TERMINOLOGY DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN MORMON DEFINITIONS
AND BIBLICAL DEFINITIONS
SEE also: DOCTRINAL
DIFFERENCES
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TERM
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MORMON DEFINITION (LDS)
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BIBLICAL DEFINITION
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AARONIC
PRIESTHOOD
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LDS
The Mormon church claims to possess what is said to be the
PRIESTHOOD,
which consists of the Aaronic Priesthood and the
MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD. The Aaronic priesthood,
which the Mormon church claims to possess, is not hereditary based on descent from the tribe of Levi,
found in the historical record of the Bible as established by God, but it is said to be conferred on an
individual based on the claim that it was restored into the true church by John the Baptist. The Aaronic
Priesthood is held by members of the Mormon church who are not descendants of the tribe of Levi.
The Aaronic priesthood is the entry-level lesser priesthood that is conferred to male members of the
church at approximately the age of 12. In the case of older adults who have converted to the Mormon
church, it may be conferred later in life. The offices within the Mormon Aaronic Priesthood are,
DEACON, TEACHER and priest. The biblical
Aaronic priesthood had none of those offices. At approximately age 18, worthy male members of the
Mormon church who have held the Aaronic priesthood are given the greater Melchizedek
Priesthood.
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BIBLE
In the Old Testament, the Aaronic Priesthood is also called the Levitical Priesthood, because the
priestly function was hereditary and could only be held and exercised by those who were members of
the tribe of Levi. In the New Testament, there are no priests who are mediators between man and God,
who have special authority. All believers are their own priests, 1 Peter 2:5, 9, and have direct access to
God through the one and only Mediator who is Jesus Christ, 1 Timothy 2:5. There is no Aaronic
priesthood in New Testament Christian doctrine. The Aaronic priesthood is not part of the Christian
church. At the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Aaronic priesthood was abolished and the
priesthood of Melchizedek was given to Jesus Christ by God. Jesus Christ is a High Priest in heaven
after the order of Melchizedek.
"Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the
Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek,
and no be designated according to the order of Aaron?
For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.
For it is attested of Him, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek,'"
Hebrews 7:11-12, 17 (NAS).
SEE: Hebrews 7 - entire chapter for the complete explanation.
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ADAM
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LDS
(1) Father of temporal humanity. His spirit along with that of his wife, Eve, were sent to earth by the
Heavenly Father, where they obtained bodies and became human beings. His home on earth, the
GARDEN OF EDEN, was claimed by Joseph Smith to have been
located in Jackson County, Missouri,
"The early brethren of this dispensation taught that the Garden of Eden was located in what is known
to us as the land of ZION, an area for which Jackson County, Missouri, is the
center place,"
—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 20.
After he was removed from the Garden of Eden by God, Adam lived in another place close by, and
Joseph Smith claimed to have found the place where Adam lived, called Adam-ondi-Ahman
("Valley of God, where Adam dwelt"—Apostle Orson Pratt), and the original altar built by Adam
in Daviess County, Missouri,
"A remnant of that very altar remained on the spot down through the ages. On May 19, 1838, Joseph
Smith and a number of his associates stood on the remainder of the pile of stones at a place called
Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri,"
—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 21.
(2) The procreated son of GOD THE FATHER and one of his wives, his spirit
born on a planet other than earth on which God the Father lives.
(3) Brother to every other human being and also brother to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and also to
Lucifer who is Satan.
(4) Considered to be the archangel MICHAEL.
(5) Referred to as the ANCIENT OF DAYS.
NOTE:
(a) Michael the archangel is not mentioned in the Book of Mormon
(b) The second Prophet and President of the Mormon church, Brigham Young , considered Adam to
be God and the father of Jesus Christ in addition to being the archangel Michael, a teaching that has
now been rejected by the church and is considered to be false doctrine, yet Brigham Young has never
been declared to be a false teacher.
The Book of Mormon states that Adam was a created being and not a spirit procreated on
another planet:
"And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the
creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own
image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen
And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man
before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the
foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name," Alma
22:13. cf. Mosiah 28:17; Alma 18:36; Mormon 9:12; Moroni 10:3.
SEE: PRE-EXISTENCE
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BIBLE
First created human being and father of the human race. Created by God on the sixth day of creation
from the dust of the earth and infused with a spirit and soul by the breath of God, Genesis 1:28; 2:7.
Adam is not the archangel MICHAEL since angels are not human beings, and
he is not the ANCIENT OF DAYS, since that is a reference to God
Himself, Daniel 7:9.
SEE: PRE-EXISTENCE
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ADAM-ONDI-AHMAN
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LDS
According to Mormons, the term is a name from the original "Adamic language," and means "the
place or land of God where Adam dwelt," and is the place where Adam, Eve and their family lived
after they were sent out of the GARDEN OF EDEN by God. The
place is identified as being in Daviess County, Missouri, United States of America, which is very close
to Jackson County, Missouri, United States of America where it is claimed that the Garden of Eden
was located. Joseph Smith claimed that a pile of stones found in the area were the remnants of the altar
on which Adam offered sacrifices, and that the Mormons would build a city there which would also be
called Adam-ondi-Ahman:
"This is the valley of God in which Adam blessed his children and upon this very altar Adam himself
offered up sacrifices to Jehovah. . . .we will lay out a city which shall be called Adam-ondi-Ahman.
Here Adam, the ANCIENT OF DAYS, shall come to visit his people .
. ,"
—Joseph Smith, as quoted in No One Knows My History: the Life of Joseph Smith, by
Fawn Brodie, Random House, 1971, p. 211.
"Adam's Altar, which was mentioned, I have visited many times. I sat upon the wall of stone and
reflected upon the scenes that had taken place thousands of years ago right where I was. There were
the rocks that Father Adam uses. . . My father's house stood about two hundred and fifty yards from
that altar. on the bottom land of Grand River, in the valley of Adam-on-Diahman,"
Oliver B. Huntington, Juvenile Instructor, November 15, 1895, p. 700-701.
"Latter-day Saints know, through modern revelation, that the Garden of Eden was on the North
American continent and that Adam and Eve began their conquest of the earth in the upper part of what
is now the state of Missouri. It seems very probable that the children of our first earthly parents moved
down along the fertile, pleasant lands of the Mississippi valley,"
—Apostle John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, Salt Lake City, Bookcraft
1960, p. 127.
Before the second coming of Jesus Christ, Mormons believe that Adam will return to
Adam-ondi-Ahman, where there will be a great convocation. In attendance will be Adam, Enoch,
Noah and all persons who have the "keys of authority" who will give an account of their stewardship to
Adam. When Jesus Christ then returns, Adam will present the "keys of authority" to Him.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon says nothing about the Garden of Eden being located in North
America, and says nothing about Adam-ondi-Ahman or the "keys of authority" being given to Adam or
Adam giving them to Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon says nothing about Jesus Christ
returning to North America at His second coming.
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BIBLE
The Bible says nothing about a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman or the claim that the home of Adam
and Eve was in North America or that Jesus Christ will return to North America at His second coming.
Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem at His second coming:
"In that day, His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of
Jerusalem on the east . . ,"
Zechariah 14:4 (NAS). cf. Ezekiel 11:23.
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ANCIENT OF DAYS
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LDS
Said by Mormons to be ADAM who is also said to be
MICHAEL the archangel.
NOTE: The Ancient of Days and Michael the archangel are not mentioned in the Book of
Mormon.
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BIBLE
The Ancient of Days is another term used for God, Daniel 7:9, not ADAM.
The Bible says nothing about MICHAEL the archangel being Adam or the
Ancient of Days, and nothing about Adam being the Ancient of Days.
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ANGELS
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LDS
1. Prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ:
a. Spirits from the PRE-EXISTENT world who had not yet been placed
in human bodies.
b. Disembodied spirits of persons who had lived on earth but were not yet resurrected with
bodies.
c. Translated human beings such as Moses, Enoch and his people, the Three Nephites and the apostle
John.
2. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ:
a. Men who have died and been through the resurrection and possess a divine body of flesh and bones.
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BIBLE
1. Angels are a special group of created spirit beings, not related to human beings, Nehemiah 9:6;
Psalm 104:4, Colossians 1:16.
2. They have greater power than human beings, Psalm 103:20, Peter 2:11. Two angels struck the men
of Sodom with blindness (Genesis 19:11) , one angel killed 185,000 Assyrians, one angel rolled away
the stone blocking the entrance to the tomb of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:2),
one angel has the power to restrain Satan (Revelation 20:20, 10).
3. They are powerful by means of power delegated to them by God, 2 Thessalonians 1:7.
4. There number is innumerable, 2 Kings 6:17; Matthew 26:53.
5. They are divided into various ranks and orders,
LUCIFER - originally the highest in authority and most beautiful.
MICHAEL - the archangel and highest in authority, Daniel 10:21; Daniel
12:1; Jude 9, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 12:7.
GABRIEL - Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26.
.
6. They can appear in human form, Genesis 19:1, Luke 1:19, 26.
7. The do not marry - Luke 20:27-36.
8. They do not convey the gospel message, Galatians 1:8.
Angels are divided into two groups:
1. Holy angels who are ministers of God - Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:14.
2. Unholy angels who were originally holy, but chose to sin and come under the control of Satan, and
are demons - Mark 3:22-23, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6.
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APOSTLE
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LDS
The PRIESTHOOD is a general term used by Mormons, encompassing
two priesthoods in the Mormon church: (1) the lower Priesthood which is the AARONIC PRIESTHOOD, and the (2) high priesthood which is the MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD. Within the Melchizedek
Priesthood are offices to which individuals are ordained and include in order, elder, seventy, high priest,
patriarch and APOSTLE. Each office has within it a greater administrative assignment. Although each
person who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood has as much priesthood authority as any other, those in
the lower offices cannot perform the assignments of those in the higher offices unless so ordained into
the higher offices, although those in the higher offices can perform any of the duties of those in the lower
offices. It requires that a person be ordained as an apostle before they can become a member of the
First Presidency which includes the President, prophet and seer of the church. The Mormon church has
15 apostles at any one time: (A) The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, (B) The First Presidency which
includes the President of the church and the 1st Counselor and 2nd Counselor.
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BIBLE
The apostles in the Bible were specifically appointed by God through Jesus Christ:
(1) Chosen by Jesus Christ - Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13; John 15:16.
(2) Received their title from Jesus Christ - Luke 6:13.
(3) Called by Jesus Christ - Matthew 10:1.
