"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but
the Word of our God shall stand forever." (Isa. 40:8)

-- FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH --

MORMONISM VS CHRISTIANITY



by Earl R Johnson

When considering where they'll spend eternity after leaving this earth, many people seem to rely on hopes and feelings rather than logic and reason. They choose rather to assuage their ego than consider well-documented evidence that is contrary to their belief. And such is the case with many of my friends who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). But, it's important; and I pray you'll consider some questions. And please don't take them lightly; for indeed, your eternal destiny may depend on how you answer.

First, do you truly believe the Word of God? If so, does the Word of God "stand forever" as, some 700 years before Christ, the great prophet Isaiah said it would (see Isa. 40:8)? I personally believe it does. And if you're wondering what that has to do with Mormonism, then perhaps your'e not aware of what your church teaches. Because, you see, if Mormonism is correct, then Isaiah was a liar -- which means I'm certainly heading toward eternal disaster. If that's the case, I think it's only fair that you explain to me your reasoning.

To the same extent, after careful study I've come to the conclusion that Isaiah told the truth, and that an eternally progressing severe tragedy is coming to all who sincerely believe and adhere to the principles of Mormon religion. The Bible makes it clear that when a person chooses to believe error filled teachings, their improper choice assures them a place in hell. Perhaps you want to go there; it is a choice. But I don't. And if you don't, and want to know on what I've based my concern, I've written the facts as I've found them. This may be your only chance to appraise your situation.

THE "FIRST VISION" QUESTION!



There are six documented, different accounts of Joseph Smith's "First Vision," three of which have been publicly acknowledged as authentic by the L.D.S. Church's leadership (see B.Y.U. Studies, Spring 1969, pp.275-294). Of those three, which version is the more accurate; ONE, the 1832 version where "one" personage appears to Prophet Smith; TWO, the 1835 version where "two" unnamed personages plus "many angels" appear to the first Mormon prophet; or THREE, the "official" 1838 version regarded as "Mormon Scripture" in The Pearl of Great Price (see Joseph Smith, Sec. 2:17-19) where Joseph Smith recorded (eighteen years after the purported event) that "God and Jesus Christ" appeared and told him that all previously existing churches "are wrong," that all their creeds are "an abomination" in the sight of God, and that all their professors "are corrupt?"

Here's the answer one Mormon scholar has given:

"It seems to me that everybody has approached the issue from the wrong end by starting with the 1838 official version, when the account they should be considering is that of 1832. Merely on the face of it, the 1832 version stands a better chance of being more accurate and unembellished than the 1838 account which was intended as a public statement, streamlined for publication." (Prof. Marvin S. Hill, B.Y.U.; The First Vision Controversy: A Critique and Reconciliation, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol.15, No.2, Summer 1982, p.39)

With the "official" 1838 version, Joseph Smith effectively denounced all Christian churches (all "Bible only" believing religious organizations), all basic Bible doctrine ("their creeds"), and all people who believe the Bible is complete and adequate ("their professors"). In the minds of many people, Smith's statement destroyed all the previously existing historical foundations of the Christian faith and the credibility of any person who proclaims that belief, leaving only him and his close friends ("witnesses") to tell the world what constitutes true Christianity and what to otherwise believe about God. Notwithstanding the ambivalence inherent in six different accounts of the "First Vision," including those confirmed to be authentic by recent Mormon Church leaders, Joseph Smith's overall general teachings continue to be taught as prophetic and reliable by today's L.D.S. Church leaders, teachers, and missionaries.

Simple logic puts Joseph Smith's "First Vision" as one of the principal foundations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it exists today. The L.D.S. Church would not exist today had his vision not occurred as it allegedly did. That same logic, however, also suggests that we should beware of anything claimed to have happened eighteen years before it was made publicly known, and especially if corroborated only by friends. We should further be suspicious when the purported event appears to have problems; i.e. (1) when the supporting evidence is questionable (three recognized as being authentic, although obviously different "First Visions"), and (2) when the claim appears to be contrary to the evidence then existing, especially those things that can be determined from the history of Smith's time and the teachings of the Bible.

DOES IT REALLY MATTER?



Some people have suggested that the point I'm making is designed only to create divisiveness, or is at best simply unimportant. And it would certainly be easy for me to forget about expressing my thoughts and simply ignore the facts as many people do. Indeed, perhaps nothing of eternal value will proceed from my writing about the differences between Biblical claims (the faith to which I hold) and the well documented foundational teachings of the Mormon Church. But I'm certain that one group of us is in very serious trouble. A sincere prayer and warm feeling about things involving a person's eternal state of existence (like receiving a "burning in the bosom" or some other emotional response) is great if it isn't contrary to reason, to logic, and to what God has otherwise already made clear by His written Word. But a careful study of the documented evidence indicates to me that the L.D.S. Church is as preconceived and as equally a faulty religion as one to which my uncle belonged.

