Reasoning with Mormons out of the scriptures (Acts 17:2) (Home)

Table of Contents: 
Introduction     3. Adam         6. The Priesthood     9. The Gospel   12. Eternal Life  
1. His Image    4. God            7. Apostasy            10. Baptism        Summary
2. Creation      5. Trinity          8. Prophets             11. Marriage       Scripture Reference

Introduction   

Continue in my word (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Have you compared the words of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon to see if they continue in the words of Jesus?

LDS Web Site "How can I know this is true? ... You can know if the things you are learning are true if you ask your Heavenly Father in prayer. ...Feelings from the Holy Ghost are personal revelation to you that confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith."

John.8 ([31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)

Jesus taught that we can know the truth by continuing in his words (John.8:31-32). Jesus did not teach us to use feelings to know the truth like Mormons do. Mormons will say "Feelings from the Holy Ghost are personal revelation to you that confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith." (LDS Web Site). We can learn if something is true or false by searching scripture and that the Spirit of Truth will lead us to all truth, God will give wisdom to those who ask him (Acts.17:11; John.16:13; James.1:5). Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for correction (2Tim.3:16). The Church of Christ continues in the things which they have learned and have been assured of, knowing whom they learned it (2Tim 3:14). The church of the living God is the pillar and ground of the truth and it holds fast to the oral and written traditions of his apostles, it is built on the foundation of the apostle (1Tim.3:15; 2Thes.2:15).  We are to avoid those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which we have learned (Rom.16:17).  

1. His Image

Thou canst not see my face (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - How could Joseph Smith have lived after having seen God the Father if God told Moses that he would not be able to see his face and live?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 17 "In the spring of 1820. . . . Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith." 

Exod.33 ([20] And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.)

Joseph Smith could not have seen the Father, God told Moses that he could not see the face of God and live (Exod 33:20).  Moses spoke to God as a man speaks unto his friend (face to face) when the cloudy pillar descended (Exod 33:11,20).  When the Bible says Moses spoke face to face with God, this does not mean that Moses saw our Heavenly Father's face but is a reference to the manner of speaking not to Moses seeing because we know that God told Moses "for there shall no man see me, and live" (Exod 33:11, 20). Moses did not see God as a person, Moses saw his glory pass by, Moses saw the "back parts" of his glory. Moses was in God's presence but this does not mean Moses saw God as a person as the LDS church teaches.  If God has a right hand, then it is not like man’s for God says "my right hand hath spanned the heavens" (Isa 48:13,17). Jacob said he saw God face to face, but later we find out it was an angel (Gen 32:24; Hosea 12:2,4). Moses and the Israelites saw the God of Israel and there under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone (Exod 24:10). On mount Sina Moses saw an angel of the Lord and the voice of the Lord came unto him saying “I am the God of Abraham” (Acts 7:30-32).  When the LORD spoke out of the midst of the fire Moses saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice (Deu 4:12-16).

Stephen saw God in a vision, in a vision the items seen are not necessarily the actual items, for example John saw Jesus as lamb during his vision (Acts 7:55-59; Rev 5:1-7).  Moses was in God presence but he did necessary seeing God as a person as Joseph Smith claimed.  God the Father transcends, the Father" is above all, and through all, and in you all", the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him (Eph 4:6; 1Kings 8:27).  No man can seen God at any time, God dwells in us (1John 4:12).  In a vision those who are of God, those who are pure in heart can “see” the Father (John 6:46; Matt 5:8).  In a vision Stephen saw "the Son of man standing on the right hand of God" when the heavens opened, in a vision the apostle John "saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book" and "a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes," when a door was opened in heaven, in a vision the objects seen are not necessarily the actual items but can be representative or symbolic  (Acts 7:55-59; Rev 5:1-7).  If God has a right hand, then it is not like man’s for God says "my right hand hath spanned the heavens" (Isa 48:13,17). In a vision of God Ezekiel saw the appearance of a man, the glory of God was seen as a brightness (Ezek 1:1,26-28). 

One God created us (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that man was born of heavenly parents when the Bible reveals that the Father is our Creator?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 2 "'God is not only our ruler and creator; he is also our Heavenly Father. "All men and women are . . . literally the sons and daughters of Deity. . . . Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal [physical] body' ...  

Mal.2 ([10] Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?)

Men were not spirit children born of heavenly parents. The LDS teaching of being born of heavenly parents is contrary to what the Bible reveals. The Bible does not reveal heavenly parents but reveals created with a command. Spirits were not born of heavenly parents, they were created when God commanded (Psalm 148:2,5; Nehemiah 9:6). The first man was not born of a heavenly mother, the first man is of the earth (1Cor 15:47). We are the offspring of God, Adam became a living soul after God formed him of the dust of the ground and after God breathed the breath of life into his nostrils (Acts 17:29; Gen 2:7).  

We are called children of God because God the Father created us, God the Father is our Creator (Mal 2:10; Rom 1:25). Our God, thy father, has made us and established us (Deut 32:3-8). Being born and being created are different things. Being born involves a mother, Adam was not born of heavenly mother, Adam was created.  God is the Father of spirits, God forms the spirit of man within him, He makes the soul, He has makes us from the womb (Heb 12:9; Isa 57:16; Zech 12:1; Isa 44:2). Men did not preexist before they were born, God has foreknowledge, he knew us before we are formed in the belly (1Pet 1:2; Jer 1:5). Prophets like Jeremiah and John the Baptist are sanctified and ordained a prophet before they came forth out of the womb because they are filled with the Holy Ghost from their mother's womb (Jer 1:5; Luke 1:15).

We are made "in his image", God was manifest in the flesh, the Word was God and was made flesh, by him are all things and we by him (1Tim 3:16; 1John 1:1,14).  We are made "in our image", “the Word” was with God in the beginning, there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (Gen 1:26,27; John 1:1,14; 1Cor 8:6).  The Son of God has a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). God the Father does not have a body of flesh and bones, the Father "is above all, and through all, and in you all", "the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him" (Eph 4:6; 1Kings 8:27). If God has a right hand, then it is very, very large for God says "my right hand hath spanned the heavens" (Isa 48:13). The early Christian leaders describes God is all spirit and that the Son of God was "his eternal Word" who "came forth" from the Father (see below):

Irenaeus "Far removed is the Father of all from those things which operate among men, the affections and passions. He is simple, not composed of parts, without structure, altogether like and equal to himself alone. He is all mind, all spirit, all thought, all intelligent, all reason . . . all light, all fountain of every good, and this is the manner in which the religious and the pious are accustomed to speak of God" (Against Heresies 2:13:3 [A.D. 189])

Ignatius of Antioch ""Jesus Christ . . . was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. . . . Jesus Christ . . . came forth from one Father and is with and has gone to one [Father]. . . . [T]here is one God, who has manifested himself by Jesus Christ his Son, who is his eternal Word, not proceeding forth from silence, and who in all things pleased him that sent him" (Letter to the Magnesians 6–8 [A.D. 110] emphasis added)."

Irenaeus ""It was not angels, therefore, who made us nor who formed us, neither had angels power to make an image of God, nor anyone else. . . . For God did not stand in need of these in order to accomplish what he had himself determined with himself beforehand should be done, as if he did not possess his own hands. For with him [the Father] were always present the Word and Wisdom, the Son and the Spirit, by whom and in whom, freely and spontaneously, he made all things, to whom also he speaks, saying, ‘Let us make man in our image and likeness’ [Gen. 1:26]" (Against Heresies 4:20:1 [A.D. 189] emphasis added)."

2. Creation

The Word was made flesh (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach Jesus was a spirit born of heavenly parents when the Bible reveals that Jesus was "the Word of God" that proceeded forth from the God the Father?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 2  " Every person who was ever born on earth was our spirit brother or sister in heaven. The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was Jesus Christ, so he is literally our elder brother ."  

John 1 ( [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.)