(4) Appointed by God - 1 Corinthians 12:28; Galatians 1:1.
The apostles were not a creation of the church, but they were the foundation of the church,
". . . having been built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets,
Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner stone," Ephesians 2:20 (NAS).
The Bible states no example of the conferring of apostleship by apostolic succession or any other
means. Unless a person has been with Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry or has seen Jesus Christ by
means of a unique encounter, such as the apostle Paul, they are not true apostles. The apostles in the
New Testament were empowered to perform miracles which no self-proclaimed apostles today can
accomplish.
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ATONEMENT
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LDS
The action by Jesus Christ that makes resurrection possible for not only Mormons, but every other
individual as well. Resurrection is considered to be SALVATION. The only
unconditional connection that the atonement has with sin, is that it negates any effects that the sin, the
FALL, of Adam and Eve might have on the human race.
". . . that the blood of Christ redeems mankind from the effects of the fall. . .but that while people had
nothing whatever to do with the work of atonement for that sin, yet for their own sins there is some
action required on their part that they may obtain redemption therefrom, inasmuch as the blood of
Christ was shed for original sin unconditionally, but for the remission of actual sin conditionally,"
—President Charles W. Penrose, Journal of Discourses, vol. 21, pp. 81-82, 1880.
The atonement applies conditionally to the sins of Mormons committed in their mortal life only after they
perform the duties and requirements of the Mormon church. Sins are forgiven based on the
performance of a system of works defined within the organization of the Mormon church as the
"gospel"
and is granted "after all we can do," Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23.
Mormons do not consider the atonement to have been accomplished by the shedding of His blood and
death of Jesus Christ on the cross, but was accomplished in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus
Christ sweat drops of blood from the pores of His skin.
". . . it was in Gethsemane that Jesus took on Himself the sins of the world, in Gethsemane that His pain
was equivalent to the cumulative burden of all men, in Gethsemane that He descended below all things
so hat all could repent and come to Him,"
—President Ezra Taft Benson, from The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel
H. Ludlow, New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1992, p. 542.
"Forgiveness is available because of the atoning sacrifice of the Great Jehovah. Forgiveness is available
because Christ the Lord sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane as he bore the incalculable weight
of sins of all who ever had or ever would repent,"
—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, The Messiah Series, Salt Lake City, Utah, Deseret Book
Company, 1978-82.
The atonement is only effectual when Mormons have first done everything, to the best of their ability,
that they believe Mormon doctrine teaches, and non-Mormons have accepted Mormon doctrine in this
life or the next life after resurrection and then followed the precepts of Mormon doctrine. At that point,
all remaining sins or failures not dealt with previously by the individual can possibly be forgiven by
means of the atonement.
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BIBLE
The atonement was accomplished by Jesus Christ through the means of two events: (1) His death, and
(2) His resurrection. The drops of blood that Jesus Christ shed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night
prior to His crucifixion have nothing to do with the atonement. The GOSPEL
message in the Bible is the atonement which is all of the elements that compose the reasons for the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and has nothing to do with obedience to church leaders, the
following of precepts set down by those leaders, being baptized, being married in a temple or following
some proscribed course of instruction regarding conduct. The gospel is not
SALVATION through a particular church, but salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The elements
of the atonement are as follows:
The Death of Jesus Christ
1. As a RANSOM
To buy back a person by paying a price for their REDEMPTION. Since
human beings are under a sentence of death, it required a payment of death for the redemption to
occur. Psalm 31:5, Psalm 69:18, Matthew 20:28, 1 Timothy 2:6. The ransom was a payment to God,
who holds the authority of judgment and condemnation of the soul, for the consequences of sin which
are offenses against God, Psalm 51:3.
2. As a PROPITIATION
Jesus Christ is the propitiation, or covering, for sins through his blood, which is the picture of the mercy
seat in the Old Testament, Exodus 25:22, Leviticus 16:14. cf, Romans 3:25-26, Hebrews 9:15, 1 John
2:2.
3. As a RECONCILIATION
God has effected the reconciliation of man to God, from whom man is estranged, by the shedding of the
blood and death of Jesus Christ, Romans 6:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Ephesians 2:13-16,
Colossians 1:19-23.
4. As a SUBSTITUTION
Jesus Christ took the penalty for the sins of humanity on Himself, and died as a substitute for the penalty
of death, as separation from God, that has been pronounced against all human beings. The life of Jesus
Christ was given in place of or instead of the believer. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the believer so
that the believer did not have to die for his own sins, Isaiah 53:6 , 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1
Peter 3:18.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the keystone of the atonement, because if human being were to die
for their own sins, they could not resurrect themselves and would so remain in death, but Jesus Christ
rose from the dead and so all believers are resurrected by the power of Jesus Christ, John 6:39, 1
Corinthians 6:14.
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BAPTISM
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LDS
The same as being BORN AGAIN. Immersion in water and can only be
administered by individuals who hold the PRIESTHOOD. A covenant
signifying acceptance of all the elements of Mormon doctrine and also a physical act that washes away
all sins committed in the lifetime of an individual. Baptism is necessary in order to obtain
ETERNAL LIFE and obtain exaltation or godhood in the
CELESTIAL KINGDOM. Baptism is said to be absolutely
necessary for exaltation and entrance into the Celestial
Kingdom, so Mormons baptize by proxy for individuals who have already died but have not embraced
Mormon beliefs or been baptized according to Mormon precepts, the belief being that those persons
will accept Mormon beliefs in the next life and the baptisms will become effectual at that time, just the
same as if they had been baptized in their mortal lives.
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BIBLE
An ordinance of the church which can be administered by any Christian. It is an act of obedience to the
command in the Scripture and is an identification of the individual with the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. Baptism does not convey SALVATION and does not remit
sins.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon and early Mormons considered the fall of Adam and Eve to be
actual sin, however current Mormon theology considers the fall to be a "fall upward" toward the goal of
godhood, which is the primary goal of Mormons.
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BIBLE
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LDS
Said to be one of the four sources of Scripture, the Standard Works for the church, which are:
(1) Book of Mormon
(2) Doctrine and Covenants
(3) Pearl of Great Price
(4) Bible
Considered to be a deeply flawed document that is full of errors because of additions and
deletions by corrupt Catholic priests in years past. It is only considered to be authoritative when
translated correctly, which means the only legitimate translation must be done by a Mormon prophet. If
statements in the Bible contradict the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great
Price or current Mormon doctrine, then the Bible is considered to be in error or mistranslated and its
statements on the subjects in question are not considered to be authoritative and can be ignored.
SEE: The Book Of Mormon, Doctrine And Covenants, and The Pearl
of Great Price, Are Superior To The Bible
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BIBLE
The inspired and only authoritative SCRIPTURE.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in
righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work," 2 Timothy
3:16 (NAS).
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BISHOP
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LDS
An office that is part of the Melchizedek priesthood as established in the Mormon church. A Bishop is
assigned to head a Ward, which is a local congregation.
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BIBLE
A derivative of the Greek word episkopos, meaning an overseer. All church leaders
in the New Testament church were overseers and referred to by the term episkopos with the
exception of certain helpers who were identified as deacons. The word overseer has
been translated from episkopos using the words bishop, presbyter and
elder. There is no Melchizedek priesthood in the church established by Jesus Christ in the New
Testament and so there is no office of Bishop in a priesthood that does not exist.
Jesus Christ is a priest in heaven after the Order of Melchizedek and appointed to His office by
God,
"For it is attested of Him, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of
Melchizedek.'
(for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to
Him,
'The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ""You are a priest forever,""" Hebrews 7:17, 21
(NAS).
"For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Episkopos -
Bishop of your souls," 1 Peter 2:25 (NKJV).
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BLOOD
ATONEMENT
(HUMAN)
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LDS
According to Mormon prophets and apostles, there are certain sins that cannot be forgiven by the
ATONEMENT of Jesus Christ and require that the person atone for their
own sins by shedding their own
blood in death and it is the responsibility and duty, as a loving act, for other Mormons to kill the
individual. Some of those sins are: murder, adultery, immorality, stealing, using the name of the Lord in
vain, marriage to a person of the black race, covenant breakers, apostasy, lying, counterfeiting,
condemning Joseph Smith or consenting to his death. The simple fact is, if the sin of lying requires that a
person be killed to atone for his own sins, then every single Mormon is required to shed their own
blood to atone for that sin, since there is no human being, either Mormon or otherwise, who has never
lied.
"I . . . warned those who lied and stole and followed Israel that they would have their heads cut off, for
that was the law of God and it should be executed,"
—President Brigham Young, Manuscript History of Brigham Young, December 20, 1846,
original in LDS archives.
"There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive forgiveness in this world, or in that
which is to come, and if they had their eyes open to see their true condition, they would be perfectly
willing to have their blood spilt upon the ground, that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven as an
offering for their sins; and the smoking incense would atone for their sins, whereas, if such is not the
case, they will stick to them and remain upon them in the spirit world."
—President Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 4, pp. 53-54.
". . . under certain circumstances there are some serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not
operate, and the law of God is that men must have their own blood shed to atone for their sins . .
."
—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1958, p. 87.
In Mormon theology, LDS members accomplish their own atonement, "after all we can do," and by
shedding their own blood to pay the penalty for the sins that prevent their exaltation. Almost all
Mormons accept the part about "all we can do," but the part about blood atonement requiring their own
suicide by their own hand or that of another doesn't seem to be as acceptable.
NOTE: Personal atonement for sins committed by shedding one's own blood is not taught in the
Book of Mormon.
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BIBLE
The only ATONEMENT that is recognized by God is that provided by the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus Christ atones for ALL sins, Titus 2:11-15,
1 John 1:7-9.
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BORN AGAIN
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LDS
The physical act of BAPTISM, in which a person is baptized in water by
a duly authorized Mormon official, through which an individual is joined to and becomes a member of
the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. The
identification with and joining with the
Mormon church by means of an official ordinance of the Mormon church established by the general
authorities which is defined by baptism.
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BIBLE
Baptism has nothing to do with being Born Again. The phrase "born again" actually means
"born from above" signifying a spiritual transformation in the life of the individual as a result of
the washing of repentance, John 3:3-7.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has
caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to
obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for
you, who are protected by the power of god through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the
last time," 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NAS).
Being "born again" does not occur as a result of baptism, but as a result of the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ.
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things
have come," 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NAS).