Like Mormon missionaries, my uncle was totally sincere in his beliefs. Also, like them, he often went from door to door telling others his "testimony." He was a Jehovah's Witness, one of several similar-to-Christian religious organizations created during the 1800's. It's been many years now since my uncle and I last talked about the differences between his religion and what I believe is true. I told him about my experience with demons and several false religions, told him about my present faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, told him about God's judgement and the consequences of believing error filled teachings, and otherwise offered what to me is convincing evidence contrary to his belief.

Now, I knew Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in a literal hell; so I asked him what he thought about life after this existence and where he expected to spend eternity. He replied with his (oh-so-happy) hope: "Hell does not exist." But his mindset and religion-programed world-view would not allow him to consider otherwise. He died a few days later so we didn't continue our discussions. And now, as a result of his sincere but wrong "testimony," I suspect my uncle may have gone to the place he chose to believe does not exist. Sincerity and feeling good about what is believed will save no one.

As a Mormon, I'm sure you'd have also had no problem telling my uncle or any one of the other several million Jehovah's Witnesses he was wrong. And I know you don't believe as he did. In fact, you probably believe (as I do) that there does exist a place called Hell. Personally, I'm convinced that all people are born on the road to hell, that we all come into this world with a rebellious sin nature that's intent on sending us there. But, I also believe God has provided the means for people to escape the consequence of living within that nature if they'll simply believe God's written Word, the Holy Bible, and accept His provision for their redemption. Now, it's impossible for me to imagine someone wanting to go to the place about which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke: "...where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:48) But this fact remains regarding the Word of God. Anyone who ignores it, or who chooses to not believe the evidence for it, is choosing to go to hell.

BUT WHY STUDY THE FOUNDATIONS?



You may ask, "Why study the early writings?" One of my Mormon friends recently told me it doesn't matter what was said in earlier times, that "the present prophet will tell us what to believe." But I'm reminded of what Jesus said about two builders:

"Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Mat. 7:24-26)

In light of what the Scripture says, my hope is that you will at least make the attempt to determine if what you believe is built upon the teachings of Jesus Christ (rock), or upon what's been advanced by someone else (sand). The logical foundation of the L.D.S. Church is the "First Vision" and other early preachings of Joseph Smith and his advisers. If those prove faulty, then what of other things the L.D.S. Church has said? Mormons must ask themselves, "Is Joseph Smith's 'First Vision' built on a solid rock, or has it shifted?" Ask yourself! Has it shifted?

Perhaps you or someone close to you supports an L.D.S. missionary. If so, like that Mormon missionary, I like to tell what I believe to be the truth to anyone who will listen. In fact, the Bible commands all Christian believers to tell the "good news" of Jesus Christ and to otherwise defend the faith God has given us: "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3, also I Pet. 3:15 & Mat. 28:19-20). In attempting to do so, I assure you that my motives are based on a sincere desire to see all my friends and family in heaven with Christ. I personally have nothing against any Mormon person (except their teaching of a false doctrine); but I cannot think kindly of any organization that I believe is, in effect, sending people to hell. I expect to gain nothing tangible from this effort. Although, I hope my Mormon friends will.

AM I YOUR ENEMY BECAUSE I TELL THE TRUTH?



It's been suggested by some Mormons that I'm an "enemy" of their church because I vocally proclaim my belief that its teachings are in error. And on occasion my Mormon friends have gotten upset when I've questioned them about it. But I'll submit that what I have to say about the L.D.S. Church organization is really no different than Joseph Smith saying the mainstream Christian denominations were "...all wrong ...all their creeds were an abomination in his [God's] sight; [and all their] ...professors (like me) were all corrupt." (The Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith, 2:19).

Most Mormons I know would be offended if I were to call them "corrupt" and their creeds an "abomination" in the sight of God. But, I take no offense from prophet Smith's remarks, "For we (all true Christians) wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Eph. 6:12) You see, my fight is against the "god of this world" (Satan -- see II Cor. 4:4) and his followers, the fallen angels (demons), the unseen power behind all false prophets in this world.

WHAT'S IN YOU'RE TESTIMONY?



As a Mormon, perhaps you believe the millions of people in Catholic and Protestant congregations are highly influenced by Satan. But ask yourself and consider it carefully: Why should you believe the L.D.S. Church is any less vulnerable? Indeed, each member of those organizations may have as strong a testimony (perhaps even stronger) that their church is correct as you do for yours. They may have prayed about it and received a warm feeling in the heart area (a "burning in the bosom") to affirm their belief (as perhaps you did); and it may take substantially less faith for them to believe God is and always has been an incomprehensible Spirit (as most Christians believe) than it does for Mormons to believe God the Father "was once a man" (as all Mormon prophets have proclaimed).

So, if you profess to be a true follower of the Mormon prophets, given that my testimony may be at least equal to yours in its sincerity and accomplishment, where does that leave us? Certainly one of us is wrong, for God cannot be both an eternally incomprehensible Spirit and a sexually procreated "exalted man" at the same time (the product of a higher Father God and one of His many wives as Mormon prophets have said). I suggest the only valid way of verifying the truth is for us to consider the historical evidence for each. Then, from that we should be able to determine which testimony and which belief system has a foundation of shifting sand.

