Elder D. Todd Christofferson: 'The blessing of scripture' - Mormon (Open)

LDS Church News ^ | April 3, 2010

[Colofornian]

The scriptures are a blessing from the Lord, showing forth His power "to save and exalt His children," Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the Saturday afternoon session of conference.

William Tyndale gave his life in 1536, Elder Christofferson said, because of his desire to make the Bible accessible to people beyond the clergy. Tyndale was put to death because he translated and published the Bible in English.

"Tyndale's work became the foundation for almost all future English translations of the Bible, most notably the King James Version," Elder Christofferson said.

SNIP

He pointed out, "In Tyndale's day, scriptural ignorance abounded because people lacked access to the Bible, especially in a language they could understand. Today, the Bible and other scripture are readily at hand, yet there is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books."

Next, he said, "God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions and sin with its devastating effects," Elder Christofferson said. "He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential."

SNIP

Besides having the Bible today, Latter-day Saints have 900 additional pages of scripture, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, Elder Christofferson pointed out, along with the words of living prophets.

[Colofornian]

From the Lds General Conference talk: "God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions...

Yes, He does...the Bible is indeed a two-edged sword...
...including cutting to the marrow of Lds heresies like...
...about who man is -- NOT a "god in embryo," as Lds claim;
...and cuts through "erroneous thinking"...
...such as the fall of Adam & Eve in the garden was something to be "celebrated" because they associate sin with having babies...and that parenthood wouldn't have been possible without sin...and that becoming a god wouldn't have been possible without sin...
...and "false traditions" like baptizing dead people...and focusing more on the grave than upon those alive!!!

From the general conference talk: William Tyndale gave his life in 1536, Elder Christofferson said, because of his desire to make the Bible accessible to people beyond the clergy. Tyndale was put to death because he translated and published the Bible in English. "Tyndale's work became the foundation for almost all future English translations of the Bible, most notably the King James Version," Elder Christofferson said.

And we all know that the King James Version Bible became the plagiaristic source for Joseph Smith as he copied...
...a couple of dozen chapters from the prophet Isaiah word-for-word into the Book of Mormon...
...plus about 27,000 overall words airlifted, thee-for-thee and thou-for-thou, from the Bible into the Book of Mormon (even though 1830 America didn't use "thee" and "thou" in everyday language).

Some times it got Smith into trouble by revealing his true source -- that it wasn't "gold plates," after all, that he was "translating."

Example #1: 2 Nephi 23 of the Book of Mormon is a word-for-word theft of Isaiah 13 [and please note...that the italicized words of Isaiah 13, KJ Version during Joseph Smith's day, were not in the original Hebrew from which the KJV was translated...So if they weren't in the Hebrew, how did Nephi get them? Did he reach into the future of 1611 in the UK, and superimpose them into golden plates between 559 and 545 BC?]

Example #2 Per http://www.undergroundnotes.com/Smithbook.pdf -- In the "Mosiah" chapter fourteen in the Book of Mormon, Isaiah chapter fifty-three is copied word for word, including the italicized words that the King James translators added for clarity! There are sixteen italicized words from the King James Bible in "Mosiah" fourteen. The list of italicized words are
and(three times),
there is,
our,
was (twice),
he was,
was any,
his (twice),
a portion (once).
How did these italicized words from a 1611 translation get into a document that was supposedly written before the time of Christ? The answer is obvious: Smith copied them when plagiarizing the King James translation of the prophet Isaiah.

Example #3: Finally, compare 1 Nephi 22:20 in the Book of Mormon with Acts 3:22:

Acts 3:22, as cited by the Kings James Translators in 1611 using common 17th-century language of the era to translate something from over 1500 years prior:

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you (Acts 3:22)

Now compare that to 1 Nephi 22:20, as cited by Joseph Smith in 1830 using common 1611 language to "translate" something supposedly originally said 2400 years earlier -- and 600+ years PRIOR to Peter's quotation.

The issue is not the paraphrases of the first 7 words of Acts 3:22 or the first 19 words of 1 Nephi 22:20...It's what follows: Acts 3:22: "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you...like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you"
...Compared & Contrasted to...
1 Nephi 22:20: "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you"

Except for "unto your brethren" midway between the above two phrases in Acts 3:22, 'tis the exact SAME King James language "paraphrase," even though the NT was in Greek and the Book of Mormon supposedly wasn't -- and even though 19th century Americans were closer to 1950s American than 1611 speech wise!