To be "born again" is to be transformed spiritually through a regeneration by the Holy Spirit. It is a new
spiritual birth by a direct act of God by which ETERNAL LIFE is imparted
to the believer, at which time believers become children of God.
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those
who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man,
but of God," John 1:12-13 (NAS).
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CAIN
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LDS
(1) Plotted with Lucifer so that he could kill Abel without being discovered,.Book of Mormon,
Helaman 6:27.
(2) Murdered and possessed certain oaths which would obtain power, Book of Mormon,
Ether 8:15
(3) Cursed because he made a secret agreement with Satan for gain, Pearl of Great Price,
Moses 5:29-33.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon does not mention that Cain was a son of Adam and Eve.
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BIBLE
(1) The first son of Adam and Eve, born after the fall, Genesis 4:1.
(2) Cain brought an unacceptable offering to God that was rejected and he became angry, Genesis
4:5.
(3) God gave Cain the option to present a proper sacrifice which he refused to do, Genesis 4:6-7.
(4) Cain murdered his brother Abel, Genesis 4:8.
(5) Cain lied to God about his knowledge and actions, Genesis 4:9.
(6) Cain was cursed by God because he murdered Abel, Genesis 4:10-11.
(7) The curse on Cain by God was: (a) the earth would not grow crops by his hand, Genesis 4:12, and
(b) he would be a wanderer and a vagrant, Genesis 4:12.
(8) Cain was given a mark on his person so that anyone finding him would not kill him, Genesis
4:15.
The mark given to Cain was not a curse but it was his protection. There is no statement that Cain was
cursed with a black skin or that his son Enoch had a black skin. The Bible makes no statement to the
effect that Cain possessed certain special oaths which would give a person power if spoken or that he
plotted with Satan in order to kill Abel.
Cain is an example of false teachers who ". . . have gone the way of Cain . . ,"
Jude 11, by teaching their own doctrines that are not from God.
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CELESTIAL
KINGDOM
|
LDS
The third and highest level of HEAVEN in which only the most worthy
Mormons will enter. It is reserved for Mormons who have accomplished the precepts of Mormon
doctrine to the fullest in their mortal lives, and it is the place of
EXALTATION where and by which those individuals attain to
godhood.
NOTE: The Celestial Kingdom and exaltation to godhood are not mentioned in the Book of
Mormon
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BIBLE
There is no Celestial Kingdom in the Bible. All believers go to the same
HEAVEN.
There is no EXALTATION to godhood in the Bible, because there are no
other gods in addition to the God of the Bible.
Deuteronomy 4:35 -- ". . . the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides
Him."
2 Samuel 7:22 -- "You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and
there is no God besides
You . . ."
Isaiah 44:6 -- "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the
Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no god besides Me."
Isaiah 44:8 -- "'Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I
know of none.'"
Isaiah 45:5 -- "'I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides Me there is no
God."
Isaiah 45:6 -- "'. . . there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no
other.'"
Isaiah 45:21 -- "'Is it not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me,
a righteous God and a Savior; there is none except Me.'"
Isaiah 47:8 -- "'I am, and there is no one besides me.'"
|
|
CHURCH
|
LDS
The organization, governing body and complete body of doctrine of the Mormon church, which
includes the only acceptable name of the church which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. It is the church said to be restored by Joseph Smith after the true church became apostate.
The Mormon church exists apart from its members because a person must be a member of the
organization to be counted or considered as a Mormon which is accomplished by being baptized
into membership by a duly authorized ruling individual by the Mormon church, who has the authority to
perform a water baptism.
NOTE: The original name of the Mormon church was The Church of
Christ before it was changed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The
Church of Christ and Church of God are mentioned in the Book of Mormon,
Mosiah 18:17.
|
BIBLE
The church is composed of a single body of believers from every point on the earth, who have been
called to SALVATION by Jesus Christ and who come under the authority
of Jesus Christ. There is no single organization (like the Mormon church or the Catholic church) that
can call itself the only legitimate representative agency for God on earth, through which all truth must be
filtered or dispensed. There are many "churches" on earth, but they are more properly considered to be
fellowships and represent groups of believers in specific geographical areas. The true church is the
corporate group of believers composed of all of those who have believed in Jesus Christ since His
resurrection and will believe in the future, and are properly called the "body of Christ," 1 Corinthians
6:15; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27.
|
|
CHURCH OF CHRIST
|
LDS
The original name given to the CHURCH formed by
Joseph Smith which was later changed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
NOTE: The official name of the Mormon church is not stated in the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon refers to Church of Christ and Church of God.
|
BIBLE
The CHURCH that Jesus Christ founded was not given a name in the
Scripture. The descriptive term that could be used for that church would be the body of Christ,
Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:12;
Colossians 1:18.
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|
COUNCIL IN HEAVEN
|
LDS
During the PRE-EXISTENCE, after
GOD THE FATHER and his wives completed the task of procreating the spirit
bodies of everyone who would eventually live on earth, God called a large meeting of the spirits which
Mormons call "the Council In Heaven." It was during the council that God the Father proposed His
plan for sending the spirits to earth in order to inhabit the bodies of human babies so that humanity
could be tested and then return to Him after their death.
As a result of this council, there was a disagreement over the plan and Satan proposed his own, which
was rejected by God and war broke out in heaven over the issue. One-third of the spirits took sides
with SATAN and the rest sided with JESUS
CHRIST who supported the plan of God the Father. MICHAEL the
archangel, the pre-incarnate ADAM, led the forces of God the Father and
Satan was cast down from heaven.
NOTE: The concept of the Council in Heaven is not taught in the Book of Mormon.
|
BIBLE
The Council in Heaven as described in Mormon doctrine is not taught in the Bible.
|
|
CREATION
|
LDS
In Mormon theology, God cannot create anything. He can only "organize" into various forms and
substances from existing material that has existed from eternity and predates his own existence as God.
The Mormon church defines the word 'create' to mean 'organize.'
"Under the direction of heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth (see Mosiah
3:8; Moses 2:1). From the scripture revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, we know that in the
work of the creation, the Lord organized elements that had already existed (see Abraham 3:24). He did
not create the world 'out of nothing,' as some people believe,"
—Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website, www.lds.org
The Book of Mormon states the following:
(1) Jesus Christ CREATED the heavens and the earth, ". . . created the heavens and the earth, and all
things that in them are," Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 9:15.
(2) God CREATED all men, ". . . have created all men . . ," 2 Nephi 29:7.
(3) God CREATED the earth and its children, 1 Nephi 17:36, cf. 2 Nephi 2:14; Mosiah 4:9; Alma
18:28-29; Alma 22:10-11; Mormon 9:11 .
(4) God is ". . . the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are," Book of
Mormon, Ether 4:7.
(5) The Book of Abraham states the following:
The "Gods" organized and formed the heavens and the earth, Pearl of Great Price, Book of
Abraham 4:1ff.
The Book of Mormon, teaches a monotheistic God, who is either one person who appears in
different forms (Father, Son, Holy Ghost - Modalism), or a trinitarian godhead in which there are three
persons within the godhead. Current Mormon theology is polytheistic, contradicting the Book of
Mormon, not as a result of teaching found in the Book of Mormon, but because Joseph
Smith changed his theology about God, resulting in the Book of Abraham describing creation as
being accomplished by "the Gods" as separate polytheistic deities. If the "Gods" organized the heavens
and the earth, then Jesus Christ (as the creator/organizer) was exalted to godhood prior to his mortal
life on earth, which means he did not take part in the
ETERNAL PROGRESSION and the Holy Spirit never had a
mortal life or body and did not did not take part in the Eternal Progression either.
Current Mormon theology also contradicts what Joseph Smith wrote in his spurious "translation: of the
Book of Abraham, because President Joseph Fielding Smith stated:
"It is true that Adam helped to form this earth. He labored with our Savior Jesus Christ. I have a strong
view or conviction that there were also others who assisted them. Perhaps Noah and Enoch; and why
not Joseph Smith, and those who were appointed to be rulers before the earth was formed? We know
that Jesus our Savior was a Spirit when this great work was done. he did all of these mighty works
before he tabernacled in the flesh,"
—Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, compiled by Bruce R. McConkie, 3
vols. (1954-56), vol. 1, pp. 74-75.
If Jesus Christ, Adam and perhaps Enoch, Noah and Joseph Smith also participated in the creation,
then they must have all been gods before they received their mortal human bodies, "tabernacled in the
flesh," which is not a possibility in Mormon doctrine.
Mormon teaching states that the record of creation in the Bible contains many figurative elements, such
as the creation being accomplished on six literal days or Eve being formed out of Adam's rib.
"These figurative components invite us to think through those events and bring to our reading what we
know from other sources,"
—Robert J. Woodford, ''In the Beginning': A Latter-day Perspective, LDS website,
www.lds.org
Those "other sources" are the various revelations claimed to have been received by Joseph Smith and
other teachings created by the authorities within the Mormon church. The statements of Mormon
prophets and the teachings of the Mormon church will always be presented as more authoritative than
what is found in the Bible.
NOTE: The Mormon church can present no evidence, either historical, archaeological or biblical to
support the claim that Adam lived in North America, which also includes the claim that civilization from
Adam until Noah existed in North America and not the Middle East.
SEE: The Book of Abraham: A Spurious and Fabricated
Translation - The Prophet Joseph Smith's revelation of the Gods creating the earth is
revealed to be a fraudulent translation.
|
BIBLE
The Bible presents a God who exists prior any spiritual or physical entity: a God who creates by His
word that which did not exist in any form prior to its appearance. He creates ex nihilo, from
nothing, everything that is:
"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether
thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for
Him," Colossians 1:16 (NAS).
The Mormon God is a man but the Biblical God is a spirit. The Mormon Godhead is a Tritheistic
association of separate gods, but the biblical God is a Trinity:
"There is within the one being that is God three co-equal and co-eternal Persons, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit."
Therefore—
(1) GOD IS THE CREATOR:
"Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each
against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?"
Malachi 2:10 (NAS).
(2) JESUS CHRIST IS HE CREATOR:
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all
things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created,"
Revelation 4:11 (NAS).
(3) THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE CREATOR:
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," Genesis 1:1 (NAS).
"You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the ground,"
Psalm 104:30 (NAS).
(A) The Bible says nothing about God creating or "organizing" the universe from existing material.
(B) The Bible says nothing about Adam, Enoch or Joseph Smith participating in the creation.
(C) The Bible says nothing about the Garden of Eden and the rivers, Pishon, Gihon, Tigris and
Euphrates being in a place more than 7,000 miles from the land of Moses.
