Go back to the Bible and the Book of Mormon. A new study, totally from the Bible to support the divinity of the Book of Mormon
Interesting considerations
As I stated on the phone, I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints most all of my life. However, I wasn't always a believer in the church,
not until I searched, pondered and prayed, then it was that I finally realized which
church had the most truth. Then at that point I decided to do as God tells us in the
scriptures, that being, to pray about it and find out for myself what was true.
When I finally approached the Lord in prayer, along with a great deal
of pondering and reading the scriptures (coupled with a little bit of fasting); I truly
and honestly feel that I received an answer to my earnest prayers. It was at that point
that I feel I was converted (born again or in other words, baptized with fire and the Holy
Ghost). You could say that my conversion came in the form of being converted from a
position of not knowing or really believing, to a position of knowing and truly believing.
In response to our telephone conversation, in which I said I would send
you some information that I (personally) feel points one to the truth. I would also like
to couple with that information Biblical and historical points that have helped me to
realize the truth, as well as, my personal testimony of what I feel is the truth. I will
attempt to back up every point that I make (with exception of the occasional personal
observation) with the appropriate scriptural references and historical or written
documentation. [All Biblical references will be out of the King James Version, unless
otherwise noted. And I will attempt to have multiple references, when, where and if
(always) possible.]
It is true that we could argue or debate many Biblical points and
perhaps people always will, but what I would like to try and do in this letter is
establish some facts of what I believe. Facts about (what I feel) are signs or evidences
of the true church of Jesus Christ. With each point that I make I will attempt to back it
up with at least two or more references from the Bible. In some cases, if I feel that the
Book of Mormon may add an interesting view or further our understanding of the Biblical
point made, then I may add that as a reference too. However, the main points that I will
initially discuss will be ones well documented in the Bible.
Once I have made these Biblical points and observations, as mentioned
above, I will establish the basic doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints through The Thirteen Articles of Faith. This will not be an exhaustive report, but
merely a brief statement of what we believe. And again I will follow up these brief
statements with scriptural references and explanations (when required).
When I have stated the points of the 'true' church, coupled with the
Thirteen Articles of Faith, I will follow it all up with a challenge to any and all Book
of Mormon readers: A challenge of verification to prove that if it isn't true, then anyone
should be able to duplicate it. Ending with my own personal testimony of the gospel of
Jesus Christ. And, I hope and pray that in doing all of this I will not only more clearly
show forth our beliefs in Christ, but that through these many points and facts that you
will be able to see that we really and truly are Christians.
Before I begin, however, I would ask that you please do not take
anything that I say or state in this document (or letter) as a personal attack. My intent
here is only to inform and if possible, bring to light certain issues that I feel more
people should be aware of. If you find anything that I cover here in as being offensive or
not correct, then please let me know. My main hope is that we can have an open dialogue
and create a forum for future discussions. So---here goes:
A. 27 Points of the True Church
1. The true church must bear the name of Jesus Christ.
[Ref.: John 10:7-9; 14:6; Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:13;
1 Timothy 2:5]
Jesus Christ himself clarified this point, during His visit to the ancient inhabitants of
the America's, He stated: "And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For
if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the
name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my
church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel." (Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi
27:8.)
2. God's church organized by Jesus Christ.
[Ref.: Matthew 16:18; Acts 2; Ephesians 2:20; 4:5, 11-14]
3. Initial restorer must become a martyr.
[Ref.: Matthew 23:37; John 3:16-17; Hebrews 9:15-17]
In every dispensation there has been a martyr for the cause of truth. The Jew's stoned and
killed the prophets for telling them the truth; truths that they didn't want to hear. Many
prophets and later the apostles all sealed their testimonies, of the truth, with their own
blood. (Not to mention the ultimate sacrifice for us all, that being: the suffering,
death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.)
4. The true church must have a foundation of prophets and apostles.
[Ref.: Amos 3:7; Ephesians 2:19-20; 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28]
5. The true church must have the same organization as Christ's church
did anciently, meaning: it (the true church) must have every fulfilled commandment and or
ordinance, such as, tithes and offerings (a full tenth), sealing's and anointing's, and
all of the commandments.
[Ref.: Ephesians 4:4-16; (Matthew 18:17; Acts 6:1-6; 20:17, 28)]
6. The true church must claim divine authority.
[Ref.: Matthew 17:1-5; Hebrews 5:4-10; 1 Peter 2:5]
7. The followers or members of the church must be called saints.
[Ref.: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 12:9-21]
8. Followers to be called a strange and peculiar people.
[Ref.: Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:18; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9]
9. The true church must have a strict health code.
[Ref.: Leviticus 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; Deuteronomy 23:10-14;
28:27-28, 59-61]
10. The true church must have NO paid ministry, laymen only at every
level (i.e.: not paid to perform ordinances, administrations, or to minister).
