WAS A “RESTORATION” OF THE GOSPEL NECESSARY?

mormon.org ^ | 2009 | mormon.org

[svcw]

“Nothing less than a complete apostasy from the Christian religion would warrant the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”—History of the Church, Volume 1, p. XL

According to LDS Scripture, the Apostle John (D&C 7) and the three Nephites (3 Nephi 28) never died. So, how could Gospel “authority” have left the earth, needing “restoration”?

“…in the latter times some shall depart from the faith…”—1 Timothy 4:1

If only “some” would depart from the faith, how could a “complete apostasy” have occurred? Did Jesus fail to preserve His Church against the gates of hell?

“I will build MY church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” —Matthew 16:18

“...that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once [for all time] delivered unto the saints.” —Jude 3

“...but though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” —Galatians 1:9

[wmfights]

I've been called worse things than, "protestant", in my life.

Amen brother! Just keep preaching Christ Crucified.

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Afterall, it’s all(mormonism) based on Joseph Smith’s say so. No one else was witness to his claim of having been visited. He wrote the story (many different versions mind you) with nary another person present to witness this “event”.

Who was present when Phillip was allegedly transported away from the ethiopian?

[svcw]

Well well right on time. What a surprise.

[Saundra Duffy]

Was the Reformation founded by Martin Luther necessary?

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Well well right on time. What a surprise.

Ah. I'll take that as an "I don't know". :-)

[Graybeard58]

Amen brother! Just keep preaching Christ Crucified.

Until I'm taken into the clouds or covered with clods, whichever comes first.

[svcw]

What was the question?

[svcw]

It was for Luther.

[Normandy]

Hi Colofornian

Thanks for the kind reply.

It seems like the faith and works relationship is at the crux of many discussions between Mormons and Protestants.

When reading the New Testament I find many, many places where Jesus gives commandments about how we should live. For example, the Sermon on the Mount contains many instructions and exhortations about behavior.

Throughout his ministry he called upon people to repent and to sin no more. In the parable of the sheep and the goats he explains that those who will inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world will be those who were charitable and kind to the less fortunate.

I can find nothing in the words of Christ where sin is excused. We can’t be saved in our sins - but we can be saved from our sins on condition of repentance.

I would never claim that our works save us - they don’t - but we are commanded to repent and “bring forth fruits meet for repentance”.

Is there a contradiction between letting people alone to practice their religion as they please and sending missionaries to share the message of the Latter-day Saints?

I don’t think there is really. It would be a problem if Mormon missionaries pestered and harrassed people who didn’t want anything to do with the message — but they don’t do that. They invite people to learn more if they are interested.

I think that’s a fair way to act in a free society. I have no trouble with Jehovah’s witnesses coming to my door and inviting me to learn more, or anyone from any other religion so long as they are respectful and will leave me alone if I say I’m not interested.

Glad we can be friendly :)

Normandy

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Real Jesus Christ placemarker

[svcw]

In essence Luther said:

- People could only win salvation by faith in God's forgiveness.

-The Bible was the one true authority.

Sandy if you are arguing this is equal to Joe Smith's "restoration", I do not know how you could be more wrong.

[Tennessee Nana]

You folks realize that GENTILE (to MORMONs) is ANYONE who is NOT Mormon.
_______________________________________

Yeah that mormon “Gentile” equates to the Moslem “infidel”

[svcw]

Nana that is funny.

[Saundra Duffy]

At one time I hung around with Pentecostal Church of God folks who believe in “holiness” and that speaking in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost. The “holiness” part of it is that you need to lead a clean and pure life in order to really be saved. Correct me if I’m wrong (which I’m sure you will).

Anyway, my point is that Christians believe differently but the basic belief in Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind, is the center of it all. We Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Redeemer - the Great Jehovah in the Old Testament and the Savior in the New Testament (for a start).

There are so many different sects of the Protestant faith that it boggles the mind. Look in the phone book. No wonder Joseph Smith was instructed to not join any of them. At the time when Joseph was 14 years old (when he had the first vision), there was this huge stampede of different preachers (the “burned over district”) in New York.

I think you guys are really overdoing it with your criticisms of us Mormons. We don’t deserve it.

[Tennessee Nana]

But unfortunately it is true

[restornu]

Resty doesnt know ...

Not knowledge, no discernment, no power...

***

Mindreading again!

[colorcountry]

Still waiting, Sandy.

What is the Gospel you said you are so willing to proclaim?

[Tennessee Nana]

There are so many different sects of the Protestant faith that it boggles the mind
______________________________________________

Then stop claiming that mormonism is a “sect” of the “Protestant faith” of Christianity...

The you wont be boggle minded...

[xzins]

No.

Anyone who claims the gospel needed restoring is in direct opposition to scripture.

Reformation, yes.

Restoration, no.

Restoration is heresy.

[Tennessee Nana]

Does your bishop know that you are usurping the role of a mormon priest ???