SEE: The Book of Abraham: A Spurious and Fabricated
Translation - The Prophet Joseph Smith's revelation of God's creation of the earth is
revealed to be a fraudulent translation.
|
|
DAMNATION
|
LDS
Originally defined the same as going to hell, however the concept of hell, except for a very few sons
of perdition, is now rejected by the Mormon church. The current belief is that virtually every person
will end up in one of the three levels of heaven, Terrestrial, Telestial or Celestial. The Celestial
Kingdom is the highest level of heaven and is for the most faithful Mormons who have perfectly
followed Mormon tenets and is the place where they receive their exaltation to godhood. The other two
lower levels of heaven are for other Mormons who have not performed as well and for non-Mormons
who have accepted Mormon doctrine after they have died and been resurrected in the next life. Those
two levels are considered to be a state of damnation, although they are two levels of paradise. They are
defined as damnation because persons who find themselves there can never be exalted to
godhood.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon does not define damnation as being consigned to a lower level of
heaven.
|
BIBLE
Being in a state of condemnation by God for unbelief and not accepting the gospel message,
resulting in the judgment of Jesus Christ and assignment to the Lake of Fire with the devil and his
angels, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:11-15.
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|
DEACON
|
LDS
The entry level office in the AARONIC PRIESTHOOD. The Aaronic
Priesthood is the first of two priesthoods in the Mormon church. The second and highest priesthood is
the MELCHIZEDEK. The Aaronic priesthood is conferred on worthy
Mormon males beginning at about the age of twelve, and the office of deacon is the first level to which
an individual is ordained. Deacons in the Mormon church are mainly teenagers. The next two offices in
the Aaronic Priesthood are TEACHER and PRIEST.
DUTIES of a DEACON:
(1) Pass the sacrament.
(2) Watch over the church.
Help members keep the commandments by teaching them the gospel by words and deeds.
(3) Warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
Speak in church meetings and notify members of meetings, share the gospel and bear testimony.
(4) Assist the BISHOP with temporal things by Gathering fast offerings, caring
for those in need, helping care for the meetinghouse and grounds.
(5) Fellowship quorum members and other young men. Encourage people to participate in quorum
meetings and activities and be concerned about their spiritual welfare.
All of these duties are to be performed by a person who is 12-14 years old.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon does not mention deacons or the office of a deacon in the
priesthood.
|
BIBLE
There is no PRIESTHOOD" office of Deacon because there is no
priesthood in the new Testament. Jesus Christ is the only High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek
and he serves as a Priest in heaven, Hebrews 7:20-22. The qualifications for deacons are noted in 1
Timothy 3:1-13, and include the qualifications that apply to overseers, which include being old enough
to marry, vs. 1, and old enough to have children, vs. 4.
It is not presumed in the Bible that deacons would be 12 year old boys.
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|
DEVIL
|
LDS
See: SATAN
|
BIBLE
See: SATAN
|
|
ELDER
|
LDS
The entry level office in the MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD which is the
high priesthood . The Melchizedek Priesthood is the second and highest of two priesthoods in the
Mormon church, the first of which is the AARONIC PRIESTHOOD. The
Melchizedek Priesthood is conferred on a male member of the church at about the age of 18, prior to
going on a mission or getting married and the member is then called an elder. Elder has two meanings,
(1) a specific office in the Melchizedek priesthood, (2) a general reference to specific higher authorities
who are addressed as Elder.
DUTIES of the office of an ELDER:
(1) Ordain priests, teachers and deacons.
(2) Administer the bread an wine (the sacrament).
(3) Confirm those who are baptized into the church by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and
the Holy Ghost.
(4) Teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church.
(5) Be the leader in all meetings.
(6) Conduct meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost.
(7) Officiate in a meeting when the High Priest is not present.
(8 ) Officiate in any calling by the church that is required, ie. work in the temple, labor in ministry at
home or assist in preaching the gospel throughout the world..
NOTE: None of these functions are mentioned as a part of the Melchizedek Priesthood in the Book
of Mormon.
|
BIBLE
There is no Melchizedek Priesthood in the church in the New Testament, so there is no office of elder
as a priest. Elders in the New Testament were never referred to as priests and never said to be part of
a Melchizedek Priesthood. The Melchizedek Priesthood and the appointed High Priest is Jesus Christ,
and that priesthood is located in heaven, Hebrews 7:16.
Elders (bishops, presbyters) in the church are referred to as "overseers," Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy
3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9. Elders were responsible to their local congregation and were appointed by them,
Titus 1:5. They were not part of an authoritative, monolithic organization but were men charged with the
responsibility to care for the local fellowship by their teaching of "sound doctrine" and refutation of false
doctrine, Titus 1:9.
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|
ELOHIM
|
LDS
The name of God the Father in the Old Testament. God the Father is only one of an infinity of gods that
exist. He is an EXALTED man who lives on another planet. He was once
just a man but was "exalted" to his position of godhood by following the ordinances contained within the
precepts of the ETERNAL PROGRESSION, which are the
content of the GOSPEL given to him by his god. Those precepts are the same
basic teachings found in the Mormon Gospel. He has a body of flesh and bones and is the same basic
size as a human being.
|
BIBLE
The word "ELOHOM" has a number of different meanings in the Bible:
(1) Judges - Exodus 21:6
(2) Angels - Psalm 8:5
(3) Human leaders, judges - Psalm 82:1, 6
(4) An occultic vision of the form of the prophet Samuel, 1 Samuel 28:13-14.
(5) False gods, images, statues - Genesis 31:30; Genesis 35:2, 4; Exodus 20:3, 1 Chronicles
16:26
(6) God - the Godhead in concert as a Trinitarian unit - Genesis 1. God is said to be the Creator, the
Holy Spirit brooded over the seas, and Jesus Christ was the instrument used, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians
1:16-17
|
ENDOWMENTS
|
LDS
Endowments are special gifts of knowledge imparted to a member of the Mormon church prior to
serving a full-time mission for the church or prior to his/her marriage. The endowments are granted
during a special Endowment Ceremony performed in the temple. The Endowment Ceremony consists
of various washings, anointings and rituals and involves the use of the official underwear and various
articles of clothing specified for use during the ceremony. The individual is given a new name,
assigned to a tribe of Israel, instructed in the use of certain secret handshakes and given secret pass
words that will be used to gain entrance into the Celestial Kingdom of heaven after their death. The
endowments are considered necessary for a person to gain entrance into the Celestial Kingdom, which
actually means the attainment of godhood.
NOTE: Endowments are not mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
|
BIBLE
There are no endowments mentioned in the Bible.
|
|
ETERNAL LIFE
|
LDS
Exaltation to godhood and the ability to bear children in the Celestial Kingdom. Must be
married and SEALED in a Mormon temple while on earth and have a
TEMPLE RECOMMEND. Couples who have not been married
in the temple cannot attain to godhood.
NOTE: Exaltation to godhood, the Celestial Kingdom and bearing children in the Celestial Kingdom
are not mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
|
BIBLE
Life for eternity in the presence of God for all
believers who have been given by God to Jesus Christ, John 17:2-3. Forgiveness and freedom from sin,
Romans 6:22-23. Used synonymously with SALVATION because
Salvation results in Eternal Life. There is no marriage in heaven, Matthew 22:23-30. No human being
will ever be exalted to godhood, Deuteronomy 4:35, 2 Samuel 7:22, Isaiah 44:6, 8, Isaiah 45:5, 6, 21,
Isaiah 47:8.
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|
ETERNAL PROGRESSION
|
LDS
A specific process that has been repeated
continuously from eternity past and will continue into eternity future, by which human beings are
EXALTED to godhood.
God the Father and his wives all live on another planet where the following series of events occur:
1. GOD THE FATHER and his many wives produce children who are spiritual
entities (spirits).
2. The children (spirits) live with God the Father on his planet for an unspecified
period of time called, THE FIRST ESTATE.
3. God the Father calls a COUNCIL IN HEAVEN
and proposes a plan whereby all the spirit children can be sent to earth and be tested for their
faithfulness, yet be returned to him after their death. JESUS CHRIST, the
firstborn spirit child , supports the plan, but SATAN, also a spirit child
(brother of Jesus Christ), opposes the plan and proposes his own plan. Satan's plan is rejected by God
and the other billions of spirits take sides and one-third supported Satan causing a war in heaven
between
the forces of those who support Jesus Christ, who are led by MICHAEL
(also a spirit child and the pre-existent ADAM), and those who support
Satan.
4. God's plan prevails and Michael is sent to earth with a spirit sister to become the first parents of the
human race. This is called the SECOND ESTATE. They do not
have physical bodies at the time, but after a time on the earth they somehow become transformed into
"temporal" beings with physical bodies containing their spirits on the inside.
5. God the Father gives Adam and Eve certain regulations that they are to follow. Satan enters the
scene and tempts Eve bringing about the FALL, which is actually a blessing and
allows them the ability to have children.
6. The children that are then born to human beings are given spirits, who are the spirit children of God
the Father sent from his planet.
7. Knowledge of the Mormon gospel is revealed to mankind and following the precepts contained
therein, a person can eventually be exalted to godhood. At that point they are given their own planet
and father their own spiritual children.
Once a person is exalted to godhood, the process begins again. The process has happened to an infinite
number of people on an infinite number or worlds for an infinite period of time. With each repetition
of the process, there needs to be a Father God with his numerous wives, a planet on which God the
Father lives, a Jesus Christ and Satan in heaven, a war in heaven, an earth, an Adam and Eve who
disobey the precepts of God, a Mormon church
(CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS), an
atonement through the death and resurrection of a redeemer (Jesus Christ) and an exaltation to
godhood for the faithful believers and a repeat of the process again and again - for eternity.
NOTE: The concept of the Eternal Progression is not taught in the Book of Mormon.
|
BIBLE
There is no Eternal Progression taught in the Bible, since human beings cannot become gods.
|
|
EXALTATION
|
LDS
A position reserved for only the most faithful Mormon believers, in which they enter
the highest of the three levels of heaven, the CELESTIAL
KINGDOM, where they attain godhood and bear children.