Please note, Mormons, that when you "paraphrase" someone you do exactly that -- you paraphrase. You don't quote someone word for word for 27 exact King James English words within two phrases -- putting the exact same semi-colon at the exact same spot...and you certainly don't quote exactly somebody supposedly speaking over 600 years in the future of your statement in a historical colloquialism from 200 years behind you in its exact translation. (Please also check Dt. 18:15, 18 and you'll see that indeed BOTH Acts 3:22 and 1 Nephi 22:20 are EACH paraphrases of those verses).

Bottom line: The apostle Peter paraphrased Moses in his original language; and the Book of Mormon writer -- IF it was a historical doc -- could also paraphrase Moses in his own language within a separate venue. (No concern in and of itself). It's only when you compare the additional generations of paraphrasing and translating that it becomes quite obvious where Smith got his source for 1 Nephi 22:20.

Illustration: If one of your FR posts was published in the year 3800 in a publication -- and they used an exact version of that quotation as it appeared in a British cockney-slang or Scottish colloquial vocab-adapted publication as published in the year 3575 -- I don't think future FReepers would tell us with a straight face that the author of the year 3800 publication "translated" the original<>/i> Freeper source from gold-plated Freeper documents written in the year 2010...with his face stuck in a hat.

[acipher]

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_translation_method/Mainly_italics_altered

[Colofornian]

From the article: Latter-day Saints have 900 additional pages of scripture...

#118I 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. 19And 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. (Revelation 22:18-19)

#2 What do some of these "scriptures" have to say about the historic Christian church?
...labels Catholics, Protestants, & Orthodox as:
..."the church of Satan" per the Book of Mormon;
...100% creedally abominable -- with nary a single creed that honors God per the Pearl of Great Price;
...a false & dead church per Doctrine & Covenants;
..."corrupt" professors -- ALL of us -- per the Pearl of Great Price;
...not worthy of joining -- NONE of us -- per the Pearl of Great Price

[Colofornian]

From the article: William Tyndale gave his life in 1536, Elder Christofferson said, because of his desire to make the Bible accessible...

(Oh. And BTW. Lds have labeled William Tyndale and everybody else who labored on Bible translations from those centuries as "apostates"...they claim the ENTIRE Christian church, minus the apostle John, and a few Book of Mormon disciples, went into apostasy).

(Oh, and get this...
...the apostle John and these disciples supposedly have never died...
...which, of course, begs the question that if they never died, why did the church need to be "restored?" Weren't they still authorized as God's representatives to carry out His authority? Doesn't that make Joseph Smith...
...superflous...
...unnecessary...
...irrelevant???)

[Tennessee Nana]

William Tyndale and Joey Smith...

Nope no connection there...

Tyndale was a man of God...

Smith was anything but...

[Elsie]

The scriptures are a blessing from the Lord, showing forth His power "to save and exalt His children," Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the Saturday afternoon session of conference.

Especially that Scripture we all know and love: The Book of ABRAHAM.

[Elsie]

He pointed out, "In Tyndale's day, scriptural ignorance abounded because people lacked access to the Bible, especially in a language they could understand.

While today, the Mormons (Salt Lake City bunch) have SCRIPTURE that they have IGNORED since 1890; while EXCOMMUNICATING those who acting try to FOLLOW it!

(How hypocritical is THAT?)

[Elsie]

He pointed out, "In Tyndale's day, scriptural ignorance abounded because people lacked access to the Bible, especially in a language they could understand.

 

 

If all of those early 'mormons' had any Bible knowledge; the would have KNOWN that it was inspired of the DEVIL!!

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KJV

 Galatians 1:6-9

 6.  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
 7.  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
 8.  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.
 9.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
 

 

 

 

ANYBODY???

 

Like this fine looking fellow???

 

 

 

 

 

2 Corinthians 11:12-15

 12.  But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
 13.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
 14.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
 15.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

 

Like THESE guys??

 

 

 

 

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/19#19

 

 

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

 

 

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Ephesians 2:1-2 

1.  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

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1 Corinthians 4:17
  For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

 

1 Corinthians 11:2
   Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:15
   Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

 

2 Timothy 1:13
   Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

 

2 Timothy 3:14-15
 14.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
 15.  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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What do PRESENT DAY Mormons use for an excuse?

[Elsie]

Besides having the Bible today, Latter-day Saints have 900 additional pages of scripture, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, Elder Christofferson pointed out, along with the words of living prophets.

And STILL mormonISM is fragmenting all over the place!!

---

From the mouth of a late Prophet of MORMONism:

 

In conclusion let us summarize this grand key, these “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”, for our salvation depends on them.

