Suppose that we believers in the Lord Jesus make our requests to God. Suppose also that, as far as we can honestly judge, the obtaining of our requests would be for our spiritual good and for the honor of God. We must then continue in prayer until the blessing is given to us. Furthermore, we have to believe that God does hear us and will answer our prayers. Frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained and in not expecting the blessing. As assuredly as any individual uses these points, so assuredly will his requests be granted.
George Muller

Divine Truths In The Book Of Mo

Divine Truths In The Book Of Mo

Divine Truths in the Book of Mormon

Anyone visited by a Mormon Missionary has heard the Elder’s testimony concerning the Book of Mormon: That he knows this book is the Word of God and that the founder of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, Jr., translated it by the gift and power of God. Further, the prospect is encouraged sincerely to study the Book of Mormon and “The divine truths it contains.”

The Book of Mormon indeed does contain a number of “divine truths”, first set forth in the Bible, the most important of which are:

  1. GOD IS SPIRIT

Alma 18:28 (p. 242) – “Believest, thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things”.

2. TRINITARIAN VIEW OF GOD

3 Nephi 11:27 (p. 422) – “Verily I say unto you, that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are one.” In addition, three close associates of Joseph Smith who gave testimony of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, close with words: “And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, WHICH IS ONE GOD. Amen.” (emphasis added) This endorsement is found in the front of every Book of Mormon and further documents the Book of Mormon’s acknowledgement of the triune nature of God.

3. GOD IS UNCHANGEABLE

Moroni 8:18 (p. 517) – “For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity.”

4. NO SALVATION AFTER DEATH

Mosiah 3:25 (p. 141) – “And if they be evil they are consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment, from whence they can no more return; therefore they have drunk damnation to their own souls.”

5. ONLY TWO DESTINATIONS AFTER DEATH

Mosiah 16:11 (p. 166) – “If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation.”

6. SALVATION BY CHRIST”S WORK – NOT MAN’S

Helaman 5:9 (p. 369) – “…remember that there is no other way nor means whereby men can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come, yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.”

The Book of Mormon also emphasizes the need for spiritual rebirth. For example Alma 5:14 states “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?”

Much of the major theology set forth in the Book of Mormon is indeed in harmony with orthodox Christianity. However, many who are visited by the LDS Missionaries are unaware that the present theology of the Mormon Church is very different from their own Book of Mormon. Further, not only are today’s major doctrines different, they are in total opposition with this work of Joseph Smith, Jr., for which he claimed divine inspiration.

Mormon theology is not contained in, but rather contradicted by the Book of Mormon. The members of the Mormon Church now turn to newer publications and revelations for their beliefs. A brief examination of some of these will document the contradictions.

  1. Mormonism today teaches “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s” (Doctrine & Covenants 130:22).
  2. Joseph Smith, later in his life, flatly denied the Trinity: “Many men say there is one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are one God! I saw that is a strange God anyhow – three in one, and one in three!” He further concludes that the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost are not one God, but rather three Gods (History of the Church 6:474, 476).
  3. The LDS Church no longer adheres to the unchangeable nature of God, but rather states: “God himself was once as we are now and is an exalted man… We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see”. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345).
  4. Bruce R. McConkie announces on page 73 of his work, ‘Mormon Doctrine’: “The Lord has ordained baptism for the dead as the means whereby all his worthy children of all ages can become heirs of salvation in his kingdom.”
  5. Mormonism today informs its members that all mankind will occupy one of three heavenly kingdoms. The highest is the Celestial Kingdom (which itself contains various levels). This kingdom is reserved for all faithful Mormons and could lead to Godhood for the male members there. The middle Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, is for those who did not accept the gospel according to Mormonism, but who lived an honorable life. The lowest or Telestial Kingdom still contains murderers, adulterers, liars and thieves. (Doctrine & Covenants section 76). Hell in Mormonism is usually thought to be only a temporary state of suffering, which can be terminated through selfatonement. In summary, all will be resurrected and receive some degree of glory, according to Mormonism.
  6. Mormons believe not in the infinite atonement of Christ, but rather that “redemption from personal sins can only be obtained through obedience to the requirements of the Gospel, AND A LIFE OF GOOD WORKS.” (emphasis added) (Talmage, Articles of Faith pgs. 478-479)

These changes and contradictions contained within these easily available LDS Scriptures leave no doubt as to the human, man made origin of Mormonism.

While Mormons regard the Bible as the Word of God, the Bible is actually placed lower and superseded by their other Scriptures, which in addition to the Book of Mormon include the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. This devaluation of the Bible is found within the LDS Articles of Faith, in the Pearl of Great Price, where it is stated that Mormons “believe the Bible in so far as it is correctly translated.”

God’s word, the Bible, has definitely stood the test of time, whereas in its short existence the Book of Mormon has not. The Bible, has been used by and confirmed by archeology, – the Book of Mormon has not. The Bible, has through recent ancient manuscript discoveries, been demonstrated to have been transmitted and translated accurately, where the Book of Mormon contains nearly 4000 textual changes from the first edition in 1830 to the present editions used today, and has received further changes in the new 1981 “Triple Combination” edition.

The presence of “Divine Truths” within the Book of Mormon is merely a result of Joseph Smith, Jr. incorporating much of the Bible into his work. (see ‘The use of the Bible in the Book of Mormon by H. Michael Marquardt). Thus, the Book of Mormon must be regarded as fiction, not as inspired Scripture.

Changes within Mormonism and the Book of Mormon make it clear that Mormonism is not from God. God’s word does not change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and His Word shall never pass away (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35). The Jesus Christ who shed his blood on Calvary’s cross to save you is not the Jesus of present-day Mormonism. Jesus invites all people to experience a spiritual rebirth and to receive the free gift of eternal life by trusting in him alone for salvation.

Write to us and let us share with you more information concerning our Risen Saviour Jesus Christ and how you can receive Him.

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