NOTE: Exaltation to godhood and the Celestial Kingdom are not mentioned in the Book of
Mormon.
|
BIBLE
There is no such thing as a believer becoming a god in Christian doctrine. The Bible denies
the possibility of anyone being equal to God or that there are any other gods besides the
God of the Bible.
|
|
FALL
|
LDS
The fall is considered to be a positive event and was a necessary action in order for Adam and Eve
to eventually produce children and experience physical death, and was a step in the right direction
toward their quest for and eventual attainment of godhood. It is denied that the fall was sinful or a
violation of the precepts of God. It is said that Adam and Eve did not fall downward but that they "fell"
upward toward the goal of eventual godhood, which is the main purpose and goal of following
Mormon doctrine. Since this is considered to be the case, Joseph Fielding Smith said, ". . . I never
speak of the part Eve took in this fall as sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. . . . it is not always a sin to
transgress a law," Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, pp. 114-115.
|
BIBLE
Adam and Even deliberately and knowingly violated a direct command of God, which was a sinful
act that separated them (and ultimately the entire human race) from fellowship with God and brought
with it a condemnation of physical and spiritual death from which they could not escape by their own
efforts. Their action was an attempt to place themselves in the authoritative position of God
which they were not entitled to do and was a usurping of God's place. The fall was a negative and
sinful act expressed through the attempt to be like God, and is the identical sin committed by Lucifer
which also caused his fall and ultimate judgment, Isaiah 14:12-15.
"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is
lawlessness,"
1 John 3:4.
Adam and Eve would not have been punished if there had been no violation.
|
|
FIRST ESTATE
|
LDS
SEE: The PRE-EXISTENCE.
|
BIBLE
There is no PRE-EXISTENCE or FIRST ESTATE in relation to human
beings mentioned in the Bible. The King James version of the Bible uses the term "first estate" in relation
to rebellious angels who left their position in heaven, Jude 6. The term is more properly translated as
"positions of authority" or "proper domain" or "own domain".
|
|
FIRST PRESIDENCY
|
LDS
The highest level governing unit in the Mormon church, consisting of the Prophet and Seer who is the
President and his two Counselors. The trio are referred to as The First Presidency. The President is
referred to as the "Living Prophet" and his pronouncements take precedence over those of any dead
prophet, even if they are contradictory. The Prophet and President speaks the voice of God on any
matters that affect the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, just as the First Prophet and
President Joseph Smith stated:
"God made Aaron to be the mouthpiece for the children of Israel, and he will make me to be god to
you in His stead, and the Elders to be mouth for me; and if you don't like it, you must lump it,"
—Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 363.
Apostle Orson Pratt once said in relation to Prophet Joseph Smith and Prophet Brigham Young,
"We are commanded to give heed to their words in all things, and receive their words as from the
mouth of God, in all patience and faith,"
—Journal of Discourses," vol. 7, p. 375.
Apostle Bruce McConkie said,
"The President of the Church is the mouthpiece of God on earth. Thus said the Lord: 'Thou shall give
heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking
in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and
faith,'"
—Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-5 as quoted in Mormon Doctrine, Salt Lake City,
Bookcraft, 1966, p. 592.
Mormon leadership admits that the First Presidency is not mentioned in the Bible, but point to the
incident when Jesus Christ was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John. They claim that
Peter was the first President and that James and John were his two Counselors. The Bible makes no
such statement.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon contains no reference to the First Presidency.
|
BIBLE
There is no such office as the First Presidency in the Bible.
|
|
FORGIVENESS
|
LDS
Conditionally granted based on repentance and improved behavior, "after all we can do," which means
following the beliefs and practices demanded by the Mormon church. After the precepts of the
Mormon church have been followed (a system of works), then forgiveness can be granted.
|
BIBLE
A gift from God, given as a result of repentance, apart from conduct which cannot justify a person
before God,
". . . and He said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and
rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed
in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem,'" Luke 24:46-47 (NAS).
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it
is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast," Ephesians 2:8-9
(NAS).
Granted at the point a person expresses faith in Jesus Christ, Mark 2:5; Colossians 2:13-14.
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,"
Acts 10:43; Romans 8:1 (NAS).
|
|
GABRIEL
|
LDS
Said to be NOAH, the builder of the ark.
NOTE: The angel Gabriel is not mentioned in the Book of Mormon
|
BIBLE
The Bible mentions the name of Gabriel in four verses, Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21 and Luke 1:19, 26.
The first appearance of Gabriel in the Scripture occurs almost 1500 years after the flood, so it is
strange that he is not said to have made any other appearances during the interim period. None of the
verses connect with NOAH
|
|
GARDEN OF EDEN
|
LDS
Said to have been located in Jackson County, Missouri.
"The early brethren of this dispensation taught that the Garden of Eden was located in what is
known to us as the land of ZION, an area for which Jackson County,
Missouri, is the center place,"
—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 20.
There is no historical or biblical evidence to support Joseph Smith's claim that the Garden of Eden was
in Jackson county, Missouri, other than the fact that he made the statement, which anyone could do.
|
BIBLE
The Bible identifies the Garden of Eden as being in Mesopotamia,
"Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers.
The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third
river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates,"
Genesis 2:11, 13-14 (NAS).
The Bible says nothing about the Garden of Eden being located in Zion.
|
|
GENTILE
|
LDS
Any individual who is not a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons believe that any convert to Mormon belief is a
descendant of Jacob's lineage. In other words, they are Israelites, and so during the ENDOWMENT ceremony they are assigned to one of the tribes of Israel.
Not knowing about genetic DNA, but assuming that racial and ethnic identity was determined through
the blood, Joseph Smith stated:
"The effect of the HOLY GHOST upon a Gentile is to purge out the old
blood and make him actually of the seed of Abraham,"
—Documentary History of the Church, vol. 3, p. 380.
|
BIBLE
Any individual who is not a Jew.
|
|
GOD
|
LDS
In the "pure Adamic language" the name of God is said to be "Ahman". God is a resurrected human
being who faithfully and fully followed the principles of Mormon belief, went through and followed the
regulations of the ETERNAL PROGRESSION, and has been
resurrected from the dead and received his
EXALTATION to godhood in the
CELESTIAL KINGDOM as a result of his faithfulness and
dedication. God is not a spirit, but has a physical body which is called a tabernacle of flesh, and is the
same size as he was in his human (temporal) life. God has a wife and (possibly, most likely) has many
wives. God and his wife (wives) procreate children on the planet on which they live, and that period of
time is called the
PRE-EXISTENCE. Those children are spiritual
beings without bodies, as opposed to their parents who have bodies. God has a father, who is also a
God on some other planet in the universe. That father has a father on another planet, and so-on back
into eternity. The God of this world , God the Father, is not the only god in existence, since there are
an infinite number of Gods from the past and there will be exalted an infinite number of Gods in the
future. God is not all powerful (omnipotent), not all knowing (omniscient) and not all present
(omnipresent). God is unable to create from nothing, but simply organizes existing matter into functional
reality.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon states that God is a spirit which is a contradiction to current
Mormon theology, Alma 18:26-28.
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BIBLE
The first Person of the GODHEAD. Part of the TRINITY.
(1) God is not a man - Numbers 23:19
(2) God created everything that is from nothing, He is not just an "organizer" of existing
matter - Isaiah 40:25-26
(3) God exists from eternity to eternity - Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2; Habakkuk 1:12; 1 Timothy 1:17
(4) God is IMMUTABLE (does not change) - Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 102:27;
Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 6:17-18; James 1:17
(5) God is the only God - Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6-8; Isaiah 45:5; Isaiah 45:21-22
(6) God is a SPIRIT - John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17
(7) God is INVISIBLE - 1 Timothy 1:17
(8) God is OMNISCIENT (all-knowing) - Psalm 139:7-12; Psalm 147:5; Jeremiah 23:23-24
(9) God is OMNIPOTENT (all-powerful) - Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17-18
(10) God is OMNIPRESENT (present everywhere at one time) - 11 Chronicles 6:18; Psalm 39:7-12;
Jeremiah 23:24; Ephesians 1:23
"Not only does He fill all space—space is an extension within His immensity; and all space
contains, or ever can contain, is pervaded by His august presence. His center is everywhere—His
circumference nowhere. How the immensity of God baffles human imagination and explanation!"
—Herbert Lockyer, All the Doctrines of the Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand
Rapids, 1966, p. 27.
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|
GODHEAD
|
LDS
The godhead is TRITHEISTIC, consisting of three separate individuals who are three separate Gods:
(1) GOD THE FATHER, who is a resurrected human being who has been
exalted to Godhood with a physical body, (2) JESUS CHRIST, who is
also a resurrected human being who has been exalted to Godhood with a physical body, and (3) the
HOLY GHOST who has not been resurrected and has a spiritual body.
The three gods are related to each other through paternity; God the Father is the spirit father of both
Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
|
BIBLE
The Godhead is God, a Trinity of persons consisting of GOD THE FATHER,
JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT.
"There is within the one being that is God three co-equal and co-eternal Persons, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit."
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|
GOSPEL
|
LDS
The entire body of doctrine, ordinances and laws of the Mormon church, which include, but are not
limited to: The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price.
Also included are the portions of the Bible that are deemed acceptable "as translated correctly" and any
future pronouncements of Mormon prophets that may change current Mormon doctrine. Mormon
doctrine is a fluid, ever-changing body of pronouncements by the "living prophet" that can and do
contradict the pronouncements of any dead prophet.
|
BIBLE
The Good News message of the death and resurrection of JESUS
CHRIST, accomplished as an ATONEMENT for the
FORGIVENESS of sins for everyone who believes and trusts in Him,
1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
"The gospel is, therefore, the doctrine which the Son of God, our Mediator, revealed from heaven
in Paradise, immediately after the fall, and which he brought from the bosom of the Eternal
Father; which promises, and announces, in view of the free grace and mercy of God, to all those
that repent and believe, deliverance from sin, death, condemnation, and the wrath of God; which
is the same thing as to say that it promises and proclaims the remission of sin, salvation, and
eternal life, by and for the sake of the Son of God, the Mediator; and is that through which the
Holy Spirit works effectually in the hearts of the faithful, kindling and exciting in them, faith,
repentance, and the beginning of eternal life."
—Zacharias Ursinus, 1534-1583, Commentary On The Heidelberg Catechism, pp. 101-
102.
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|
GRACE
|
LDS
A reward that requires proper human conduct in
order for it to be granted.
"Grace is granted to men proportionately as they conform to the standards of personal righteousness
that are part of the GOSPEL plan,"
—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 339.
Mormons work in order to gain approval from God by which they qualify for His extension of grace to
them, "after all we can do." In Mormon theology, grace is granted based on the acceptability of the
person to God, which is determined by how faithfully they conform to the precepts of the Mormon
church.
