the mormon religion. is the church of mormons the church of jesus christ?

The Mormon ReligionThe Mormon Religion

Is the Church of Mormons Is the Church of Mormons the Church of Jesus the Church of Jesus

Christ?Christ?

Mormons want us to test them!Mormons want us to test them!““This book must be either true or false…This book must be either true or false…In a matter of such infinite importance no In a matter of such infinite importance no person should rest satisfied with the person should rest satisfied with the conjectures or opinions of others: he conjectures or opinions of others: he should use every exertion himself to should use every exertion himself to become acquainted with the nature of the become acquainted with the nature of the message: message: he should carefully examine the he should carefully examine the evidences of which it is offered to the evidences of which it is offered to the world… world…

Mormons want us to test them!Mormons want us to test them!… … he should, with all patience and he should, with all patience and perseverance, perseverance, seek to acquire a certain seek to acquire a certain knowledge whether it be of God or knowledge whether it be of God or not.”not.” (Introduction, page 1) (Introduction, page 1)- - Divine Authenticity of the Book of Divine Authenticity of the Book of MormonMormon by Orson Pratt (1850), one of the by Orson Pratt (1850), one of the first apostles of Joseph Smithfirst apostles of Joseph Smith

Is the Mormon Church the Is the Mormon Church the church that Jesus built? church that Jesus built?

(Mat. 16:18)(Mat. 16:18)

Debate is good!Debate is good!

Questions that need answering:Questions that need answering: “Is the Book of Mormon the word “Is the Book of Mormon the word of God?” and “What will Eternal of God?” and “What will Eternal life be like?” life be like?” (cf. Eternal Progression)(cf. Eternal Progression)

Debate is in fact a Debate is in fact a God approvedGod approved activity, commanded by our Lord activity, commanded by our Lord (Jude 3).(Jude 3).

For those who For those who seek seek onlyonly the truth the truth of of God, debate is an important part of God, debate is an important part of

the struggle in determining right the struggle in determining right from wrong, truth from error.from wrong, truth from error.

The Beginning of the Mormon The Beginning of the Mormon Church.Church.

Joseph Smith was the man who Joseph Smith was the man who claimedclaimed to receive the latter day to receive the latter day revelation known as revelation known as The Book of The Book of MormonMormon.. ““The history of Joseph Smith” can be found in The history of Joseph Smith” can be found in

the book the book The Pearl of Great PriceThe Pearl of Great Price

The Beginning of the Mormon The Beginning of the Mormon Church.Church.

Smith, in Palmyra, NY, claimed he was Smith, in Palmyra, NY, claimed he was visited by God and His Son Jesus in visited by God and His Son Jesus in 1820 and a few years later by the angel 1820 and a few years later by the angel Moroni in 1823.Moroni in 1823.

In 1827, this angel gave Smith In 1827, this angel gave Smith instructions where to find golden instructions where to find golden plates, which revealed a new or “latter plates, which revealed a new or “latter day” revelation.day” revelation.

Received in the language of “reformed Received in the language of “reformed Egyptian Hieroglyphics” (an unknown Egyptian Hieroglyphics” (an unknown language that never existed), Smith language that never existed), Smith then translated the plates.then translated the plates. Smith translated the plates by looking Smith translated the plates by looking

through a seer stone or set of stone through a seer stone or set of stone spectacles or glasses which he dictated to spectacles or glasses which he dictated to a scribe.a scribe.

During this process, Smith obtained During this process, Smith obtained sworn affidavits of eleven witnesses sworn affidavits of eleven witnesses

that testified that they saw and that testified that they saw and touched the golden plates.touched the golden plates.

Once the book was complete, Once the book was complete, Smith gave the plates back to Smith gave the plates back to the angel Moroni, the plates the angel Moroni, the plates

never to be seen again.never to be seen again.

Smith published Smith published The Book of MormonThe Book of Mormon in 1830 and organized The Church of in 1830 and organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. April 6, 1830. ““Mormon” was the term used by Smith from Mormon” was the term used by Smith from

the words “more” (English) “mon” the words “more” (English) “mon” (Egyptian) (good) for the name of the ancient (Egyptian) (good) for the name of the ancient prophet who originally wrote this revelation prophet who originally wrote this revelation from God.from God.