CONSIDERING THE EVIDENCE

If the Mormon Church is correct in its teachings, according to the L.D.S. "Free Agency" Chart (Book of Remembrance, Sheet no. 30), even those who are the "dishonest, liars, sorcerers, adulterers, and whoremongers" will attain to the "Telestial Kingdom" after only a "1000 years in hell," an extremely short period of time relative to an eternal future. However, according to that same chart, if Mormonism proves to be true, the worst that I would probably do is trek the "Broadway" to the "Terrestrial Kingdom."

From what I've heard, I can also add that I suspect several of my L.D.S. friends are waiting for my death so they can do proxy endowments on my behalf. And given the L.D.S. teaching about baptism for the dead and a law of eternal progression, according to that belief (if you indeed believe it to be true), regardless of what I believe, the chances are favorable that I will eventually reach the place to where even the current Mormon prophet presumably hopes to be exalted when he leaves this world in death.

Your inclination may be to reject consideration of the early, foundational writings. But historical Mormon Church authorities have suggested that I at least make an effort to convince you that those writings contain errors where it comes to doctrine, the essential knowledge that may keep one from going to hell. One former Mormon Apostle, Orson Pratt, put it this way:

"Convince us of our error of doctrine, if we have any, by reason, by logical arguments, or by the Word of God, and we will be ever grateful for the information, and you will have a pleasing reflection that you have been instruments in the hands of God of redeeming your fellow beings from the darkness which you may see enveloping their minds." (The Seer, pp. 15-16)

Also, the second President of the Mormon Church, Brigham Young, made this suggestion:

"Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 16, p.46)

Those two statements offer a challenge that I've accepted. And a bit of L.D.S. Scripture supports my effort:

"Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." (Doctrine and Covenants, 130:18-19)

The next section then provides an appropriately freighting emphasis, given that everyone is ignorant of some things. No earthly human being can know everything:

"It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (Doctrine and Covenants, 131:6)

Quite the contrary is likely true. Regardless, whether you agree with me or not, you have to admit that it is knowledge and intelligence, but with a different principle than with what you are familiar (L.D.S. doctrine).

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT'S TRUTH?



If you decide to take up the challenge and review the foundational teachings, consider only well documented information -- the original, unchanged, unqualified, black- and-white written materials -- defined only in a direct way, where up is up and down is down, where neither left nor wrong are right, and where words are interpreted by reason and logic, not by feelings. Consider and interpret the writings yourself; and otherwise read only those commentaries written by teachers who can be demonstrated to have used the Scriptural method. Don't accept anyone's subjective, preconceived interpretation. The Scriptural method was outlined in the Bible for us by the physician apostle, Dr. Luke:

"[Those in the synagogue at Berea] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so (the teachings of Paul and Silas)." (Acts 17:11)

Apparently the Bereans were able to verify the truth of what Paul and Silas were saying, because the following verse tells us: "Many of them therefore believed..." And with that, we have a ready means of verifying any "new" revelation. If it appears to be contrary to, or otherwise does not measure up against what has been previously written, then it is to be rejected.

Scripture, of course, was meant to be read and understood by all of those whom God has chosen. It says exactly what the writers meant for it to say. But, obviously the Word of God also contains numerous metaphors, allegories, and parables where word pictures are used to describe otherwise difficult to understand concepts. One such is where we're told that God "...shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings..." (Psa. 91:4) Of course God is not a chicken. But the picture painted in our mind is that of a mother hen protecting her brood. That is a common way of presenting things; and it's generally not too difficult to determine which verses fit that category.

So then, where should one look for the truth? And how will you know it's the truth when you see it? Those questions are difficult for anyone to answer, especially those of us who don't know the ancient languages. But, there are numerous recognized scholars who do know the old languages; and they've written profusely about their findings. I also personally believe we have a God in heaven who is entirely capable of preserving the truth He wants us to have, despite the L.D.S. proclamation that it was "lost" and had to be "restored," a statement obviously designed to justify the existence of a "Restored Gospel." But, fortunately, fundamental Christianity and Mormonism do both have a common belief that the Bible is the Word of God.

Until recently, however, even that was a problem. With the L.D.S. Church's 8th Article of Faith saying in part: "...the Bible is the Word of God only so far as it is translated correctly," it's been basically unusable as a reference. Whenever an L.D.S. teaching has disagreed with a Biblical doctrine, the Bible has been said to be "incorrectly translated." Yet, even with a living prophet and continuing revelation, apparently no recent official of the Mormon Church has proved able to identify exactly what portions of the Bible are translated accurately. In fact, most Mormons with whom I've discussed it consider the Bible to be basically useless. Now however, since several Brigham Young University scholars have made public their findings regarding the Bible, that should no longer be a problem.