Jesus could not of been born of a heavenly mother because the Bible reveals the Son was "the Word of God" that proceeded forth from the God the Father (John 8:42; John 1:1,14; Rev 19:13). The Son was "the Word of God" prior to becoming flesh (John 1:1,14; Rev 19:13). "The Word" (Greek logos) is a term that combines God's dynamic, creative word (Gen 1:3) and personified preexistent Wisdom as the instrument of God's creative activity (Proverbs 8:12-30).  Christ, the wisdom of God, was possessed by God in the beginning and was set up from everlasting before being brought forth (1Cor 1:24; Prov 8:22-30). The Word of God is before all things, is the beginning of the creation of God, is the beginning and the end (Col 1:17; Rev 3:14; Rev 22:13).  Jesus is called the firstborn of every creature and the firstborn from the dead, the word firstborn does not necessarily mean to be the first born of parents (Col 1:17,18). The word “firstborn” can refer to position, God can make a person his firstborn, God made David his firstborn meaning he was higher than the kings of the earth, Christ was made King of kings (Psalm 89:27; Rev 19:6). 

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things (1Cor 8:6). God made made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens (Jer 10:10-13). God created and made all things by His Word, he commanded and things were created, Psalm 33 says "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded." "The Word" was with God in the beginning, "the Word" is the wisdom of God and power of God, the Lord possessed Wisdom in the beginning of his way, before his works of old, he was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, he was brought forth, Wisdom was by the Lord rejoicing always before him (John 1:1; 1Cor 1:24; Prov 8:12-30). "The Word" was before the spiritual beings like angels and before the physical beings like man.  

He commanded, and they were created (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers born of a heavenly parent when the Bible reveals Jehovah (the LORD) created angels like Satan with a command?  

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 3  "Two of our brothers ... Jesus Christ, who was then called Jehovah ... Satan ..." 

Pss.148 ([1] Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. [2] Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. [3] Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. [4] Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. [5] Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.)

Neh.9 ([5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. [6] Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. [12] Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. [13] Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:)

Pss.33 ([6] By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. [9] For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast..)

Isa.45 ([7] I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. [11] Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.[12] I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. [18] For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. [21] Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. [22] Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.)

The Son of God and Satan are not brothers who share the same heavenly parents because all angels like Satan were created when Jehovah (the LORD) commanded (Psalm 148:1,5). Angels are created spirits (Psalm 148:1,5; Heb 1:7). The angels worship Jesus (Heb 1:6). Angels like Satan are called sons of God because they are created by God (Job 2:1; Psalm 148:1,5). God punished some of the angels by casting them out of heaven into darkness and bondage (Jude 1:6).  The LORD has made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preserves them all; and the host of heaven worship thee (Nehemiah 9:6).  The LORD made all things; stretched forth the heavens alone; spread abroad the earth by himself (Isa 44:24). The LORD formed the light, and created darkness: made peace, and created evil, the LORD created the heavens, all their host the LORD commanded (Isa 45:7-22). All that was made was made of things that were not, the Creator of the world found out the beginning of all things, the heaven and the earth, he formed the generation of man (2Mac 7:23-28). 

By the Son were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, all things were created by him, and for him, he is before all things, and by him all things consist (Col 1:3-17). By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast ( Psalm 33:6,9). The gods did not make the heavens and the earth, the LORD made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, he uttered his voice (Jer 10:10-13). The Son of God was "the Word" of God prior to the incarnation, the Son of God is the only begotten of the Father who proceeded forth from the Father and became flesh when he was born of the virgin Mary (John 8:42; John 1:1,14). The eternal Son of God, the Wisdom of God, was begotten or proceeded forth from the Father from the beginning  (John 1:14; 1Cor 1:24; Prov 8:12-30).  The Son of God does not have the nature of an angel like Satan who has a created nature, the Son was the everlasting Word of God prior to the incarnation who was with God in the beginning (John 1:1,3; Rev 19:13).  

We were are not all spirit children born of heavenly parents, there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (1Cor 8:6). We are the offspring of God because God created the first man by forming him of the dust of the ground and then breathing the breath of life into his nostrils, he then became a living soul, the first man is of the earth (Acts 17:29; 1Cor 15:47; Gen 2:7). We did not pre-exist as spirit children, God is the Father of spirits because God forms the spirit of man within him, He makes the soul, He has makes us from the womb (Heb 12:9; Isa 57:16; Zech 12:1; Isa 44:2). Men did not preexist before they were born, God has foreknowledge, he knew us before we are formed in the belly (1Pet 1:2; Jer 1:5). Prophets like Jeremiah and John the Baptist are sanctified and ordained a prophet before they came forth out of the womb because they are filled with the Holy Ghost from their mother's womb (Jer 1:5; Luke 1:15).  

3. Adam

Be fruitful, and multiply  (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach Adam’s fall was a necessary step to have children when the Bible reveals that Adam and Eve were blessed to be fruitful before the fall?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 6  "Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were not yet mortal. They were not able to have children. . . .  God commanded them to have children  . . .  their fall was a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us. . . .  After the Fall, Eve said, 'Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed [children], and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient' "  

Gen.1 ([21] And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. [22] And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. [28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.)

Irenaeus ("Eve, however, was disobedient, and, when yet a virgin, she did not obey. Just as she, who was then still a virgin although she had Adam for a husband—for in paradise they were both naked but were not ashamed; for, having been created only a short time, they had no understanding of the procreation of children, and it was necessary that they first come to maturity before beginning to multiply—having become disobedient, was made the cause of death for herself and for the whole human race" (Against Heresies 3:22:24 [A.D. 189]). 

Irenaeus ("So if Eve disobeyed God, yet Mary was persuaded to be obedient to God. In this way, the Virgin Mary might become the advocate of the virgin Eve. And thus, as the human race fell into bondage to death by means of a virgin, so it is rescued by a virgin. Virginal disobedience has been balanced in the opposite scale by virginal obedience. For in the same way, the sin of the first created man received amendment by the correction of the First-Begotten" (Against Heresies 5:19:1 [A.D. 189]).

It was not the act of Adam and Eve disobeying God's commandment that enabled them to have children like Mormonism teaches, it was the help of the LORD that enable them to multiply (Gen 4:1). Adam and Eve were created like little children, like innocent little children they were not ashamed of their nakedness (Gen 2:25). After eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they knew they were naked (Gen 3:7-17).  God's plan is not for his children to disobey, his plan is for his children to obey their father (Eph 6:1,2).  Disobeying God's commandment is not a necessary step to know good and evil, Jesus knew good and evil without disobeying God's commandment (2Cor 5:21). After reaching an age of maturity it is natural for a male and a female creature to multiply, the great whales created by God and who were blessed by God to be fruitful and multiple like Adam and Eve were able multiply without having to first disobey God's commandment (Gen 1:21-28). 

Adam's fall was not a great blessing to all of us as Mormonism teaches because of Adam's sin men have a physical body of "sinful flesh" (Rom 8:13), all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23; Rom 5:12,19), and all die because death passed upon all men and condemnation (Rom 5:12, 16). Adam's fall was not a necessary step in the plan of life as Mormonism teaches because before the fall they had fullness of joy by being in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16:11), they had the right to choose between to obey or disobey God's commandment (Gen 3:17), they had eternal life since death came after he sinned (Rom 6:23; Rom 5:12), they were blessed by God to be fruitful and multiply just like the whales (Gen 1:21-28), and they would have done good by obeying God's commandment (Gen 2:16).

Men are not blessed for disobeying God’s commandments like Mormonism teaches because men are blessed for doing his commandments, those who obey have the right to the tree of life (Rev 22:14). Adam sinned, the wages of sin is death (Rom 5:16; Rom 6:23). It is sin to him that knows to do good, and does it not (James 4:14).  Adam knew God’s commandment to not eat of the tree before he disobeyed God’s commandment (Gen 3:17). God held Adam responsible for his sin, God told him that in sorrow shall thou eat of it all the days of thy life (Gen 3:17).   Eve ate of the tree because she desired to be wise (Gen 3:6). The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty (2Cor 11:3). Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression (1Tim 2:14). 

Adam and Eve did not have to transgress to know good and evil like Mormonism teaches because they could have asked for wisdom before they disobeyed God's commandment (James 1:5). The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the opportunity to learn about good and evil. God could have taught them about evil by using the example of the devil who is a liar (John 8:24). God could have taught them about good through the wisdom of children obeying and honoring their Father (Eph 6:1,2).  God could have taught them that blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life (Rev 22:14). 

