember it’s not the prayer that saves you, but trusting Christ for your salvation. Christ alone by faith alone! Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
But yor OWN member said they didn’t understand what we mean by “saved”! To sum this whole thing up, there are numerous tenants that LDS believe that are errant of the Bible. That in itself contradicts the Bible in that, “if any of God’s word is wrong, ALL of it is wrong – I speak foolishly”. In other words, if someone could prove a part wrong, how could I have FAITH in the rest. Christ died once and for all – bottom line. Hopefully, the lines that LDS have smeared are not of such degree that it impedes Salvation – through grace – a GIFT from God. “I and the Father are One”. Did Jesus lie? If so, the whole precept of the Bible is a lie. God cannot lie. Jesus is God (I and the Father are One). I pray that the Mormons ignorance that is truly an “innocent ignorance”, then I believe those who trust God and walk the faith may be saved through Grace from their misunderstanding. However, those who truly KNOW they are preaching against the Word of God, I believe God may hold them to a different accountability standard.
My Mormon relatives are always saying “don’t be close minded.” do you ever wonder why you had to say that? Why is it always “close mindedness” when someone points out the parts of your religion that do not add up. Is it because you know that there are some problems with your religion? Like whats with the white undergarment things? Did the bible tell you to wear that because I guess I missed that part. I’m Christian and we don’t have any special rules other than the bible. Love God and love people. That pretty much sums it up. I just find that people get most defensive when they know they are a little guilty of whatever they are defending.
Major omission in this article! Mormons ALSO believe in the Holy Bible. I don’t understand how that could have been left out. It is such a large omission it calls into question the credibility of the author and/or whether or not it was omitted deliberately.
This article is grossly inaccurate in its portrayal of “Mormon” beliefs. Here is an accurate account of what makes Mormons different: http://newsroom.lds.org/topic/core-beliefs
Mormons believe in the same King James version of the Holy Bible as other Christians. Here is what the Mormons say they believe about the Bible: http://mormon.org/faq/#Bible
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, unlike what this article says.
Here is what the Mormon prophet taught about the virgin Mary: http://lds.org/ensign/2001/12/five-marks-of-the-divinity-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng&query=virgin+mary
Here is what the Mormons say about Jesus Christ: http://mormon.org/faq/#Jesus+Christ|question=/faq/belief-in-jesus-christ/
Here is what the Mormons believe about the virgin Mary: http://lds.org/scriptures/gs/mary-mother-of-jesus?lang=eng
Finally, it is surprising that the article didn’t mention the actual name of the “Mormon” church. It is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Here is the official guidance (which I should follow, too, in retrospect): http://newsroom.lds.org/style-guide
ok so what will you say to this “The birth of the Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood – was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers,” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115). But in isaiah 7:14 and matthew 1:23 it clearly says that jesus was born of virgin marry, which means that she gave birth to him while being a virgin. But in the verse that is stated in Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115 it is clearly stated that she gave birth after having sexual relationship. All i want to say is that if you say that you read bible than read it carefully, and dont be led away by false prophets as it is stated in Matt. 7:15 one of those prophets was joseph smith.
the journal of dicourses is not an official publication of the morman church.It is a compilation of sermons and other materials from the early years of the Church, which were transcribed and then published. It includes practical advice as well as doctrinal discussion, some of which is speculative in nature and some of which is only of historical interest. that does not mean the church of Jesus Christ follows the examples or teaching of it. sometimes it was inaccurate when it was being transcribed.Modern technology and processes were not available for verifying the accuracy of transcriptions, and some significant mistakes have been documented. The Journal of Discourses includes interesting and insightful teachings by early Church leaders; however, by itself it is not an authoritative source of Church doctrine.
I would point out to you that if you read the Old Testament and the New Testament, the two as a whole are full of contradictions.
I would also say to you that this is not a forum to discuss whether you find the church to be true or not. There was a discrepancy and many of us pointed that out.
The truth lies in your heart. And if it lies within a different church well then so be it. I pointed out myself that I no longer go to the Mormon church, but for my own reasons.
This started out as a few of us pointing out that the Mormon Church does indeed use the Holy Bible. Somehow from there others felt they had the right to point out all the things they think is wrong with the church.
If you do disagree I would suggest to you that you find the correct forum and vent your frustrations with the church there. This isn’t it. It’s called ‘The Difference Between’. I’m sure had there been an error in the reporting of your church, you too would have pointed it out. And I don’t think you would appreciate others coming on the board trying to prove you religion wrong.
Thanks for the consideration.
Barbara K. Taylor
virgin of mens… As it says in the Bible, she had intercourse with the Holy Spirit. How exactly, I don’t know. But it’s more a less that, what LDS belive. Because, if He has a physical body, and was male, than there was need a Y cromossome. That Mary didn’t have! Even by partnogenesis, it would be impossible to be born a men…
wow…so are you telling me that Mary had to have sex with someone for Jesus to have been born? With the Holy Spirit? In fact I strongly believe that God is the author and creator and if He spoke the heavens and the earth into place, He could have his only begotten son forming in Mary’s womb without the “Y” chromosome. If Jesus had to have a “Y” chromosome, then I guess Adam was not created by dirt and Eve with man’s rib. People go study the Word and make sure all of what you are researching has proof or confirmation….the Word should line up with ALL the Word, not just a portion here and there. To be honest, if Joseph Smith can pick and choose what to believe in and claim he is right, then mormoms can not knock jehovah’s witnesses because their founder, Charles Taze Russell did the same thing. Be careful people. Seek God first ans ask Him for revelation.
God can’t create matter out of a nothing. To make the Earth and everything, He arrangeed the matter already existing in the Universe. God has to obey laws of physics. How He created the Universe? Possibly with anti-matter… Everything has an explanation because God is logical and rational. Simply our primitive and rudimentary science can’t catch even 10% of God’s work. He can make matter out of anti-matter, but I don’t think He would be able to create a Big Bang inside Mary’s belly and make her survive… I think God thought that unnecessary, and thought safer coming to the Earth and have intercourse with Mary than creating matter inside Mary’s belly with nuclear reactions just to make 1 cromossome…
I thought Jesus was “fully human” in Christian parlance and belief. Jesus had to have a Y Chromosome to be a male. The Bible gives us evidence that he was circumcised. Whether Adam was made of the dirt or not is not the point. Human males have a Y chromosome and you have no evidence Adam didn’t have one anymore than you have evidence he lacked a belly button. Jesus was born of a woman made under the law. The exact manner this was accomplished the Bible does not say but to make more of it than the Bible does is how silly beliefs get started.
I think it is very clear in the bible that Mary had a normal pregnancy for the creation of Jesus’ body. It is also pretty clear that she delivered Jesus through normal means. So, what is this discussion should rightly be about is the method of inception. Divine insemination in a physical way or God made her existing egg become fertilized by the power of His word. Personally I’m not sure how it happened, nor do I care, but I am pretty sure that if God can create man from the dust he can inseminate an egg by His Word alone.
I pray you don’t truly belive this stuff. I’m sorry for the things you may have been thru to lead you to these thoughts. Trust GOD. With him all things are possible. 🙂
You will not find the word sex anywhere in the statement you are referring to. That is an added idea put out by the critics of the Church. Traditional Christian’s say that Jesus was “fully human” as well as “fully divine”. The only thing Isaiah say is that a virgin or a young woman would conceive. The verse actually says nothing about some mystical status as a virgin after the child is born. We LDS believe that Mary conceived as a virgin. After that, the Bible is silent on the topic of Mary’s virginity. It is a pure invention within Catholicism that Mary remained virginal all of her life. Jesus never talked about this topic at all.
It amazes me how many people talk trash about the LDS Church. People that do clearly don’t understand what their talking about such as the author of this article.
If you want to know the truth seek it out yourself, as the scriptures teach in James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, ask God” Don’t listen to anyone but your heart and the spirit that teaches all truth.
For more information go to http://www.lds.org and remember “By their fruits ye shall know them”
Oh and another thing, try reading the Book of Mormon and proving it wrong, you can’t!
Ok what about trinity in Bible if you read carefully genesis 1:2 psalm 2:7 genesis 1:26 john 3:16 phillipians 2:5-8 john 1:1 and acts 5:3-4 you can see that trinity is real, and these are only some of the places from the bible, so if you say that you read tje bible than read it correctly and pay attention to what it says, please or you will be lad away from the real God.
read my last reply in case you didnt see it thanks.
Yes exactly. What about the Trinity in the Bible? There isn’t one. No prophet mentions it, Jesus never says that word or uses that term. There is not one sermon preached by any authorized inspired Apostle or Prophet either before Jesus or after that uses the term Trinity to describe the God of the Bible. Yet, as if they haven’t actually read the text traditional Christians keep insisting that Jesus and the Apostles believed in and taught this doctrine which most competent Bible scholars admit is not expressly taught in the New or the Old Testament. The doctrine of the Trinity according to Catholic theologians emerges in the last quarter of the fourth century. To exclude the LDS from the identification of Christian because they don’t adhere to a Creed that would not be written for three hundred years after Christ is absurd. In addition, there is no mention of a Canon list given by any of Jesus associates or by Jesus himself. If you can find any of the Apostles giving a list of canonical books please let me see it.
Yes, read those verses very carefully and you will have to admit that none of them have the word Trinity in them. Thank you.
I would also like to point out that when christ was baptised by John, Mathew 3, 16-17 ‘and Jesus, when he was baptised, went up straightaway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the spirit of god descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’
How can the father, the son and the holy spirit be one and the same person, and yet here quite clearly be separate?
Elaina,
We have one God with 3 very distinct roles. It is hard for our human mind to understand, but God says it is so, therefore it is! Try to imagine how the egg has a shell, a white, and a yoke, yet it is one egg. Read 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Christ), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. That is what the Bible says. You have a choice, believe the Bible, or believe a man. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Sorry about the name. I meant Eleanor.
I’d like to add my voice to those pointing out the many inaccuracies of the article above. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our religion. We love, adore, honor, follow, worship, and would die for Him. He is the creator of this universe, he one with the Father in all ways that matter, so whether or not they have different bodies is pretty much irrelevant. My life is dedicated to serving my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I intend to spread his message of love, not to misinform others from a spirit of vindictiveness.
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? Matthew 7:22
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:23
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay: but rather division. Luke 12:51
For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
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. Ephesians 2:8
I dont understand how the LDS church can learn frm three diffferent doctrins when i garantee they will contradict themselves…..right?????
Try learning from a spelling dictionary, friend.
Actually, it is four. We also believe in the Bible, which this article so inaccuracy decided to leave out. But no, they do not contradict each other. In fact, they make more sense together than just the Bible alone. If you really want to know for yourself, read the Book of Mormon. No matter what other people say, I know for myself that it is true. I challenge you to find out your own answer.
they actually don’t contradict themselves. I think that its amazing how that happens actually, for me (and nobody has to take this really personally or anything) the fact that they fit so well together, building off of each other and teaching, helps me to know that its right.
It just seems that members of the mormon religion and lds. spend alot of time trying to prove that their belifes are the same as those which christians have, But is’nt the whole reason this eligion was started was to contridicted the christian faith? The Holy Bible is the inspiered word of God and anything that contridicts it is heresey. Now if you all believe in the same religon that joseph smith started, until 1978 african americans were not allowed into the priesthood, God and Mary had physical sex,and if your a “good mormon” you get to be god of your own planet. Please pray that the ture God of the bible reveils himself to you through the reading of his word and you see that by magnifing this mere man joseph smith you are stealing glory away from the true lord Jesus Christ.
Again you totally misrepresent adherents to Mormonism. We do NOT try to prove our beliefs are identical to other Christians. We actually spend a great deal of time trying to explain the differences. When someone says that Mormons are not Trinitarians, we do not try to convince them that we are. When someone says that Mormon’s believe in scriptures in addition to the Bible we agree that this is correct. What we are trying to straighten out are the misconceptions about our beliefs, not to try and convince anyone that our beliefs are the same. By the way, there are over a thousand “Christian” denominations in the world. Why would we even try to insist we are the same as a thousand denominations which have found enough to disagree about that they have to set up a new Church? So once again, a misrepresentation.
I will accept the Bible as the only word of God if you can show me Jesus handing a book he calls the Bible to one of his Apostles and telling them that this book is the sole, infallible guide to faith and belief and was personally authored by God for that purpose. It just didn’t happen like that. Jesus nowhere even hints that someday the Church would be guided by a text alone. This entire idea is a product of the struggles of the Reformation and the clashes with Catholicism. It has no historical or Biblical foundation. None of the so called proof texts for sola scriptura make any sense since all of them are given within the context of active Apostolic or Prophet authority. It is wresting the scriptures to make them sound like the Bible is sufficient to guide the Church when no such book was available to them.
Mormons are not Biblical Christians, even thouigh some Mormons claim they are. The definition of Biblical is according to the dictionary, is in or in accord with the Bible. There is no definition in that word that say anything about interpertation of the Bible. Being a Biblical Christian is about a relationship with Jesus, not with any man made church. be they Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, etc. Biblical Christians can be found in all denominations and is not confined to one chruch or denomination. In other words I dont’ have to be a Lutheran, a Baptist, or anything else to be a Biblical Christian. All I need is Jesus, and nothing else.
So the dictionary defines the Bible as Biblical? That is not a definition at all. The Bible as we have it simply was not available to early Christians. Early Christians accepted a host of writings that are not in the current canon. Early Christians main scripture was the Septuagint or Greek Old Testament. The term Bible simply means library. Through a thousand years of spelling the word Bible capitalized and by a thousand years of common usage the word has taken on a meaning which would have sounded very strange to a first or second or third Century Christian. Even the term “Biblical Christianity” is a misnomer because the early Christians would not have used such a term. In fact the term Christian means a partisan of Christ and it was first coined from outside the movement that followed the Apostles of Jesus.