1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

I testify that these fourteen fundamentals in following the living prophet are true. If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal captain—how close do our lives harmonize with the Lord’s anointed—the living Prophet—President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency.

Ezra Taft Benson

(Address given Tuesday, February 26, 1980 at Brigham Young University)

 

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[Colofornian]

Els, you cited The scriptures are a blessing from the Lord, showing forth His power "to save and exalt His children..."

Mormonese interpreted for lurkers: When Mormons use the word "exalt" they mean their grand illusion that they, too, will become a god of their own planet...somebody to be adored & worshiped 24/7 and prayed to by their offspring of whatever planet they lord it over.

Also from the article: He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential."

As you can see, Mormonism shares the same "inspirational" source as the New Age movement...given they describe these things as self-realization as being "divine." Hence, when this Lds speakers talks about "realiz[ing] our divine potential," the word they have had for decades from their Lds "prophets" is that on this side of the veil they are "gods-in-embryo," [their label, not mine]...
...and on the other side of the veil they (if they are temple Mormons who retain their tithe-qualified temple recommend, that is), they grow up into "godhood" status as they eternally "progress."

[svcw]

I am sorry but this statement makes zero sense if you also believe that you will become a god. The scriptures are a blessing from the Lord, showing forth His power "to save and exalt His children," Elder D. Todd Christofferson

[Nosterrex]

Even the Devil can appear as an angel of light. For someone that does not know what the Mormons believe, it is a very deceptive cult. It has all the trappings of a religion, including good works, but it misleads so many people.

[Vigilanteman]

As opposed to the Mormon haters whose “good works” consist entirely of trying to shout down what is one of the most pro-American conservative denominations out there?

[Nosterrex]

I do not believe that anyone on this board has the power to shut down Mormonism. If I did, I would. If you believe that something is destructive to a person’s salvation, would you not consider it a good work to warn that person? I appreciate the many good works that the Mormons do, just as I do the good works of Atheists and Satanists. Good works are good works, regardless of the reasons for doing them. But what does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul? As important as politics is, it is not the most important thing. Here is a fact that all Mormons have to understand, even if they do not accept it, nearly all Christian denominations consider Mormonism a cult. If a Mormon posts anything on Mormonism on a board in which there are Christians, he is going to be attacked.

[rickomatic]

As opposed to the Mormonism haters whose “good works” consist entirely of trying to shout down what is one of the most pro-American conservative denominations out there?

There ya go, Vigilanteman, I fixed it for you. It is MOROMNISM we hate, because it is leading countless souls to damnation. To not point out the falsehoods of this cult to those who are trapped in it is tantamount to not throwing a lifeline to a drowning person.

[Vigilanteman]

And you and your fundy cohorts get to decide who is damned?

[Richbee]

Galatians 1:8 condemns Mormons eternally.

lol

[CondoleezzaProtege]

Even the Devil can appear as an angel of light...

"The success of an illegitimate coiner depends largely upon how closely the counterfeit resembles the genuine article. Heresy is not so much the total denial of the truth—as a perversion of it. That is why half a lie is is always more dangerous than a complete repudiation. Hence when the Father of Lies enters the pulpit—it is not his custom to flatly deny the fundamental truths of Christianity, rather does he tacitly acknowledge them, and then proceed to give an erroneous interpretation and a false application." ~ A.W. Pink

[Elsie]

And you and your fundy cohorts get to decide who is damned?

We get to point out that the road they are traveling will take them to a place they probably do not wish to go; it that the same thing?

 

Matthew 7:13-16a

 ¹³Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

 ¹⁴Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

 ¹⁵Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 ¹⁶Ye shall know them by their fruits.

[Elsie]

 

Even the Devil can appear as an angel of light. For someone that does not know what the Mormons believe, it is a very deceptive cult. It has all the trappings of a religion, including good works, but it misleads so many people.

---

KJV

 Galatians 1:6-9

 6.  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
 7.  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
 8.  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.
 9.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
 

 

 

 

ANYBODY???

 

Like this fine looking fellow???

 

 

 

 

 

2 Corinthians 11:12-15

 12.  But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
 13.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
 14.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
 15.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

 

Like THESE guys??

 

 

 

 

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/19#19

 

 

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

 

 

---

---

 

Ephesians 2:1-2 

1.  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

---

---

 

1 Corinthians 4:17
  For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

 

1 Corinthians 11:2
   Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:15
   Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

 

2 Timothy 1:13
   Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

 

2 Timothy 3:14-15
 14.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
 15.  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.