[Ref.: Isaiah 45:13; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2]
11. The true church must baptize (by immersion) by those who have the
proper priesthood authority.
[Ref.: Matthew 3:13-16; Acts 8:38-39]
12. The true church must bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying
on of hands, again by those holding the proper priesthood authority.
[Ref.: Acts 8:14-17; 19:6; Hebrews 6:2]
13. The true church must have ancient, as well as, modern and additional
scriptures.
[Ref.: Isaiah 29:4, 11-15; Ezekiel 37:15-23; Revelation 14:6 (Exodus 20:24;
Nehemiah 12:22; Acts 20:26)]
14. The true church must practice divine healing, by the laying on of
hands by those having the proper priesthood authority.
[Ref.: Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Mark 3:14-15; 16:17;
1 Corinthians 12:8-12]
15. The true church must keep tight records of past generations (i.e.:
family histories and genealogies).
[Ref.: Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 3:23-38]
16. The true church must teach that God the Father, His son Jesus
Christ, and the Holy Ghost (the Godhead) are three separate and distinct individuals
[glorified beings of flesh and bone].
[Ref.: Matthew 3:16-17; 11:27; Mark 9:7; Luke 10:22; John 17:11; 20:17;
Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:6]
17. The true church must teach that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of
flesh and bone.
[Ref.: Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6; Exodus 33:9-11; 21-23; Numbers 12:7-8;
Luke 24:36-39; Acts 1:9-11; James 3:8-9]
a. Resurrected Beings of Flesh and Bone
If these points weren't important, that being, that we must know that God the Father and
His Son Jesus Christ are separate and distinct glorified individuals, with resurrected
bodies of flesh and bone; if this wasn't important, then it wouldn't have been important
to prove to Thomas who He was. Yet, He still had Thomas feel of His wounds [John 20:27]
(as the other apostles had already done) so that he too could be a witness of Him. A
witness that He lives and that everything He had stated was true.
b. A Second Witness of His Resurrection
In the Book of Mormon account of the Savior's visit to the America's, the first thing that
He had the people do was feel of the wounds in His hands and feet. This was so that they
too, just as those in the Old World, would be witnesses of His divinity and truthfulness
(3 Nephi 11:7-15).
18. The officers of the church must be called of God and be ordained
with His priesthood, "as was Aaron."
[Ref.: Exodus 28:1; 40:13-16; Hebrews 5:4]
19. The true church must claim direct (current) revelation from God.
[Ref.: Deuteronomy 5:4; Joel 2:28-29; Amos 3:7; John 14:21-23]
20. The true church must be a missionary church.
[Ref.: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20; (Isaiah 52:10)]
21. The true church must be a restored church.
[Ref.: Matthew 17:11; Acts 3:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-3;
Revelation 14:6-7]
a. Falling Away and Restoration
In order to accept that there was a restoration then we must accept that there was an
apostasy or falling away. Jesus Christ stated that there would be a falling away, so too
did Paul and John write of this. However, they taught that there would also be a
restoration of all of the lost gospel truths prior to the Second Coming. [Ibid.]
b. General Apostasy
Others wrote of the falling away and a need for a restoration of the pure gospel truths.
In fact, one of the historians of the day of the apostolic period, named Hegesippus,
speaking of the time up until the murders and martyrdom's of the apostles, stated the
following:
"The church continued until then [the passing of the apostles] as a pure and
uncorrupt virgin; whilst if there were any at all that attempted to pervert the sound
doctrine of the saving gospel, they were yet skulking in dark retreats; but when the
sacred choir of apostles became extinct, and the generation of those that had been
privileged to hear their inspired wisdom had passed away, then also the combinations of
impious error arose by the fraud and delusions of false teachers. These also, as there
were none of the apostles left, henceforth attempted, without shame to preach their false
doctrine against the gospel of truth. Such is the statement of Hegesippus." [As
recorded in the Storia Ecclesiastica (Ecclesiastical History) Book III, chapter 32.]
The six volume translation of Mosheim, into English in 1819 by Archibald Maclaine, clearly
shows the deterioration and crumbling of the Church after the apostles were killed quicker
than replacements could fill the empty positions. Even though this was a call for alarm
amongst the faithful, they knew it had been prophesied as so and they accepted it.
c. Apostasy and Dark Ages
One of the founders of Methodism, John Wesley, commented on the falling away or loss of
Divine gifts and decline of spiritual gifts. A decline to the point
of a total loss of all-spiritual truth, power and authority to even act
in God's name. He stated:
"It does not appear that these extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit were common in
the Church for more than two or three centuries [a.d.]. We seldom hear of them after that
fatal period when the Emperor Constantine called himself a Christian and from a vain
imagination of promoting the Christian cause thereby heaped riches and power and honour
upon Christians in general, but in particular upon the Christian clergy.