"Redemption from personal sin can only be obtained through obedience to the requirements of the
Gospel, and a life of good words,"
—James E. Talmadge
|
BIBLE
Grace is a free gift from God not based on the merits of the individual, which is the point of using the
term grace instead of worthiness. It is the granting of SALVATION
and is unmerited favor from God as a result of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, by which
God views the believer in Jesus Christ as being worthy, not as a result of their works, but by the
righteous life of Jesus Christ:
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved
us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you
have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward
us in Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:4-7 (NAS).
". . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a
gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus . . ,"
Romans 3:23-24 (NAS).
"But the free gift is not like the transgression. for if by the transgression of the
one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus
Christ, abound to the many," Romans 5:15 (NAS).
For the Mormon, grace is not a free gift, because it is bought at the price of their performance, which
may not actually be good enough to merit the favor of God since by their own definition that
performance must be perfectly all-inclusive, "after all we can do." Since ALL is the standard, which
they do not actually admit, then every Mormon fails because every Mormon fails to do perfectly every
required duty. The Mormon has no assurance that they will be accepted by God because their own
actions determine the outcome rather than the promise and statements of Jesus Christ. The Christian
has a different outlook, because their SALVATION is not guaranteed by
their own performance of fleshly works, but by the promise of God to accomplish what He has
stated,
"That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the
children of the promise are regarded as descendants," Romans 9:8 (NAS).
The Christian looks forward to Salvation, not because of their works that they hope will cause God to
look favorably on their qualifications, but because God has found the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the
cross to be acceptable on their behalf, as believers who have faith in Him,
"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He
entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this
creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the
holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the
ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how
much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to
God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
Hebrews 9:11-14 (NAS).
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|
HAM
|
LDS
(1) The curse on Cain was a black skin, and his blood was passed down during the flood by
Egyptus who was the black wife of Ham. Egyptus was pregnant, before the flood, by a full-blooded
person of black skin, so her son Canaan was a full-blooded person of black skin, while her other
children from her husband ham were half black skinned.
(2) Egypt was settled by the descendants of Ham.
(3) The Pharaohs of Egypt were Ham's descendants.
For these reasons (in Mormon doctrine persons of black skin are cursed), it was necessary that the
black skinned race be preserved through the flood,
"And after the food we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued
through ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood?
because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God . .
,"
—Journal of Discourses, vol. 22, p. 304.
The historic position of the Mormon church has been that persons of black skin are cursed and are the
specific representatives of Satan on earth, which is why, until forced to do so by political and social
pressure, persons of black skin were denied the PRIESTHOOD until
1978.
NOTE: Although there was nothing in the Book of Mormon or other Mormon doctrine that
specifically denied the priesthood to persons with black skin, that loophole was filled by Joseph Smith
when he "translated" by "inspiration" from God the Egyptian papyri that had come into his possession
from Michael H. Chandler. He translated what he claimed was the original handwriting of Abraham,
and the church canonized the book he produced, The Book of Abraham, as scripture and
placed it in the Pearl of Great Price. Abraham 1:26 states: "Pharaoh . . . even in the reign of
Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the
blessings of wisdom, but CURSED HIM AS PERTAINING TO THE PRIESTHOOD." The Book
of Abraham has been proven to be a fake, a fraudulent and fabricated work by Joseph Smith.
SEE: The Book Of Abraham: a Spurious And Fabricated Translation By
Joseph Smith
|
BIBLE
(1) The Bible says nothing about Cain being cursed with a black skin. The Curse on Cain was the
inability to grow his own food and his place as a vagabond and wanderer in the world, Genesis 4:12.
The mark set on Cain was not a curse, but a blessing that preserved his life, Genesis 4:14-15. Nothing
is said in the Scripture about the mark being a black skin.
(2) Nothing is said in the Bible about Ham being married to a black woman or that his wife was named
Egyptus.
(3) The Bible states specifically that discrimination in the church based on race or social position is not
allowed
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female;
for you are all one in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:28 (NAS), cf. Romans 3:22; Romans 12:13.
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HEAVEN
|
LDS
A place with three levels or divisions.
1. The CELESTIAL KINGDOM
The highest level of heaven where only the most faithful Mormons god, and it is there that they are
EXALTED which means they become gods.
2. The TERRESTRIAL KINGDOM
The intermediate level of heaven for moral and religious people who did not accept or know about
Mormon belief in their mortal life, those who accept the Mormon gospel during their purgatorial time
after death and for lukewarm Mormons. God will not visit the Terrestrial Kingdom, but Jesus Christ will
minister there.
2. The TELESTIAL KINGDOM.
The lowest level of heaven for the worst of humanity, those who rejected the Mormon gospel on earth
and also during their purgatorial time after death (if they did not deny the Holy Ghost), murderers (King
David will be there), sorcerers, liars (apparently no Mormon has ever lied), pimps, prostitutes (Mary
Magdalene will be there, the woman taken in adultery whose sins Jesus Christ forgave will be there),
those who swore falsely, those who mistreated servants, those who engaged in sexual sins, those who
persecuted the church (the apostle Paul will be there?), those who taught infant baptism, those who
taught false doctrine (Brigham Young taught the false Adam-God doctrine), those who refused to share
with others and those who cursed, and ex-Mormons who never repented of apostasy among
others.
Those in the Telestial Kingdom will suffer their greatest punishment forever by realizing the loss of their
former potential. Even though the Telestial Kingdom contains the worst of humanity it is still said to be a
paradise. God and Jesus Christ will never visit the Telestial Kingdom, although the presence of the Holy
Spirit will be there.
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BIBLE
There is only one heaven and all believers in Jesus Christ go there to dwell in the presence of God and
Jesus Christ, John 14:2-3; .Revelation 21:1-3; Philippians 3:20. A person goes to heaven or hell based
on whether or not they have accepted the GOSPEL message during their
mortal life. There is no second chance to accept the gospel after death.
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|
HELL
|
LDS
The Book of Mormon teaches that there is a real hell and that people go there for eternity as an
actual infinite period time. Joseph Smith originally embraced the same belief, but within a year of its
publication, he had changed his mind and rejected the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon
which he claimed he had translated. He adopted the Universalist doctrine which is the position of the
Mormon church today,
"Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless
torment,"
—Joseph Smith, Doctrine and Covenants, vol. 19, p. 6.
What the Mormon church teaches today is a form of purgatory for the vast majority of people who will
then spend eternity in the TELESTIAL KINGDOM or the
TERRESTRIAL KINGDOM which are actually a form of
paradise. Only a small portion of humanity, along with Satan and his angels will go to an actual hell.
Those who go to this hell are called the Sons of Perdition, and consist of:
(1) Satan
(2) Satan's angels - the one-third of heavenly angels (sons of God the Father) who rebelled in the
PRE-EXISTENCE.
(3) Cain
(4) Judas
(5) Those who deny Jesus Christ after being given knowledge by God the Father.
(6) Apostates - those who once embraced Mormon belief and the priesthood but then denied it.
The subject is still debated in Mormon circles, but it is possible that the Sons of Perdition will not spend
eternity in hell, but will have their spirits disassociated back into the original "intelligences" from which
they were composed, resulting in the annihilation of those souls.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon states specifically that Hell exists and that people spend eternity
there, Alma 42:16, 2 Nephi 28:21-23; 3 Nephi 27:11, 17; .
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BIBLE
The place where those who reject the atoning work of Jesus Christ go after death until the final
judgment before Jesus Christ. The Scripture says that Hell exists and is affirmed by:
(1) Jesus Christ - Matthew 5:22; Matthew 10:28; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31.
(2) Apostle Peter - 2 Peter 2:4.
During the final judgment by Jesus Christ, Hell, those in Hell and Satan and his angels will be cast into
the Lake of Fire to be tormented for eternity:
Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:14-15; Revelation 21:8.
The Bible makes no mention of purgatory or the possibility that anyone consigned to Hell or the lake of
fire would escape.
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|
HOLY GHOST
|
LDS
The term adopted from the erroneous translation in the King James Version of the Bible. The Holy
Ghost, is a literal spirit son of God the Father, procreated by means of a sexual union of God
the Father and one of His wives in the PRE-EXISTENCE. He is a
brother to Jesus Christ, Satan and every other human being who has existed, currently exists or will
exist in the future. The Holy Ghost has never occupied a temporal (human) body like Jesus Christ or the
spirits of human beings, but is considered to have been exalted to godhood, even though he has
never progressed through the Mormon
ETERNAL PROGRESSION, has not been married, has not
engaged in polygamy, has not died and has not been resurrected. It is unknown by Mormons how the
Holy Ghost received His exaltation to godhood. He is noted by Mormon apostle Bruce McConkie as
being, "A spirit man. He can only be at one place at a time. . ." Mormon Doctrine, p.359.
SEE: HOLY SPIRIT
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BIBLE
An improper translation in the King James
Version of the Bible of the Greek word pneuma, which should properly be translated
Spirit. The names Holy Ghost and
HOLY SPIRIT are used interchangeably among various Christian groups to
refer to the same individual. The use of the incorrect term "Holy Ghost" in the Book of Mormon, is one
of the proofs that the ideas and concepts found there are a plagiarization from the King James Version
of the Bible and that the Book of Mormon was not a revelation from God.
See: HOLY SPIRIT
|
|
HOLY SPIRIT
|
LDS
The Holy Spirit is the presence of God which is different from the Holy Ghost who is defined as a
spiritual being and literal spiritual son of God the Father and one of His wives.
See: HOLY GHOST.
|
BIBLE
The Third Person of the Trinitarian Godhead. Within the one being of God are three persons, the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit possesses all of the attributes of God as possessed
equally and fully by each member of the Godhead, and includes, but is not limited to, omniscience,
omnipotence and omnipresence.
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|
IMMORTALITY
|
LDS
A gift granted universally to all human beings regardless of their religious belief, which allows them to go
to heaven and live forever. Not the same as ETERNAL LIFE because for
the majority of people, they will be limited to one of the two lower levels of heaven, (1) Telestial
Kingdom, or the, (2) Terrestrial Kingdom and will be unable to bear children, unlike those who have
Eternal Life and will attain the highest level of heaven, Celestial Kingdom, where they will become gods
and bear children forever. Those who have not previously accepted the Mormon gospel in their mortal
life must spend 1,000 years in a purgatory to atone for their sins and then accept the Mormon gospel
where they will attain to one of the two lower levels of heaven.
