What is the Significance of Easter for Mormons?

Christian Answers.Net ^ | 1998 | Jim Robertson

[Colofornian]

answered by a former leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

EASTER PAGEANTS

Most temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) perform pageants. Some, such as the temple where I live in Mesa, Arizona, choose to annually perform a beautiful “Easter” pageant. Mormons and Christians do not share the same understanding of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. In years past, the pageant was performed depicting events in accordance with Mormon teachings. Apparently, in more recent years, when LDS leaders realized that this was offending Christians, they began presenting the Christian view of Easter. The main purpose after all seems to be to draw non-Mormons. During this show, one may find the grounds teeming with Mormon missionaries. They use this performance to get visitors to fill out a card which results in later home visits from missionaries. The non-LDS person rarely knows that the pageant is used for that purpose.

CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Resurrection Sunday itself is pretty much a non-event for Mormons. Although this religious holiday is mentioned among Mormons, I know of none that actually celebrate it in a major way. Most use the time to either view the annual LDS conference televised from Salt Lake, Utah, or discuss the conference or prepare for it.

CHRIST’S DEATH

The Mormon's concept of Jesus is different than the Bible's. When their Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane, he shed there his blood for the transgression of sins. The LDS Church does not accept the biblical idea that Christ's blood was shed on the cross to wash away our sins - present, past and future. Mormons fail to realize that the empty cross is for Christians the symbol of their salvation and the fulfillment of God's promise.

Under the Mormon system of theology, one must in effect, earn their way into heaven. In the LDS Articles of Faith, Mormon apostle James Talmadge states that since your "sins are the result of individual acts it is just that forgiveness for them should be conditioned on individual compliance with prescribed requirements - 'obedience to the laws and ordinances of the [LDS] Gospel.'" [James Talmadge*, Articles of Faith, p. 87.] "Christ's atonement makes it possible to be saved from sin if we do our part," says Elder Boyd K. Packer, an apostle of the LDS Church. Doing “our part” refers a need to work out our own salvation. This is in disagreement with the New Testament's teaching of grace (See Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 5; Titus 3:5; Luke 18:10-14, Romans 4:5, Galatians 3 and 5:4). According to the Bible one cannot work their way to Heaven. Salvation is by faith alone - acceptance of God's gift of salvation and reliance on Christ's promise of what will happen after our earthly death. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24).

The Bible says…

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. -Ephesians 2:8-9

THE RESURRECTION

Mormons believe that Christ's resurrection is their personal guarantee that they and everyone else will also be resurrected. But where they go after death is determined by the number of works they perform in this life and whether they are good Mormons.

When Mormons are asked, “If you were to die at this very moment, where would you go?” If they are honest, they will reply, “Well, I hope that I've done enough good works that I can progress to the highest heaven, the Celestial Kingdom.” Mormons believe that there is a “paradise” or spirit world where all humans go after death. In this spirit world, there are supposedly Mormon missionaries who give you one more chance to accept or reject the message of Mormonism. If you accept, then you are baptized by proxy into the church here on earth. This is known as baptism for the dead. Those that have accepted LDS teachings go to one of the Mormon heavens (Celestial, Terrestrial or Telestial), depending on their earthly works.

Author: Jim Robertson, Concerned Christians. Editor: Paul S. Taylor, Eden Communications.

Reference Note

* Although there are “13 Articles of Faith” in the LDS religion, there is also a book written on the subject called Articles of Faith by the late LDS apostle Dr. James E. Talmage, first published by Deseret Book Co. (the LDS religion's publishing company) in 1899. Mr. Talmage served in the LDS religion as an apostle between December 7, 1911 and his death on July 27, 1933. His book is considered to be an LDS classic. The quote can actually be found in chapter 4, at the top of p. 79 of “Articles of Faith.” (Bob Betts, Concerned Christians)

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[SZonian]

Again, did Jesus lie when He made the statements in Matthew that His church would not fall? That wherever two or more gathered in His name, He would be there?

How then, could there have been “a complete apostasy”?

Did Jesus lie?

[NoDRodee]

“According to the Bible one cannot work their way to Heaven. Salvation is by faith alone.

What Bible verse says Salvation is by faith alone, I ask because James 2:24 says:

James 2:24:You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone

[colorcountry]

Do you know if there is a difference between justification and salvation? I think there might be.

[Elsie]

Restornu's accusations about others' so-called "endless accusations" calls for some intellectual integrity on her part.

Yeah... sure!

MORMONs merely ACCUSE ACCUSE accuse And never have any evidence to back up ANYTHING!

[Elsie]

2 Cor 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And THIS is why CHRISTIANs won't PLAY with you guys!

Oh; you are BELIEVERS all right; but in the WRONG things!

The lies of PERSONAGES mean SO much to you guys!!!

[Elsie]

What a distortion of facts by those....

If you CANNOT show any 'distortion' then that shows you to be a LIAR!

[Elsie]

Here is MORMONism's own creed:

---

 

 

Articles of Faith

The Articles of Faith outline 13 basic points of belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Prophet Joseph Smith first wrote them in a letter to John Wentworth, a newspaper editor,
in response to Mr. Wentworth's request to know what members of the Church believed.
They were subsequently published in Church periodicals.
They are now regarded as scripture and included in the Pearl of Great Price.

 

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

 

 

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
   
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
   
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
   
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
   
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
   
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
   
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
   
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
   
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
   
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.
    
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
    
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
    
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Joseph Smith

 

[Elsie]

...and so forth.

What LAME 'scripture'!

[Elsie]

Not true. = LIE!

[ForAmerica]

The atonement and Christ's grace are central points of LDS theology.

Jesus' atonement was not in the garden, it was on the cross and yes, there is a big difference!

Grace? You should take a look at 2 Nephi 25:23 "after all we can do"! What is "all you can do"?

Jesus' atonement and His grace is insufficient according to Mormon theology!

[svcw]

Lazy Deluded Saps place marker

[greyfoxx39]

Cronos an LDS friend of mine wanted to add this

ROTFL...I've seen everything now...why doesn't your "LDS friend" reply to Chronos personally?

Resty as interpreter.....tee hee!

[restornu]

Again, did Jesus lie when He made the statements in Matthew that His church would not fall? That wherever two or more gathered in His name, He would be there?

How then, could there have been “a complete apostasy”?

****

If that were true there would have been no need for Constantine getting involved in rounding up the Christians

If that were true why were so many breaks a ways and protesting etc.

Why were there so many adjustments down through the ages with the council.

Why was there a dark age?

The Lord Church is comprised of

Ephesians 4:11

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Corinthians 12:28

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

[restornu]

Much of what they say is true when man has attitudes like the Pharasees or antis!:)

[svcw]

What parts do you agree with?

Have you ever noticed that moroni has one letter missing? C

[svcw]

In any words Z, resty is saying Jesus the Christ lied.

[restornu]

You are projecting and lying about me!

[MHGinTN]

Sadly, resty doesn’t not have the discernment to realize she is calling Jesus a liar. It’s a cult thing don’tchaknow.

[restornu]

The spirit in you witness is one of those that apostle John warn about.

[roylene]

What are saying? It appears that you are saying that SVCW has the indwelling of Satan, is that what you are implying? If this is what you mean you should retract such a vile statement. If it is not what you mean you should explain clearly what you do mean.