Well said brother!
Clifford
If Mormons want to call themselves Christians I wonder if they call themselves Christians first or do they call themselves Mormons? What one calls himself/herself is a telling indicator about his or her loyalty. I prefer to call myself a Christians and not a denominational name like Lutheran, Catholic, Mormon, etc. I identify with Christ not with mere humans. Calling ones self a Christian first is very radical indeed. Join me
We call ourselves “Saints” which is a term that the early Apostles applied to believers. The term Christians was never used by the leaders of the new religion until it was first applied by critics. Just as Mormons did not invent the term Mormon. That too was begun by the enemies of the early Latter-day Saint movement. So, your point is meaningless.
The early Christians did not even call themselves Christians first. This was a term of derision before it became a term of self identification.
Mormons believe that salvation is earned by works. Thomas Monson of the LDS first Presidency stated, “It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings must be earned. Every person will inherit a glory of salvation, which will be the one that he has earned.” Lets stick to the KJV Bible here since mormons believe in it. (Ephesians 2:8-9) “For by Grace are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of YOURSELVES: it is the THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” You can’t earn salvation it is a GIFT from God, by putting your FAITH in JESUS CHRIST and the price that was PAID in FULL at the CROSS, for all of us. When we put works in place of faith, we are saying that the sacrafice that Christ paid at the cross was in vain, and wasnt needed. We must understand when Jesus was on the cross and when he said, “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30). That meant everything was paid in complete that we need nothing more or less. By putting our FAITH, NOT WORKS in Christ we get SALVATION, JUSTIFICATION, SANCTIFICATION, and one day GLORIFICATION. I pray that the Mormons understand this, it is the ONLY WAY, that the Lord will reveal the truth through his word the Bible KJV. GOD BLESS….
George,
No arguement here. See what I told Linda. You, like her, do not understand our beliefs. I don’t want to scripture bash to prove a point. Any “Mormon” would totally agree with you that we are saved ONLY through the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; This is stressed in the Bible, and much more so in the Book of Mormon.
What both you and Linda misunderstand about our belief is summed up in James chapter 2 (using the KJV):
“17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
SO many scriptures and pieces of doctrine! It’s like a giant jugsaw puzzle! How can one keep it all together? Well, just like in biblical times, we do have a prophet who through revelation (just like in biblical times! GOD does not change you know.) knows the completed puzzle and knows where we might get stuck. For this reason our Loving Heavenly Father and his Son have provided a means whereby we can return to them. They love all of us so much and want the best for us, if only we’re willing to accept Jesus as our Savior and follow him, can we “bring forth fruit meet for repentance” and be guided back to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.
Much Love my Brother. May the Lord bless you in your studies and searchings. Pray always with a sincere heart, with real intent, and he will guide you!
Wendell, by the way the early Christians were called Christians its in the Bible read Acts 11:26, you guys read so you should know this.
FYI: Biblical Christianity (AKA Christian Fundamentalism, or Calvinism) is a belief system/realtionship about and with Jesus Christ based on the Bible as the only and final authority about the Christian faith. No extra biblical wrtings, be they creeds or books is needed. Also no “church” in human terms is needed As Biblical Christians all we need is Jesus, the only mediator, and do not need a human (ie a pope or Joseph Smith, etc) to reach God. This is not a slap at the Pope or Joseph Smith. It is biblical. Paul said there is only one mediator between God and Man and that mediator is Christ Jesus.
Finally Biblical Christianity is eternal, and has been on this earth long before there was denominations as we know today
Then why do you have the creeds and why do so many traditional Christians insist that a person has to adopt them in order to be termed a Christian. Also, the idea of “sola scriptura” did not exist until the reformation as a way of explaining how the Protestants could be excommunicated from Catholicism and still be considered Christians. There is no idea of “sola scriptura” in the Bible itself or in the writings of the earliest Patristic Fathers.
Since Calvinism came along in the sixteenth Century it has no more clear historical tie to original Christianity that Mormonism does. Study religious history and you will not find any group of Christians in Jesus time running around giving altar calls and talking about a closed infallible canon and a doctrine called the Trinity. They simply did not exist. I applaud the Reformers as men of great courage and a loyalty to God as they understood him, but to say that the ideas they left us are original Christianity goes too far. I am not sure even they would agree with that idea. I know Martin Luther did not believe he had perfectly reorganized Christianity. They were all brave men in their own way but to say what they came up with is an accurate recreation of the earliest Jesus movement is a stretch.
We also don’t believe we need to go through a man to get to god, the prophet receives revelation for the whole church but we are all able to receive personal revelation and have a very personal relationship with god 😉
is Mormonism Churchianity?
here’s a formula i ran into on the net. Jesus-organized relifion=Biblical Christianity
And it is worth what you paid for it. This idea is of rather late vintage and has no historical foundation whatsoever. it is a nice slogan but it doesn’t mean very much.
I am a Biblical Christian because I believe that Jesus and God is who the Bible say’s they are. That Jesus is God who came down in the flesh and dwelt with us via the virgin birth, He preached, and died on the cross for our sins, and after three days he rose again. We also do not need creeds, or extra-biblical wrtings, that the 66 books of the Bible is the only and final authority we need for faith.
And none of those ideas are Biblical. They are the assumptions of the theologians you have chosen to follow. If you want to be a truly Biblical Christian you have to not read the Bible through the lens of Creeds that don’t come along for nearly four hundred years after Christ. You say you don’t need Creeds, but you won’t find many traditional Christians who would agree with you.
Regrettably you have chosen to assume that all denominations have creeds and adhere to those rather than the Bible. I am of the Baptist faith, and although we have a “creed”, it only summarizes the teachings of Christ. We do not hang it in our place of worship, nor do we “study” the creed; rather we study the Word of God given to us by inspiration of the Holy Spirit by those who were witnesses to Christ and his ministry, death, and assention. Furthermore, I would like to add a talking point of the “trinity”. It is true you will not find the word “trinity” in the Bible, you will find however, the closeness of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In John 10:30, you will read the words “I and the Father are one”. John 14:7-11 speaks of the oneness of the Son with the Father. In following verses 16-26 teaches the role of the Holy Spirit. Again John 16:7-15 speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit. Specifically in vs.13 it says He will not speak on His on initiative but whatever He hears, He will speak. There is your “trinity”. They work together, agree together, minister together and are in total agreement. Yeah, the word tirinity was probably developed to make this explanation easier to explain our belief in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Matthew 28:18-20, clearly speaks of the role of all three in Baptism. There is more that could be said, but if you will look up the scripture on your own initiative, it would be difficult for you to convince me you can seperate the them. It’s kind of like marriage. The two shall become one! May the Holy Spirit speak to your heart in these matters as you seek Bibical truth.
Are you serious Wendell? Everything Clifford just said is what the entire bible is about! You should pray that the Lord would remove the scales from your eyes.
I am a Christian. I dont agree with Mormonism. since it developed after Christianity, its based off Christianity and they changed a whole lot to it. so wouldnt it make sense that Christianity is the real truth. Jesus was a real man. he did miracles no one could. there is only One God. not three
Jesus referred to the Father as “his God”. Jesus never says ” I and the Father and the Holy Ghost are one God of indivisible substance”. He could have said it a hundred times and he didn’t say it even once.
Read 1 John 5:7 it does say the Father, Son and Spirit are one. There are hundreds of verses that say God is a Spirit that came to earth in the flesh and left behind His Spirit.
People are not confused by the Gospel, they are confused by us. Jesus is the only way to God but we are not the only way to Jesus. This world doesn’t need my denomination or my translation of the bible. They just need Jesus. We can be pasionate about what we believe but we can’t strap ourselves to the Gospel because we are slowing it down. Jesus is going to save the world, so the best thing we can do is get out of the way.
well Jesus is only going to save the people that followed him. all the people think Jesus is merciful and everyone is going to heaven. God is merciful. But he is only merciful to the people that follow Him, or who want to change. God is not going to save people that worshiped other gods.
ha… Nice Casting Crowns quote!! Word for Word…. Much Love!!
Jesus has already saved those of us who have devoted our lives to him. we are saved by His blood on the cross. we are saved by His grace, His suffering, His love. in fact, the word Jesus translates into “salvation”. God is our Savior!
You want some answers read a book called “The Maze Of Mormonism”
This sheds light on the truth of who Mormons are, and why their beliefs are different from a bible believing christian. This book is not opinionated but very factual, right down to the original documents of LDS.
Noname,
The book the Maze of Mormonism by Walter Martin is not the truth about Mormonism. You should take more care giving references to so called sources of truth that come from a man who lied about his credentials as an ordained Baptist minister. Walter Martin was a cut and paste counter cult celebrity but he was no “authority” on Mormonism.
What about polygamy? Wasn’t that introduceded by Mormons?
The bible is about 2 things You and Jesus. It has bad news about you. All have sinned and come short of God’s perfect standard. Romans 6:23 Suppose we were to throw a dart at the north pole. You may throw you dart farther than I can but we would both miss the mark. (you may live a cleaner life than I do, but neither of us live to God’s perfect standard.) We are became separated from God through our sins. God says the punishment for sin is death. (eternal separation from God) Since we could not go to Him, He came to us. Suppose you had cancer and I said let me take the cells from your body and put them in me. You would live and I would die. That is what Jesus Christ did for us. He took our sin and punishment for it (death) and put it on Himself and died in our place. He rose from the grave on the 3rd day and won victory over death for us. Romans 5:8. If we can trust what Jesus did for us, the bible tells us we will be saved from eternal death and live eternal life with Him. Ephesians 2:8,9. It is the (free gift from God) Nothing we can do. We must trust that Christ alone can save us from death. This is what Christianity is. The Gospel of Christ. (Mormon’s believe that if they live a good clean life they can go to heaven. It is a lie from hell. We must trust Christ alone! Read John 3:16. The bible is God’s instruction book to mankind. It was written by the inspiration of God through Holy prophets of God. You too can trust Christ as you Savior and have eternal life. You can pray and tell God that you are a sinner and Thank You for saving your soul, ask Him to help you learn about Him. (Remember it is not the prayer that saves you, it is Christ alone) the prayer merely tells God what you have just done. Start reading Philippians in the Bible, pray that God will help you find a good bible Christian Church and begin to grow in you Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Linda,
I can see you are also a follower of Christ. But I feel the need to let you know that your ideas about how Mormons (Latter-day Saints) believe is in error. You stated, “(Mormon’s believe that if they live a good clean life they can go to heaven. It is a lie from hell.” In the words of the Savior, “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.” Matthew 7:21. It’s not enough to say you believe and then live as if you don’t. Mormons believe that if we accept Christ and live a life patterned on His example, that when the end comes, his grace will make up the difference and clean away our sin and make us worthy to re-enter the presence of our Heavenly Father. Nothing that you or I can do of ourselves is enough on its own.
“And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.” Alma 38:9
Dear Dan,
The bible does indeed say that he that doth the will of my Father. May I tell you that the will of our Father is Come to him through Christ alone, (John 14:6) John 3:16. We come to God His way. If our works could save us there would have been no need for Christ to die for us. Read Romans 3:10. None of us are righteous. Once a person has accepted Christ alone as their means of salvation the works will follow because Our soul is placed into Christ’s body and He changes us and works through us. It is not us working, but Him in us.
i agree. we cant rely on ourselves to get a ticket to heaven because if we are too successful, we will only trust in ourselves and not trust in the Lord.
Unfortunately, this article was poorly written and full of inaccuracies.
Error: “…the former sect believes in the Book of Mormon, otherwise known as the Mormon bible.”
Truth: The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ, in that it confirms his divine Sonship and his role as Savior of all mankind.
Error: “For the Christians, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, whereas Mormons believe that Jesus had a natural birth and was born of a Heavenly Father and of Mary.”
Truth: Mormons believe that Christ was the only begotten of the Father born to the virgin Mary.
Error: “In terms of Sin, the Mormons believe that all men are accountable for their own sins and all mankind will be resurrected and saved at the last day. For Christians, sin is horrific as it dishonours God. They believe that sin is treason against God and the Holy Spirit.”
Truth: This is a misrepresentation of the belief that we are responsible for our own sins and not Adam’s transgression. (Article of Faith 1). The Book of Mormon states: “And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.” (Alma 38:8)
Questions for Mormons:
Is Jesus the one true God most high?
Throughout all eternity is there only one God who exists omnipresently?
I am a woman – can I go to heaven if I believe in Jesus and by no other means?
If I die and am not saved, can I be saved by after I die?
Just yes or no answers please
thank you.
You’ll find all your answers in the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and at http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng or http://mormon.org/
Study hard my sister in the faith; good luck and God speed!
“in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”
<>
New International Version (©1984)
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
New Living Translation (©2007)
But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
English Standard Version (©2001)
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
International Standard Version (©2008)
But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two others with you so that ‘every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
And if he does not hear you, take one or two with you, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word will be established.
GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995)
But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation may be verified by two or three witnesses.
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
American King James Version
But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
American Standard Version
But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand.
Darby Bible Translation
But if he do not hear thee, take with thee one or two besides, that every matter may stand upon the word of two witnesses or of three.
English Revised Version
But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established.
Webster’s Bible Translation
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Weymouth New Testament
But if he will not listen to you, go again, and ask one or two to go with you, that every word spoken may be attested by two or three witnesses.