It was not Adam's transgression that brought great blessings like Mormonism teaches, it was Jesus' obedience that brought great blessing to all of us, Jesus turned the fault into happiness (Rom 5:19; 412). All will be resurrected to stand in judgment before God (Acts 24:15). Transgression was not necessary to know good and evil like Mormonism teaches, Jesus knew good and evil and he did not have to transgress (1John 3:5).  Having a physical body is not necessary for our progression as Mormonism teaches, the Holy Ghost does not have a physical body yet the Holy Ghost is God (Acts 5:3,4). 

 He called them gods (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach men can become a creator like our Heavenly Father when the Bible reveals men can only partake of the divine nature?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 47 "He is a creator. We can become like our Heavenly Father. This is exaltation. ... These are some of the blessings given to exalted people: ... They will become gods."

John.10 ([34] Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? [35] If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; [36] Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?)  

2Pet.1 ([3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)  

Adam, the first fallen man, disobeyed God's commandment and he was called gods, he knew good and evil like God (Gen 3:5,22).  A man can be called "god" if the word of God comes to him (John 10:35). The LORD our God is God of gods (Deu 10:17). The apostle Paul taught "there be that are called gods" (1Cor 8:5). The apostle rephrases the "one God" confession as to contrast it with "gods many" (1Cor 8:4-6 ).  Angels like Satan can be called "god” (2Cor 4:4). God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judge among the gods (Psalm 82:1). The LORD, the rock of our salvation, the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD, he is our maker, he is our God (Psalm 95:1-7). Jesus taught there is "one God" (Mark 12:29,32). The apostle Paul taught "one" (1Cor 8:4,6). 

We are not all spirit children born of heavenly parents, we are the offspring of God because God created the first man by forming him of the dust of the ground and then breathing the breath of life into his nostrils, he then became a living soul, the first man is of the earth (Acts 17:29; 1Cor 15:47; Gen 2:7). We are called children of God because God the Father created us, God the Father is our Creator (Mal 2:10; Rom 1:25). We did not pre-exist as spirit children, God is the Father of spirits because God forms the spirit of man within him, He makes the soul, He has makes us from the womb (Heb 12:9; Isa 57:16; Zech 12:1; Isa 44:2). Men did not preexist before they were born, God has foreknowledge, he knew us before we are formed in the belly (1Pet 1:2; Jer 1:5). Prophets like Jeremiah and John the Baptist are sanctified and ordained a prophet before they came forth out of the womb because they are filled with the Holy Ghost from their mother's womb (Jer 1:5; Luke 1:15).

There is none other God but one, For though there be that are called gods, But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him (1Cor 8:4-6). Men can be called gods once the word of God comes to them, there is that "called gods" (John 10:34; 1Cor 8:5). Our God is God of gods (Deut 10:17; Psalm 82:1,6).  Men do not inherit divine qualities because men are given things that pertain to godliness according God’s divine power (2Pet 1:3-4). Men are limited to things that pertain to godliness because men are given things that pertain to godliness according God’s divine power (2Pet 1:3-4). Men are limited to things that pertain to godliness because a man can only be part divine nature therefore men can not have the fullness of the divine nature like Jesus who was the only begotten Son of God (2Pet 1:3-4; Col 2:9) The Son was not “a God”, the Son was “God” or fully divine nature from the beginning, God was manifest in the flesh (1John 1:1,14; 1Tim 3:16). Those who partake of the divine nature can be called sons of God, they are born again and they shall be like him in terms of holiness and perfection (1John 3:1-10). Those called sons of God shall inherit all things like the kingdom and they shall reign with Christ and they joint-heirs with Christ (Rev 21:7; Rev 20:6; Rom 8:17). Men are exalted in due time (1Pet 5:6). 

4. God

There is one God (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach the Son is “a God” and that he is one of "three Gods" when the Bible reveals the Son is “God” and that "there is one God; and there is none other but he"?

Joseph Smith Teachings (Ensign, Mar 2008, 68-73) "I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods”  Ensign, Mar 2008

Mark.12 ([29] And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [32] And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:)

The Son is not “a God” like Mormonism teaches, the New Testament teaches the Son is “God” or divine nature from the beginning (1John 1:1,14). The Son is not "a God" and is not one of "three Gods", the Son is God, God was manifest in the flesh (John 1:1,14; 1Tim 3:16). The Old Testament teaches unto us a child is born, the mighty God, the everlasting Father (Isa 9:6). God was manifest in the flesh, God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself (1Tim 3:16; John 1:1,14; 2Cor 5:19).  When Thomas saw the risen Jesus he called out “my Lord and my God”, we are to believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:28-31). Stephen prayed to Jesus, Jesus is worshipped by men and angels (Acts 7:59; Luke 24:52; Heb 1:6).  Christ and his apostles taught one God (Mark 12:29,32; 1Cor 8:4-6).  We can know the truth by continuing in the words of Jesus (John 8:31,32). The truth that Jesus taught is that "there is one God; and there is none other but he" (Mark 12:32). Jesus is God and man, God was manifest in the flesh, the man Christ Jesus is the one mediator between God and men, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, there is one God (1Tim 3:16; 1Tim 2:15; John 1:1,14; 2Cor 5:19). 

The Father and the Son are one in works (John 10:30,38) and "are one" in being, the Father dwelt in the Son and did the works (John 14:10,11,23; John 17:21). God can work in us to do his will, the Father can dwell in us (John 17:21-23; Phil 2:13). We are one spirit when we are joined to our Lord, our bodies are members of Christ, the two shall be one flesh (1Cor 6:15-17; Rom 12:4). The Father and the Son are two distinct persons but they are not two separate Gods, Mark 12:32 says "there is one God; and there is none other but he" and 1Tim 2:15 says that "there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". The Father and the Son are distinct persons, for example the Son did not pray to himself, the Son prayed to the Father (John 14:16). There is not God the Father and God the Son because that would make two separate God's, there is God the Father and the Son of God (Titus 1:4; John 20:31). Christ's baptism reveals three distinct persons but it does not reveal three separate Gods like Mormonism.  The Father, the Son, and the HG are distinct persons, but they are not three Gods since  "there is one God; and there is none other but he".  The Bible reveals the Father is God, Jesus is God, the HG is God, the Bible does not revel these three distinct persons are "a God" and "a God" and "a God" because this would contradict the Bible teaching of one God. It is illogical to say that there is three Gods and one God, no matter how closely together three gods work, they remain three gods, not one.

Jehovah (LORD), our God, our Father (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach Jehovah and our Heavenly Father are two different Gods who are separate when the Bible reveals Jehovah (LORD) is our God and our Father?

LDS Bible Dictionary (God) "When one speaks of God, it is generally the Father who is referred to; that is, Elohim. All mankind are his children. The personage known as Jehovah in Old Testament times, and who is usually identified in the Old Testament as LORD (in capital letters), is the Son, known as Jesus Christ, and who is also a God. Jesus works under the direction of the Father and is in complete harmony with him. All mankind are his brethren and sisters, he being the eldest of the spirit children of Elohim.... The Holy Ghost is also a God and is variously called the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, the Spirit of God, etc."

Deut.32 ([3] Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. [6] Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee  [8] When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.) 

Elohim and Jehovah are not two separate Gods like Mormonism teaches, Jesus taught there is "one God" (Mark 12:29,32).  Jehovah was not "a God", Jehovah was our "God" (Exod 6:2-7). Jehovah (LORD) is our God and our father, he made us and established us, he is the most High (Deut 32:3-8). Jehovah (LORD), God Almighty, spoke unto Moses saying I am the LORD, I am the LORD your God (Exod 6:2-6). Jesus was "I AM", the Son of God and God himself  (John 8:58; John 20:28,31).  Unto us a child is born, the mighty God, the everlasting Father (Isa 9:6). The apostle Paul taught "one",  1Cor 8:4,6 says "there is none other God but one, ... to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." 

