I guess you need a reminder about a key NT verse from Jesus: "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:39-40)
This is the big problem you have. You assume that Lord Jesus is only linked to folks by the institutional umbrella they have a membership in. You are in error.
You assume that mass priesthood=automatic salvation of some sort. I don't think any Scripturally based evangelical would say being a mere appendage to the body--no matter how orthodox--is what saves you. Too many LDS practically rewrite Eph. 2:8-9 to be: "You are saved by membership thru faith in Joseph Smith."
Surely you've heard the phrase, "God has no grandchildren."
Let's review the LDS structure: LDS general authorities tell LDS not to pray & communicate directly with Jesus. Apostle Bruce McConkie told BYU students in the early 80s not to seek a "special relationship" with Jesus.
The temple recommend may not really have ANYTHING to do w/evaluating a person on his relationship to Jesus. LDS belief is eternal life for everybody in the world except apostates & the real evil folks...as most folks may eventually escape spirit prison. But what does Jesus say: "Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3)
Eternal life is not membership in the LDS church. [As a matter of fact, Jesus said the tares are mixed together w/the wheat; and half of the virgins expecting to eternally related to Jesus in Matt 25:1-10 were "left in the dark."] Eternal life is not baptism by proxy. Eternal life or exaltation is not based upon what man you marry, or that you are married.
No, John 17:3 says the key relationship is w/Jesus. And everywhere you look in Mormonism, every relationship BUT Jesus is either frowned upon or substituted. As Jesus said, "You refuse to come to me."
“You assume that Lord Jesus is only linked to folks by the institutional umbrella they have a membership in.”
This is untrue. Christians all over the world have a real relationship with Christ. One of the stronger spiritual experiences I’ve had was while listening to an Evangelist pray - he had real faith. Faith is a universal principle, and God responds to it regardless of our denomination.
“The temple recommend may not really have ANYTHING to do w/evaluating a person on his relationship to Jesus.”
This is incorrect. One of the questions asked of us in the temple recommend interview is whether we have a testimony of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we cannot answer yes, then we cannot have the recommend until we can.
“LDS belief is eternal life for everybody in the world except apostates & the real evil folks.”
This is not true. Please do some research before you assert incorrect information. I will be happy to explain LDS beliefs to you if you want to listen.
John 3:16
Rom 10:13
Jesus said, “Whosoever comes to me, I will in no wise cast out.”
You are confusing churches and their doctrines with the saving grace of our Lord.
Hopefully, we’re saved based on the promises in His word and not based on our denomination having its doctrine correct.
I always thought that it was “through grace ~we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.”