World English Bible
But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Young’s Literal Translation
and if he may not hear, take with thee yet one or two, that by the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may stand.
To every Mormon on this site:
Why Mormons are not Christians:
The issue of authority. Christians believe the Bible is God’s authoritative, inerrant, unchanging and complete self-revelation (Jude 3). Scripture is the touchstone to which all other truth-claims must be brought (Isaiah 8:20). The sole and sufficient authority by which all controversies in spiritual matters are to be determined is none other than God’s Spirit speaking through Scripture.
By contrast, Mormons consider The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants as additional authoritative revelation, thereby undermining the true authority of Scripture and violating the principle of Revelation 22:18.
The doctrine of God. Christians believe there is one God who eternally exists in three co-equal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Mormons reject the doctrine of the Trinity, believing that there are many worlds controlled by different gods.
The supremacy of Christ. Christians believe Jesus Christ is pre-existent God who became a man in His incarnation while maintaining His full deity. Mormons claim Jesus was a “spirit child” of Mary and Elohim (and the brother of Lucifer) who has now been elevated to the level of deity.
The means of justification. Christians believe justification is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Mormons believe a person’s works in this life will determine his or her status in the life to come, and that “salvation” is actually a progression toward godhood.
Big Differences – no similarities.
I will never look in the Book of Mormon. I will never look in the Pearl of Great Price or Doctrine and Covenants. Just as I despise sin and evil, I despise this cult and everything that points to it. The man made books, the temples, the undergarments, the man made government church, the baptism for the dead and on and on. I pray for those who have either been born into this cult or have blindly entered it, led by it’s cloak of angelic enticement and “membership rewards”. I pray that you have a moment where the true Christ enters your heart and pierces you with true Christian clarity.
The only thing that gives me comfort is knowing God is in control. He uses all things for His glory – even this evil and powerful cult. This I know because the Bible tells me so.
“Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?” (Mark 8:18; Psalm 135:17; Jeremiah 5:21) YOU will never know the truth if you do no look for it. Obviously you or anyone else who believes God has changed, or is shackled, or will not work his works nowdays either does not understand, or is totally misinterpreting the bible. Remember “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20) That you may have eyes that see and ears that hear, LISTEN to the Bible and consider the words of a prophet of God:
“A careful reading of the words makes it clear that the warning against adding to or taking away does not refer to the whole Bible or even to the New Testament, but to use John’s words, only to the words of “the book of this prophecy.” That is, the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation. This is substantiated by the fact that some of the books of the New Testament had not yet been written when John wrote the book of Revelation, and even those that had been written and were in existence at that time had not yet been gathered into one compilation.
The collection of writings consisting of the sixty-six books we know as the Bible were brought together and compiled into one volume long after John wrote the prophetic book that has been placed at the end of the collection. It is clear, therefore, that the terrible judgments pronounced upon those who add to the book could not possibly apply to the whole of the Bible or even to the New Testament, but only to the book of Revelation.
Secondly, the warning uses the words “the prophecy of this book” and also “the words of the book of this prophecy.” The word book in both instances is singular and could only refer to the book of prophecy written by John which is titled, in the King James Version, “The Revelation of St. John the Divine” and is often referred to as the Apocalypse—a Greek word which means revealed. Of necessity the word book would have been in the singular because when written it was not associated with any other book or books, and it was after many years and many ecclesiastical debates that it was added to the collection that became known as the new canon of scripture or the New Testament.
It is also interesting to note that John himself ADDED to scripture AFTER writing the book of Revelation, which is generally conceded to have been written while he was on the Isle of Patmos. It was long after John left Patmos that he wrote his first epistle. This fact standing alone would be sufficient to defeat the claim that revelation was closed and that man was enjoined from adding to scripture. This adds cumulative evidence that John had reference to the book of Revelation ONLY.
In the Old Testament also are found SIMILAR vigorous denunciations and commands that there shall not be taken away or added to the words that were written. The first is found in Deuteronomy, written at the time Moses was exhorting Israel to live the law of the Lord. The Torah was oral law and had not been reduced to writing prior to the time of the codification of the law in Deuteronomy. Now that it had been reduced to writing by Moses prior to his death and assumed to be complete, Moses wrote:
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deut. 4:2.)
Later in this same book of the law, Moses repeated the admonition in similar words. He said,
“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deut. 12:32.)
In the minds of some, these admonitions in the Old Testament raise the same question as to the Book of Mormon being an attempted addition to scripture as does the injunction and warning at the end of the book of Revelation. In effect, these passages contain the same injunction as the one at the close of the Apocalypse; and IF THE SAME INTERPRETATION and argument was applied to them as is applied to the closing verses of the book of Revelation, THERE WOULD BE NO SCRIPTURE AFTER THE WRITINGS OF MOSES. Such an absurdity would result in discarding the greater part of the Old Testament and all of the books of the New Testament.
A careful reading of each of these admonitions makes it clear that man is not to make changes in the revelations of the Lord: man is not to add to or take from the words of God. There is no indication or intimation that God could not, or would not, add to or take from; nor would any reasonable person with a belief in the divine powers of God consciously believe that God would be so restricted. Without question he would have the right and power to give additional revelation for the guidance of his children in any age and to add additional scripture.
Before the ascension of Christ, HE PROMISED the remaining eleven apostles, “lo, I am with you alway, Even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20.) Following his ascension, he guided the Church BY REVELATION until the death of the Apostles and subsequent apostasy of the Church of Jesus Christ.
A distinctive sign of the last days that will precede the eventual second coming of the Lord was seen in vision by that same Apostle who recorded the book of Revelation. He said:
“I saw ANOTHER angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the EVERLASTING gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6.)
The fact that John saw a messenger from God reveal anew a lost gospel negates the argument that further revelation could not be added to the Bible.
We testify to all the world that heavenly ministers have already appeared in our age, bringing AUTHORITY from heaven and RESTORING truths lost through corrupted teachings and practices. God has spoken anew and continues to provide guidance for all his children through a living prophet today. We declare that he, AS PROMISED, is with his servants always and directs the affairs of his Church throughout the world. As in times past, REVELATION directs missionary labors, the building of temples, the calling of priesthood officers, and warns against the evils of society that may deny salvation to our Father’s children.
In a revelation to a modern oracle, Joseph Smith, the Lord said:
“For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.
“And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.” (D&C 1:35–36.)
The Savior is reigning in the midst of the Saints today through continuous revelation. I testify that he is with his servants in this day and will be until the end of the earth.
May our vision not be so narrow that we would relegate revelation to only the ancients. God is merciful and loves his children in all ages and has revealed himself to this time in history.”
–Howard W. Hunter
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/04/no-man-shall-add-to-or-take-away
How can you kick against the pricks? How can you argue with a prophet of GOD? Seek for truth and you will find it, unless if you purposefully have eyes that will not see and ears that will not hear. Then my friend, we all know what the Bible says about those people don’t we? 🙂
Study like it all depends on you and pray like it all depends on Him. Much love to all my brothers and sisters in arms who fight the good fight for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Wallflower,
Yes,yes,yes no
SORRY FOR THE LONG ANSWER, BUT I HOPE IT CLARIFIES YOU. READ TILL THE END. IT’S WORTH READING IT ALL…
1º-Well, Jesus isn’t tho only God. We believe in God, the father, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. And we believe the three of them are divine figures.
2º-Yes. God has always existed and will always exist.
3º-No. Believing in Jesus isn’t enough. Jesus, Himself, explained that. You need to believe Him, repent for your sins, if you have any, and you need to follow Him. Baptism, as He gave us the example, followed by the “baptism of fire”, as written in the Bible, witch is understood as receiving the Holy Spirit. And then, there are following ordinances and covenants; Temple ordinances. Jesus, himself, showed how much he honored the temple, saying that was the “house of [his] father”. And, also, to achieve the higher level of heaven you need to be married and sealed for eternity and not only “until death do you apart”.
4º- Yes. I’ll explain further. Please read below.
What uses to make more confusion and leads to a misconception related to polytheism is the fact that we believe that we can became gods and goddesses, if we follow the right path to perfection. We believe that we can inherit God’s glory if we make what He tells us to do. Because that’s the purpose. Otherwise it would be a meaningless purpose for we to be here on earth.
The plan is perfect, and everyone is taught all over the world independently of his religion, because God designed it to be that way, so people would accept the truth easier when they heard it. Family is the key, and the center of the entire Gospel. And the main focus of the Church. Family is a divine concept.
The same way parents have children and teach them the right things and expect them to follow their teachings and to see them becoming like themselves or better, God does exactly the same. We are His children. You and I are children of a living God. And he shown us the way, by letting us know the existence of a Church directed by Him. The Church of Jesus Christ.
Now, He expect us to accept his advice to follow Him and became like Him: gods and goddesses. Because he wants to see us growing and became like him (adults, analogously to gods), and then live our lives and have our own descendants, and teach them the same way He taught us. The godhood is just like becoming an adult in our big heavenly family.
Of course, to the most of us, it will be a bit confusing, as it is for any 3, 4 or maybe 5 year old children to understand how to became an adult and what that would imply. So, for us, as for children, our Father has always existed, because before us, He already existed. Of course, as us, He as been born someday, and achieved godhood following His father’s advice. Quoting a prophet: “As man is, God once was. As God is, man may become.”
It might be confusing if you are not used to this, but it’s easy to understand if you think in the Family concept on earth and apply it in a divine context. That’s why you need to be married to achieve the higher level of heaven. Because to constitute a family you need a men and a woman. So, a men and a women will be required to have descendants. From here, we can speculate that God has a wife. We don’t know for sure, and we don’t know her, but He must have because it make sense, and that’s what He taught us to do.
To answer the last question I’ll use the analogy of the family again. As any father, he doesn’t want to see his children waste their lives and to become bully’s or homeless or anything likely. So, even if we despise the “studies” don’t get a “job”, and make nothing good out of our lives, our Father will always have His door opened for us, even if we are not children anymore (in other words, if we die). We can be 20 or 30 or maybe 50 years old. Our Father will have his door opened if we want His help to have our graduation and start doing something for our lives. BUT, obviously, if we don’t take the chance when we are younger, at the age of 50 it will be much harder to have our graduation, and we will have lost a life of “job” opportunities that won’t come back.
So God created the vicarious work and the temples to perform it. In the Holy Temples, we make baptisms for and in behalf of those who have died, between many other things, so they (the people who died without accepting or knowing the truth) can have the opportunity to get to heaven when they realize the truth is actually true. But of course they will not be given the same glory of those who accept the Gospel and made their part here on earth. This is for those who have come to know the existence of the Gospel. Those who don’t even know of it’s existence, God will judge as those who did and accepted it.
I testify unto you and all those who read this, that we are all literal sons and daughters of God. That The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only one completely right and with all the truth, and not only half of it. That only trough Jesus Christ we can be saved and redeemed so we can get back to our Heavenly Father. I believe the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus, stating that Jesus is the Christ, the one and only savior of the world. I testify to you that we have on earth a living prophet that gives us directions and advice by direct revelation from God and Jesus Christ. His name is Thomas S. Monson, and he is a prophet, seer and revelator that testify’s of Jesus Christ as his apostle, and leads His Church trough His revelations. I sincerely hope that my testimony and sharing of my feeling can tough someone’s hearth. If it touches solely one humble and honest hearth, that will be enough for me. I hope that everyone how reads this can recognize the truth and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in my writings. With love to you all, of these things I testify and bear solemn witness, in name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I apologize for any language mistake, but I’m portuguese. And obviously, English is not my mother language. I misspelled which, by writing “witch” instead. Sorry…
Yes, but Jesus is of God.
Yes.
No, by no doing His commands, life will be useless. Gender doesn’t matter.
No. By then, time is up.
No where in the bible does it say you are saved by Ant thing other than Christ work on the cross. Read Jonh 14:6 John 3:16 eph 2:8. We are saved by trusting the work that Jeses did on the cross. When you add anything else to it you are not trolling the truth. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. Jonn 14:6. John 3:16 says anyone who believes (trust) in Him shall not perish. to add to His words is of the devil. He does not say anyone who believes in me plus does anything else. Read and re-read the bible.
Apologies, I should’ve used more words, but seeing it you requested yes or no answers, I tried to make it as bare as possible. I’m not disagreeing with you, actually on the contrary, I agree with you 100%. (forgive me for giving you the impression I was trying the re-word scripture) Jesus alone gave up His position to walk with us and allow us to be restored to the standards of blameless and no-sin in Heaven; but only faith in Him will allow us acceptance into His kingdom… Still serious about the gender thing though, it really doesn’t matter.
Wallflower,
Sorry, I am a Christian not Mormon, but felt the need to answer your questions.
