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June 18, 2006

Mormons: What They Believe. Witnessing to a Mormon

Filed under: Bible Studies, Old & New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 8:58 pm

WITNESSING TO MORMANS

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, JR.

12 June 2006

 

  

WHAT MORMONS REALLY TEACH
Polytheism  

 God was once a man  
Sin was necessary  

 Polygamy is right  
Jesus had three wives  

 Man works his way to heaven  

1. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS?First of all, when you start to quote scripture to a Mormon they will tell you that there are errors in our bible (King James…. NIV…etc.) so that is why they say that the Mormons had to re-write some of the text.First of all, when you start to quote scripture to a Mormon they will tell you that there are errors in our bible (King James…. NIV…etc.) so that is why they say that the Mormons had to re-write some of the text.

First of all, when you start to quote scripture to a Mormon they will tell you that there are errors in our bible (King James…. NIV…etc.) so that is why they say that the Mormons had to re-write some of the text.

  • The Mormons believe in 4 books:
    • The King James Bible, as far as it is translated correctly. The Mormons believe that the Bible has been severely corrupted by scribes and translators.
    • The Book of Mormon (reported to be historically accurate work about Jewish people in Central America from the 6th Century BC to the 15th Century AD)
    • The Doctrine and Covenants (138 revelations reportedly given directly to Joseph Smith)
    • The Pearl of Great Price (a collection of 5 documents).

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE:

  • Ask the Mormon to show historical evidence outside of the Book of Mormon for the places, people and nations mentioned in The Book of Mormon.
    • They can’t. No archaeology has ever turned up anything.
  • Ask the Mormon if it bothers them that there is NO clear and convincing evidence to support the claims of the Book of Mormon, while every other ancient document gives thousands of pieces of evidence to support the King James Bible.
  • The book of Mormon has been proven incorrect by archaeologists, anthropologists and bible scholars.
  • The Mormons believe that God is not powerful enough, is not competent enough, to keep his bible from being corrupted. If that was so, then he is not all powerful, not omnipresent, and no god at all. That would make the entire bible a lie, not worthy of study or belief.

 

Christians believe that the Bible, given by God’s Spirit is complete in itself and needs no additions. In fact, additions to the Bible are forbidden.  

     

  • Deuteronomy 4:2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

    • Deuteronomy 12:32 See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.
          •   

        • Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

          • Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
                  

              • Revelations 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

 Mormons believe that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.  

that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

2. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT GOD?Mormons believe:

  • God is an exalted man named Elohim with a physical body of flesh and bone.
  • He didn’t create anything from nothing, he just “organized” everything.
  • His knowledge is great, but limited, it keeps growing as He turns less man and more god.
  • He has not always existed but was derived from another great god.
  • That God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men.
  • They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

 

Christians believe that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.  

      

  • Psalms 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

    • Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

    Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

    Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

      

  • Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    • For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

      

  • John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
        

    • 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
          

      • 1 Tim 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

        • Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

        Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

        Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

          

      • Jude 1: 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

        • to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

        to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

        to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.

that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.

that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.

 Mormons believe that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.  

that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

3. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT SIN? 

 

Christians believe that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.  

      

  • Romans 5:12-19 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned– 13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
        

    • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      • For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

        

    • Ephesians 2:1,3 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
          

      • John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

        • The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

        The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

        The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

          

      • Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

        • Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

        Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

        Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

      • As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

      As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

      As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

    • Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned–

    Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned–

    Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned–

that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.

that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.

that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.

 Mormons believe that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.  

that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.

that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.

that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.

4. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT SALVATION? 

 

Christians believe that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.  

      

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
        

    • John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
          

      • John 14:1-3, 6 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
            

        • 1 John 3:1,2 1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.

that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.

that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.

 Mormons believe  

  • Not totally a work of God through Christ on the cross.
  • Jesus’ prayers and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the cross, and through the resurrection, immortality has been granted to everyone, regardless of belief.
  • Salvation comes through gaining enough merit to secure the greatest type of salvation.
  • This highest salvation can be gained by those who are already dead through the prayers of the living.
  • The fullest kind of Mormon salvation is exaltation (godhood). It is only available to Mormons.

WEB SITES:

http://www.lifeafter.org/Christian_Mormons.asp

Is Jesus God?

Mormonism – Mormons hold that Jesus is not God and was in fact created, not creator. What’s more, Mormon teaching asserts that Jesus and Satan are brothers. “The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer–this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind.” Milton R. Hunter, The Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15.Christianity - The REAL Jesus is the only begotten Son (in the Hebrew “begotten” means heir, not off-spring) and He is God the Son. John 1:1 reads “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:14 goes onto say “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Clearly the Bible, particularly the Gospel According to John, is telling us the story of Jesus. Jesus is described as the “Word.” The “Word” is called God. Not “A God” but God! The Gospel of John then says that this God, known as the “Word” became flesh, real, temporal and tangible and lived among us. We know Jesus did this and this is afterall, the Gospel of Christ according to John. More evidence shows that Jesus called Himself God and the Jews tried to stone him for it, John 10:30-33. “We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Clearly the Jews understood Jesus’ meaning, else why would they attempt to stone Him? Is. 44:6, God of the Old Testiment says “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Rev. 1:18, Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and Omega the First and the Last.” Which of the two is lying? They both can’t be first and last unless they are one in the same. Is. 43:10 God says, “Before me there were no gods formed, nor will there be after.” If Jesus is “A” God, then this scripture would have to be wrong because Jesus’ very existence, given the Mormon position that Jesus is A god but not Father God, would be evidence of another God. Therefore, God was wrong that there would be no other gods. And being wrong would make Him imperfect. And if He is imperfect, He is therefore not God. By contrast, if Jesus “IS” God, then this scripture remains true and consistent with his claims of deity in John 10, Rev. 1 and the claims of Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Savior in Is. 9:6 where Isaiah calls him “Wonderful, Counselor, All Mighty God, the Everlasting FATHER, the Prince of Peace.” NOTE: This scripture was the basis of Handel’s Messiah sung every Christmas by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City. Finally, only God can forgive sins and yet on several occasions in the gospels we see Jesus forgiving sin. Matt. 9:2, Lk. 7:48.The contention that Mormons are Christians is troubling to say the least. CHRIST-ians believe that Christ IS God. To believe otherwise is fine if that’s what you wish, but don’t call yourself a Christian. A Christian believes that “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him” Col. 1:16. Christians believe Christ IS God.