One in particular has been especially articulate. At Brigham Young University's Fourteenth Annual Symposium On The Archaeology Of The Scriptures, in a speech entitled: Manuscript Discoveries Of The New Testament In Perspective, Dr. Richard Lloyd Anderson, B.Y.U.'s Associate Professor of History and Scripture, had this to say:

"The great fact that stands in the face of over a century's rapid discovery is the stability of the New Testament. Its position for the future appears impressively secure because it has passed such rigid tests of scrutiny into its past...

"With manuscripts in Greek copied some 200 years after the completion of the new Testament writing, the world of scholarship developed a good deal of self- confidence that the original New Testament had been recovered. Scholars have debated the variations (mainly omissions) revealed by the Sinaitic and Vatican manuscripts, but there are relatively few verses open to question...

The most impressive contribution of the new manuscripts of Luke and John is not the few differences, but their agreement with the life and teachings of Christ as preserved in other manuscripts...

"It is easy to get lost in debate on details and fail to see the overwhelming agreement of all manuscripts to the historical record of the New Testament.

"One can disagree with the textural assumptions behind some of the modern translations of the New Testament, and still not be overly concerned with differences that are immaterial. For a book to undergo progressive uncovering of its manuscript history and come out with so little debatable in its text is a great tribute to its essential authenticity. In tracing the history of manuscript investigation, the student finds that two great facts emerge:

"First, no new manuscript discovery has produced serious differences in the essential story. This survey has disclosed the leading textural controversies, and together they would be well within one percent of the text. Stated differently, all manuscripts agree on the essential correctness of 99% of the verses in the New Testament. The events and great truths contained there are agreed upon by all major manuscripts of the New Testament.

"The second great fact that such a survey demonstrates is the progress that has placed the world in possession of manuscripts very near the time of their writing. One would have to be a student of ancient history to appreciate how much superior the New Testament is to any other ancient book in its manuscript tradition. The textural history of the New testament gives every reason to assume a fairly stable transmission of the documents we possess." (pp. 52-53, 57-58).

Sources in my home library place the number of early Greek manuscripts and significant portions of the New Testament at over 5,300. And those coupled with the Latin Vulgate, Ethiopic, Slavic, and other early translations into different languages give us early writings that stack up to a staggering amount of over 24,000, some probably copied within a hundred years of the time the Apostles wrote the originals.

The Old Testament writings also have their proponents in Mormonism. In his report entitled: The Significance of the Scrolls and a Word of Caution, Brigham Young University's Associate Professor of Religion, Dr. Lewis M. Rogers, had this to say:

"It has been noted that deviations from the Masoretic Text in the newly found Isaiah Scrolls were minor, indicating a faithful preservation of accepted Scriptures." (p. 54)

Another acclaimed scholar, Dr. Sidney B. Sperry, Brigham Young University's Professor of Old Testament History, Literature, and Languages wrote in his publication, Progress in Archaeology:

"After reading the [Dead Sea] Scrolls very carefully, I came to the conclusion that there is not a line in them that suggests that their writers knew the gospel as understood by Latter-day Saints." (p. 52)

Dr. Sperry's statement is significant when one considers that the Dead Sea Scrolls contain every book of the Old Testament except the Book of Esther. And when it's further realized they were placed in the caves more than 100 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST, then it's reasonable to assume they contain the same Scripture our Lord Jesus Christ knew and quoted. Jesus spoke often from Scripture (the Old Testament or "the Law"); and He made it evident that, "...until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot nor one tittle shall pass away until all is accomplished." (Matt. 5:18 literal translation).

I personally believe that God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, was and is even now entirely capable of keeping His Word. Like the professor from B.Y.U. conferred, we can question the modern translations but we can't argue about the early manuscripts. And with the modern sciences of linguistics and textural criticism, we now have several good translations and transliterations of the Word that God wants us to have.

You might also note that the great prophet Nehemiah specifically indicated that translation is an appropriate means of conveying proper meaning. He wrote about the Levites and others as "...they read from the book, from the Law of God, translating (Heb. "parass") to give the sense so that they [the Aramaic speaking Israelites] understood the reading." (Neh. 8:8, literal trans.) God is in control.

While it is called such, part of the problem today comes from a common perception that the Bible is "a book," one book. We need to remember, however, that it is a collection of sixty-six different books, originally written on three different continents, in three different languages, over a period of many hundreds of years, and by more than forty different individuals. Those included men and women from all walks of life, from religious leaders and kings to people like the uneducated fisherman called Peter. Yet, despite differences attributable to God filtering His inspired Word through the knowledge, vocabulary, and different points of view of the many and varied writers, the Bible is astonishingly single minded.

The Bible and the fundamental Christianity of Christ's Apostles and the early Church have specifically declared the fate of mankind in general to be different than what the L.D.S. Church teaches. And as a believer and professor of those fundamental Christian beliefs, I'm convinced the Biblical writings are absolutely correct.