Additional revelations including Additional revelations including The Pearl of Great PriceThe Pearl of Great Price and and The Book The Book of Doctrine and Covenantsof Doctrine and Covenants.. All of these books are regarded as All of these books are regarded as

having having equalequal or even greater or even greater authority as the Bible by Mormons.authority as the Bible by Mormons.

The Book of MormonThe Book of Mormon The Book of Mormon is believed to contain The Book of Mormon is believed to contain

the history of the early settlers of America the history of the early settlers of America who migrated from the year 600 B.C. to who migrated from the year 600 B.C. to 421 A.D.421 A.D. This colonization is viewed as a time of This colonization is viewed as a time of

preparation for the preparation for the restoration of the gospelrestoration of the gospel, , America seen as “the promised land.” America seen as “the promised land.” - The Book of Mormon: Ether 1: - The Book of Mormon: Ether 1: 33-43; 2-3; 6:1-18; Ether 2:12; 1 Nephi 13:12; 2 Nephi 1:633-43; 2-3; 6:1-18; Ether 2:12; 1 Nephi 13:12; 2 Nephi 1:6

Believed to be “Another Testament of Believed to be “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” that Jesus Christ” that restores the restores the

“plain and precious parts” of the “plain and precious parts” of the Bible that were removed by the Bible that were removed by the “great and abominable church”“great and abominable church”

(Catholic Church). (Catholic Church). - - The Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 13:26-The Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 13:26-

2828

The Bible is viewed as The Bible is viewed as incomplete incomplete containing errorcontaining error, a book that , a book that needs needs

the illumination of The Book of the illumination of The Book of Mormon to understand the truth.Mormon to understand the truth.

The Keys of Priesthood and The Keys of Priesthood and Apostleship (D&C 13; 27:12)Apostleship (D&C 13; 27:12)

According to Smith, during the According to Smith, during the time when he translated the golden time when he translated the golden plates; plates; the spirit of John the the spirit of John the Baptist visited himBaptist visited him and his scribe, and his scribe, Oliver Cowdrey.Oliver Cowdrey.

John bestowed on them the John bestowed on them the Aaronic Aaronic PriesthoodPriesthood giving them giving them the keys of priesthoodthe keys of priesthood, , they were then baptized, and they receive they were then baptized, and they receive from the Holy Spirit the spirit of prophecy.from the Holy Spirit the spirit of prophecy.

Later, the apostles Peter, James, and John Later, the apostles Peter, James, and John appeared and conferred the appeared and conferred the Melchizedek PriesthoodMelchizedek Priesthood on them, restoring on them, restoring the same authority given to the original the same authority given to the original apostles of Christ.apostles of Christ.

Afterwards, Smith appointed Afterwards, Smith appointed apostles and organized and apostles and organized and restored the church of Christ as it restored the church of Christ as it was it the first century.was it the first century. ““Apostles” today of the Mormon Church Apostles” today of the Mormon Church

trace their authority to Christ by the trace their authority to Christ by the ordinations that took place over the years ordinations that took place over the years beginning with Smith.beginning with Smith.

Today, there are many Today, there are many different Mormon sects (89).different Mormon sects (89).

The two main groups: The two main groups: (1) The Church of Jesus Christ (1) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints based in Utah of Latter-Day Saints based in Utah or (2) The Reformed LDS or (2) The Reformed LDS (The (The Community of Christ)Community of Christ) in Missouri. in Missouri. (3) Smaller group: “Church of Christ (3) Smaller group: “Church of Christ

- Temple Lot” in Missouri.- Temple Lot” in Missouri.

Major Beliefs Held by Major Beliefs Held by MormonsMormons

God has a physical or material God has a physical or material body.body.

Doctrine and Covenants Doctrine and Covenants Sec. 130:22Sec. 130:22

““The Father has a body of flesh The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”in us.”



Faith in Christ, repentance, and Faith in Christ, repentance, and baptism (immersion) for the baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins.forgiveness of sins.