By God’s will, I will help settle out the matter. Many of you may be old.. Others may be young and at the fruit of their life, so I will give you an explanation using a document both beliefs are familiar with: the bible. First off, it pains me as a young one, to see Christianity called a “religion” because despite what many claim, God wants us to develop a relationship with Him. We do good acts because by Salvation ALONE we are saved. John 14:6 says, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Not even works can save us, now I know the Mormons are respectable people and Christians were taught to embrace each other with love. Looking at the full article, everyone seems to be responding aggressively with each other. John 10:30 states “the father and I are one” DO NOT REPLY BACK IN TERMS OF OPINION. At an age of 14 years, I do this in hope that whoever reads this will understand that Christians are not who the media declares them to be, hypocritical people who believe in a false hope to find excuse for an afterlife. As a Christian, I push myself beyond my capabilities to do works so glory may be given to God, but I never do them so it can be considered a “bonus” and reason for me to enter heaven. I do these good works for the same purpose as to why an orphan would help and obey their adopted parents: they WANT to. It’s to show their appreciation to them and to thank them. It was never the orphan’s decision to be adopted, but rather the adopter. Everyone, like the orphan, has the choice to accept God because ONLY through Jesus, the adopter, are we able to accept His gift of salvation. WE WERE AT THE MECRY OF GOD. No acts or offering could possibly grant us salvation for the sin that we inherited because Adam and Eve were perfect but broke the perfection by sinning and therefore to enter heaven one must be “cleansed of sin” to be able to enter. You may have already given up reading this, but if your still reading this and not convinced about christianitiy being the Truth, you are more than welcome to do 1 of 3 things. 1: reply to this. 2. Continue to live as you were believing doctrines that man has made that we’re never in the original scripture. 3. Live 2 weeks, just 2 , according to the original scripture alone JUST THE BIBLE, no other doctrines despite the past traditions. I have kept to the Bible alone and am well-rooted In my Faith and I hope you will take consideration Matthew 18:4 “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” God Bless you and God’s will be done
Hey for all u Mormon bashers…. Dont preach what u DOnt practice!! If u have never been to a mormon church or actually studied the book of Mormon, then don’t come on here and act like u know what ur talking about because u don’t. The best way to know u are studying the correct information about mormonism is to go to church and actualy practice that religion and study it. There is a lot of false information put on the Internet so instead of spending ur time trying to bash other religions and judge other people, go to the correct source for your information.
We are not judging Mormons. God did in the bible. We are only stating what God has already judged! 1 John 1-4. The bible tells us to test the spirits to see if they are of God. The Mormon religion grossly fails the test. Test scripture with scripture. That is the Holy Bible with the Holy Bible.
The funny thing is that there arnt many “mormon bashers” much like lds missionaries. i like many others may not understand the lds religion fully… but it does have some major holes in it that brings up huge questions …there are some major facts about the churches history that are surely looked over and not paid attention too… n i know mormons will say the same bout christian churches… but wut mormons dont understand is that i dont have to be branded a so calld methodist or baptist to reach heaven (celestial kingdom) we jus have to follow christ… n the works that mormons have to do to reach heaven are like rags to God… cause when mormon quote james they dont understand what they are doin… there is no mormon better than i am at keeping the commandments… cause it is impossible… n by jus being a mormon n goin to the temple doesnt show fsith… it just shows that they are wrking to get to heaven… i know many drunks n bad mouthers and adulterers that enter the temple jus to participate… which ruins the whole meaning of james…. so quoting james n goin to the temple doesnt get u to heaven…only accepting christ can get u to heaven… n like james says is that if u truly have faith u will try your best to live christ like n those are the works he speaks of… n like the bible says that we cant work to the approval of God but only by faith in his son…. so thats only a small small small piece of the puzzle mormons cant understand what us christians try to explain to them in full…. but they turn away when its “anti mormon” like cause its not what they believe…
Hillary,
Just to let you know. I am not Mormon bashing…..I know a lot of Mormons and love them very much! I just want to share with my Mormon friends what the bible really says.
God Bless!
I would seem everyone keeps saying the same things over and over. “Mormons believe they have to work to get to heaven” and I say sure, that’s what Jesus taught. Read the Bible (and my previous statements). Now, I nor any other member of the LDS faith (Mormons), will say that our works will bring about our salvation. That is ONLY in and through OUR Savior Jesus Christ. It is a simple mis understanding, but the haters out there are just going to hate and won’t listen to what the Bible is actually saying. Too bad too. I would say, “STOP professing to know what the Mormons believe! YOU DON’T!” I’m tired of being told what I believe. It was fun at first to listen to others profess their utter and complete ignorance concerning my faith, now it’s just annoying. They take a little of what is publicized (out of context of course) and run with it. Pretty soon Mary’s sleeping with GOD, Jesus is no where to be found, and all the little Mormons are running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to find salvation by whatever means they can contrive. The gossip about the Mormons on this page is more than my bleeding soul wishes to bear. Adieu my scorners and destroyers of light and truth. You who would look at the SON and say it is still night. Keep it up and you WILL be caught unawares of the thief in the night.
For everyone else out there who actually wants to know what the “Mormons” believe, well, go to a church on Sunday and find out! The building will have a sign somewhere that says, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints”. That is the name of our church; I love it when someone asks which religion I belong to and I say “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” and they get a blank look on their face and say something like, “Never heard of it”. Then I say “The Mormons” and they say “OHHHH! I know ALLLLLL about TTTTHHHHEEEEEE MMMMOOOOORMONSSSSSSSSSS!” and I roll my eyes and think, “yeah, except the name of the church they belong tooooooooooooooooo!”
Well everyone….Linda, Wallflower, George, and all the others out there. Good luck with life and learning. May God bless all in your struggles, your hardships,your heartaches, and your joyful moments. Farewell on brothers and sisters.
Thank you for your time and comments Jason. I must say you have cleared a number of misconceptions I had about the LDS church.
So to sum up some of our differences:
Mormons believe in God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit too but not the Trinity?
Mormons believe that a man can only be saved through our Saviour Jesus Christ’s grace? But Mormons go one step further, you also believe a man has to life a good life as well – is that right? So no death bed repentence etc?
With that beimg said mormons will never know what we believe in our faith only in christ in order to get to heavenly father… and not faith in our “needed” works…… so we could say learn our belief and what the bible says in full before takin orders from a man made church that the prophets do lead astray because there words change constantly…. and even J Smith was a true FALSE prophet according to the bible but mormons will not accept that because he is the not only the corner piece but the center piece of the church…. no matter what the church name says… cuz i can make a sandwhich n name it jesis but its certantly not jesus… much like how the mormon jesus is not the same jesus as a bible believer jesus….
Jason,
I understand a lot of you guys doctrines. Since you said I don’t, let’s go to the origin of Mormonism which is founded by Joseph Smith. I’ll start here at your source. Correct me if I’m wrong, you guys believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. What is a prophet??? One who speaks on the behalf of God, so if you are speaking on behalf of God everything that comes out your mouth must be true, because God is Holy and doesn’t lie, Correct. Let’s go to the word of God which is only the Bible, which doesn’t contradicts itself. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
20- But the prophet, which presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21- And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? 22- When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shall not be afraid of him.
Clearly we read hear through the word of God the Bible, that if a prophet says something, and it doesn’t come to pass it would make him a false prophet, Correct. The D&C 130:14-17 Joseph predicts Christ return, and it’s also in the history of the church 5:336; April 1843. Christ has not yet returned, Jesus Christ said himself ” But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven but my Father ONLY.”(Matthew 24:36). So that proves that Joseph prophesied falsely, not only that he was into polygamy. Polygamy is a sin the Bible tells we should have one wife (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6). How can people believe in the doctrines of a man that had many false prophecies, and many wives that were also married.
Abrahams Justification was by Faith let’s not twist scripture. Let’s go back to Genesis where James get all of this from. In Genesis 15:6 we see that Abraham believed the Lord and it was accounted to him for Rightouseness, God had already approved him for his Faith (believed) and this was before the law, and before he offered Isaac. According to James, Abraham showed his FAITH when he was tested. James writing about Abraham and Rahab SHOWS, HOW A SAVED PERSON COULD SHOW THAT HIS FAITH IS REAL. In James 2:23 it shows that FAITH ALONE SAVES. Works are evidence that we are saved through FAITH. Jason I pray that the truth will be revealed to you my brother, I will be praying for you….BLESSINGS
I would like someone to answer this, Mormon or Non-Mormon (perfer Mormon)… I see how Mormons dont like or understand why Christians say that Mormons have to work for their salvation. But what i really dont understand is how Mormons say they dont have to work for their salvation… because for one, How many Mormons would absolutely stop going to the temple, and would never get married in the mormon temple or completely stop participating in temple Sacred rituals?? AND be completely satisfied and Confident that they will reach the celestial kingdom!! NOT ONE… Because they HAVE to do these things inorder to be counted worthy enough to enter the celestial kingdom… CORRECT ME if im WRONG!!??? Plz… and this next statement isnt meant to be Rude but only truth… How many Mormons do absolutely everything they are suppose to do such as keeping the word of wisdom and following all the commandments in which they vow to do during sacrement meeting.. NONE!!! So that being said if a temple was needed for us to get to Celestial kingdom, and if we have to worthy “enough” to get into the temple… WE ALL WOULD FALL SHORT… because ITS IMPOSSIBLE… Please reply, I am Willing to Learn without Some one telling me to Visit the Mormon.org etc… Face up and tell us what yall believe strait up and stop sending us to other things that in them selves dont even come close to answering questions… so if yall want to help and enlighten others of the Mormons view… do it right now… Thanks…
My personal belief is this is all concoctions of man’s mind trying to come to terms with his orgins. I reject any religeon or denomination who tells a person “your life sucks, join us and be saved”. Its the basic premise along with writing a check to support the system.
Catholics believe in the trinity, As in Jesus, God and the Holy Ghost being one being. Mormons do not believe in three Gods, they believe in one God, that has a son, named Jesus Christ (which makes them christian) and the Holy Ghost. Three separate beings and one being God.
Grey,
Your belief will take you straight to hell! I don’t mean that to be mean, God loves you and wants you to know the truth. Please open your bible to Genisis 1:26 And God said, Let Us make man in Our image. (here is the trinity). Now go to John 14:6 Jesus said unto him (Thomas) I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, except by Me. Now go to John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (notice in your bible That
KJV Word is capitalized) and the Word was with God and the Word is God. Verse 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. V.3 All things were made by Him; and without him was not any thing made. In light of what you just read now please turn to Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabitated: I am the LORD; and there is none else. Do you see the trinity? If you will put your trust in Jesus (God in the flesh) He will save you from hell and give you eternal life.
God Bless! This is the belief of all true Christians everywhere! Now read Romans 10: 9-10
You go girl!!! I am will always be a CHRISTIAN a believer in the trinity!
That’s great news sister Sara.
God Bless!
oh and you think telling someone that their beliefs will take them to hell is Christian? I could say the say same thing to you based on the mind-numbing slander you spew out on here. One day your ignorance will bite you in the butt and you will suffer for making a mock of those of us who actually have the Christian morals you say you have.
Yes, God does not sugar coat the truth to make us feel good. He plainly speaks in the bible who is going to hell, and who is not! A Christian is not someone that goes around tellings others that their good deeds brings them Ito a relationship with God. A Christian will tell you that it is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross that saves us from eternal damnation. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. V: 24 being justified freely by HIS GRACE through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS. (see that?, add your own works and you will be going to hell). I am not saying this to condemn you, but in hopes that you would see the light and be saved.
God Bless
But they can just check the bible–it tells you who will go to hell. It’s ok to tell people what the bible says–not unchristian to tell people the truth.
Wow! Well what a thread! A lot of interesting information here.
Unfortunately or fortunately for you, it all means nothing…as we all know that God is Love, and love is everything. With segregation how can their be true love between everyone and everything? Evil is fear… segregation, corruption and trickery….So listen to your own insight, gather your own interpretations of scriptures, grow your soul through your connection with the all em-compassing love/god. Love your neighbor regardless of his beliefs, he will teach you and you will teach him if both keep an open mind. This is how we as humans are growing and evolving spiritually and we will soon know that denomination, race, gender, beliefs etc etc. all mean nothing as worrying about the differences they present between themselves only increases segregation. Segregation is the worst thing any religion can recommend; what about Unity? Since when did any God think segregation was a good idea.
Keep your beliefs, whatever they are…Mormon, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, Hinduism, Buddhism etc etc. They are all good to help you connect with God, just don’t use their agenda’s to segregate you from others, that is NOT the plan, but don’t worry if you are… All will become clear. You’ll see 🙂
Your comments are evil and of the devil. I pray that you would seek the truth. It can be found in the written word of God. The bible.
Outstanding!!!!
Thank you
This article is inaccurate about Mormons. They do not believe all will be saved.
Most of these comments are the philosophies of men, not the truth.
Just because you believe something doesn’t mean it is true.
Truth stands on its own regardless if you believe it or not.
So put your opinions away and be open to what is true, even if it is inconvenient or not what you want to hear.
This thread is a classic example of the muddled contention that exists in the world.
An article was written apparently giving incorrect information. Some Mormons posted their reasons why the article was incorrect concerning their beliefs. If any one should know about that, it is them.
Then ta chunk of the so-called “Christian” world climbed on the band wagon to either tell Mormons why their beliefs are wrong, or to espouse their own beliefs.
C’mon people!!! This thread was originally about the validity of the statements made in the original article. That it has wandered off in so many other directions speaks volumes about the argumentative nature of the human psyche, and perhaps also the subconscious belief that some people may have that they need to reinforce their own beliefs to themselves by insisting that others are either wrong, or need to follow those said beliefs.
Mostly, the Mormons who have written here have stuck to expressing thoughts on what they believe and why. I really didn’t see any of them condemning others to Hell because of alternate beliefs. That cannot be said about the so-called “Christians”. There seems to be a very strong judgmental feeling being generated by the teachings that the “Christians” seem to follow.
What really amuses me in “arguments” like this is that many modern adherents forget that at the time of Christ, none of the followers of Jesus thought that were anything else but a continuation of the Judaic faith that was prevalent at the time, the very religion of their fathers. To them, Jesus was merely a fulfillment of prophecy given in more ancient times.
Modern Christian ideas seem to have moved a long way away from that concept, to the point of introducing new ideas, explanations and concepts, like “trinity” and “saved”, and even the connotations that cover the phrase “born again Christian”.