The Father and the Son are distinct persons but they are not different Gods, there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Tim 2:15). There is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Rev 21:22). The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, the God of our fathers glorified his Son Jesus (Acts 5:30; Acts 3;13).  God our Saviour sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world (1Tim 1:1; 1John 4:14). The LORD says "I am God, and there is none else", "a just God and a Saviour" (Isa 45:7-22). The LORD is our father, our God, and the rock of our salvation (Psalm 89:26; Deut 32:1-18).  Christ was that Rock, Jesus said before Abraham was, I am and they took up stones to cast at him (1Cor 10:4; John 8:58, 59). The LORD, the rock of our salvation, the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD, he is our maker, he is our God (Psalm 95:1-7). The LORD (the Father) said unto my Lord (the Son), sit thou on my right hand (Acts 2:34,36). 

5. Trinity

In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (LDS | Bible | Catholic | Early Church)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that Christ is one of “three Gods” in the Godhead when the Bible reveals the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ?

LDS Bible Dictionary Godhead "...  the Godhead: ... God the Father: ... Elohim . . . God the Son: The God known as Jehovah is the Son  . . God the Holy Ghost: The Holy Ghost is also a God." 

Col.2 ([9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.)

The Godhead is not made up of "three Gods" like Mormonism teaches, the Bible reveals the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ who "was God" (Col 2:9; John 1:1,14).   The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct persons but they are not three Gods, there is one God in three persons (Luke 3:22; Col 2:9; 2Cor 5:19; 1Cor 8:4-6). Three Gods do not form the Godhead, there is none other God but one (1Cor 8:4). The only begotten Son of God was not "a God", he "was God", "God" was manifest in the flesh, "the Word" was made flesh (John 1:114; 1Tim 3:16). The Father and the Son "are one" in being and in works (John 10:30,38), the Father dwelt in the Son and did the works (John 14:10,11,23; John 17:21).  

The Father and the Son are distinct persons, the Son prayed to the Father (Matt 26:39). Jesus taught "one God" (Mark 12:29,32). The apostle Paul taught "one" (1Cor 8:4,6). The apostle Paul taught "there be that are called gods" (1Cor 8:5). Satan is called "god" (2Cor 4:4). A man can be called "god" if the word of God comes to him (John 10:35). A man can partake of the divine nature through grace (2Pet 1:3-4), but having part is different than have the fullness of the divine nature like Jesus (Col 2:9). 

The fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ (Col 2:9). The Son is God, God was manifest in the flesh (John 1:1,14; 1Tim 3:16).  Jesus is not "a God", Jesus is "God" or divine nature,  (John 1:1,14; John 20:28).  The only begotten of the Father is not God the Father, the Son of God is God or divine nature (John 1:1,14,34).  Jesus Christ, our God, is both the Son of man and the Son of God (John 20:17-31).    We are the offspring of God, he made the world and all things therein, he is Lord of heaven and earth, He is worshipped, He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things, the Godhead (Acts.17:24,25).  

God is God from everlasting to everlasting (Catholic | Bible | LDS | Early Church)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach God the Father became God when the Bible reveals God is God from everlasting to everlasting?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 47  " The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel--you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. ... This is the way our Heavenly Father became God. Joseph Smith taught: "It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the character of God. . . . He was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did ... I will make thee ruler over many things" 

Pss.90 ([2] Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.)

God the Father did not become God like Mormonism teaches, God is God from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2).The Son of God did not become God, he was God from the beginning (John 1:1). The HG did not become God, he is God (Acts 5:3, 4). In the Father there is no variableness (James 1:17).  Jesus is God and man, God was manifest in the flesh, the man Christ Jesus is one mediator between God and men, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself (1Tim 3:16; John 1:1,14; 2Cor 5:19; 1Tim 2:15).  The Father and the Son are distinct persons but they are not different Gods, there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Tim 2:15). 

6. The Priesthood 

Ordain elders in every city (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that the Apostles could not ordain men to replace those who were dead when the Bible reveals the apostles ordained others before they died?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 16  "One by one, the Apostles were killed. Because of the persecution, surviving Apostles could not meet to choose and ordain men to replace those who were dead. Eventually, local priesthood leaders were the only ones who had authority to direct the scattered branches of the Church.  ... There were no Apostles or other priesthood leaders with power from God, and there were no spiritual gifts." 

Tit.1 ([4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. [5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: [7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; [9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.)

Before the apostles died they ordained bishops who could ordain others like they were appointed (Tit.1:4-9).  While the apostles were alive bishops were local leaders (Phil.1:1).  The apostle successors are ordained bishops, they are made overseers by the holy Ghost to protect the flock (Acts.20:17,28), they are the stewards of God (Tit.1:7), they take care of the church of God (1Tim.3:5), they hold fast to the faithful word that the apostles taught (Tit.1:9), they must first be proved (1Tim.3:10), they have the gift that is given with the laying on of hands (1Tim 4:14).  Christ is the head of the church, the church is his body (Eph 5:23). Christ is head over all things to the church (Eph.1:22). There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Tim.2:5). The people of God are a royal priesthood (1Pet.2:2-10). 

When Christ ascended into heaven he gave authority to his servants (Mark 13:34). Christ built his church on the rock, Peter was given the given the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the power to bind and loose (Matt 16:18-19). We receive a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb.12:28). A kingdom which shall never be destroyed, it shall stand for ever, it is given to the saints (Dan.2:44; Dan.7:13-14).  After the resurrection, the Lord established his house on Mount Sion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb.12:22). The church  is the "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1Tim 3:15).   

Must be a witness of his resurrection (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that twelve Apostles was to continue when the Bible reveals that the requirement of a twelve Apostle is to be witnesses of his resurrection?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 16  "Jesus had set a pattern for twelve Apostles to govern the Church. It seemed clear that the organization was to continue as he had established it" 

Acts.1 ([21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [25] That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. [26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.)

The office of twelve apostle can not continue after Jesus died because no person can meet the office's requirements of being a witness Jesus’ life and resurrection (Acts.1:8-26).  The twelve apostles were witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, they ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead (Acts.10:39-41). The twelve apostles of the Lamb (Rev 21:12,14) were chosen and ordained by Jesus, they were witness that were with Jesus from the beginning (John.15:16-27). They were eye witnesses (2Pet 1:15; Acts 2:32). The original twelve apostles are the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20).  There are false apostles who are deceitful workers, who transform themselves into the apostles of Christ (2Cor 11:13; Rev 2:1-2).  

Jesus was called an apostle (Heb 3:1). In the church there are some have the vocation of apostle to edify the church (Eph 4:1-12). These apostles have a spiritual gift just like evangelists; pastors and teachers (1Cor 12:1-29). There are apostles like Barnabas and Paul (Acts 14:14). Barnabas was a prophet and a teacher (Acts.13:1). Barnabas was sent out (Acts 11:22). Paul and Barnabas were sent out to teach and preach the word of the Lord (Acts 15:22-35). The apostles like Paul and Barnabas were not among the twelve apostles at Jerusalem, when Paul and Barnabas were not able to settle a dispute they went apostles at Jerusalem who then called a council to settle the dispute (Acts 15:2-23). 

7. Apostasy

Some depart from the apostolic faith (LDS | Bible | Catholic | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach of a Great Apostasy where the Church is completely destroyed when the Bible reveals that SOME will fall away from the faith of the apostles?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 16  "More and more error crept into Church doctrine, and soon the destruction of the Church was complete. The period of time when the true Church no longer existed on earth is called the Great Apostasy. ... The prophet Isaiah had foreseen this condition, prophesying, "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant" (Isaiah 24:5)."

1Tim.4 ([1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;)

Mormonism is an example of the apostasy described in the Bible, the Bible reveals "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”  (1Tim.4:1; 2Thes.2:3; Rev.2:18-23).  Mormons have departed from the the faith that was taught by the apostles of Christ, the faith that taught "one God" and which was once delivered unto the saints  (Mark.12:29,32).  The LDS church has not stood fast, and held the traditions taught by the apostles either by oral or by written (2Thes.2:15).  The man Joseph Smith has deceived the members of the LDS church and they have fallen away just like the Bible prophesied (2Thes.2:3). We can know if the LDS Church is true or false Christianity by comparing its teachings with the written and oral traditions of the apostles (Acts.17:1; 2Thes.2:15). 