"From this time [forth] they almost totally ceased, very few instances of the kind
being found. The cause of this was not, as has been supposed, because there was no more
occasion for them, because all the world was become Christians. This is a miserable
mistake; not a twentieth part of it was then nominally Christian. The real cause of it was
that the love of many, almost all Christians, so-called, was waxed cold. The Christians
had no more of the spirit of Christ than other heathens. The Son of Man, when He came to
examine His Church could hardly find faith upon earth. This was the real cause for the
extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found in the Christian
church---because the Christians were turned heathen again, and only had a dead form
left."
[John Wesley's Works, Volume VII, 89; 26-27.]
The Church of England had a similar position about the apostasy. They stated in Homily
against Peril of Idolatry, the following:
"So that laity and clergy, learned and unlearned, all ages, sects, and degrees of
men, women, and children of whole Christendom---an honorable and most dreadful thing to
think---have been at once drowned in abominable idolatry of all other vices most detested
of God, and most damnable to man; and that by the space of eight hundred years and
more."
d. Promise, Hope, and Faith
in the Restoration
As I have studied Western civilization and its religious origins, it has become quite
obvious that most all learned men of the Bible (as they had the chance to see it and read
it in printed form) quickly realized that the [Catholic] church wasn't the same as
described in the Biblical record. They realized that the Gospel of Jesus Christ had been
changed and that many things that were in the Bible were totally disregarded by the church
of the day. This why so many strove for reform (i.e.: Wesley, Luther, Calvin, and many
others) but all realizing that the true church, as in the Biblical record, still wasn't
found on the face of the earth.
In fact, speaking on this very subject of what had happened to the truth and if it would
ever be found on the earth again, Lutus Gratus (a Catholic Priest) wrote, in 1739 a.d.:
"The old true gospel, and its truth's thereat, is lost. False doctrines prevail in
all churches on the face of the earth today. All we can do is exhort the people to be
just, fear God, shun evil, and pray. Prayer and purity may cause an angel to visit a deep
distressed soul, but I will tell you---God will have spoken within a hundred years. He
will restore the old church again. I see a little band of people led by a prophet and
persecuted, burnt out, and murdered. But in a valley that lies on the shore of a great
lake, they will build a city and make a beautiful land, have a temple of magnificent
splendor and also possess the old priesthood, with teachers, deacons, etc. From every
nation shall the true believers be gathered by speedy messengers, and then shall the
almighty God speak to the disobedient nations, with thunder, lightning and destruction's
such as man has never known." [Hope of Zion, written in 1739.]
(The above statement aptly describes the struggles of the L.D.S. church and its trip to
the Great Salt Lake valley.)
22. The true church must be a temple building church and its people must
be a temple-attending people.
[Ref.: Exodus 33:7-11;
1 Chronicles 22:5-19; Revelation 21:22]
23. The true church must practice baptisms or (proxy)
work for the dead.
[Ref.: 1 Corinthians
15:20, 29; 1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6]
24. The true church must be able to explain the purpose of our lives and
existence (i.e.: where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going).
[Ref.: 1 Peter 1:19; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Ephesians
1:3-6; (Romans 5:12,18;
Hebrews 11:6; 9:15-22;
Acts 24:15; Matthew 25:31-46;
1 Corinthians 15:40-42; 2 Corinthians 12:2)]
a. Where We Came From
It is imperative to our existence to understand our purpose within it. We must understand
our divine heritage (where we came from) and that heritage is that we came from a
pre-existent spirit world. As God said to Jeremiah that He knew him long before he was
ever formed [Jeremiah 1:4-5]. In fact, Paul taught, through out his epistles, that we had
all accepted our callings and lot in life prior to the earth's creation. [Ibid.]
b. Why we are Here
The scriptures teach us that we must strive to do right, find our way through faith, and
gain personal growth experiences along the way (the why of why we are here). Eventually
coming to a knowledge of Christ and His gospel. [Ref.: All of the Holy Scriptures.]
c. Where we are Going
But none of this would have any meaning if we didn't have anything to hope for, or have
some understanding of why we must be good or choose the right (where we are going after
this life). That is what gives us hope, that being, a knowledge of where we are going.
Christ taught that if we would follow Him and keep His commandments, then we would have
what He had. In fact, He stated that in His Father's house there are many mansions and
that He was going there to prepare a place for His followers (John 14:2).
Now does this mean that all those who go to God's kingdom will just sit around singing
praises all day? Is this what salvation is? Is this all that we have to hope for? Again,
if Jesus promised us that we shall have all that He has, if we are faithful, doesn't that
mean more than singing praises forever? No, this isn't what salvation is all about.
In Psalms we read that the promises to the faithful, in the next life, are great. As
follows: "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most
High." [Psalms 82:6] And Jesus continues this same instruction to the Jews. He
stated: "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are
Gods?"