I would much rather have a discussion with an historian than with any modern Christian. I do believe the former is far less constrained by man made ideas than the latter.
For anyone who is really interested in the diiference between the Church of LDS, and other flavors of Christian Religions. I ask you to read through all of the responses given to this article. What is the obvious religion of the one’s written with a theme of Hate, Discontent, Loathing, and Subserviance? What is the religion of the ones written with love, understanding, and tolreance?
I think if you do that with an open mind you will truly find an answer, or if not an actual answer then a place to start to look.
I wish you good luck, oh and my religion, I never give that information, it’s personal.
John14:6..read What the word of God (the BIBLE) says.. And on another note let me quote this “The Godhead 3 in1 Father Spirit Son.
People fighting over their religion is a sad thing. It all comes down to this, 1.You confess that Jesus Christ is the Son Of God2.You believe in your heart He died and rose again.3.If we confess our sins He is Faithful& Just to.forgive us our sin &cleanse us from .all unrightousness
Well stated! From God’ Mind through your lips.
No, I’m not a Mormon. But why do so many of our Christian communities “fight” against the Mormons or anyone else that is not “mainstream” Christianity? We ought to be a bit more humble ourselves… Do we know everything? No. Shouldn’t we be more focused on doing what our Lord and Savior would have us do, like taking care of the poor and less fortunate, etc. The Beattitudes are how we should living our life. Never did Jesus say something like, “blessed is he who will fight against the Mormons, for he shall find life eternal.” NO! He said for us to love our neightbor, turn our cheek, give away our coat, examine our own follies, and especially love our enemies! What a waste of time to fight against another Church! Who cares about them. Leave them alone. There is too much to do in the service of God, and serving God never included persecution. Do we not remember the scripture account of the Pharisee Gamaliel in Acts 5:38-39: Read it carefully, and in context.
“And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
If the Mormon Church is of men, will it not come to nought. What is God’s is not going to wither away, but if the devil is behind something, it can’t endure against God and of course it will come to naught. Let what will happen, happen. We, Evangelicals, need to awaken and focus of what is the most important!
No JT
All through the bible, Jesus said, “Go out and preach the gospel.” Do you know what the gospel is? It is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Do you know why He did that? He did it so that all mankind through His work on the cross could have forgiveness of sins and obtain eternal life! Do you know that if you are preaching another gospel other than what Jesus taught you are committing heresy and are a false teacher? These people (the Mormon’s) do exactly that! Unless they repent they will go to hell and so will you if you trust any other means of salvation. I.e. thinking your own good works will save you, thinking your a good person. All have sinned a fall short of the Glory of God. We are all sinners and only the work of Jesus on the cross can save your soul. That’s why Christians are so honest in telling you. They want you to know the truth, as does our Lord Jesus Christ does. He wants no one to go to hell, but if you don’t come to Him His way, you will! Read John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8. Helping the poor, and going to church are good things, but the most important is that your soul be saved!
Oh, Linda, how you resort so quickly to simplified hate. It’s apparent that you didn’t understand my post, nor the biblical and scriptural concepts used therein. I had a big response to you all typed up, but then I realized what a waste of time this is, and how it could all be summed up thus: you are a fool.
If God be for me then who can be against me? My prayer is that even one non Christian reading this post will think to themselves, I had better find out about the Jesus of the bible, because when I die its too late. If that makes me a hater wanting to see souls saved, then so be it!
By the way JT, Evangelicals go out and Evangelize (see how that works?) But, apparently you just like to leave them alone to die in their sins. Hummm ( some Christian you are)
Linda you are awesome! Thank our Father God for the opportunity to plead with others that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD and SAVIOR! Not church.
You remind me of my sister Sharon, now living in paradise. She too, was a former LSD moron. Excuse my spelling. We were raised up around the Christian Science doctrine; Mary Baker Eddy’s Church. She’s also hooked up with the Jehovahs Nitwitts for a while; you could say she was really searching. It was the Bible that kept her sain. One day, she grabbed my wife and I by the scruff of the neck and plopped us down in small Bible believing church, told the Pastor I need to be playing guitar in his church, told the pastor we need to be dunked, washed and cleaned. Hallelujah, we got saved. Actually, it wasn’t until a while later after hearing the WORD, did we recognize our relationship with the LORD was growing.
Not until she was 35 years of age did she meet the real Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Getting fed up with Church religiosity and man made doctrines, she finally began studying the Gospels and the New Testament; having been beaten to death with the old testament law, rules, regulations, memory creeds, good works, etc.
Shedding a little light on the topic matter of the differences.
To my articulate educated (I didn’t say wise) Moron friends and to those on this thread, I pose this challenge. Go to both the Washington Smithonian Institute and National Geographic web sites and search the archives for letters that moron leaders have sent and paid for to attempt to validate the historical events, testimonies, culture, wars, artifacts, etc. regarding the Book of Moron. It’s sad my friends. Both institutions agree that no such culture existed before the 1800’s except for items planted by the church. Desperation to include Mexico and Aztec Indians to complete the church and culture will not suffice as evidence according to these institutions. They conclude that the Book of Moron is a nice religion but doesn’t exist archeologically. Yikes!
YOU MUST VISIT THE MORMON CURTAIN WEBPAGE! Get saved, submit and proclaim people or at least acknowledge Jesus for who He is. Acknowledge GOD for HIS spirituality; NOT OF HUMANITY! No human could do what God has done.
Biblical truth from Ancient scrolls, Archaeological discoveries, Fulfilled
Bible prophecies, Biblical codes and numerical design, Recent scientific
discoveries that verify ancient biblical writings all evoke edgy and direct responses for a reason. Linda’s answers must be exact and presice to counter enemies of false teaching because believers wrestle not with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities.
Morons, like thousands of self serving, self centered people are under the delusion that becoming a potentially powerful god on some assigned planet, to have eternal sex with his equally powerful wife god for creating unlimited spirit babies to send down on this little bitty planet for a test bed in a never ending cycle to provide morons (past, present and future) a chance to prove themselves is Nucking Futts! Of course, who wouldn’t want to be a sexy god, right? All of this can be obtained through mere human efforts deligated by the Moron Church, oh. . .and a little faith in your God man Jesus Christ.
Has this changed since my sister attended the Moron Church 20 some years ago? I say this because not anyone on this thread being pro-Moron has the same story to tell. Only the story that best fits that individuals ideology. That’s why Linda speaks boldly for Christ; to focus on truth. I’ll explain.
If anyone has ever been arrested, a good cop bad cop scenario ensues in detention. Both law enforcement personnel and representation personnel will ask a set of questions in a series of encounters to ensure that a persons testimony is valid or germane. That’s what Jesus, His disciples and His Apostles did. They didn’t change, add, or skew the word like Joseph Smith and Moron Leaders have done since. The first four Gospels are a clue and example of this. The point here is to establish the fact that Jesus’s message all throughout the New Testemant concurs with Old Testament Prophesy; that a Messiah will come to save the world from their failures and short comings. That would be your Joseph Smith to the LSD.
Morons humanize this experience which is disgusting. Your ‘Heavenly Father’ is human. The Holy Spirit is a God of human design. Having sex with Mary who just happens to be a virgin; not because prophesy ordained that the offspring of King Davids lineage would produce a sweet gentle devoted woman of humble, pure, meek upbringing. Many of my mail moron aquaintances are divorced 2 and 3 times over and become complete horndogs; disregarding any virtues the LSD church recommends. Sex is good but the moron church ingrains it into your brains that it’s a huge requirement for celestial success; not marital success.
You morons seem to be mesmorized by the glamour of the church, purpetuating ideologies of granduer, elitism and purpose. Although failing in the attempt, you become engrossed and immersed in mortal abilities, human experiences and capabilities; all minimizing the need for a spritual relationship with the one true spiritual God over heaven and earth.
A little side note:
The Moron Church inserted Jesus Christ into the name because Apostle leaders feared alienation in the Religious community with just the title of Moron Church or LDS. Hmmm, I wonder why?
Linda, I thank God, Jehovah, Yahweh, Abba, the Great I Am, and our Holy Host that you are fighting the good fight.
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Blessings to you, keep feeding on His Word…..
Hey Dean,
Just thought you should know that you spelled “Mormon” wrong. Your post is proof that you ought to feel a whole lot better getting all that hatred and hot air out… Also, your little side note is as much full of sh*t as your entire post. Lies and misconceptions don’t get you anywhere. They just make you look, well, ….like a moron.
Im a christian myself. And i can very happily state it as well.
Now i dont post alot in these kind things but it makes me
Really sad that all these christians feel like
Its okay to bash and make really unecessary remarks over
The mormon religion. I do believe that in order to fully
Receive salvation and in order to know of God is to
Understandd that there is only one God and that there is no need for
Any other books or gods to make the belief and salvation
Anymore credible or believable. But if someone else does believe
that way,then all we can do is share the gospel humbly and with
love.if its not accepted, then its okay. Always remember to just love
thy neighbor because love conquers all. And keep them in prayer
In hopes that one day God can speak into their hearts.
If you are a Christian, then you should know that sharing the gospel of Christ is not bashing. Sorry if you get your feelings hurt, but we are commanded to rebuke lies and tell the truth. God wants all saved from hell. John 6:32-40 Mormons are teaching that Jesus is the brother of satan, that Mary had sex to get impregnated, and they will one day become gods of their world. All lies! These dear people need the truth, as as long as I have breath in me I will tell it! Need proof? Go to the BIBLE! Christ died on the cross for all man’s sins, He was buried, and raised on the 3rd day, seen by over 500 witnesses. If you will trust what He did for You! As a means of your eternal salvation, He will save you from hell and judgement. The clear gospel is nothing more, nothing less and NOTHING ELSE! Adding anything at all is called your human works! It is Christ Grace Alone, by Faith Alone!
Oh, sure, Linda … because calling those with beliefs different from your own “LSD Morons” is sharing the gospel? Riggghhhhtttt!
I never called any Mormon a moron ever! So don’t say something that is not true. I do not believe Mormon’s are morons! They are human beings that need to find the truth of who Jesus Christ is. I share with them because they are my friends co-workers and even family and I love them. It’s because of my love for them that I tell them the truth. If I were sugar coating the truth or agreeing with a lie to make you feel good as JT does, that is false love. It’s the kind of love satan has. Sometimes the truth hurts but in the end it was worth learning.
Cinthia, you said,
“It makes me really sad that all these christians feel like its okay to bash and make really unecessary remarks over the mormon religion.”
I know, it is rather sad isn’t it? It’s sad that those of us who toil with the fact that our precious Messiah, who chose to suffer a horrible agonizing torturous death for our miserable pathetic puny undeserving lives, have to resort to such tactics.
Jesus told us that anything we do for His sake without the sentiments of charity is worthless. So in that regard, I suppose you have a valid point. Have you heard the old saying, “Remember, when you point your finger at someone else, three fingers are pointing back.” I feel that way many times because we’re not supposed to judge others.
However, some of us who believe that the incarnate Jesus; His work, His life, His death, and His GOOD NEWS message is worth disseminating a necessary rebuke against those who deliberately message and draw others into their posionous and offensive trap of accepting the false doctrine of Mormonism. It’s okay to rebuke, correct and admonish others for the sake of Christ Jesus.
I know you mean well for those innocent souls who have fallen into this trap of Mormonism. I too, have many close relationships with Mormons who will never leave the Mormon machine; mostly afraid of the consequences of doing so due to being excommunicated.
To a believer, this would be the same as if Christ Himself completely shunned you or I. . . .OUCH! Now, ain’t that a fine kettle of fish? This great Mormon organization teaching people to love Christ but beware, “if you don’t follow our creeds and policies, you are finished!” Mormons can, and do work dilegently to separate you from your family, cause circumstances for you to lose your job, convince you to divorce your wife/husband; only to mention a few. Oh and don’t forget, Mormons work very very hard to separate an individual from the true incarnate Jesus Christ and His salvation message. Theirs is teaching a carbon copy of the real thing. Sad, isn’t it?
Ex-Mormons have committed suiside because when they leave the Church after being betrayed, there are no other solutions. Since the Mormons have lied about Jesus Christ and Jehovah God, these ex-mormons sometimes feel that all religion is false and become desperate and/or agnostic and atheistic. The Mormon church is irresponsible and derelict in it’s duty for not repairing the damage in these lost souls lives. Sad, isn’t it?
I’m sure your attitude is one that nurtures the power of the Holy Spirit and clings to the fact that, God the almighty, doesn’t need pinheads like me to stir the pot; that our Father God in Heaven is more than able to clear up the indifferences that proliferate daily between the saved and unsaved.
I agree with you that love is a better route to take when one deals with emotional issues of the heart. I also would like to instill the notion that we are followers of the true incarnate Jesus Christ and we are supposed to emulate His life. Did Jesus physically demonstrate His actions against false doctrine? You bet He did.
“And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables” -John 2:15
A scourge??? . . . of small cords??? That’s a whip kiddo. He meant business when He got angry at those who disrespected God’s house and mission. But according to you, we’re not supposed to do that.
How about this one: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” -Matthew 12:34
According to you, we’re not supposed to ‘Bash’ anyone for speaking false doctrine. Hmmm. Jesus called them,”Evil vipers!”
Jesus meant what He said and He wants us to follow His footsteps. Speak the truth! It’s not just a matter of being a loving person but one who stands up for righteousness and truth. Our Lord’s example was to also physically proclaim the works of His Father and sometimes actions are needed rather than just words and being a nice person. Of course, Jesus IS the only one who could rebuke with the purest intent which is something I surely can’t do.