The apostles knew of the apostasy before the second coming of Christ and they taught other faithful men to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" (2Thes.2:15; 2Tim.2:2).  The church of the living God is the pillar and bulwark of the truth and it faithfully guards the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (1Tim.3:15; Jude.1:3). The Lord has "set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, . . . and it shall stand for ever" (Dan.2:44). The apostolic Church continues in the things which they have learned and have been assured of, knowing whom they learned it (2Tim.3:14).  The apostle Paul tells us to avoid those who cause division and offences contrary to the doctrine which we have learned (Rom 16:17). 

Stand fast, and hold the traditions (LDS | Bible | Catholic | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that the LDS church has restored the Lord's church when the LDS church has changed doctrine established by the Lord's and his apostles?

Gospel Principles Chapter 17 "The Savior promised to restore his Church in the latter days. He said, "I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder" (Isaiah 29:14)."

2Thes.2 ([3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.)

The apostles committed to their doctrine to faithful men who in turn taught other faithful men (2Tim.2:2). The Church of the living of God is the pillar and bulwark of the truth and it faithfully guards the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (1Tim.3:15; Jude.1:3). The apostolic Church continues in the things which they have learned and have been assured of, knowing whom they learned it (2Tim.3:14).  God built his church on the rock of Peter (Matt.16:18). Authority did not need to be restored because authority continued with the apostle’s successors (Tit.1:4-9). The office of the twelve apostles did not need to be restored because the twelve apostles were special witness who had the requirement of being a witness Jesus’ life and resurrection (Acts.1:8-26; Acts.10:39-41; John.15:16-27). Revelation did not need to be restored because there are many prophets in the church (1Cor.14:26-37; 1Cor.12). The gospel did not need to be restored, the apostles safeguarded the faith by transmitting "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" "to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others" (Jude 1:3,17; 2Tim 2:2). 

The Savior did not promise to restore his Church before His second coming. For Israel there was a famine for hearing the words of the Lord, they transgressed the laws, they changed the ordinance, they broke the everlasting covenant; and they killed their prophets (Amos.8:2-12;  Isa.24:5).  God gave Israel a spirit of slumber, and eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear (Rom.11).  The restoration of Israel described in the Old Testament began with the prophet John the Baptist (Isa.24:5; Rom.11). The restitution of all things mentioned in Acts.3:21 occurs after the second coming (Rev.21:1-5).  

8. Prophets

False prophets bring heresies (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach Joseph Smith is a true prophet when he taught the heresy of "three Gods", the Bible reveals false prophets bring heresies?

Joseph Smith Teachings “I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 41–42)  (“Plain and Precious Truths,” Ensign, Mar 2008 68–73)

2Pet.2 ([1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.)

Joseph Smith taught the heresy of “three Gods” (LDS Ensign, March 2008). Today's Mormon Church teaches there is God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, and that each is "a God" (LDS Bible Dictionary Godhead).  We can know if Joseph Smith is true or false prophet, a false prophet brings heresies (2Pet.2:1). A heresy is a teaching that conflicts with what Jesus and his apostles taught. Joseph Smith is an example of a false prophet or wolf that enters into the church to draw away disciples after him (Acts.20:29,30).  I learned Joseph Smith is a false prophet by comparing what Joseph Smith revealed with what the Bible reveals, Joseph Smith revealed "three Gods", Jesus and his disciples revealed one God. Jesus and his disciples taught one God (Mark.12:29,32; 1Cor.8:4-6). In 1Cor 8:4-6 the apostle Paul rephrases the "one God" confession as to contrast it with "gods many". 

While the apostles were alive there were churches like the LDS church who went astray because they followed a false prophet and false apostles who pretended to be apostles of Christ (Rev.2:18-23). We are to not to believe every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1John 4:1).  The Bible warns us not to believe prophets but to test them, we can test them by comparing their words to the inspired word of God (1John.4:1; Acts.17:2,11; 2Tim.3:16).  A false prophet can come in sheep's clothing, a false prophet can deceive many and can show great signs like the Book of Mormon (Matt 24:11,24; Matt 7:15).  Joseph Smith claimed that the Lord told him that all creeds were an abomination. Creeds summarize what the Bible reveals, since the beginning the apostolic church has used creeds or "professions of faith" (Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 15:3-5). The Christian creeds are consistent with what the Bible reveals, below are some Christian creeds:

Let the prophets speak two or three (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church have a prophet that is the head of their Church when the Bible reveals that prophets are secondary in the church? 

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 16  "... when we speak of "the prophet of the Church," we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood. ... We have a prophet living on the earth today. ... We should do those things the prophets tell us to do."

1Cor.12 ([1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [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. [29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? [30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?)

Revelation has not been closed prior to Joseph Smith as Mormonism teaches. Revelation did not need to be restored because there are many prophets in the church (1Cor.14:26-37; 1Cor.12). The church contains prophets like Barnabas who was sent away and preached (Acts 13:1-5).  Prophets like Judas and Silas exhorted the brethren after the church decided a dispute by a council and after much debate (Acts 13:1; Acts 15:32).   Prophets are secondary in the church, the early apostolic church used a council whose members were moved by the Holy Ghost to settle a dispute that the apostle Paul could not settle, those who had the vocation of prophet exhorted the brethren after much debating  (Acts.15; Eph.4:1,11;2Pet.1:19-21; John.14:16-26).  In the New Testament prophets judged other prophets (1Cor.14:26-37).   

Catholics believe in the written word, oral apostolic tradition, and revelation (2Thes 2:15; Acts 15:7,15,28; 2Pet 1:20,21; John 14:17,26).  The faith has been delivered in to the saints (Jude 1:3).  The Spirit of truth will guide the church to all truth (John 6:13). The disciples of Jesus had the more sure word of prophecy, they were holy men moved by the Holy Ghost to interpret scripture because prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2Pet 1:19,20).  Those who believe in the Bible, believe in prophets like those described in the New Testament, the New Testament describe many prophets who have revelations and who are judged by other prophets and who are secondary (1Cor 14:26-37; 1Cor 12:28). 

9. The Gospel

By grace are you saved through faith (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why is the Mormon restored gospel found in the Book of Mormon different than the gospel found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon reveals "by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" and the Bible reveals "by grace are ye saved through faith"? Did Jesus and his apostles teach "we are saved, after all we can do"?

Book of Mormon 2Nephi 25 ([23] For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.) 

Eph.2 ([8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.) 

2Tim.1 (9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,)

The Mormon gospel found in the Book of Mormon is "another gospel" (Gal.1:6-7), the Book of Mormon reveals “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2Nephi 25:23), the Bible reveals “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph.2:8).  The Bible is the inspired word of God and is useful for doctrine (2Tim 3:16).  We are not saved "after all we can do" like the Book of Mormon reveals, we are saved "according to his own purpose and grace" (2Tim 1:9). We are saved " not by works of righteousness which we have done, we are justified by his grace (Titus 3:5,7).  The Bible says "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God". The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Rom.1:16).  The Atonement works by grace through faith (Rom 5:1,15).  

Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high (Rom.5:1-18). We respond to God by faith, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life (Acts.16:30; Rom.10:9,10; John.3:15-21; Acts.10:43-48). It is by grace that we are saved and again it is by grace that our works can bear fruit for eternal life (1Cor 3:9,10).  Salvation is not by faith only, salvation is through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (James 2:14; 2Thes 2:13).  The Lord gives us the ability to choose to believe or not believe, those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ can be saved, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Acts 16:30,31; Rom 9:9,10). We can choose to believe or not believe, Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Mark.16:16; Luke.8:12,13; Rom.4:3-5). 

