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

[reaganaut]

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

- - - - - - -
Then how could He, according to Mormon doctrine, progress from a spirit child to a god?

[reaganaut]

ordinance don’t change at a whim

-= - - - - - - -

You forgot the major changes to the Temple ceremonies, esp the Endowment and the Washing and anointings.

Those are ordinances that changed ‘on a whim’.

[reaganaut]

and if they want to come and learn more about Mormonism I would welcome them and encourage them to do so.

- - - - - - -
The problem is, N, that the LDS have this policy of ‘milk before meat’ which means that those looking into the LDS church are NOT told MOST of their doctrines.

This lying by omission is problematic when LDS tell people to ask them for info about Mormonism because 99% of members WILL NOT TELL ‘investigators’ everything.

I would be a lot less harsh on the LDS if they were more ‘up front’ about their unique doctrines to outsiders.

[reaganaut]

I took up knitting while I waited...

I have enough blankets now to start a hotel...

- - - - - -
gonna send me one? :D

[reaganaut]

“The only ‘restoration’ coming is the removal of all filtration systems installed over time to ‘control’ for power the WORD of God.”

- - - - - - -
Mormons believe He will reign from Missouri (where the Garden of Eden was) and that they (the LDS) will be rulers or ‘right hand men’.

Mormon eschatology is really quite interesting, even though it is completely unbiblical.

[reaganaut]

I think I’ll call on the Inmans to formally add you to the ThuRsday prayer thread.

- - - - - -
I agree and I also agree that like, T.P. Pole, Normandy is a breath of fresh air and a joy to discuss with.

[reaganaut]

Jesus is my advocate with the Father and He loves me.

- - - - - -
Yes He does, so much He died on the Cross for YOU. But the LDS worship a false Christ and a false Christ cannot save.

I’m sorry, SD. It really breaks my heart to see someone who obviously has the desire to serve the Lord blinded by such an evil cult that draws people away from Christ.

I will keep you in my prayers, that your eyes may be opened.

[reaganaut]

Seriously, Reaganaut, I don’t know any believing Latter-day Saint who insults or disparages Jesus Christ. Without him we have nothing

- - - - - - - -
I am not saying that they do it willingly or even knowingly. They DO disparage those who believe in salvation by grace alone (gracers, reborns, bornagainandagainandagainers).

I didn’t think I was insulting Christ when I was LDS, I thought I was a Christian.

But the LDS doctrines themselves insult and disparage Christ. They insult His sacrifice by thinking we can ‘help’ in our salvation, they insult His status by saying He is a created being who earned His godhood, they insult His death by saying the sin bearing took place in the Garden.

It is only once you break free of the blinders and chains are you really appalled by how the LDS insult Christ.

You still have time, you don’t need a ‘refund’ you need a whole new Savior. The LDS one won’t save you, he will just work you to death.

[reaganaut]

I’ll chime in...I love the Biblical Jesus!

Do you love the Biblical Jesus:

- Never created or made
- God from eternity to eternity
- Came to earth, never losing his eternal Godhood
- Had an infinite, perfect, sinless life on earth
- Laid down His perfect, infinite life to pay for the sins of mankind
- Is Savior, therefore, to all who place faith in His Gracious Gift (the gospel)
- Ascended back to heaven after rising from the dead and sits at the right hand of God the Father

[reaganaut]

Now, Resty. I appreciate you don’t like what we are saying, but we are not like the Pharisees, we are not legalists but the LDS are.

And I only push you so hard because I really do like you, I even love you. It breaks my heart to see you so devoted to the LDS when I KNOW, absolutely, that life in Christ (outside of the LDS) is SO SO SO much better. And I want that for you.

HUGS.

[reaganaut]

In order for Christ’s sacrifice to become effective in our lives we must believe in Him, repent of our sins and have a mighty change of heart — be born again. We need to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and endure in faith to the end of our lives which I take to mean striving to keep the commandments of God and continuing to repent of our sins when we fall short.

- - - - - - - -
Thank you for your cando. THAT is a gospel of works, works are required to make “Christ’s sacrifice effective” and needed to return to God the Father.

That is different from what Christians believe Grace is. We must believe only (repentance and baptism usually accompanies this but isn’t necessary) to make Christ’s blood cover us and our sins. That does not give us license to sin, but it also does not mean that Grace is conditional upon our ‘worthiness’ or our actions. Grace is Grace is Grace.

Right there is exactly where Christians have issues with the LDS claiming to be Christians, it is ‘another gospel’ than what the Bible teaches.