Humble: It is a willingness to submit to the will of God and to humble our heart in repentance when we sin.
King David, the apple of God’s eye, was a warrior and stood his ground against Goliath. David leaned on God for help to conquer the giant. Did God need young David to kill the giant? Of course not. Did God want David’s devotion, his reliance, his trust, his willingness to fight for righteousness? You bet He did.
Today, it is again a perilous time for the nation of Israel. God’s not going to let Israel fall to Iran or any other sinful nation who tries to conquer it. In order for Israel to survive, God will allow Israel to deal with these opposing evils with force. Israels job is to rely on God for the victory.
It may be written in stone in the Bible somewhere, but I’m pretty sure that God will eventually destroy the onslaught of mans global peace concepts in the near future. Now this may seem like a whole lot of stuff about physical application toward our enemies, but if you read the Bible enough, you will notice a balance of humbleness toward God, a submission towards His will but also an eagerness to rebuke. With matters of the heart, God will grant true believers a different role in how to assemble and how to conduct the business of WWJD.
For you I think, it’s a loving, modest role; full of kindness, consideration for others, a robust prayer life and deep appreciation for life; not to be disrupted by petty indifferences. AWESOME! Bless your heart.
For me, God’s probably going to kick my butt. I’m more like Peter and David . . . shoot first and ask questions later. I don’t believe that name calling is the best approach either. I agree with you that prayer will achieve much. I know that this works well for you and that our Lord will grant those you truly want rebuked, rebuked.
I remember a time some 25 years ago, I lost my tempter a few times with a lady Mormon who was married to a very dear friend of mine. She was a 3rd generation Mormon at a local ward in our community. I was a fresh ‘born again’ out of a local Baptist Church; on fire for the Lord kind of thing; boy did we get into some humdinger arguements. I was warned by some of the local ward members/mobsters that I was walking on thin ice and needed to dial it down if I was to remain palatable in our community.
Needless to say, I didn’t bother to heed their advice and kept debating. I eventually moved away from the area for reasons, let’s say, of incompatibility. The one thing I’ll always be sorry about at the time, was my failure to communicate and articulate the Bible well. Score a point for you, let’s say. However another thing I’ll always regret, is my failure to keep up the debates.
Patti is gone now and I hope she’s been saved. I remember screaming at her impassionate apathetic attitude towards God and Heaven one night when I was late for a gig. Her husband was prodding me to leave for our engagement while I was trying to witness to her. I was screaming by the time I left the house, begging her to proclaim the true incarnate Jesus as her only Lord and Savior, that her salvation depended on Christ only and not the freakin’ Mormon machine. I even said the thing your not supposed to say as believers, “Your going to HELL if you don’t repent.” Ouch!
Like many Mormons, she believed in almost the same things the Bible teaches but feel the urgency to augment their salvation with the policies and dogma of the Mormon machine. Sad, isn’t it? Isn’t it sad that these people may serve a sentence in a miserable firey eternal place without hearing the truth, without hearing fools like me speak out. Patti’s gone and I still cry thinking how I failed her. We fail Mormons all the time by not SPEAKING TO THEM! Maybe not in the manner I do, but nevertheless, God will appoint to each of us the time, fashion, and words to use when the time comes. Your choice is one of example and illustration.
No Cinthia, I won’t keep my mouth shut and I will not, NOT take an opportunity to witness before my Lord. You do what you feel best to witness. I’m absolutely positive that your methedology is the right choice for you and that God will bless you for it. Amen sister.
Oh, Linda, I love to laugh at your posts. It really keeps me entertained, so please keep it up! That goes for you too, Dean! Great work on making me laugh!
Now, I have many Mormon friends and colleges, and have had numerous respectful and insightful discussions on the Bible and the Book of Mormon with them. I do have a degree in Theology, with an emphasis on New Testament studies and Ethics. My original plan was to be a pastor, so I feel I have a pretty good stand on what it means to an Evangelical in today’s world; and, no, Linda, you couldn’t possibly hurt my feelings, except for your lack of love for your neighbor. Instead of trying to understand your fellow Mormon neighbor, you jump to criticism. Both the Apostle Paul and I would disagree with your evangelical approach. Paul teaches: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” (Gal. 5:22-23). So, Linda, right back at you in your own damning words: “Hummm, some Christian you are.”
I also learned lots on Mormonism while I was working on my Th.M. (Masters in Theology). But I took the further initiative to learn from the source as well (that means learning from Mormons about Mormonism, not Non-Mormons about Mormonism). You can’t possibly think any of your arguments against Mormonism has any strength when you ascertain that knowledge from a source that is very unfavorable to Mormons. Logically, if you want to buy a Ford truck, do you think the Chevrolet dealership is going to give you all the right information? Your argument dies before you begin. But because I feel you are all approaching your “evangelizing” to the Mormons so wrong, and so drastically misunderstanding them, I will graciously take up their defense. If you want to evangelize to Mormons, which is a great thing to do, just know what you’re talking about first and do it with love.
You know, Mormons love persecution and criticism against them. It strengthens them and their position. I believe that if persecution and criticism were to stop towards them, they would feel something is wrong. John 15:20. So, therefore, that approach doesn’t work when trying to evangelize them.
First off, the name of this forum makes no sense! Differences between Mormons and Christians. That is like hosting a forum that in entitled Differences between Americans and Humans. Everything I know of Mormons tells me they are Christian! A Christian is a believer AND follower of Christ, a disciple. The ancient disciples were called Christians in Acts 11:26. Now before you jump to your easy and unfound definition of a Christian as one who believes in the Jesus of the Bible, you need to know that there is not one Mormon who does not claim to believe in the Jesus of the Bible. They know the Bible and believe in the Bible, even though you don’t believe that they do, it makes no difference in your argument. Now if they themselves were to claim to not believe in the Jesus of the Bible, then your argument against them would be very solid! But unfortunately for you, they simply don’t say that. So moving on…
So Linda says a few things against the Mormons in one of her entertaining posts: “Mormons are teaching that Jesus is the brother of satan, that Mary had sex to get impregnated, and they will one day become gods of their world. All lies!”
1) Now I do not believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers, but not one of us can absolutely specify in the Bible where this is disproven. As much as anyone can attempt to pull scriptural evidence together to disprove this Mormon belief, they can do the same thing with the Bible to defend this belief. No more is needed here. Agree to disagree.
2) There is no where in official Mormon doctrine where Mary had sex to get impregnated! Sorry Linda! Don’t mean to hurt your feelings! Wouldn’t that negate the whole virgin prophesy of Mary? How can a virgin be a virgin after having sex? Isaiah writes: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) In an official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints manual it explains: “The mother of Jesus was Mary. She was a pure young woman who lived almost 2,000 years ago in a town called Nazareth. While she was a young virgin, not yet married, an angel from our Father in Heaven came to her. The angel told her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ. The angel told her that our Father in Heaven would be the Father of Jesus. No man on earth would be His Father.” (Gospel Fundamentals, Chapter 11: The Life of Jesus Christ). Where does it say in that quote what Linda claims? Just in case Linda forgot where this story is found in her Bible, it is the 1st chapter of St. Luke. Sorry, Linda, Mormons don’t believe God had sex with Mary, even though your anti-Mormon booklets or your pastors tell you otherwise. It simply isn’t the case. They do not believe it.
This leads me to a side note on one approach of anti-Mormon literature, that it consistently quotes and refers to a variety of Mormon books that are popular nonetheless, but are NOT considered to be an OFFICIAL doctrinal source of the Mormon church. The Mormon church does not recognize these sources as official, even though evangelicals do so. They may be written by Mormons, even Mormon leaders, but that does not mean the LDS church endorses them. Some of these books include “Mormon Doctrine,” “Journal of Discourses,” and “Doctrines of Salvation.” You cannot use them as your source of information and argument when the very thing you’re arguing against doesn’t officially recognize them. Again, your argument dies before you begin.
3) As much as Linda would like to refute Mormons being gods from the Bible, first explain to all of us these passages: Psalms 82:6, John 11:34, Acts 17:28-29, Romans 8:16-18, Gal. 4:7, Rev. 3:21. Just because it doesn’t mesh with what we believe, doesn’t mean it’s not spoken of in the Bible. It makes no difference otherwise if we, as Evangelicals believe it or not.
Linda further attempts to evangelize Mormons by saying: “Need proof? Go to the BIBLE! Christ died on the cross for all man’s sins, He was buried, and raised on the 3rd day, seen by over 500 witnesses. If you will trust what He did for You! As a means of your eternal salvation, He will save you from hell and judgement.” Everything she said is beautifully put and Mormons couldn’t agree more with that statement. So where is your proof that “these dear people need the truth,” from your statement I previously referred to. Your augment makes no logical sense.
I would recommend reading this great article on Mormonism and Evangelicals, if you are really interested in evangelizing the Mormons.
http://www.cephasministry.com/mormon_apologetics_losing_battle.html
The simple arguments Evangelicals have been using are really old and really weak, and have been beat to death; and anyone with a brain who has even read the Bible with any real desire to learn about Jesus will see right through the illogical arguments. They’re not working and Mormons are destroying them to shreds. Lets try a different approach!
You JT are a heratic! That’s right! A pastor? A theologin? Please! And because I will not cast to the dogs that which is Holy this is the last time I will read your hearsay or comment on it. The bible does prove that Jesus is God!
John 1:1 John 1:14 John 1:18 My God is begotten of the Father. Satan was created by MY God! You are either A: ignorant of who God is? Or B: you are a fool? Which is it? As for your nonsense of my not knowing Mormon beliefs, I used to be one! And my husband was one, our parents were and so forth and so on. You know what I think JT? I think you are one mad Mormon trying to defend your unbiblical faith. In the end You JT will stand before a Holy God and explain yourself and then be cast into hell where the fire never goes out. I will pray for you.
God Bless!
So much toolery from ALLLLLLLLL of you. If there is a Christ, you are embarrassing the crap out of him. Kooks.
Oooohh, mercy! *deep breath*
I agree with others, there are discrepancies in this article that can (and will likely) give the wrong perspective to those who do not know much about the LDS/Mormons. One of the most difficult challenge that this religion faces is that of mis-information. Word-of-mouth knowledge is bad enough, like a game of telephone, where the original intent and meaning of the message is lost in garbled wording. Much less those (especially those who have not had any measure of in-depth, personal study into true LDS beliefs and practices) who spout these mis-conceptions that they have heard as if they were teaching a gospel they have absolute assurance of.
I would like to dispel the belief that Mormons are brain-washed, cultists. Both terms are quite subjective, open to interpretation, and used far too lightly and liberally for what their modern and most often perceived meanings imply. By their very definition:
1.) Brain-washed: Make (someone) adopt radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forcible pressure. Mormons are not forced into their beliefs any more than most other religious sects force people into beliefs. There is no use of violence (or otherwise excessive force) to either obtain or retain members. Mormons have the free will God gave all men – the free will to choose to believe in those teachings or any other. Further, I cite the LDS 11th article of faith: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. If Mormons were brain-washing people, then why would it be so important to include an article of faith (among only 13 total) stating that the privilege to worship according to your own conscience was allowed all men?
2.) Cult: A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. Well, by definition, all folks practicing a religion are cultists. “Cult” is often used as a derogatory term to describe those that are so dependent on others for their beliefs, that they could not function without them. The make-up of the LDS membership contains just as many people who are independently-thinking as any other church. Just by a simple Google search you can see just how many there are out there who have left the church for widely varying reasons (and who have obviously not committed suicide, unless dead people can make posts on the internet now… ? To say that leaving the LDS church is a reason for suicide is … a far stretch, to put it kindly. I’m certain I could find numerous accounts of people leaving other religions that have committed suicide, but don’t pin that on their ex-beliefs.)
Obviously, the true issue here is interpretation of the details. It is not the world against the Mormon interpretation of doctrine, but rather individuals’ interpretations of scripture that create dissension. What I mean is, if there weren’t an ENORMOUS amount of widely varying *human* (and flawed) interpretations of scripture, then we wouldn’t be debating anything, would we? In that respect I refer to Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” While I can (and will) impart some scripture and my understanding of it (through my own personal understanding that I feel was divinely imparted to me through the power of the Holy Spirit) I ultimately advice each and every individual to pray and ask God for themselves, for He is the ONLY one who can truly lead you in your path of faith.
As to the issue of what LDS refer to as the Godhead – God, The Father; His son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit – and whether they are “one” I shall refer to how we interpret the meaning of “one” as used in the Bible. That is to say that we believe these references to mean that they are one in purpose, not that they are physically one being.
I refer to the following passages in the Bible to give thought to this interpretation:
Genesis 1:26;
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
If we are made in his image, then why are we not also three beings in one physical body?
Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
The bible refers to a man and wife becoming “one flesh” – if one is a literal term in it’s biblical use, then man and woman would become one physical being when they are joined in marriage, would they not? If nothing else, this reference shows that “one” is used as a metaphorical term in scripture and not always literal.
Matthew 3:16-17 (See Also Luke 3:22)
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have appeared as three distinct, physically separate beings in biblical scripture.
John 14:28
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.”
If God and the Father are the same, then how can one be greater than the other? How can they be the same and different?
John 17:21-22
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one
Another metaphorical reference of one – we are one as the Godhead is one.
John 20:17
“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
Jesus says that the Father is as much a God to him as he is to us. Can he be God to himself?
Acts 4:32
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.”