We are not saved by faith only, we are saved by grace through faith, it is the gift of God, not of works, not of ourselves (James 2:24; Eph.2:8,9). The apostle Paul said, by the grace of God I am what I am, I labored yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1Cor.15:10). Faith alone is dead, if it has not works, without charity we are nothing even if we have faith (James 2:17; 1Cor 13:2). According to the grace of God which is given unto us we are laborers together with God (1Cor 3:9,10). Being saved is the gift of God, it is not of ourselves, we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 2:8-10). Our saved condition results from the grace of God, not from our own merits, we respond in charity to that grace (2Tim 1:9). It is by grace that we are saved and again it is by grace that our works can bear fruit for eternal life (1Cor 3:9,10). 

Living faith involves charity, it is not faith only, we are doers of the word not hearers only (James 2:14-26; James 1:22). Faith alone is dead, if it has not works, without charity we are nothing even if we have faith (James 2:17; 1Cor 13:2). Faith is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22). It is faith working through love, it is faith expressing itself through love, it is faith energized by (God's) love (Gal.5:6). Faith consists not only in saying "Lord, Lord," but in disposing the heart to do the will of the Father (Matt 7:21,22). When we love God we keep his commandments, his commandments are to believe and love one another (1John 5:2; 1John 3:23). Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Heb.11:6).  The dead will be judged according to their works (Rev.20.12). Those who have done good come forth in the resurrection of life, those who have done evil come forth in the resurrection of damnation (John.5.29). Those who love their enemies and do good will have a great reward (Luke.6:35,36). 

We are careful to maintain good works because these things are good and profitable unto men, we are doers of the word and not hearers only, without charity we are nothing even if we have faith (Titus 3:8; James 1:22; 1Cor 13:2). It is God which works in us as we work out your own salvation (Phil 2:12,13). We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 2:10). We are not exalted by our works, we our exalted by our humility, under grace, we yield ourselves servants to obey, instruments of righteousness unto God, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Phil 2:7-9; Rom 6:1-23).  God works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure, we work out your own salvation (Phil 2:12,13). 

We are under grace, we do not continue in sin but walk in newness of life, we yield ourselves unto God, we are instruments of righteousness unto God, we yield ourselves servants to obey, we obey from the heart, we yield as servants to God to righteousness unto holiness, we have fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom.6:1-23). We have been called unto liberty, called to the faith which works by love, by love we serve one another, we stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and do not become entangled with the yoke of bondage, through the Spirit we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, we walk in the Spirit, we are led of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, faith, if we live in the Spirit, we walk in the Spirit (Gal.5:1-25). Those who hear the word of God but do not understand fall away, those who understand the word of God bring forth fruit to perfection (Luke.8:11-15).  Jesus said if you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (Matt 19:21).

We are not "saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances" as the Mormon's third Article of Faith states. Faith and charity are not "laws and ordinances". Faith is not an ordinance, faith is a virtue by which we believe in God and believe what he has said and revealed to us, faith comes by hearing (Heb 11:6; Rom 10:17).  God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, the Gentiles received "the gift of the Holy Ghost" without water baptism and without the laying on of hands, they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, God granted them repentance unto life  (Acts.10:44,45; Acts.11:16,17; Rom.9:15). Those who are ignorant of the Gospel of Christ but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it can be saved, with God all things are possible, the Son can quicken whom he wills (Matt.19:26,26; Matt.25:34,35; John.5:21). If by grace, then is it no more of works (Rom 11:6). 

The Bible reveals that we should not accept a perverted a gospel that comes from an angel, (Gal.1:6-12).  The LDS Church teaches Revelation 14:6-7 is describing the angel Moroni brining the Mormon restored gospel to Joseph Smith (LDS GP Chapter 41; LDS GP Chapter 10). Revelation 14:6 is not describing the angel Moroni bringing the gospel to Joseph Smith as the LDS church teaches but is describing angels proclaiming imminent judgment on the pagan world, the everlasting gospel is the good news that God's eternal reign is about to begin (Rev 14:6). A false prophet like Joseph Smith can deceive many and can show great signs like the Book of Mormon, a false prophet can come in sheep's clothing (Matt 24:11,24; Matt 7:15).  

We can learn if the Book of Mormon is true or false by searching the Holy Scriptures and allowing the Spirit of Truth to lead us to all truth, God will give wisdom to those who ask him (Acts.17:11; John.16:13; James.1:5). Jesus taught that we can know the truth by continuing in his words (John.8:31-32). Jesus did not teach us to use feelings to know the truth like Mormons do. Mormons will say "Feelings from the Holy Ghost are personal revelation to you that confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith." (LDS Web Site).  I learned by searching Holy Scripture that the Book of Mormon is false and I testify that the Book of Mormon reveals "another gospel" when compared to the Bible (Eph.2:8). We can persuade Mormons to continue in the grace of God (Acts.13:43).

The Bible does not reveal "all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" like the Mormon's Third Article of Faith states. Ordinance like marriage in a Mormon temple is not necessary for exaltation as the LDS church teaches, humility is necessary for exaltation, by doing the will of the Father we enter into the kingdom of heaven, when we love God we keep his commandments, his commandment is to believe on Jesus and love one another, his commandment is not the man-made Mormon commandment of marriage  (1Pet 5:5,6; Matt 7:21; 1John 5:2; 1John 3:23). Whoever does and teach the commandments of God shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:19). Those who love their enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; their reward shall be great, and they shall be the children of the Highest (Luke 6:35). 

There is no universal salvation like the LDS church teaches, those who have done good come forth unto the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil come forth unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:29). Everyone will be resurrected but that does not mean they will all have salvation (Acts 24:15). Salvation is through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, it is not by faith only (2Thes 2:13; James 2:14). Those who do the works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-20). Those who do not believe shall not be saved (Acts 16:30,31; Mark 16:16). All who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness are damned (2Thes 2:12). The unbelieving have their part in the lake of fire with Satan which is the second death (Rev 21:3). 

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood ( LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic |Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church say it teaches the same principles as in the days of Jesus when it does not teach the principle "take, eat this is my body" that is associated with the Sacrament that is revealed in the Bible?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 17   "The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus." 

1Cor.11 ([1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. [2] Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: [24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. [27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. [29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.)

The LDS church does not teach the same principles as in the days of Jesus.  Jesus and his apostles taught "take, eat this is my body” (1Cor 11:24;  John 6:54-60).  The  Bible reveals “The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1Cor 10:16,17).  The Bible warns us that in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1Tim 4:1). The apostles safeguarded the faith by transmitting "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" "to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others" (Jude 1:3,17; 2Tim 2:2). The church, the pillar and ground of the truth, holds fast to the oral and written traditions of his apostles, it is built on the foundation of the apostle (1Tim.3:15; 2Thes.2:15). The Church of Christ continues in the things which they have learned and have been assured of, knowing whom they learned it (2Tim 3:14). Those who partake of the real-presence have eternal life (John 6:54). Ignatius, a bishop of Antioch who was appointed by the apostle Peter, wrote "they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ." (Epistle to Smyrnaeans,7,1). 

10. Baptism

The gift of the Holy Ghost poured out (LDS | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that the gift of the Holy Ghost cannot be received until after being baptized when the Bible reveals the gift of the Holy Ghost can be received before baptism?

Gospel Principles Chapter 21  "Cornelius did not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. ... People who have been baptized and confirmed are given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands by the elders of the Church."

Acts.10 ( [31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.  [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.  [44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.)

Baptism is not necessary to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the "gift of the Holy Ghost" can be received before or after baptism (Acts 2:38; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:17). Jesus baptized Cornelius with the gift of the Holy Ghost (Luke 3:16; Acts 11:16; Acts 10:45,47). Cornelius would be included in those Gentiles.  We know that Cornelius received the gift of the Holy Ghost because Peter tells us that Cornelius was baptized by the Holy Ghost, the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out on him, and that God gave Cornelius the like gift as the apostles and that God granted Cornelius repentance unto life (Acts 11: 15-18). Before Cornelius received the gift of the Holy Ghost he was temporarily guided by the Holy Ghost. 