Articles of Faith, No. 3 & 4 Articles of Faith, No. 3 & 4 by Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith

““We believe that through the Atonement of We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel… Gospel… We believe that the first principles We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:and ordinances of the Gospel are: (1) Faith (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the remission (3) Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of hands for the gift of of sins; (4) Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”the Holy Ghost.”



Faith in Christ, repentance, Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism (immersion) for the baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins.forgiveness of sins.

The belief we can have miraculous The belief we can have miraculous spiritual gifts today.spiritual gifts today.

Articles of Faith No. 7 Articles of Faith No. 7 by Joseph Smithby Joseph Smith

““We believe in the gift of tongues, We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”and so forth.”


God has a physical or material body.God has a physical or material body. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism

(immersion) for the forgiveness of sins.(immersion) for the forgiveness of sins. The belief we can have miraculous spiritual The belief we can have miraculous spiritual

gifts today.gifts today.

Premillennialism Premillennialism (i.e., the belief we (i.e., the belief we live in a time before the future 1,000 live in a time before the future 1,000 year reign of Christ upon the earth) year reign of Christ upon the earth)

Articles of Faith No. 10 Articles of Faith No. 10 by Joseph Smithby Joseph Smith

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


God has a physical or material body.God has a physical or material body. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism

(immersion) for the forgiveness of sins.(immersion) for the forgiveness of sins. The belief we can have miraculous spiritual The belief we can have miraculous spiritual

gifts today.gifts today. Premillennialism Premillennialism

““Marriage for Eternity” (requiring Marriage for Eternity” (requiring a plurality of wives?) a plurality of wives?)

Doctrines & Covenants 132Doctrines & Covenants 132

61 And again, as pertaining to the law of the 61 And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood —if any man espouse a virgin, and priesthood —if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else.belongeth unto him and to no one else.

Doctrines & Covenants 132Doctrines & Covenants 132

62 And if he have ten virgins given unto him 62 And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified.him; therefore is he justified. Eventually, “New revelation” was given to Eventually, “New revelation” was given to

apostles declaring that polygamy is apostles declaring that polygamy is forbiddenforbidden

Some still practice it secretly today Some still practice it secretly today (Fundamentalist LDS).(Fundamentalist LDS).


God has a physical or material body.God has a physical or material body. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism (immersion) for the Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism (immersion) for the

forgiveness of sins.forgiveness of sins. The belief we can have miraculous spiritual giftsThe belief we can have miraculous spiritual gifts Premillennialism Premillennialism ““Marriage for Eternity” (requiring a plurality of wives?)Marriage for Eternity” (requiring a plurality of wives?)

To partake of the “Sacrament” (the Lord’s To partake of the “Sacrament” (the Lord’s Supper) every first day of the week, using Supper) every first day of the week, using bread and bread and waterwater..

““The Sacrament”The Sacrament”

Originally, Smith and early Mormons Originally, Smith and early Mormons used fermented (alcoholic) wine in the used fermented (alcoholic) wine in the sacrament.sacrament.

In 1833, Smith claimed new revelation In 1833, Smith claimed new revelation the the “Word of Wisdom”“Word of Wisdom” (part of the (part of the D&C) that declares that the drinking D&C) that declares that the drinking of alcohol should be of alcohol should be avoidedavoided for health for health sake.sake.

““The Sacrament”The Sacrament”

In light of this and D&C 27:2 which In light of this and D&C 27:2 which teaches teaches “It mattereth “It mattereth notnot what ye shall what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament”partake of the sacrament” Mormons Mormons began to use began to use water water instead of wine. instead of wine.

The Reformed LDS and other sects of The Reformed LDS and other sects of Mormonism do use unfermented (non-Mormonism do use unfermented (non-alcoholic) wine instead of water.alcoholic) wine instead of water.


God has a physical or material body.God has a physical or material body. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism (immersion) Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism (immersion)

for the forgiveness of sins.for the forgiveness of sins. The belief we can have miraculous spiritual gifts The belief we can have miraculous spiritual gifts

today.today. Premillennialism Premillennialism

““Marriage for Eternity” (polygamy)Marriage for Eternity” (polygamy) Eternal progression: To obtain the co-Eternal progression: To obtain the co-

equal position of godhood in Eternity.equal position of godhood in Eternity.