An explanation of what the metaphorical “one” is meant to imply – that those who are “one” have all things common. We interpret this to mean being one in purpose. As man and wife become “one flesh” they join together for a common purpose.
Acts 7: 55-56
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
Again, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit appearing as three distinct, physically separate beings not only while Jesus was on Earth, but in Heaven as well.
To the issue of being saved by grace and whether or not works factor into our path in faith, I refer to these scriptures:
Revelations 20:12
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
We believe we are all “saved” to be resurrected by God’s grace. We believe that we will all be judged according to our works, as stated in this passage.
James 2: 14-26
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
That’s a long passage but is very important in illustrating the importance of works. I copy again the last line of that passage, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” By God’s grace our body shall be resurrected to live again, but our faith is “dead” or meaningless without works. Belief or faith alone are meaningless without works.
Titus 1:16
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
&
Matthew 15:8-9
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
You can give lip-service to things all you like, but if you don’t show it in works, it is meaningless. i.e. Actions speak louder than words.
Matthew 16:27
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
If you are “rewarded” according to your works, then how do they not matter?
Acts 10:35
“But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Romans 2:13
“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”
Again, it’s not just what you’ve heard, but what you do.
There are many other biblical scriptures (not just those in the additional scriptures we read) that lend “paint” to how Mormons come to interpret and believe the way they do. I am happy to share more about other questions you may have.
Meanwhile, in further study, you may read more from a Baptist minister who, without forsaking his own beliefs, also embraces the additional inspired works studied by Mormons: http://www.centerplace.org/library/bofm/baptistversionofbofm.htm
However, despite all that I have shared, in the end you can only discover the truth, and feel with a sureness that it is such, from God himself through a personal journey of study and prayer. You must decide for yourself, without relying on your own understanding or, especially, that of any other. In short, “Don’t take my (or anyone else’s, for that matter) word for it, ask God for yourself: James 1:5-6 “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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
JT, Laura, Jodi, God bless you.
To JT: So, you say my spelling gotcha’ down or, is it my facts? I use the term ‘moron’ because it best describes the liars that lead an organized religion of any kind that dilutes the deity of the one TRUE Incarnate Jesus Christ. I use the term ‘LSD’ to delineate the fact that Joseph Smith ((A GOLD MINER . . . a freakin’ gold miner, of all things . . . what a blessed lineage) ) HAD to be on LSD to put his head into a hat full of rocks to come up with such a preposterous fairy tale that appeals to so many seekers of a loving triune God.
To Laura: You said, “We believe we are all “saved” to be resurrected by God’s grace. We believe that we will all be judged according to our works, as stated in this passage”. Why, because Mormons don’t believe in fire and brimstone? It scares the Hell out of me.
Your right kiddo, we’re all going to be judged someday at the Great White Throne Judgment. Now is that the one where the single most powerful GOD of the Universe, the creator of HIS HEAVEN AND EARTH is judging or a panel of multiple Mormon little itty bitty god’s? Your statement about we are all saved is a little skewed dear. It speaks volumes of the typical mindset the ideology that Mormonism proliferates.
Are we saved by grace or by works? Mormons believe in works and grace, right? Believers of the Incarnate Jesus Christ believe in grace and works; grace being the greater. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Joseph Smith Translation, JST, of the Bible). Another Mormon source, Doctrines & Covenants, hereafter referred to as D&C, states “Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven. . . . ALL OF THEM! Work, work, work!
Another statement included in the Articles of Faith states “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” Yet Romans 3:20 NKJV says “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of Him.” I also point out here that I do not see a change of this verse by Joseph Smith, from what is available on the official church website. But, it is expedient that I mention that in Romans 7:22 JST (Joseph Smith Translation), it says “…I am not under the law” Really? Then who is? Are you or are you not supposed to carry out God’s commandments? Which is it?
There are over 400 commandments & laws contained within the Old Testament along with the 50 commandments in the New Testament. Then add to those all that the Mormon Church has added to its doctrine through the Book of Mormon and other writings. Work, work, work!
1 Nephi 3:7 of the BOM says “And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” Work, work, work!
Perfection is always expected within the Mormon faith, some where down the line, you swell folks are taught that it is attainable: “Being perfect means to triumph over sin. This is a mandate from the Lord. He is just and wise and kind. He would never require anything from his children which was not for their benefit or which was not attainable. Perfection therefore is an achievable goal.” (Kimball, Stephen W., Miracle of Forgiveness, pg 209).
In Hebrew, the word ‘Perfect’ means suitable. In Greek, it means complete or mature.
As far as I know, only God is perfect, and this quote leads into the Mormon teaching of attaining godhood after this life (it is also taught that God was once a man like us and attained His current status). But God is perfect… “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Romans 5:8 says “…that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” There is no talk in the Bible of having to make ourselves worthy of Christ’s sacrifice. That is the beauty of the cross. (A CROSS YOU FINE PEOPLE ARE ASHAMED OF BECAUSE IT REPRESENTS DEATH) It was our sin that put Christ there, but it was His unconditional love for us that kept us there. Is the Incarnate Jesus Christ not good enough for the Mormon followers? Is his sacrifice not enough? Work, work, work all the way to Heaven and disregard the importance of our Lords Sacrifice.
The Mormon Church teaches that we are saved due to obedience. Alma11:37 from the BOM says, “And I say to you again that HE cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven: therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.” WORK, WORK, WORK! Are you folks tired yet? Are you absolutely positive that you’ve crossed every (T) and dotted every (I)? Are you good enough to make it to the top? Or just settle for the lesser heaven? (Gal 2:16), because all have broken the laws, and sinned against God
Check out Luke 23:32-43; the chronicle of the two criminals hanging next to Jesus on crosses. What were Jesus’ words? “…Verily I say unto thee, This day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” All the works these criminals did were just shy of what the Mormon Church leaders are doing to you according to Galatians 1:8-9 King James Version (KJV)
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.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
The Mormon Church teaches a very different response. Stephen W. Kimball, the twelfth president of the Mormon Church, stated “The Lord cannot save men in their sins but only from their sins, and that only when they show true repentance. Work some more.
Okay, so now what? Are you limiting Jesus? If Jesus can save the one criminal that showed a modicum of repentance without having the opportunity to be perfect and work, work, work . . . (according to Mormon ideology) then . . . I suppose, Jesus has the ability to save us too? Or is this just an isolated situation? What do you think? Except for Peters ear, Jesus didn’t quite get the chance to prove His awesome power and GRACE saving ability in the Garden of Gethsemane, did He? He did it on a splintery, blood stained chunk of wood, with His hands and legs augured in with huge freakin’ spikes for the rest of us to fall to our knees and contritely and humbly submit to His compassion. Even though, crucifying was a general practice of killing criminals in Roman times, Jesus was innocent; Jesus was shedding blood for us. Jesus was finishing the process of eliminating the law, as indicated in Matthew 27, 51: “And, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks were split;” Why? Remember when Jesus, (dying on that Cross your Church is ashamed of), said, “It is finished?”
The veil had ripped around the time Jesus’ spirit was passing and ascending. God ripped the veil to illustrate that the LAW was now under a different compensation. Jesus is now the LAW and what He says, goes. The Old Testament commandments are now to be taken as advisement; like the 10 commandments. We don’t throw them away, we heed the advice. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)
What two commandments in the New Testament, did Jesus tell us to follow? 1) MT 22:37 Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
2) MT 22:39 And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”MT 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
What is expected of us is simple. We have to obey the two Great Commandments, or we may say the eight commandments of the Ten Commandments, with the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Matt 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” With the grace of God, these Commandments are not hard to obey. “1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” God bless you all and give you his grace. “James 4:6… he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
God gave the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Law to his people, Israel. Mosaic Law was the directive to govern the temple and the nation. Obeying the Ten Commandments makes people righteous. Even though the Ten Commandments were given to Israel, God applied its universal principles to the entire world. The word “law” refers to the Ten Commandments, the Mosaic Law and the commandments of men. “Matt 15:9…in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Col 2:22 … after the commandments and doctrines of men.” However, Christians were given neither the doctrines of Jews, nor the Mosaic Law, and so they are freed from that law.
Christians believe that we have 50 commandments in the New Testament and who can obey all of them either, right?. Sincere new believers are made to be overwhelmed and almost give up the good fight of faith even before they start. However, God gives only two commandments. Love God and love your neighbor. If you love God you will obey him. If you can not love God, then fear God. Fear will help you to obey God. Either way you will obey God. If you obey his commandments, then you are his son/daughter and you will inherit his kingdom.
Read more: Difference Between Mormons and Christians | Difference Between | Mormons vs Christians http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/religion-miscellaneous/difference-between-mormons-and-christians/#ixzz29ZZ1T9xm
Okay as far as this is concerned, as I said before, many people need to experience what or if religion best fits there needs. My sister was one of those who searched for religion and found grace. A Baptist Minister apparently left grace to experience religion because he felt compelled to work, work,work!
To Jodi: ‘Embarrassing?’ Do the words from your own past Church leaders embarrass you?
“Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, and you put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God. I would at once do so in such a case; and under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands…. There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it; and the judgments of the Almighty will come, sooner or later, and every man and woman will have to atone for breaking their covenants….All mankind love themselves, and let these principles be known by an individual, and he would be glad to have his blood shed. I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain, in order to atone for their sins…this is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth in order that he be saved, spill it.” (Brigham Young, “Journal of Discourses” 3:247; 4:219-220)
I’m not embarrassed to witness for Christ; a Messiah, High Priest, King of Kings and the Incarnate God of Heaven and earth that humbly manifested himself as He did in Jesus, to be a mere human to live and teach, heal and love others through grace to salvation; dying for you and me, ascend and prepare a place in Heaven for us someday.
I would however, be very ashamed of sharing with others that an unsuccessful con-man Gold Miner who stuck his head in a sweaty old hat full of blessed rocks pass himself off as a self proclaimed prophet and proliferate a claim that another gospel was better. I’d be embarrassed of the fact that Joey got shot to death in a jail cell for his newspaper article of practicing polygamy and that he intended to set himself up as a theocratic king . As mayor, he tried to burn his newspaper business to the ground to cover up his own writings; got arrested for it and shot by a mob. He carried a 6 shot revolver with him and shot at the mob before he was killed.
Yeah, I’d be embarrassed of an origin like that. Where’s the love, the compassion, the meekness, humility, innocence? Where’s the desire to die for you and me on a cross of his own free will to provide us salvation? Nope, he went down a blazing and the Mormon Church has had to clean up after this guy ever since.
Joey Smith obviously isn’t the essence of what good loving Mormon people represent, but with the fact that no archeological institution can find a single trace of evidence of cultural artifacts that the BOM claims existed and the fact that Joey and B.Young were two very twisted sisters, it would seem to make one want to dig a little deeper in a reason why to stay with that Church.
Stick to Jesus, enjoy your God given measure of faith and He’ll get us there. Take care.
The Mormon faith is complete bull. What a sham for ignorant people to follow
There is ONE GOD, who sent His only begotten Son, to be a sacrifice for all who believe in Him “JESUS CHRIST “. Whosoever believeth in Him, and that He died on the Cross for ALL of mankinds sins, and then rose on the third day, and is NOW seated at the right hand of The Father, WILL BE SAVED !!! Michael Youngblood – Christian
To endless sorrow
Mormonism, has been lying to the world,
Joseph Smith used lies to cut in for the girls.
His bed of lies with brimstone suffer glow,
Total torment wherever he goes.
Mormonism, carry’s lies for me and you,
Lies cut up God’s Holy Word thru and thru.
True Christians follow not this lying scam,
To endless sorrow like Smith in Satan’s hand.
Mormon, what good do you think you do?
You want me to follow lies the same as you.
This counterfeiting evil your smiles are cold
You will never be god no matter what lies you’re told.
Mormonism, how you teach with hidden lust,
May your temple fall and return to the dust.
May all people see your lies of no good.
that all the world forget you ever stood,
Mormonism,
You worthless cemetery.
There are several inaccuracies in this article and it would be so much appreciated if they were corrected. I always look for unbiased websites with correct facts to share with my friends, and websites like this cause so many arguments because people are misinformed. Thank you
If you are going to write an article about the differences, can you at least get them right please? You did not make a single statement that did not have some false parts to it.
I don’t want to get in to all the other stuff, because you KNOW what you did there (like the ridiculously preposterous and wholly fallacious claim that we believe that Jesus was not born of a virgin birth. Considering where THAT lie comes from; the many times debunked as lies Godmakers movie, I KNOW you know you are lying.), but the one thing you may not know you are lying about: Catholics actually do consider Mormons to be Christians and the Pope has a more favorable opinion of Mormons than he does of Protestants. In fact, John Paul II (the last Pope) was very good friends with Gordon B. Hinckley (the previous Mormon Prophet).
Carrie, James 1:5 does say if you lack wisdom to ask of God and He will give it to you?… Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge. It isn’t the gaining of knowledge, nor is it gaining access to God.
What happened to Jesus Carrie? You are misleading folks to go to God without Jesus. Folks can pray this way but it wouldn’t be God that answers because Jesus is the only Way to the Father.
Mormonism deceives and Carrie you have been deceived. Mormonism is the false church that the Bible warned us about. Prophets pointed to Jesus. The Mormon false prophets points to life on Mars and the Sun which is false and condemns Mormonism as worthless to gain eternal life.
…………………………………………………………….
To James, If faith without works is dead how does salvation work?
For All I Trust Him = Faith. It is a deception to put works ahead of faith. By faith is the only way to please the Father. Faith honors God in what He can do. Man has done enough. You make God sound puny in what He has done can do to exalt Man that can work much better.