BIBLICAL vs. MORMON PROPHESY:



What does the Bible tell us about some of the things that should be of concern to people in these latter days? Of paramount interest, especially to Mormons, should be what it teaches about prophecy. There are many verses, but several in particular come to mind:

"... the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My (God's) name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And you may say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously." (Deu.18:20-22)

"... that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the Lord your God... So you shall stone him to death..." (Deu.13:5,10)

In the ancient nation of Israel, false prophets weren't given a second chance. And if we are living in the "latter days" as Mormonism proclaims, then several hundred years before Christ the great prophet Jeremiah spoke of "today's" latter day prophets:

"... in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied... I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart... Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD." (Jer.23:20-21, 25-26, 31-32)

How do you suppose Joseph Smith's prophetic teachings stack up against what these Biblical verses tell us? Below I've listed a number of his prophecies as quoted from some of the books I have in my personal library.

JOSEPH SMITH, JR., First President of the Mormon Church:



(1) "When, therefore, any man, no matter who, or how high his standing may be, utters or publishes anything which afterwards proves to be untrue, he is a false prophet." (The Evening and Morning Star, July, 1833; as quoted in History of the Church, Vol. 1. pg. 373, footnote)

Here Joseph Smith agreed with Bible doctrine.

(2) "President [Joseph] Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it... it was the will of God that those who went to Zion, with a determination to lay down their lives, if necessary, should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh -- even fifty-six years should wind up the scene." (History of the Church, Vol. 2. pp. 181-182)

This prophesy was given on February 14, 1835. Fifty-six years later occurred on February 14, 1891. Jesus did not return on that date. A study of the blessings given the first apostles of the Mormon church (starting a few pages after the above given prophesy) will clearly show that the prevailing belief of the brethern was that Christ would indeed "stand on the earth" before the end of the generation then living on the earth.

(3) "... use every effort to prevail on the churches to gather to those regions and locate themselves, to be in readiness to move into Jackson county [Missouri] in two years from the eleventh of September next, which is the appointed time for the redemption of Zion." (dated: August 16,1834 --History of the Church, Vol. 2, pg. 145)

According to the 1985 Church Almanac, in November of 1833, "The Saints left Jackson County in response to mob threats and attacks." (pg. 73) This happened prior to Joseph Smith's statement of 1834. According to the prophecy, Zion was to be redeemed no later than September 11, 1837. Yet, to this day, the Mormon church has not redeemed "Zion."

(4) "Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him have place in that house, from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord. And let the name of that house be called Nauvoo House..." (Doctrine & Covenants Section 124:59-60)

Joseph was killed three years later and his family was ran out of town.

(5) "God made Aaron to be the mouth piece for the children of Israel, and He will make me be god to you in His stead, and the Elders to be mouth for me; and if you don't like it, you must lump it." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 319,320)

In some respects, perhaps Joseph has become "god" to the Mormon people. What do you think? Do you believe his appraisal?

(6) "And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land... I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded to declare unto this generation... there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all the things, which I have spoken, fulfilled." (dated: 1833 -- History of the Church, Vol. 1, pg. 315-316)

"This generation" simply died. They were not swept off the face of the land in the manner described by that prophecy. And if you believe they're still waiting for it to happen, how many of that generation of more than 160 years ago are still alive today?

(7) "And now, as pertaining to this law [of polygamy (see verse 61], verily, verily, I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you, hereafter; therefore, let this suffice for the present. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega. Amen." (Doctrine & Covenants 132:66)

Joseph Smith died less than a year later without having given any further revelations on the subject of plural marriage.

(8) QUESTION: Who is Oliver Granger?

"And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be held in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and forever, saith the Lord." (Doctrine & Covenants 117:12)

I've asked several Mormon Elders. None of them have known.

(9) "... for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Doctrine & Covenants 127:2)

Less than two years after this prophecy was given, it was proven false. On July 27, 1844, Joseph Smith was shot dead by a mob of his enemies. Although he killed two men and wounded a third in the fight, he was not triumphant over these enemies and therefore was not triumphant over all his enemies.

(10) "Behold, I, the Lord, have brought you [Joseph Smith's party of eleven and an undetermined number of missionaries] together that the promise might be fulfilled, that the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice together in the land of Missouri. I, the Lord, promise the faithful and cannot lie." (Doctrine & Covenants 62:6)

The Mormons were not "preserved" in Missouri. Two years after this prophecy was given, they were forced to leave. Some were killed, and others had their homes destroyed; but the only ones preserved were those who were unfaithful to the L.D.S. church.

(11) "Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered... And behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed for the work of gathering my saints -- Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion." (Doctrine & Covenants 101:17,20-21)

On December 16, 1833, while visiting in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith gave this prophecy. He was then totally unaware that a month earlier his followers had been driven out of Zion (Jackson County, Missouri). They completely left Missouri in 1837, effectively moving Zion to Nauvoo, Illinois. Then even later, Zion moved to Utah. The last of the original Missouri stakes was disorganized by 1846. There was no stake in Jackson County from then until 1971 when the Independence Stake was organized -- 138 years after Joseph Smith prophesied that there would be no other stakes until Jackson County was full. To this day it's still not full.

