Posted on 04/22/2011 9:22:03 AM PDT by 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)
Copyright © 1998, All Rights Reserved - except as noted on attached “Usage and Copyright” page that grants ChristianAnswers.Net users generous rights for putting this page to work in their homes, personal witnessing, churches and schools.
There is no end to the length the Mormon Church will go to whitewash and rewrite its history.
Or even rewrite what they wrote in a pervious post.
waiting...
How could there have been “a COMPLETE apostasy” if Christ stated that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church and that where two or more gathered in His name, He would be there?
Silly ANTI!
Don't you know by NOW that we do NOT have to be able to explain it: just BELIEVE it!
--MormonDude(I can never figure out just WHICH way the wind is blowing from SLC anyway!)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—”built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE
January 1, 2000
How could there have been “a COMPLETE apostasy” [per mormon claims] if Christ stated that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church and that where two or more gathered in His name, He would be there?
How could there have been “a COMPLETE apostasy” [per mormon claims] if Christ stated that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church and that where two or more gathered in His name, He would be there?
*^*
The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks.
Peoples actions speak louder because they fail realized the state they are living in!
Apostasy of the Early Christian Church
changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant, Isa. 24:5
this people draw near me with their mouth, Isa. 29:13
darkness shall cover the earth, Isa. 60:2
a famine … of hearing the words of the Lord, Amos 8:11
his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, Matt. 13:25
saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many, Matt. 24:5
shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, Matt. 24:24
his disciples went back, and walked no more with him, John 6:66
shall grievous wolves enter in among you, Acts 20:29
there be divisions among you, 1 Cor. 11:18
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him, Gal. 1:6
who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey, Gal. 3:1
shall not come, except there come a falling away first, 2 Thes. 2:3
some having swerved have turned aside, 1 Tim. 1:6
giving heed to seducing spirits, 1 Tim. 4:1
all they which are in Asia be turned away from me, 2 Tim. 1:15
Who concerning the truth have erred, 2 Tim. 2:18
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power, 2 Tim. 3:5
turn away their ears from the truth … unto fables, 2 Tim. 4:4
profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, Titus 1:16
From whence come wars and fightings among you, James 4:1
false prophets also among the people, 2 Pet. 2:1
being led away with the error of the wicked, 2 Pet. 3:17
now are there many antichrists, 1 Jn. 2:18
many false prophets are gone out into the world, 1 Jn. 4:1
certain men crept in … denying the only Lord God, Jude 1:4
which say they are apostles, and are not, Rev. 2:2
thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, Rev. 3:16
to make war with the saints, Rev. 13:7
formation of that great and abominable church, 1 Ne. 13:26
the Gentiles … have stumbled, 2 Ne. 26:20
Gentiles … will be drunken with iniquity, 2 Ne. 27:1
transfigured the holy word of God, Morm. 8:33
strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant, D&C 1:15
Satan … soweth the tares, D&C 86:3
darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, D&C 112:23
they were all wrong; … their hearts are far from me, JS—H 1:19
See also Matt. 24:11; Rom. 11:21; 1 Cor. 1:11; 1 Cor. 3:3; Col. 2:22; 1 Tim. 1:19; Titus 1:10; 2 Pet. 2:22; 3 Jn. 1:9; Rev. 2:5; 1 Ne. 11:34.
Throwing their GOD under the bus, by CHOOSING to no longer OBEY the ETERNAL COVENANT found in D&C 132 of
POLYGAMY!
You people sure have your NERVE to claim OTHERS are wrong!
The FLDS folks are the TRUE mormons: not you spineless weasels slithering out of Salt Lake City!!!
What was UNTRUE about PRESBYTERIANism that Joseph SWmith claimed to have learned?
SO many CHANGES in the practice of Joseph Smith's MORMONism: NONE of them documented by "thus saith the LORD."
Not protesting, I’m asking a question which it appears mormons fear to answer.
How could there have been a COMPLETE apostasy if Christ Himself said that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church? When He said that where two or more gather in His name, He would be there? Did He lie when said those words?
How Resty? Was Jesus Christ a LIAR? Dance, wiggle, twist, squirm, etc. That’s all I see going on here.
Many of the scriptures are warnings, some identify those who failed, but none tell of a COMPLETE apostasy. Another failure in contextual reading.
I note that you used a couple of scriptures that mormons should pay more attention to...
shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, Matt. 24:24
shall grievous wolves enter in among you, Acts 20:29
false prophets also among the people, 2 Pet. 2:1
being led away with the error of the wicked, 2 Pet. 3:17
many false prophets are gone out into the world, 1 Jn. 4:1
certain men crept in … denying the only Lord God, Jude 1:4
which say they are apostles, and are not, Rev. 2:2
The LdS scriptures are corrupted already since they came from a FALSE prophet and are useless in your apologetic attempt.
P.S. “Lurker” is a real FReeper user name, unless you’re pinging Lurker to bring him/her into the conversation, I would suggest you stop pinging him/her.
Proverbs 14:12
‘there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,’
One is well on there way when following the ways constantine!
Also, what "ways constantine"?
Not protesting, I’m asking a question which it appears mormons fear to answer.
***
When I do answer you seem not to like the answer so why don’t you ask your Mormon spouse?
defending the lies of joseph smith without shame
place marker
Your sentence does not make any sense, “one is well on THERE way”? do you mean “their” or “that”?
***
Proverbs 14:12
‘there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,’
Elsie follows the tradition of men
There is a vast different when the Lord’s anointed was upon the earth and gave instructions
One cannot try 300 years later to reason from the world understanding when this kind of understanding comes from Heaven through those whom the Lord appointed not who man appoints!
What took place in 325 AD was appointed by man.
Knowledge of the Lord comes through revelation to His annoited sevants not from a committee which was form by man of the wolrd.
To say otherwise would be a distortion of truth!
John Smith came up with his fiction 1800 years after Christ -- think of that.
Btw, no early Christians believed in the concept of three Gods that you Mormons believe in -- no one came up with this fiction until J. Smith in the 1800s - 1800+ years after Christ.
If you think that the Nicene Creed is wrong, does that mean that you believe what the Nicene Creed preached against? Arianism? Do you believe that Jesus Christ was/is not God?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.