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BIBLE
The soul of human beings is immortal at creation, but its destiny is determined by the response of the
individual to the gospel message. The soul will spend eternity in either the Lake of Fire, for those who
have not accepted the Gospel message, Revelation 20:15, or heaven in the presence of God
for those who have embraced Jesus Christ, Ephesians 2:13-22, Philippians 3:20-21.
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JEHOVAH
|
LDS
The Old Testament name for JESUS CHRIST.
|
BIBLE
The Old Testament name for God is expressed by the tetragrammaton, YHWH, where the consonants
were removed so the holiest name of God would not be pronounced. Combined with the vowels from
Adonai (Master or Lord), the name of God is presumed to be spelled YAHWEH, meaning "I
AM," Exodus 3:14-15. This spelling gave rise to the name Jehovah in the English language. Yahweh
and Jehovah are the same individual. The name of Jesus Christ is unknown in the Old Testament.
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|
JESUS CHRIST
|
LDS
The literal brother of all human beings. Said to be, "Our elder brother."
The first-born spiritual child of the heavenly Father and Mother in the
PRE-EXISTENCE. All human beings were born as spirits in a
pre-existent world on another planet and are all brothers and sisters, which includes Jesus Christ,
Lucifer (Satan, devil) and angelic beings. Many of those brothers and sisters are actually only
half-brothers and sisters, because God the Father is polygamous and has many wives who can bear his
children.
|
BIBLE
Eternally existing as the second Person of the GODHEAD. Part of the TRINITY.
"There is within the one being that is God three co-equal and co-eternal Persons, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit."
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God. He was in the beginning with God," John 1:1-2 (NAS).
Jesus Christ stated the case himself:
"'I and the Father are one.'
The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, 'I showed you many good works
from the Father; for which of them are you stoning me?' The Jews answered Him, 'For a good work
we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because you, being a man, make Yourself out to be
God," John 10:30-33 (NAS). cf. Exodus 3:14-15.
"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I
am.'" John 8:58.
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|
KINGDOM OF GOD
|
LDS
The Kingdom of God in HEAVEN is the
CELESTIAL KINGDOM which is the highest level of the three
levels in heaven and is the only place which GOD is present.
The Kingdom of God on earth is the organization of the Mormon church - The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints.
|
BIBLE
The same as heaven, in which all believers in Jesus Christ will live in the presence of God:
Matthew 19:16-26, Revelation 21:1-3. It is also the total sphere in which God rules.
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|
MARRIAGE
|
LDS
A covenant between a man and a woman that remains in effect in the afterlife if the couple have been
married and SEALED in the Temple. Temple marriage is absolutely
necessary for a person to be EXALTED in the
CELESTIAL KINGDOM. In other words, it is impossible to
become a god unless a person is married in the temple. Only those exalted to godhood in the Celestial
Kingdom will be able to bear children. All of those who are exalted to godhood are expected to have
been "sealed" to numerous wives since polygamy is the standard for becoming a god. Until recently, it
was taught that persons who were not married in this life or refused to accept proxy marriages for
them in the next life or if married in this life but refused polygamous marriages in the next life, could not
have a place in the Celestial Kingdom, but would be consigned to the TERRESTRIAL KINGDOM. That has now changed, and those
people can enter the Celestial Kingdom. However, they will be servants to those who have become
gods and are referred to as "ministering spirits."
Civil marriage (marriage outside the church), is
seen by the church as the legalization of sexual relations only and has no validity in the next life. Persons
who have a civil marriage only and remain in that state until death must marry again in the next life and
accept polygamy to gain entrance into the Celestial Kingdom.
|
BIBLE
Marriage is for a relationship in this life only and
has no relationship to the next life. Jesus Christ settled the issue when the Sadducees asked him a
question about the woman who had been married seven times and whose wife she would be after the
resurrection in heaven.
"Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no
resurrection), and they
questioned Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and he
is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. Now there were
seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless; and the second and the third married her;
and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection
therefore, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married here.' Jesus said to then, 'The sons
OF THIS AGE MARRY and are given in marriage, but THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERED
WORTHY TO ATTAIN TO THAT AGE AND THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD,
NEITHER MARRY NOR ARE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE; for they cannot even die anymore, because
they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection,'"
Luke 20:27-36 (NAS).
(1) There is no plural marriage (polygamy) in the New Testament that is a requirement to attain
godhood, because no human being can become a god.
(2) Elders in the church are to be the husband of one wife, 1 Timothy 3:12, in contrast to Mormon
leaders who were originally commanded be Joseph Smith to be polygamous, first with the Lamanites
(Indians), and then later with other women.
(3) Marriage partners are released from the relationship at death, and the taking of another partner
while living is adultery,
"For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but
if her husband dies, she
is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to
another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that
she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man,"
Romans 7:2-3 (NAS). cf. 1 Corinthians 7:39.
(4) Marriage is a requirement to avoid sin.
"But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each
woman is to have her own husband, 1 Corinthians 7:2 (NAS).
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MELCHIZEDEK
PRIESTHOOD
|
LDS
The greater office of the two divisions of the Mormon PRIESTHOOD,
which is conferred on worthy Mormon males at the age of 18..
The lesser office is the AARONIC PRIESTHOOD, which is conferred on
Mormon males at about the age of twelve. It is claimed that the Melchizedek Priesthood was conferred
on Joseph Smith when he was ordained during an appearance by Peter, James and John.
|
BIBLE
The term Melchizedek Priesthood or Priesthood of Melchizedek is somewhat of a misnomer, since the
Bible does not identify Melchizedek as having his own priesthood. Melchizedek was a priest of God
Most High (El Elyon), so the priesthood of which he was only a representative was the
Priesthood of God, Genesis 14:18.
Melchizedek is mentioned in three books of the Bible, in the following passages:
1. Genesis 14:18-20
2. Psalm 110:4
3. Hebrews 5:6-10 (Psalm 110:4)
4. Hebrews 6:20
5. Hebrews 7:1-22
Unlike the AARONIC PRIESTHOOD which was hereditary based on
lineage from the tribe of Levi, the priesthood of which Melchizedek was a priest was appointed. Jesus
Christ became a priest , through an oath by God, "And inasmuch as it was not without an
oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to
Him, 'The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ""You are a Priest forever""'); so much the
more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant," Hebrews 7:20-22 (NAS)..
Not only does God appoint His own priest, Jesus Christ is His own guarantee of the victory of the New
Covenant, ". . . so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a
better covenant," Hebrews 7:22 (NAS).
(1) The Mormon church claims possession of the Melchizedek priesthood that can only be appointed
by God, yet it claims that it can be conferred, and in the case of Joseph Smith, it was conferred by
Peter, James and John.
(2) There is no record in the Bible that Peter, James and John or any other person(s) were in
possession of the Melchizedek priesthood.
(3) None of the apostles ever claimed to have possessed the Melchizedek priesthood.
(4) Jesus Christ possesses the Melchizedek Priesthood by virtue of the oath of God, and ". . . who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but
according to the power of an indestructible life," Hebrews 7:16.
(5) Jesus Christ is His own guarantee of the effectiveness of His priesthood, which no Mormon can do.
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|
MICHAEL
|
LDS
Said to be ADAM,
the father of the human race and also an archangel. In Mormon doctrine, angels are the literal children
of the Heavenly Father and his wives and are brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost,
Satan (Lucifer, devil) and every human being.
NOTE: Michael the archangel is not mentioned in the Book of Mormon
SEE:ADAM
SEE: PRE-EXISTENCE
|
BIBLE
Michael is identified as an archangel, Jude 9, and as an angel, Revelation 12:7, Daniel 10:21.
Angels are identified with the creation of God in Nehemiah 9:6 and Colossians 1:16
SEE:ADAM
SEE: PRE-EXISTENCE
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|
NOAH
|
LDS
The angel GABRIEL.
Said to be the builder of the ark when he lived on the coast of North America.
". . . according to the words of the Prophet Joseph, mankind in that age continued to emigrate
eastwardly until they reached the country on or near the Atlantic coast; and that in or near Carolina
Noah built his remarkable ship, in which he, his family, and all kinds of animals lived a few days over a
year without coming out of it,"
—Oliver B. Huntington, as quoted in the Juvenile Instructor, November 15, 1895, pp.
700-701.
NOTE: The Book of Mormon does not mention the angel Gabriel and says nothing about
Noah living in and building the ark in North America.
|
BIBLE
Patriarch from the pre-flood world who escaped by obeying God and building the ark. The Bible says
nothing about Noah living in North America or being the angel
GABRIEL.
SEE: Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8, 9.
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|
PATRIARCH
|
LDS
(1) And office in the MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
(2) Said to be the same as an evangelist as noted in Ephesians 4:11.
(3) Most stakes in the church have a Patriarch who is ordained by the Quorum of the Twelve as a
Patriarch who is a High Priest.
(4) "As a high priest, he has the authority to perform any duty a high priest can perform; but because he
is a patriarch, he also has the specific responsibility to bestow blessing on the members of the stake
who seek patriarchal blessing.
Patriarch have the right and are inspired to give patriarchal blessing in the name of the Lord. These
blessing can bring comfort in hours of sorrow or trouble, can strengthen faith, and can help motivate us
to live worth of the blessing the Lord has in store for us,"
(5) Through the Patriarchal Blessing, "We are also given inspired and prophetic directions and promises
about our missions in life, These blessings include promises of spiritual gifts, temporal blessings, advice,
and warnings that will help us accomplish our life missions."
(6) One important part of a patriarchal blessing is the declaration of our lineage, which tells us through
which tribe of Israel we receive our blessings.
—Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings, "Lesson 10: Patriarchs and patriarchal Blessings ,"
Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, part A, 69.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website: www.lds.org
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BIBLE
The concept of patriarch is an Old Testament position, in which a man acted on behalf of the members
of his family and pronounced blessing on them near the time of his death. The patriarch was not an
office in the AARONIC PRIESTHOOD.
There is no priesthood in the New Testament, so there is no office of Patriarch. Ephesians 4:11 says
nothing about patriarchs. The word evangelist referred to by Mormon authorities in the Greek
word evangel and means, one who proclaims the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Only
one person, Philip, is named as an evangelist in the New Testament, although Timothy was
commanded by the apostle Paul to "do the work of an evangelist," 2 Timothy 4:5. Neither Philip or
Timothy are ever recorded in the Bible as having given a patriarchal blessing and they are never
referred to as patriarchs.