Gods or God?

Mormonism – “In the beginning the head of Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people on it…in all congregations when I have preached on the subiect of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods.” Joseph Smith, History of the (Mormon) Church, Vol. 6, pp.308, 474.- “In the beginning the head of Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people on it…in all congregations when I have preached on the subiect of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods.” Joseph Smith, History of the (Mormon) Church, Vol. 6, pp.308, 474.Christianity - “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen. 1:1. “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” Is. 43:10-11.The two positions above are in complete opposition to each other. Yet when pressed, the best Mormons can offer is that since it’s written in what they consider sacred texts (which the bible may or may not belong depending on who you talk to), it’s a fact. Of course when asked to reconcile that God cannot lie and in light of the fact that the Bible came first, and the Book of Mormon says something different — implying God lied or changed His mind — the best the Mormons can offer is mere shrug saying “What can I tell you, you’re not ready to believe.”

Is there a Mrs. God?

Mormomism – “In the heaven where our spirits were born, there are many Gods, each of whom has a wife or wives, which were given to him…while yet in a mortal state.” Orson Pratt, (Apostle), The Seer, pg. 37. “The doctrine that there is a Mother in Heaven was affirmed in all plainness by the First Presidency of the Church.” Bruce R. McConkie (Apostle), Mormon Doctrine, p. 516.Christianity – There is absolutely no mention of any wives of God. ” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” Matt. 22:29-30.- There is absolutely no mention of any wives of God.Again, the best any Mormon can do is turn to Mormon texts to back up his argument. If faced with an insistant Christian requiring he back up his claims with biblical scripture, the Mormon will always provide you with one of two solutions: 1) a misinterpreted, taken-out-of-context scripture or 2) a shrug and say “I don’t know what to tell you, I guess you’re not ready to believe.”

Is anything Impossible for God?

Mormonism – “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s,” Doctrine and Covenents, 130:22. “If God possesses a form, that form is of necessity of definite proportions, and therefore of limited extention and space. It is impossible for Him to occupy at one time more than one space of such limits.” James Talmage, Articles of Faith, page 43.

Christianity – Christians believe God is not limited by a temporal body, He knows everything immediately without benefit of sensory organs, and sustains the existence of all that exists. It follows that He is in some sense present everywhere. Certainly it is the Bible’s explicit teaching that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:3-10, 1 Kings 8:27, Jer. 23:23-24, Acts 17:24-27, Matt 18:20), belief that Mormons do not hold. Mormons know that if God is omnipresent, he can’t be flesh and bone. Lastly, John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit.” This is what Christians believe because it is IN scripture. Mormons contend that God is as Talmage taught, a god of flesh and bones. Despite the evidence of scripture, Mormons tell Christians they are wrong and point to extra-bible Mormon writings as evidence. Despite lacking what Christians can present in the form of Biblical evidence, Mormons still contend that they are right and Christians are wrong. So if Christians are wrong, why would Mormons now wish to call themselves Christians?- Christians believe God is not limited by a temporal body, He knows everything immediately without benefit of sensory organs, and sustains the existence of all that exists. It follows that He is in some sense present everywhere. Certainly it is the Bible’s explicit teaching that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:3-10, 1 Kings 8:27, Jer. 23:23-24, Acts 17:24-27, Matt 18:20), belief that Mormons do not hold. Mormons know that if God is omnipresent, he can’t be flesh and bone. Lastly, John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit.” This is what Christians believe because it is IN scripture. Mormons contend that God is as Talmage taught, a god of flesh and bones. Despite the evidence of scripture, Mormons tell Christians are wrong and point to extra-bible Mormon writings as evidence. Despite lacking what Christians can present in the form of Biblical evidence, Mormons still contend that they are right and Christians are wrong. So Once again, the differences between the Christian God and the Mormon god are indisputable. Given the verses shown above, it is mindboggling to this Christian how Mormons can keep a straight face and preach this kind of ‘gospel.’ We have contended on several occasions, it is Mormons and Mormons alone who put limits on God. Note that Talmage reads into God’s nature based on the teachings of Joseph Smith, that God is as Joseph taught. Talmage says God is limited. He also says that something is impossible for God. Chrsitians believe that all things exist because of God and therefore nothing is impossible for the author of all things.http://www.truthinlovetomormons.com/site_map.htmhttp://www.livingwaters.com/witnessingtool/howtowitnesstomormons.shtml

http://www.mrm.org/multimedia/text/2john10.html

http://www.thechristiandefense.com/weblog_entry.php?e=138

http://ateam.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2005/12/30/1554958.html

Words from Billy Graham regarding “cults”….

The basic mark of any cult, however, is that it rejects the divinity of Jesus. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh—that He alone was both fully man and fully God. Cults, however, deny this, and often confuse people who aren’t familiar with the Bible by twisting its meaning.

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