(12) "And it shall come to pass in due time that I ("the Lord your God" -- see Sec.111.1) will give this city (Salem, Massachusetts) into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours." (Doctrine & Covenants 111:4)

Prophecy dated: August 6, 1836. God never gave Salem, Massachusetts into Joseph's hands. Nor did Joseph receive any of the city's wealth. Rather, Joseph died eight years later during a jail break attempt.

(13) "The whole earth shall bear me witness that I, like the towering rock in the midst of the ocean, which has withstood the mighty surges of the warring waves for centuries, am impregnable... I combat the errors of ages; I meet the violence of mobs; I cope with illegal proceedings from executive authority; I cut the gordian knot of powers, and I solve mathematical problems of universities, with truth --with diamond truth; and God is my right hand man. (History of the Church, Vol. 6, pg. 78)

He was killed less than one year later.

(14) "I have more to boast than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, pg. 78)

Joseph Smith was destroyed one month later.
"Pride goeth before destruction." (Pro. 16:18)

(15) "This poor man who professes to be much of a prophet, has no other dumb ass to ride but David Whitmer, to forbid his madness when he goes up to curse Israel; and this ass not being of the same kind as Balaam's,... Poor ass!" ... "Such characters as McLellin, John Whitmer, David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, and Martin Harris, are too mean to mention; and we had liked to have forgotten them." (History of the Church, Vol. 3, pp. 228,232)

Here Joseph Smith was referring to the people who were the original witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

As you can see, I've selectively quoted writings that are available in any Mormon Church library or book store, and perhaps even in the homes of many Mormon people.

BIBLICAL TEACHINGS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION



I hope you're beginning see a problem associated with believing in the principles of Mormonism, and I further hope you'll want to know what the Bible says about relevant points. Many verses have particular significance. I'll mention a few, and hope you'll follow with your own studies.

"... do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (I John 4:1)

"... though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we (Paul and the Biblical Apostles) have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:8-9)

Joseph Smith claimed that he prayed and that afterwards beings from heaven came and told him to "restore" the gospel. Now, the word "gospel" itself means simply "good news." But, in the minds of many people it's come to mean much more. What specifically is the "gospel" as defined by the Bible?

"Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel... (these were believing Christians who had begun to alter what they'd been previously taught regarding the "good news" of Christ), For I delivered to you as of first importance that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." (I Cor. 15:1-4)

That is the gospel in it's entire simplicity. The good news carries with if, of course, the message of salvation in its three different manifestations: (1) redemption, (2) sanctification, and (3) glorification. To understand which one is being alluded to by a specific verse, one must consider the context. For, while all the Scripture is profitable to understanding God's will for us, many sections are written specifically to the Christian and therefore may not be properly understood by those who are not Christian. One such is where we're told:

"... work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Phil. 2:12-13)

A non-Christian may think that verse tells us we have to work for our salvation. But, when it's understood who it was written to, the people of a Christian church in Phillipi, then it's also understood that those people already had their salvation (redemption). You see, only a Christian can have God working "in him;" so in that verse, the salvation mentioned is the form called sanctification where the Christian will "work out" what God is actually doing. Therefore, God is doing all the "work," so God gets all the glory. For that verse to have significance, the person for whom it was written would already have to be a Christian. And that follows true, because God wants no one to boast about the things they do of their own accord:

"For by grace (unmerited favor) you have been saved (redeemed) through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, that no one should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)

A person's becoming a Christian is accomplished by God through the aspect of salvation called redemption. Basically, God puts into a non-Christians heart the desire to become a Christian, then it's accomplished thus:

"... if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (redemption)." (Rom. 10:9-10)

"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation -- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory." (Eph. 1:13-14)

"I [Jesus] am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26).

"Truly, truly I say unto you, he who hears My [Jesus] word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed [past-perfect tense] out of death into life." (John 5:24)

Redemption is simple. Simply believe and tell another Christian about it along with confessing your sin through prayer. God will then begin to work in you, which is sanctification. Salvation's third facet, glorification, is then accomplished by the Christian's leaving the old natural body behind as he or she goes to be with Christ.

Speaking of Christ, Mormons have to beware of what they believe about the true Jesus Christ because there is a false Christ and a false God in the world; indeed, there are many lords and many gods, but they are not true deity. The Bible speaks of this:

"... lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness ("Eat, and you will be like God..." -- Gen. 3:5), your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus... or a different spirit... or a different gospel... you'll bear this beautifully... But what I am doing, I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we (Paul and the Biblical Apostles) are in the matter about which they're boasting. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it's not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Cor. 11:3-4, 12-15)

Mormonism teaches that worthy Mormon men (Mormon women need not apply) hope to someday become a god of some universe somewhere. Yet, isn't that the same deception Satan used to snare Adam and Eve? Those who adhere to such beliefs are following a false Jesus, have a false spirit, and believe in a false gospel which is not good news at all. And those who teach such beliefs (albeit, perhaps unwittingly) are false teachers. They've been called by many different names; but they've been around since the days of Peter and Paul.