What have you done with Jesus? His life on the cross is more than any puny condemnation that cheapens His all he gave.
Galatians 1:8-9
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.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
That says it all. one book, no other book. only the bible is the word of god.
Jospeh Smith was visited by an angel ? islam origins , visted by an angel ?
see a pattern here ? the devil appears as an angel of light. preaching a different gospel from the bible…
guys/gals its so obvious don’t be blinded
This article forgets to mention the vast differences in the afterlives of each religion! This is very important since some very young “elders” tried to convince me, fresh in grief, that I could remarry my late husband again in heaven. What a painful thing to hear. My late husband believed in the biblical view of heaven which is all about GOD. Worshipping him, serving him, living lives to our full potential in the glory of the house of God. I would hate to distract my late husband with a secondary Earthly joy of marriage. I am sad our time is over, but I refuse to idolize the family. Idolize my family. I don’t wish to attain anthing. Godhood is not a species I will become a part of. Or anyone else but God.
Jesus told the Saducees that there IS NO marriage in heaven. The elders did not know what to say to that so they invited the bishop over next time because I know my bible too well, and they knew their BOM WAAAAAAY more than the OT and the NT. Like at a ratio of 10:1 knowledge. Clearly their book is more important than my book and my book is only correct as long as it can be view through the BOM paradigm, they will try and force the NT and OT scriptures to make them fit with BOM viewpoint basically.
Sorry much of that was a rant from my Christian perspective, and personal life, but what needed to be mentioned in the article is that the “Heavens” are different. This is an important difference because it will dictate how you live out your life.
Do any of these religions teach spelling or proof reading ?
Instaed of focusing on grammar these religions choose to primarily focus on things like humility and kindness. When compared to grammer these compassionate qualities are likely to have a much more significant and positive impact on this world.
So, no.
LOL
The “Trinity” is the concept that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one being. It was decided upon in the 4th century by a council of bishops that got together(Counsel of Nicea). These men came up with the idea of the trinity on their own, not by the bible or any inspiration of God, but fabrication of man. There were many bishops who disagreed. Those who disagreed with the idea of the trinity were exiled and/or put to death.
The reason people can’t understand the whole concept of the trinity in modern day is because it doesn’t make sense, it’s simply a fabrication of man. In believing the trinity, one worships more than one God, and/or a multiple personality God. How is it that Jesus prayed to God while he was on Earth, if he is God? How is it that Jesus is on the right hand of God, if he is in the same body? This is all ridiculous. They do not reside in the same body.
Heavenly Father is our God. Jesus is His Son, our Savior and Redeemer. The Holy Spirit is a spirit that can reside in all of us. These are three separate beings, working together in one purpose, the purpose of our Heavenly Father. Period. This makes sense because it is true.
A Christian is one who follows Christ, not one who believes in the trinity. One who believes in the trinity is following after man, not God.
@ Author,
Although the bible does not use the word Trinity, the concept is taught all through the bible. The human mind has a difficult time understanding the things of God.
There is one God (Dueteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galations 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5)
The Trinity consists of 3 persons (Genesis 1:1,26; 3:22; 11:17; Isaiah 6:8, 48:16, 61:1; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). The Hebrew plural noun “Elohim” is used, In Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:17 and Isaiah 6:8, the plural pronoun for “us” is used. The word “Elohim” and the pronoun “Us” are plural forms, definitely referring in the Hebrew language to more than two.
There are many more verses I could give, but I suppose this would end up being a book. I would like to leave with you Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto to us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Eternal Father, The Prince of Peace. And also, John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
I can try to explain this like an egg. The shell, yolk, and white, yet one egg. However this is inadequate because it is all part of the egg. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not forms of God; each of them is God.
It is impossible for a finite mind to completely understand an infinite God.
Romans 11:33-34 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of The Lord? Or who had been his counselor?
Finally: A Christian is someone that has been saved by the grace of God! We trust in the Person and Work of Christ on the cross for our eternal life. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are you saved and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. God’s grace Alone by faith Alone! Nothing more, nothing less, Nothing Else!
I would like to retract: Ephesians 2:8 should have read: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: v. 9 Not by works, lest any man should boast.
One more thing: the person I replied to gave his own thoughts, based off of other men’s thoughts or feelings. I give to you the Word of God! So who will you believe him or God! You only have this life to figure it out and after that is judgement.
I do not want to say that you are wrong but I would like to ask you what you think of when you read 1 Corinthians 15:27. Also were in Genesis 1:1 dose it say that God is three persons. All that it says is Elohim created wich is plural but it dose not mean three I believe the word Elohim can be read like the word mankind for example when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon it was credited as one small step for man but one giant leap for mankind not one giant leap for Mr. Armstrong. I hope this dose not sound offensive I just want to know what you think.
@Pure,
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (All- can be translated (every) Inspiration- can be translated (breathed) Therefore the Whole Bible is God Breathed (The mind of God). Every Word in it is pure and true and if we are to understand it correctly we must first: 1: Ask God to help us. James 1:5, 2: We must search the scriptures Acts 17:11 The right way to interpit scripture is with more scripture. A good study bible can help with this. I suggest Scofield, Or John McAuthor and a good commentary such a strongs. As far as your question. Elohim in the original Hebrew language is used as a plural. (Read Genisis 1:26 for clear wording of the Trinity) the words Our and Us are used. As for your question about 1 Corinthians 15: 27. I am no scholar and this could be a sermon in itself, but I will do the best I can. Jesus was fully man and fully God at the same time. The “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” and the “mystery” of the church (Eph. 3:9-11) occupy, historically, the same period, I.E. this present age. The mysteries of the kingdom will be brought to an end by the “harvest” (Mt. 13:39-43,49,50) at the return of the King in glory, the church having previously been caught up to meet Him in the air 1 Thes. 4: 14-17) Upon His return the King will restore the Davidic monarchy in His own person, re-gather dispersed Israel, establish His power over all the earth, and reign one thousand years. (Mt. 24: 27-30; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 15: 14-17; Rev. 20: 1-10). The kingdom of heaven thus established under David’s divine Son, has for its object the restoration of the divine authority in the earth, which may be regarded as a revolted province of the great kingdom of God. When this is done the Son will deliver up the kingdom ( of heaven Mt. 3:2) to “God, even the Father,” that “God” (I.e. the triune God, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) “may be all in all” The eternal throne is that ” of God, and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1) (I took this from the Scofield Study Bible Notes)
God Bless:)
Let me start of by saying, J, that I feel that it is completely unnecessary to deem someone else’s beliefs “ridiculous.” You should consider using a different type of vocabulary.
God is God. He is the only God. He is the only TRUE God. He IS The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit as well. Just because something doesn’t make sense to you, my dear, doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Complicated trigonometry or arithmetic problems don’t make any sense to a lot of people, but they are still true in their content and their answers, are they not?
Skeptics like you may ridicule the Trinity because of the “mathematical impossibility” that someone can’t be 3 people at the same time, but that is the issue— you are trying to apply what has been made sense of in the world (such as your question: how can the son of God sit on the right hand of God when the son of God is God?) to the supernatural world. That is not necessary. It’s the supernatural world for a reason. Just because it can’t be possible on this Earth (such as I can’t sit on the right of my mother in a beauty salon and be my mother at the same time) doesn’t mean it can’t be possible in Heaven. How can you feel that it is impossible or “ridiculous” that OUR God can’t be The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit in one? Have you not remembered that when it comes to God, NOTHING is impossible? Have you not remembered that our ONE God watches over billions among trillions of people every single day…at the same time? Knows each of us personally, listens and answers each of our prayers at the same time? Knows the number of hairs on each of our heads? Can you not see, then that is He is able in ANY respect? Yes, Including being three spirits in one.
That’s why it sort of bothers me when people say, “why are you praying for breast growth (just an example) when He has to heal those who have cancer?” God handles ALL things at the SAME time, because He is able. No one is “standing in line”, so no, God’s not “neglecting someone’s prayers to answer someone else’s.” But you have to excuse me, I’d gotten totally off topic. Sorry.
I also believe that the reason He is considered The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit is because it makes light of the fact that HE is ultimately the one that we are to worship; and that it should be done THROUGH his son Jesus. This way, we can not make the mistake of worshiping JUST Jesus, or JUST God, or JUST the Holy Spirit. They are ONE, and are all equally important. Acknowledging them as separate forces/spirits could result in idolizing or comparing one over the other, when GOD is GOD. don’t you think?
Maybe not. But then again, we do have two different beliefs.
I actually just wrote an article about this very topic on my blog. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) I am a very credible source for the doctrine, so I hope people will read this. Your article was very accurate, except for one major point. Thanks though! I hope people will read mine for further clarification. http://dunked.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-many-gods-do-mormons-believe-in.html
Nice article Amanda; I am not of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) but this article is very good and I recommend others to check it out. The Bible is very clear and it is not confusing.
I read your article and it is indeed getting more difficult to see the heresy s of the Mormon church, as you learn wording to try and cover your error! The fact of the matter is, you do not believe in the God of the bible therefore you are not Christian. You do not believe that Jesus is born to a virgin given by the Holy Spirit! I read several articles written by your false prophets stating that God came down in the flesh and had literal sex with the Virgin Mary, trying to redefine the meaning of a virgin to suit your view. Your view is heresy with the teachings of the bible.
I would like to suggest you learn what it means to be able to call yourself a Christian or Stop! You would never hear my trying to call myself a Mormon why is it so important that you guys are seen as Christian? Also, if you want to know God and have His grace shed upon you then please put down the Book of Mormon and the other books and study the bible! Not like a history book as one Mormon told me, but like it was the true written Word of God! Because it is!
God Bless
There is a fascinating show from a man learned in matters LDS, called “Heart of the Matter” that is very intriguing. I suggest you check it out.
You can even look it up for free on YouTube.
Hope you enjoy 🙂
Lady Amanda,
Couldn’t stand the truth could you? I share the truth again here where on your Blog you took it off.
Jesus standing on the right hand of God doesn’t give you the right to call God flesh when the Bible says He is Spirit and truth. Mormon’s are so sneaky like Joseph Smith whom they worship but their heart is far from the true God.
You are in a Cult that Smith created to get girls in bed. Today his bed is hot brimstone.
The Bible needed no restoration ever. God is the Author of the Holy Bible. Man does make mistakes but God can speak through anyone He chooses. What gives you the right to make God less because your eyes are on weak man?
God is not flesh but spirit as His Word tells us. Jesus is not Satan’s brother. My God is not your God and my Jesus is not your Jesus and therefore you are no Christain.
The Atheist loves Mormonism and Jehovah Witness for it’s obvious whoredom of it’s members to act like Smith and Charles Taze Russell that honor their stand against God. Anyone who honors an Atheist is no friend to God.
Of course Amanda your heart is too heartened to hear and all I say will bounce off. Your parents probably made you spend all your life with Mormonism that I’m nothing to you because the true God is nothing to you. Smith condemned the true Christains are an abomination, (Not God!) He will suffer forever waiting for you in his brimstone bed. No girl has ever satisfied him, so what makes you think you can?
You been warned Lady and your blood not on my hands if you’re found screaming in this brimstone bed. Stand up for the Bibical Jesus or fall for any Jesus that Smith created. Jimmie
I do not agree with the mormon faith but they are not wrong about everything. One thing that is true is that Jesus is flesh and bone Luke 24:36-39; (36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have,) and if you consider him to be “God” wich you should Isaiah 9:6;
(6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The “mighty God”, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.) Then you should know that God is at the very least flesh and bone at this time now. Jesus told Mary when he fist saw her not to touch him because he had not yet ascended to the father John 20:17 but when he reviels himself to the deciples he allows the deciples to touch him Luke 24:39 so this means he had ascended to the Father before meeting with the deciples.
This Blog is really strange. Jesus calls people that carried poison instead of truth Vipers. Mormon’s are full of poison like Amanda. Yet they are honored here to provote their poison to take away and add to the God’s Holy Word. People with a message of love who stand up for God’s Word against Satan’s attacks like this are quietly deleted. If Jesus came here and called Mormon’s, these “religious leaders” hypocrites, vipers, and sons of hell he surely would be deleted.
Smith hid his lying face in a hat to gaze upon a seer stone as a way to condemn God’s Word. Today Mormon Artist has reshaped this truth into Joseph Smith sitting at a table deciphering without his head hidden in a hat. The truth was being hid by Mormonism.
Will this message also be deleted like others for having faith to believing God say’s what He means in His Word?
I don’t paint a different picture to gain the appause of man. Jesus will have the final word. Not Amanda or anyone like her who are not washed white but whitewashed. The next time Jesus comes, he will not be spit upon and deleted. You all clowns better get that paint off… Gme
If Jesus can read this thread, he spends all day facepalming.
Sorry I called this blog strange. It looked like my message was deleted. Then I saw it under moderation again and finally posted. Mormonism does attack the Christian Church then run and hide when one thunders on their whitewash. They are so unworthy of any honor.
They call Jesus Satan’s brother. They call God flesh. They call Christians an abomination to their man-made god. They rejoice when Satan say’s they will become God’s and believe him then reject God’s word who say’s,
•Exodus 20:2-3: “I am the Lord your God…. You shall have no other gods before me.”
•Exodus 34:14: “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
•Deuteronomy 4:35: “You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other.”
•Deuteronomy 4:39: “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”
•Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
•Deuteronomy 32:39: “See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me.
I’ve noticed that it’s the Catholics and Protestants that not only spew hate towards Mormons but Jews as well. Mormons do not see the need to crucify each other. That is what Jesus will judge!