Acts 11:16 says baptized with the Holy Ghost as Peter began to speak. Peter is remembering, Peter says the Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Ghost as he began to speak. It was more than "they felt the presence", scripture is clear is was the gift of the Holy Ghost ... they were baptized by the Holy Ghost ... God gave them the like gift as the apostles. We can ALSO receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through baptism.  They received the gift of the Holy Ghost BEFORE the baptism of water through the baptism by the Holy Ghost. We can ALSO receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after being baptized by water and after the laying on of hands (Acts 8:12-17). Scripture reveals that it can BEFORE or after water baptism and the laying on of hands. We can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost before baptism, some are pricked in their heart before water baptism (Acts 2:37,38). 

God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments, with God all things are possible, God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, the Son can quicken whom he will (Mark 16:16; Matt 19:25,26; Rom 9:15; John 5:21).  Baptism is not a commandment, his commandments are to believe and love one another, when we love God we keep his commandments (1John 3:23; 1John 5:2; ). If God commanded explicit faith in Christ and baptism as the only ways to be saved then he would be commanding such people to do something they’re not capable of doing because some have who through no fault of their own have no way of knowing of Christ or have not heard of him in a way that they can clearly understand who he is. God has "saved us, and called us ... not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace" (2Tim 1:9). Jesus volunteered to be baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matt 3:15). Jesus did not need repentance yet he was baptized.

We have access to God’s saving grace through faith (Rom 5:1). Jesus’ atoning, sacrificial death is what gains us access to this grace, through which we can have faith and be justified. Faith—which is a gift of grace itself, not of ourselves—is the means through which God applies the blood of Christ’s redemption to grant repentance and give grace to believers so they may be able to do good works, which he will then reward with eternal life (Eph. 2:10). People without explicit faith in Christ can have faith in God and can repent and do good works, all of which are essential elements of salvation. The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation, yet at the same time those who are ignorant of Christ and/or the Church through no fault of their own may be saved (John 3:5).

They baptized for the dead (Catholic Teachings | Bible | LDS Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church practice baptism for the dead when the Bible does not reveal that the apostles practiced baptism for the dead?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 40  "Many of our ancestors are among those who died without hearing about the gospel while on the earth. They now live in the spirit world (see chapter 45, "The Postmortal Spirit World"). There they are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who have accepted the gospel are waiting for the temple ordinances to be performed for them. ... Temple ordinances have been performed for the dead since the early days of the Church. ... baptized and confirmed for their ancestors." 

1Cor.15 ([12] Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [29] Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?) 

Footnotes in the New American Bible for 1Cor 15 "[29] Baptized for the dead: this practice is not further explained here, nor is it necessarily mentioned with approval, but Paul cites it as something in their experience that attests in one more way to belief in the resurrection."

Preface to the New American Bible "It is the achievement of some fifty biblical scholars ... collaboration of scholars who are not Catholic. ... From the original and the oldest available texts of the sacred books, it aims to convey as directly as possible the thought and individual style of the inspired writers. The better understanding of Hebrew and Greek, ..."

During the time of the apostles there were some that baptized for the dead but there is no evidence to support the idea that apostles of Jesus baptized for the dead. The apostle Paul cites baptized for the dead as something in their experience that attests in one more way to belief in the resurrection, Paul is not endorsing baptism for the dead (1Cor 15:29). In Christ shall all be made alive, the resurrection of the dead (1Cor 15:21,22). Baptism for the dead is not necessary because at death a person's eternity is decided, the dead are not waiting for someone on earth to perform the ordinances of baptism for them like Mormonism teaches.  The day the criminal died he was in paradise with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23:42,43). Those in hell, a place of torment, cannot pass to the place of comfort because there is great gulf fixed (Luke 16:19-28). We are either exalted to heaven or thrust down to hell (Luke 10:15). 

Before Christ died their were spirits in prison who waited, after Christ died he went and preached unto the spirits in prison (1Pet 3:18-21). In Christ shall all be made alive (1Cor 15:22). The gospel was preached to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (1Pet 4:6). After Christ's resurrection the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose (Matt 27:52,53). After Christ was resurrected he holds the the keys of hell and of death (Rev 1:18). Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth (Rev 14:13). The just who die are spirits in the heavenly city with Jesus (Heb 12:22-24).

Water baptism is for those who have heard the gospel (Acts 2:38; John 3:5). All those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, can be saved even if they have not been baptized. Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved. With God all things are possible, God is not bound by water baptism even though God has bound salvation to baptism (Matt 19:25,26; Mark 16:16).  God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, the Son can quicken whom he will (Rom 9:15; John 5:21).  Before the Gentiles were baptized with water, they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, God gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost like the apostles received, God granted the Gentiles repentance unto life (Acts 10:45,47; Acts 11:16,17). 

The prophecies by the prophet Malachi were fulfilled with the coming of John the Baptist not with the coming of Joseph Smith like Mormonism teaches. The prophet Malachi predicted that Elijah  would  turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:5-6). Christ declared this prophecy fulfilled with the coming of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:10-13). John the Baptist called for a change of heart and conduct, a turning of one's life from rebellion to obedience towards God (Matt 3:1-3). John the Baptist came before Christ in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:13-17). Many of the children of Israel turned to the Lord their God, in the Lord children obeyed their parents, fathers brought their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Luke 1:16-17; Eph 6:1-4).

11. Marriage

The unmarried please the Lord ( LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that marriage is a commandment when the Bible reveals that some are called to marry and some are not? 

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 36 "... each of us has been commanded to marry and have children ...."  

1Cor.7 ([7] For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that [8] I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. [20] Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. [32] But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: [33] But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. [34] There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. )

Matt.19 ([10] His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [11] But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. [12] For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.)

Modern day Mormon revelation is contrary to what the Bible reveals. Marriage is not a commandment, both Jesus and the apostle Paul taught being unmarried for the kingdom and being married.  God's commandment is that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another (1John 3:23,24). Those who give heed to the commandments of men turn from the truth (Titus 1:14). Jesus taught those who can receive being unmarried for the kingdom to receive it (Matt 19:4-12). The Apostle Paul associated being unmarried with a calling and a gift (1Cor 7:6-40). For those who are called to be man and wife like Adam and Eve God can bless them to multiply (Gen 1:21-28; Gen 2:18-25).  Two shall be one flesh, this cause a man and a wife (Eph 5:31).  The Lord did not command each of us to marry, but taught that those who can receive being unmarried for the kingdom of heaven to receive it. 

In the Old Testament it was wives (1Kings 11:3,4), in the New Testament under the New Covenant it is wife (1Cor 7:2).  The apostle Paul does not endorse plural wives but says “avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband” (1Cor 7:2). In the beginning it was not wives, it was wife (Gen 2:24,25; Eph 5:31).

What shall I do to inherit eternal life? (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings |Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach eternal life depends on eternal marriage, when the Bible reveals eternal life depends on loving God and our neighbor?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 47 "... a plan for our progression ... We could become like him, an exalted being. ... Exaltation is eternal life, the kind of life God lives. He lives in great glory. He is perfect. He possesses all knowledge and all wisdom. He is the Father of spirit children. He is a creator. We can become like our Heavenly Father. This is exaltation  If we prove faithful to the Lord, we will live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of heaven. We will become exalted, just like our Heavenly Father. Exaltation is the greatest gift that Heavenly Father can give his children. .. requirements for exaltation ... must be married for time and eternity ..." 

Luke.10 ([25] And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [27] And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. [28] And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.)

Eternal life does not depend on an eternal marriage like Mormonism teaches, Jesus tells us to eternal life depends on loving God and our neighbor (Luke 10:25-28). Marriage is not eternal, the wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord (1Cor 7:39). For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven (Matt 22:30). In the resurrection from the dead, we neither marry, nor are given in marriage, neither can we die any more (Luke 20:33-36). At the beginning God made them male and female, the two shall be on flesh, God joins together (Matt 19:4-6). In the resurrection, the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife (the church) has made herself ready (Eph 5:25-32; Rev 19:7; Rev 21:2). Our goal is not an eternal marriage in a Mormon Temple like Mormonism teaches, our goal is an eternal marriage to the bridegroom who is Christ.