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PRE-EXISTENCE
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LDS
All human beings have existed from eternity as "intelligences" that are the building blocks of the
spiritual and temporal world that are co-eternal, self-existing entities that have no beginning. The
"intelligences" existed prior to God, because they are the foundation and substance of God who was
once not a God but was just a man. God did not create the "intelligences" or the soul of man,
"..god never had the power to create the spirit of man at all."
(LDS) prophet, president and seer, Joseph Smith, Journal of discourses, Vol. 6, p. 7,
1844.
These "intelligences" came together and were then born, and continue to be born, as the spirits of
future human beings as a result of literal procreative (sexual) act(s) between the Heavenly Father and
Heavenly Mother(s) and live for an undetermined span of time on the planet of the Heavenly Father and
Heavenly Mother(s) prior to being sent to this earth, as spirits, in order to be born in and inhabit the
temporal (physical) bodies of human beings. This time of existence on God the Father's planet is called
the FIRST ESTATE.
NOTE: The concept of the Pre-existence is not taught in the Book of Mormon.
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BIBLE
Only the godhead existed from eternity and is self-existing. No spirit of man existed prior to the
creation of Adam and Eve on the earth, and there are no such entities as "intelligences" that compose
matter and spirit.
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PRESIDENCY
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LDS
SEE: FIRST PRESIDENCY
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BIBLE
SEE: FIRST PRESIDENCY
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PRIESTHOOD
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LDS
"What is the Priesthood? It is nothing more or less than the power of God delegated to man by which
man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family... by which they may baptize for the
remission of sins and lay on hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and by which they can
remit sin with the sanction and blessing of Almighty god. It is the same power and priesthood that
was committed to the disciples of Christ while he was upon the earth..."
—Joseph P. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 1919, p. 173.
"Priesthood is probably the most important single item in the gospel... The Priesthood
was first given to ADAM; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys
of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the creation, before the world was formed... He is
MICHAEL, the archangel, spoken of in the scripture. Then to
NOAH, who is GABRIEL; He stands next in authority
to Adam in the priesthood."
—Milton R. Hunter, Gospel Through The Ages, 1958, p. 61.
There are two priesthoods in the LDS church; the primary is the Melchizedek and the secondary
is the Aaronic which also includes the Levitical. The lower Aaronic priesthood is
conferred primarily
based on age, initially at age 12. The offices of the Aaronic priesthood are: deacon, teacher
and priest. At age 18, the Melchizedek priesthood is conferred and the offices are: elder, bishop,
seventy, high priest, patriarch, apostle and president.
Although the claim is made that the Aaronic priesthood is a continuation of the biblical Aaronic
priesthood, the sacrificial system as found in the Old Testament is not practiced and the offices of
deacon, teacher and priest have no function that is connected with the biblical Aaronic priesthood.
The Melchizedek priesthood also includes the office of elder, bishop, seventy, high priest, patriarch,
apostle and president which have no biblical connection to the Melchizedek priesthood found
there.
NOTE: The Priesthood as practiced in the Mormon church today is not found in the .
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BIBLE
There is no priesthood in the New Testament. The Aaronic Priesthood was changed and abolished at
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "For when the priesthood is
changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also," Hebrews 7:12 (NAS). The only
priesthood that exists is in heaven and Jesus Christ is the High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek,
having offered the sacrifice of Himself for the sins of humanity, was appointed to His office by God and
holds the office eternally as a result of His eternal existence, "For it is evident
that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing
concerning priests. And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of
Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to
the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of Him, 'You are a priest forever according to the
Order of Melchizedek.' For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment
because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand
there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as it was not
without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One
who said to Him, 'The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ""You are a priest forever""); so
much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."
"For is was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and
exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first
for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when he offered
up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which
came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever,"
Hebrews 7:14-22, 26-28 (NAS).
There is no biblical foundation for the claim that Adam held the office of the "First Presidency," which is
a term not found in the Bible. There is no biblical foundation for the claim that Adam was Michael the
archangel. There is no biblical evidence for the claim that Noah was the angel Gabriel.
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PROPHET
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LDS
(1) The supreme prophet of the church is Joseph Smith.
(2) An office in the MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD.
(3) The President and seer of the Mormon church is THE prophet of the church whose prophetic
utterances are authoritative over any other prophetic utterance by any other individual, including dead
prophets.
(4) The current prophet of the church who is alive at any given time is said the by the "living prophet"
and prophetic authority is vested in him as the leader of the church.
(5) The Prophet and President of the church is an apostle, and all apostles are considered to be
prophets although their pronouncements do not have authority over THE prophet and cannot contradict
the prophetic statements of THE prophet.
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BIBLE
(1) There is no priesthood in the New Testament, so their is no priesthood office of "Prophet".
(2) The ability to speak prophecies was a gift granted in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:2; Acts
13:1; Acts 19:6. The gift is primarily understood as "speaking forth" existing truth with a secondary
connotation of speaking revelations from God.
(3) The qualifications of true prophets who speak revelatory words are given in the book of
Deuteronomy:
"But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which i have not commanded him to
speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. You may say in you heart,
'How will we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?'
When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is
the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be
afraid of him,"
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (NAS).
"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign
or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'let us go after other gods (whom
you have not known) and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that
dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul,"
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 (NAS).
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REDEMPTION
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LDS
Virtually the same as SALVATION. There are two aspects to
Redemption:
1. Unconditional Redemption, (ie. General Redemption, Universal Redemption)—the gift of God
that is granted to all men which they cannot reject and involves the release from original sin and is a free
gift that does not require the application of faith, repentance, baptism, the laying on of hands or
obedience to any other requirements of the gospel. Unconditional Redemption from the fall cannot be
rejected or prevented by human beings. Unconditional Redemption allows the individual to be
resurrected, free from original sin but still responsible for sins committed during their mortal life by
which they must endure a 1,000 year punishment and then accept and practice the tenets of Mormon
doctrine by which they can attain entrance into the either lowest of the three levels of the Mormon
heaven which is the Telestial level or the middle level which is the Terrestrial level.
2. Conditional Redemption, (ie. Individual Redemption)—the gift of God that is offered to all
human beings but is not accepted by all and can be rejected, and involves the release from sins
committed in this mortal life. The benefits of Conditional Redemption are obtained through the
application of faith, repentance, baptism, the laying on of hands and obedience to any other
requirements of the gospel.
Conditional Redemption allows the person to be resurrected in the next life, but also escape the
necessity of the 1,000 year punishment for sins committed in their mortal life, and then attain to either
the lowest level of heaven (the Telestial), or second level of heaven (the Terrestrial) or the third level of
heaven (Celestial) where they can attain to godhood. Only those who practiced faithfully the tenets of
the Mormon religion in their mortal lives can attain to the Celestial level in heaven and be transformed
into gods. However, not all Mormons will attain to the Celestial level and become gods, because they
have not performed their duties to the highest level, therefore they will be resigned to the Telestial level
or the Terrestrial level of heaven where they will have no better position than unbelievers who waited
until the resurrection and their 1,000 year time in the Mormon purgatory to accept Mormon precepts.
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BIBLE
1. The act of being released from one state or
condition to another state or condition by means of the payment of a ransom which was the blood of
JESUS CHRIST shed on the cross.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our
trespasses, according to the riches of His grace . . ," Ephesians 1:7 (NAS).
"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He
entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this
creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the
holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption," Hebrews 9:11-12 (NAS).
A rescue from a hopeless state, by which there could be no escape except for the intervention by
another to make a payment for release. The release from any legal claim upon an individual, by means
of the satisfaction of a ransom demanded by law,
"For he rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the
kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins," Colossians
1:13-14 (NAS).
cf. 1 peter 1:18; Luke 1:68; Titus 2:14; Luke 21:28; Roman 7:24.
2. A legal claim in relation to a purchase by the one who paid the price to buy out of the possession of
another, Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 5:16.
"Having paid the ransom demanded by the law, Christ brings the sinner out from any further claims
upon him, and leads him forth to liberty. Our Redeemer not only went into the market place to buy us,
but brought us out of our captivity and set us free."
—Herbert Lockyer, All the Doctrines of the Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand
Rapids, 1964, p. 187.
Redemption in the Bible is not resurrection, which is only a secondary benefit, Romans 8:23, but it is
the rescue from the grave, in which all human beings reside, unable to respond or understand,
"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly
walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the
spirit that is now working in he sons of disobedience," Ephesians 2:1-2 (NAS).
"When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your
flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled
out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and he has taken it
out of the way, having nailed it to the cross," Colossians 2:13-14 (NAS).
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SALVATION
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LDS
Salvation is considered to be resurrection from the grave after death, and the guarantee of that
resurrection is the death of Jesus Christ. However, Salvation is actually said to be a universal
resurrection which will happen to Mormons and non-Mormons alike. Everyone who has ever lived or
will ever live will be resurrected after death. Salvation is made possible by the
ATONEMENT.
The only connection that the atonement has with sin,
is that it negates any effects that the sin of Adam and Eve might have on the human race.
". . . that the blood of Christ redeems mankind from the effects of the fall. . .but that while people had
nothing whatever to do with the work of atonement for that sin, yet for their own sins there is some
action required on their part that they may obtain redemption therefrom, inasmuch as the blood of
Christ was shed for original sin unconditionally, but for the remission of actual sin conditionally,"
—President Charles W. Penrose, Journal of Discourses, vol. 21, pp. 81-82, 1880.
For Mormons, their place in the three levels of the heavenly sphere after resurrection will be determined
by how they have performed during their life on earth through doing the actions demanded by the
precepts of the Mormon church, which is a system of works, "Saved by
GRACE after all we can do." For non-Mormons, resurrection will be into a
purgatorial world, where they will be taught the Mormon doctrines for a thousand years, and the
majority will convert to Mormonism and will then be able to progress into the Terrestrial Kingdom,
which is the lowest level of the Mormon heaven, but is still considered to be a paradise. They will be
the servants of those in the two higher levels of heaven, who believed more fully during their lives on
earth.
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BIBLE
Salvation is the rescue from the condemnation
by God which would result in an eternity in the Lake of Fire with the devil and his angels, Revelation
20:11-15. Salvation for believers who have accepted the GOSPEL message
and repented of their sins, and is an act of grace on the part of God, who resurrects them to life for
eternity in His presence, John 5:29. Resurrection for non-believe | | | | |