How about baptism for the dead? Have you done so before? Did you hope to redeem someone from Mormonism's concept of darkness and hell? The Bible says you can't even redeem your lost brother:

"No man can by any means redeem his brother, or give God a ransom for him..." (Psa. 49:7)

If you have been baptized for some dead person, you probably believe that person died in a "lost" condition. It is true that every one, all of mankind (those accountable), are among the "lost" and are powerless to save themselves:

"... we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf: and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isa. 64:6)

"Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins." (Eccl. 7:20)

But, you see, that's why we need Christ and His atoning shed blood on the cross. If we could do it in any way ourselves, then we wouldn't need Christ. However, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

"... God our Savior ...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (I Tim. 2:3-5)

How about pre-existence? Do you believe you started out as a spirit-child before being born into this world? The Bible says only Christ pre-existed as God. For all others: "... the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual." (I Cor. 15:46)

Mormonism claims God was a man before He became God. But the Bible says the true God, the Creator of the universe, was God who became a man. And even then, He never ceased to be God; but simply took on a temporary new nature for the specific purpose of redemption. The true nature of God, however, is Spirit, and has never been a man.

"I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man..." (Hos. 11:9)

"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Num. 23:19)

I could comment further on these and other verses. But their relevance should be (or will become) apparent to anyone who wants to really know the truth. So instead of further selective commentary, I'll simply list how Mormonism has altered definitions to fit a preconceived theology.

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* * T E R M I N O L O G Y D I F F E R E N C E S * *


1. PRE-EXISTENCE:

L.D.S. - teaches that everyone pre-existed, and that we will all exist eternally.

Bible - teaches that only Jesus Christ pre-existed, not mankind in general (John 8:58, Col. 1:17). We did not have a spiritual existence prior to being born to this earth (I Cor. 15:46).

2. THE FALL OF MAN:

L.D.S. - teaches it brought mortality and physical death, but not a fallen nature. Further teaches that Adam was given two conflicting commandments and was supposed to fall.

Bible - teaches that God tempts no one, and that mankind is basically sinful (James 1:13-14; Rom. 8:5-8; I Cor. 2:14).

3. SIN:

L.D.S. - teaches that mankind commits specific acts of sin, but is not a sinner by nature.

Bible - teaches that mankind sins because we are by nature sinful (Mat. 1:21); and that we remain in spiritual rebellion [naturally sinful] until Christ converts our basic nature (Eccl. 7:20; Isa. 64:6; Eph. 2:3; Rom. 5:6).

4. REPENTANCE:

L.D.S. - teaches that mankind has to repent of individual acts of sin, but not of a rebellious sin nature.

Bible - teaches that mankind must repent of a basic rebellion (Jer. 17:9; Luke 5:32).

5. ATONEMENT - SALVATION BY GRACE:

L.D.S. - teaches that Christ's shed "tears of blood" in the Garden was the atonement and brought release from the grave and universal resurrection, that salvation by grace is the universal resurrection. Beyond that, man must earn his place in heaven.

Bible - teaches that atonement was accomplished as a result of Christ's death on the cross, and that salvation is not universal but is based upon an individual's personal belief as acquired by faith. Furthermore, the faith required is not that of the recipient, but is the faith of Christ that's given as a gift of grace (the unmerited favor of God) to those who choose to believe after God has led them to hear the truth about Him and His gospel (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 9:28; Eph. 2:8-9).

6. GOSPEL:

L.D.S. - Mormon Church system and Doctrines.

Bible - The Good News of Christ's death on the cross as atonement for sin, and His bodily resurrection from the dead as testimony of His having conquered death and the grave for those who will choose to believe it (I Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8).

7. REDEEMED:

L.D.S. - teach that Christ redeemed mankind from mortal death only, but not from his sinful rebellion or spiritual death (separation from God); teach that works are required for exaltation.

Bible - teaches that Christ redeems us from spiritual death (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1).

8. BORN-AGAIN:
L.D.S. - Baptism into the L.D.S. Church.

Bible - We come into the world spiritually dead (separated from God), until by His Grace the Holy Spirit of God creates in us a spiritual birth (I Pet. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:17; John 3:3-6).

9. TRUE CHURCH:
L.D.S. - Only the L.D.S. Church; the original "true church" was removed from the earth until Joseph Smith restored it in the early 1800's.

Bible - Anyone who is born-again, born of the Spirit, is part of the true church, regardless of affiliation with an earthly religious organization or lack thereof (I Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 18:19-20)

10. AUTHORITY:

L.D.S. - Believe only L.D.S. have the authority to baptize, ordain, etc. Have a two-part system of priesthood - Melchizedek and Aaronic.

