(Ping to Colo due to his earlier involvement in the topic.)
You have, MHG, referred to scripture that mentions the mind in relation to one’s testimony of Christ. These are instructive verses; we cannot have a testimony of Christ in our hearts without the knowledge first being placed in our minds. Therefore, we are instructed to study the scriptures and -learn- the truth. After that comes the testimony of the Holy Spirit.
Humor me, if you will, and take a look at Matthew 16: 15-17. I am certain that you are quite familiar with the following verses:
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Peter here proclaims his knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. And how did he receive this knowledge? How was it revealed to him? Not by man; not by the teaching of philosophy, or tradition, or even study of the scriptures. But it was revealed to him by the Father.
And what was the means of this revelation to Peter by the Father? We have no records at this time of Peter having seen angels, or having received a personal visitation from the Father. Jesus does not say that He revealed this knowledge to Peter, but that the Father did. It is my belief that the Father revealed this to Peter by means of the Holy Spirit - the testimony to Peter’s soul of the truth of the principle that Jesus is the Christ.
(It is to this same phenomenon, we believe, that Christ then refers as the “rock” upon which He would build His Church - the power of revelation, or the ability of the Holy Spirit to testify to the soul. And what happens when men choose to abandon this fount of knowledge? Are they any longer on the Lord’s rock? And therefore are they any longer the Lord’s Church? But if they remain on this rock, then the gates of Hell truly never will prevail against them. Such is my experience in my comparatively short life.)
I further declare that this same testimony is available, not only to the Apostles of Christ’s day, but to each of God’s children - you and me both - who will earnestly and sincerely request it. It can be utilized to discern all truth. How useful it is to have a universal truth detector at our ready disposal in spiritual matters!
I consider it, from my viewpoint, as one of the great tragedies of our age that the power and influence of this testimony of the Holy Spirit has been so roundly abandoned as a source of divine knowledge. Many truly good, earnest people are led astray by their refusal to accept this one simple principle. They stumble because the philosophies of men teach them to trust in the arm of flesh - manifest in the dogmas, traditions, and religious philosophy surrounding them - rather than in the arm of God - manifest (partly) in the revelation of the Holy Spirit to confirm the truths learned in scripture and the teachings of the prophets. But, then, many be called, but few chosen.
All this is why I say that the precepts of mainstream Christianity are as dross to me when compared to the pure, refined, abundant truth of God of which I have sampled. I have found a fine diamond, whereas others have only found a lump of coal. Is it any wonder, then, that you find me entirely intransigent on such things?
All I can do is invite. There are diamonds aplenty for all.
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All this is why I say that the precepts of mainstream Christianity are as dross to me when compared to the pure, refined, abundant truth of God of which I have sampled. I have found a fine diamond, whereas others have only found a lump of coal. Is it any wonder, then, that you find me entirely intransigent on such things?
Tantiboh, you said:
“All this is why I say that the precepts of mainstream Christianity are as dross to me when compared to the pure, refined, abundant truth of God of which I have sampled. I have found a fine diamond, whereas others have only found a lump of coal. Is it any wonder, then, that you find me entirely intransigent on such things?”
You have just masterfully shown, as a Mormon, Tantiboh, your utter contempt for “mainstream Christianity.” Very well placed, I notice, at the end of a long thread, so most will not read it.
Never fear. I have it bookmarked, and am going to throw these words back at you every chance I get.
And you accuse others of being judgmental?
Oh, and by the way, I put Mitt Romney in the same boat as you — that’s why I won’t vote for him. He obviously believes the same thing since he is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Would he have a different belief than this, one of the main tenets of your church, as espoused by Joseph Smith, your false prophet?
Sorry but you are unable to tell the difference between a shinny piece of glass and a diamond.
You have fallen for the piece of worthless glass.
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NIV Matthew 16:13-18 13. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14. They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17. Jesus replied, " 18. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. |
Are you SURE you are part of that organization that claims it is as 'christian' as any of the Protestant and/or Catholics are??