12. Eternal Life

The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom (LDS | Bible | Catholic | Early Church)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that the unrighteous are assigned a kingdom when the Bible reveals that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 46  "At the Final Judgment we will be assigned to the kingdom for which we are prepared. We will be sent to one of four places: Celestial     ... Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must also have been married for eternity in the temple ...  will live with Heavenly Father ... Terrestrial  ... received the gospel and a testimony of Jesus but then were not valiant ... Telestial     ... did not receive the gospel ... These ... are liars ... adulterers ... Outer Darkness ... they denied the Holy Spirit  ... live... with Satan ..." 

1Cor.6 ([9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God) 

Those who do not receive the gospel are not sent to a kingdom like Mormonism teaches, those who do not believe are damned, either a person is damned or saved (Mark 16:16). All who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness are damned (2Thes 2:12).  Adulterers are not sent to a kingdom like Mormonism teaches, adulterers, the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1Cor 6:9). He that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost has never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation (Mark 3:29). Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment, shall be in danger of hell fire (Matt 5:22). Upon his death the rich man was in hell in torment, there is a fixed great gulf fixed which cannot be passed to the place of the righteous like Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-28). In hell, death to both the soul and body  (Matt 10:28). 

Liars are not sent to a kingdom like Mormonism teaches,  all liars, the unbelieving shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev 21:8). If a man says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar (1John 4:20). God hates and abhor lying, lying lips are abomination to the LORD (Psalm 119:11; Prov 12:22).  In the end of this world the Son gathers out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of fire, the wicked do evil because of their unbelief (Matt 13:40-58). Those who do evil come forth unto the resurrection of  damnation (John 5:29). All will stand before God, the book of life will be opened and the dead will be judged according to their works, those not written in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire, the devil that deceived them will be case in the lake of fire (Rev 20:10-15). When the Son of man comes in his glory the cursed depart from him and go away into everlasting punishment, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt 25:30-46). They shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power (2Thes 1:9). 

There are two kind of bodies, the celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial, the spiritual body and the natural body (1Cor 15:40;44). The just terrestrial bodies or the natural bodies on earth are different, some are filthy, some righteous, and some holy (Rev 22:11). When they just die and raised up as celestial bodies or spiritual body they are raised as different glories, some have the glory of the sun, some the glory of the moon, and some the glory of the stars (1Cor 15:35-43). 1Cor 15:4-42 is not talking about different kingdoms but is talking about different bodies and different glories. There are two kind of bodies, the celestial or spiritual bodies and the terrestrial or natural bodies  When the just die they are raised up as celestial or spiritual bodies which have different glories (e.g. sun, moon, stars). Before the just die they are on earth as terrestrial or natural bodies which are different (e.g. holy, righteous, filthy) but they are not in different kingdoms. 

The Bible does not reveal "all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" like the Mormon's Third Article of Faith states. Ordinance like marriage in a Mormon temple is not necessary for exaltation as the LDS church teaches, humility is necessary for exaltation, by doing the will of the Father we enter into the kingdom of heaven, when we love God we keep his commandments, his commandment is to believe on Jesus and love one another, his commandment is not the man-made Mormon commandment of marriage  (1Pet 5:5,6; Matt 7:21; 1John 5:2; 1John 3:23). Whoever does and teach the commandments of God shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:19). Those who love their enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; their reward shall be great, and they shall be the children of the Highest (Luke 6:35). 

There is no universal salvation like the LDS church teaches, those who have done good come forth unto the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil come forth unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:29). Everyone will be resurrected but that does not mean they will all have salvation (Acts 24:15). Salvation is through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, it is not by faith only (2Thes 2:13; James 2:14). Those who do the works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-20). Those who do not believe shall not be saved (Acts 16:30,31; Mark 16:16). All who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness are damned (2Thes 2:12). The unbelieving have their part in the lake of fire with Satan which is the second death (Rev 21:3). 

God shall dwell with his people (LDS | Bible | Catholic | Early Church)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Why does the LDS church teach that not all members of the Church will live with their Heavenly Father when the Bible reveals that the Father will be with all the just spirits made perfect and they will inherit all things? 

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 46  "... members of the Church will inherit different kingdoms because they will not be equally faithful and valiant in their obedience to Christ.... Celestial ... will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever ... Terrestrial ... They will be visited by Jesus Christ but not by our Heavenly Father ... Telestial ... They will be visited by the Holy Ghost but not by the Father or the Son. ... Outer Darkness ... They will live in eternal darkness, torment, and misery with Satan and his angels forever."

Heb.12 ([22] But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, )

Rev.21 ([2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. [8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [9] And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. [10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,  [11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; . [27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life)

Members of the Church do not inherit different kingdoms like Mormonism teaches, after the Final Judgment the members of the church inherit the kingdom of God, the righteous go into life eternal (Matt 25:34). In the end, the Son shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all (1Cor 15:24,28). The Son shall gather shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matt 13:40,41). If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1Cor 3:13-15). In the Father's house are many mansions (John 14:2). Before the new heaven, their is a third heaven or paradise (Rev 21:1; 2Cor 12:2-4). The person next to Christ on the cross went to paradise on the same day he died to be with Christ (Luke 23:24). Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Rev 20:6). Through the atonement we are justified. Those justified are made perfect and holy.  Because of the atonement the just spirits are made perfect in the heavenly city before the new heaven and new earth when all the people of God will dwell with their heavenly Father.

Either a person is in the book of life or they are not. Those not in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire with the devil and those in the book of life will dwell with the Father (Rev 20:10-15; Rev 3:5, 21). Either a person is with the Father in the kingdom or with the devil in the lake of fire after Final Judgment (Rev 21:3,8). Either a person is righteous or they are unrighteous, the righteous inherit the kingdom and the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God but are cast into the lake of fire with the devil who is tormented forever (Matt 25: 33-46; 1Cor 6:9). Either you are spiritually dead or alive, either you are in the book of life or you are not, those who are spiritually alive dwell in celestial kingdom with their Almighty Father in eternal life, those who are spiritually dead dwell in the lake of fire with the devil in eternal punishment. Either a person is damned or saved, those who do evil come forth in the resurrection of damnation and those who do good come forth in the resurrection of life (Mark 16:16; John 5:29). Either a person overcomes or they did not overcome, those who overcome inherit all things and shall be God's son, and those who do not overcome experience second death and will have their part in the lake of fire with the devil (Rev 21:7-9). Either you believe or you do not believe. Those who overcome believeth that Jesus is the Son of God, shall not be hurt of the second death,  God will not blot out his name out of the book of life, will sit with on a throne, and shall be God's son (1John 5:4; Rev 2:11; Rev 3:5,21; Rev 21:7). The church is the body of Christ, by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, we are members of his body (Col 1:18; 1Cor 12:13; Eph 5:23.30).  Those who overcome will sit on a throne, he that overcomes is in the book of life, he that overcomes believes in Jesus and is born of God (Rev 3:5-21; 1John 5:1-5). The sons of God shall be holy and perfect like God (1John 3:2-3). 

When the Son of man come in the glory of his Father with his angels; then he shall reward every man according to his works (Matt 16:27). At the end of this world the wicked will severed from the just (Matt 13:49). At Final Judgment there are only two kinds of people, the just and unjust. Either you are in the book of life or your not.  All will stand before God, the book of life will be opened and the dead will be judged according to their works, those not written in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire, the devil that deceived them will be case in the lake of fire (Rev 20:10-15). After Final Judgment, there is a new heaven and a new earth those in the book of life will have the glory of God and God shall be with them (Rev 21:1-27).  Both the just and unjust are resurrected, those who do good to the resurrection of life and those who do evil to the resurrection of damnation (Acts 24:15; John 5:29). 

The just spirits in the heavenly city with Christ are made perfect (Heb 12:22,23).  When the chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall receive a crown of glory, the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that we have suffered a while, make us perfect (1Pet 5:1-10). We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (Heb 10:10).  By grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Eph 2:8). At the appearing of Jesus Christ we will receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of your souls, we have purified our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren (1Pet 1:2-22).  We received the love of the truth, that we might be saved, God hath from the beginning chosen us to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2Thes 2:10-13). Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him, by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous (Rom 5:1-19). The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:7-9).