Bible - Christ brought an end to the Aaronic priesthood, and is the One and Only Permanent High Priest after the order of Melchizedek - and in His resurrected manhood, He is now the mediator of the New Covenant between God and those who will accept the calling of the Holy Spirit and be born-again (Heb. 5-9:all; 2 Tim. 2:2)

11. SONS OF GOD:

L.D.S. - Everyone is a spirit child of God.

Bible - We are all a child of the sinful curse and the god of this world (Satan - see 2 Cor. 4:4), until we've been born of the Spirit (John 1:12).

12. BAPTISM:

L.D.S. - Part of joining the "true Church," must be performed by L.D.S. priesthood.

Bible - The emphasis is on the relationship God initiated with the believer, not on the authority of the person doing the baptizing. By definition: it is a public declaration and demonstration of an already having occurred spiritual death and resurrection (Christ's), and the participants identification with and marriage into the body of Christ in His death and resurrection (Mark 16:15-16; et al.).

13. HEAVEN:

L.D.S. - Divided into three kingdoms, the Celestial, the Terrestrial, and the Telestial; a place for almost everybody.

Bible - Only mentions two conditions, everlasting punishment for not accepting God's provision for our salvation, or life eternal with God after having been born-again (Matt. 13:41-43).

14. HELL:

L.D.S. - Hell as an institution is eternal; inmates come and go as though they were in jail, stay there only until debt has been paid by personal good works.

Bible - Before Christ died on the cross, Old Testament saints (called the "captives") went to a part of hell (Sheol) called "Abraham's bosom;" Christ led them free from the grave. New Testament era non- believers, however, never get out of hell (Luke 16:20-31; Eph. 4:8; Mark 9:48).

15. KINGDOM OF GOD:

L.D.S. - Celestial Kingdom, - in the presence of God. Those in other kingdoms are not in the presence of God.

Bible - All the redeemed will be in God's presence (Rev. 21:1-3). All believers are part of God's Kingdom (Matt. 13:41-43).

16. ETERNAL LIFE:

L.D.S. - Exaltation into the Celestial Kingdom, the ability to bear children in heaven, must have a Temple marriage and an obedient wife.

Bible - Not limited to certain people in heaven, but is freely given to all who have accepted the truth and believed while in this world (I John 5:11-13).

17. IMMORTALITY:

L.D.S. - Universal gift, the ability to live forever in one of the levels of heaven; but not eternal life.

Bible - Not a gift, but rather the fact of an eternal future existence; our immortal soul either experiences eternal life in heaven with God, or eternal death in hell "where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:42-48).

18. GODHEAD:

L.D.S. - The Father is a resurrected man with a physical body, Christ is a resurrected man with a physical body, the Holy Spirit is a man with a spiritual body - three separate Gods.

Bible - God is not a man (Num. 23:19); there is only one God (Isa. 43:10); the Father is Spirit and cannot be seen (John 4:24); God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three separate persons but one God (John 4:24; I Tim. 1:17).

19. HOLY GHOST:

L.D.S. - Is separate from Father and Son; and is different than the Holy Spirit - Holy Ghost is spiritual person - Holy Spirit is influence from the Father and not personal.

Bible - The same Greek word is used for the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16; 6:19).

20. VIRGIN BIRTH:

L.D.S. - Teach that God as a resurrected physical man is the literal father of Jesus, and that Jesus was concieved in the same manner as are all men on earth, that the Father had relations with his daughter Mary to produce His Son Jesus - teach Matt. 1:18 is in error.

Bible - says Mary was a virgin (Matt. 1:18), the fulfillment of a prophesy (Isa. 7:14).

MORE FROM THE BIBLE:

"... before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. ... now that faith has come, we (the Church) are no longer under a tutor." (Gal. 3:23-25)

"...[Jesus] broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances." (Eph. 2:14-15)

"As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in the things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things into which angels long to look." (I Pet. 1:10-12)

"... I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord... for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Rom. 8:38-39; 11:29)

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed... For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit... through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." (I Pet. 2:24; 3:18, 21-22)

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things." (Acts 17:24-25)

We are God's temple, "...living stones... built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood... a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (I Pet. 2:5,9)

"...[Christ] became the very Corner Stone; And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12)

"... and since we have a great Priest... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water [the "living water" of God]." (Heb. 10:21-22)

Jesus asked the Apostles who they thought He was, to which Peter answered: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God;" (Matt. 16:16) an answer to which Jesus commented in part, "...and upon this Rock I will build My Church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it." (Matt. 16:18)

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Eph 3:21) Forever! And that's a long, long time.

"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery (Christ and the Church) which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom. 16:25-27)

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions (divisions of time) and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son..." (Heb. 1:1-2).

"... even if our gospel [the good news of Jesus Christ] is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (II Cor. 3:3-4)

"[They] perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." (II Thes. 2:10-12)

Some things are hard to comprehend, like how God is only One while expressing Himself in Three Persons. But, you can believe and know by faith (a certainty about things you can't know naturally). That's all that is necessary. I along with other Christian teachers am always available to help you understand. Just ask.