Best,

R

[reaganaut]

I am extremely grateful to live in a country where I can practice my religion freely. There are many places in the world where people are not so blessed.

- - - - —
Yeah. Here is a site that shows REAL persecution of Real Christians.

htttp://www.persecution.org

Persecution is NOT questioning doctrine. That comes with freedom of religion too.

[xzins]

I don’t think my writings are inspired, either. In fact, I’m certain of it.

I do, however, think that the Book of Acts is.

After the Baptism, the Holy Spirit snatched Philip away. The Eunuch didn’t see him because he was deep into rejoicing. Philip showed up on return in Azotus and began preaching the gospel.

Sounds like both went into ecstasy after the baptism and went different directions. The Eunuch to Ethiopia and Philip back to the north, showing up in the vicinity of Azotus.

[xzins]

Ha! If you wuz MORMON, you could be an elder withOUT being ‘ordained’!

And if I was a racehorse, I'd get waited on hand and foot (hoof and hoof?)

Biblical elders clearly were ordained by those in authority laying hands on those to receive authority.

I'm betting even those Mormon adolescents whom you call "elders" have some kind of authorization ceremony by some authority.

[Elsie]

He's BACK!

[Elsie]

(Some might have missed this:)

Until then, Christians have a Biblical mandate to correct, and warn of, false doctrine.

[Elsie]

 

BTW LDS women have all the knowledge of the Priesthood

 

 

(Cue the music to: Someday My Prince Will Come)

---

---

---

OFFICIAL DECLARATION #3

 

To Whom It May Concern:

On April 5, 2002, at the 173rd Annual General Conference of The Corporation of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the following was presented by President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church:

In early January of this year, the First Presidency announced that a revelation had been received by President Gordon B. Hinkley extending priesthood and temple blessings to all members of the Church, regardless of gender. President Hinkley has asked that I advise the conference that after he had received this revelation, which came to him after extended consultation with his marketing advisors , he presented it to his counselors, who accepted it under duress and approved it. It was then presented to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who, after much back biting and evil speaking, unanimously approved it, and was subsequently presented to all other General Authorities, who likewise knew on which side their bread was buttered.

President Hinckley has asked that I now read this letter:

January 12, 2003

To all general and local priesthood officers of The Corporation of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world:

Dear Brethren:

As we have witnessed the slowing expansion of the church of the Lord, we have been grateful that credulous people of both genders have responded to the message of the restored gospel, though in many parts of the world there are insufficient active, priesthood-holding men to run even a small branch. This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.

Aware of the groundless personal biases of the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us, yet witnessing the faithfulness of those sisters from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly with the less enlightened brethren on behalf of these, our faithful sisters, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple twisting arms and threatening imeritus status.

Also, the Lord has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that we have been sexist pigs and control freaks and that the long-overdue day has come when every faithful, worthy person in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with her loved ones every blessing that flows there-from, including the blessings of telling men what to do. Accordingly, all worthy members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for gender or sexual orientation. Priesthood leaders are instructed to follow the policy of carefully interviewing all candidates for ordination to either the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood to insure that they meet the established standards for worthiness. Priesthood leaders are also reminded that what people do in the privacy of their own bedrooms is none of your business.

We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel.

Sincerely yours,

GORDON B. HINCKLEY
THOMAS S. MONSON
JAMES E. FAUST

The First Presidency

Recognizing Gordon B. Hinckley as the prophet, seer, and chief executive officer of The Corporation of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is proposed that we as a constituent assembly accept this revelation as the word and will of the Lord. All in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed can shove it up their *.

The vote to sustain the foregoing motion was unanimous in the affirmative.

Salt Lake City, Utah, April 5, 2003.

 

---

---

Disclaimer and credit due giver:  OFFICIAL DECLARATION #3    was adapted by Stray Mutt for the Salamander Society on 05/24/2002

[Elsie]

Those are ordinances that changed ‘on a whim’.

Well; they wuzn't SCRIPTURAL to begin with; so what difference does it make if the CHURCH changes them?

--MormonDude(Sometimes I wonder about the logic that courses thru an ANTIs mind...)

[Elsie]

 

Mormons believe He will reign from Missouri (where the Garden of Eden was) and that they (the LDS) will be rulers or ‘right hand men’.

 

Yup; It's right here!!

 

 

 

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
History of the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 535—541

 

 

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

 

[Elsie]

Did SOMEone say HOOF?

Gimme a treat and there'll be no trouble.