"We believe in a God "We believe in a God who is Himself who is Himself progressiveprogressive, whose majesty is intelligence; , whose majesty is intelligence;

whose perfection consists in eternal whose perfection consists in eternal advancement -- advancement -- a Being who has attained a Being who has attained His exalted state by a path which now His His exalted state by a path which now His

children are permitted to followchildren are permitted to follow, whose , whose glory it is their heritage to share. In spite of glory it is their heritage to share. In spite of

the opposition of the sects, in the face of the opposition of the sects, in the face of direct charges of blasphemy, the Church direct charges of blasphemy, the Church

proclaims the eternal truth: proclaims the eternal truth: 'As man is, God 'As man is, God once was; as God is, man may be.'“once was; as God is, man may be.'“

- LDS Apostle James E. Talmage, Articles of - LDS Apostle James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, Ch.24, p.430 - p.431; cf. D&C 132:20Faith, Ch.24, p.430 - p.431; cf. D&C 132:20

The Number One The Number One Obstacle of Fellowship: Obstacle of Fellowship:

Agreeing on the Standard Agreeing on the Standard of Truth. of Truth.

Jesus said that unity is based Jesus said that unity is based on the truth (on the truth (John 17:17-23John 17:17-23).).

If we cannot agree what truth is, If we cannot agree what truth is, then fellowship is then fellowship is impossibleimpossible..

What then is What then is thethe standard of truth? standard of truth?

View of the BibleView of the Bible

Christians believe the Bible to be Christians believe the Bible to be the perfect and inspired word of the perfect and inspired word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Thes. 2:13).God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Thes. 2:13).

Yet, Mormons believe the Bible to Yet, Mormons believe the Bible to contain errorscontain errors that need correction that need correction by The Book of Mormon and other by The Book of Mormon and other latter-day revelations.latter-day revelations.

Articles of Faith No. 8 Articles of Faith No. 8 by Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith

““We believe the Bible to be the We believe the Bible to be the word of God word of God as far as it is as far as it is translated correctlytranslated correctly; we also ; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”the word of God.”

* “Translated correctly” -> * “Translated correctly” -> The Book of Mormon the remedy.The Book of Mormon the remedy.

Christians believe the Bible to be Christians believe the Bible to be complete, that when “the perfect” complete, that when “the perfect” came, the completion of the came, the completion of the revelation of Christ, spiritual gifts revelation of Christ, spiritual gifts ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-10).ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-10).

Christians believe that there is Christians believe that there is notnot a succession of apostles, that only a succession of apostles, that only the original apostles and their the original apostles and their teaching is the foundation of the teaching is the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20; cf. Acts 2:42).church (Eph. 2:20; cf. Acts 2:42).

In contrast, Mormons do believe in In contrast, Mormons do believe in latter-day revelations calling the latter-day revelations calling the Book of Mormon “Another Book of Mormon “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”Testament of Jesus Christ.” Mormons believe that apostles are Mormons believe that apostles are

still living todaystill living today, inspired by God., inspired by God.

““There are 15 Apostles There are 15 Apostles living on living on the earth todaythe earth today. They make up the . They make up the First Presidency and the Quorum First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the of the Twelve Apostles of the Church.” – Church.” – www.lds.org

As long as there are differences in As long as there are differences in whether or not there are new whether or not there are new

revelations today, revelations today, unity or fellowship unity or fellowship

will remain an impossibility.will remain an impossibility.

We must abide in the doctrine of We must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have fellowship with God!Christ to have fellowship with God!

2 John 9 (NASB) Anyone who goes 2 John 9 (NASB) Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, teaching of Christ, does not have does not have GodGod; the one who abides in the ; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.and the Son.

The Mormon Religion has yet to be The Mormon Religion has yet to be proven to be the Religion proven to be the Religion of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ.

When We Take the When We Take the Bible Bible AloneAlone, Only Then Can We Be , Only Then Can We Be

Christians OnlyChristians Only..

the mormon religion. is the church of mormons the church of jesus christ?

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