[John 10:34] ...Even Paul further clarified this subject by stating: "Forasmuch then
as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold,
or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device." [Acts 17:29]
d. Hope
This is what gives us hope, the hope of a just reward. Having this hope not only requires
mankind to live better, since we are the "offspring of God," but brings joy in
knowing that we have a divine promise to hope for and strive towards. This hope also comes
from the promise God made to Moses, as set forth in modern L.D.S scripture: "For
behold, this is my work and my glory---to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life
of man." [Moses 1:39 (Pearl of Great Price)]
(Note: I'm not saying that we will be THE God, we just have the promise of His blessing
and inheriting "mansions" in His kingdom. Meaning that He will always be our
Lord, however, if we are faithful then we may have the opportunity of being lord's over
our own inheritance or kingdom [John 14:2].)
25. The actions of the members of the true church are and will make a
difference, a difference that the whole world will see and recognize.
[Ref.: Matthew 5:14-16; 7:20; John 13:34-35]
26. The true church will have ALL information together to form one
verifiable truth.
[Ref.: Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17]
27. There must be a spiritual way to find out if it is all true.
[Ref.: Matthew 7:7-8; James 1:5-6; Revelation 3:20]
I could go on (and on) with a number of other Biblical points---but I'm not trying to
write a book here, however, I do feel that I have mapped out a sufficient number of issues
to communicate the idea (or point) that I'm trying to make. Plus, as far as the scripture
references, I thought that it would be more interesting for you to look these up, rather
than have me print out every single one of them (I hope that is okay with you).
As you look through the above points that I have listed, you will notice that there are
certain points that one church or another may adhere to. In fact, there may be some
churches that have several of these points as a part of their doctrines. But there is not
a single church on the face of this whole earth that measures up to every single point,
except the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Yes! I know that this is a pretty bold statement for me to make or our church to claim,
yet if you look up every one of these points and verify them with other religions---You
will find only one that measures up; that being: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
I'm not trying to say that other churches don't have the truth. They all have some portion
and do many good and wonderful things. What I am trying to say is, that there is only one
church that has all of the truth, and in fact there can only be one (totally) true church.
If all of the churches on the earth were all the true church, then God would be an author
of confusion. As Paul says, though, He is not: "For God is not the author of
confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Paul further taught that there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians
4:5). He further stated that "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and
forever" (Hebrews 13:8). To me, what Paul is stating here, is that there is only one
way to God, not a hundred different ways. There is only one form of baptism, not a hundred
different forms----In other words; there was only one church that Christ established. The
Lord said: "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not
consumed" (Malachi 3:6); if every religious organization on the face of this earth
was the true church then these statements would be lies.
To further clarify this point, that point being the confusing issue of many ways or
seemingly 'wide paths,' verses the "strait gate," the Savior clarified this
subject as follows:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: "Because strait is the
gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find
it.""
[Matthew 7:13-14]
Basically, there is only one way. The Lord has mapped out that way and established His
church to provide the guidance, the guidance that He has promised, to help us get back to
Him. The Lord promised that before He did anything (of a serious nature) that He would
inform us of it through His prophets [Amos 3:7]. And just as was done anciently, so it is
now, that is Lord again is striving to guide His children through a living prophet today.
Of course, it is up us all whether we decide to listen to His holy prophets or not. But
regardless of what we do or think, the Lord's living prophet is on the earth today. At the
present time, that prophet is Gordon B. Hinckley, president and prophet, seer and
revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In the early days of the church, in this dispensation, Joseph Smith was asked by a
newspaper reporter to write down some of the basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. This response resulted in thirteen specific basic beliefs of the
Church, later known as "The Thirteen Articles of Faith." I would like to share
these with you, plus I will add scriptural references to them to assist in verifying each
point. I also hope that this will help in giving you a basic understanding of some of our
common beliefs, as well as, their scriptural basis.
B. "The Thirteen Articles of Faith"
1. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus
Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."
a. Individual Personages in the Godhead.
Matthew 3:16-17; 11:27; 17:5; 28:19; Mark 9:7; Luke 1:32; 9:35; 10:22; John 3:35; 5:22,
43; 13:3; 14:26, 28; 15:26; 16:7, 28; 17:6-12; Acts 2:36; 7:55-56; Revelation 1:6. (Also
see connection in Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-3.)
b. Unity of the Godhead.
Matthew 28:19; John 5:43; 8:16-18; 10:25, 30; 17:11, 20-22;
1 John 5:7.
2. "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and
not for Adam's transgression."
a. Man Accountable for
Individual Sins.
Exodus 32:33; Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20;
Matthew 12:36-37; 16:27; Romans 2:6; 2 Corinthians 5:10;
Galatians 6:7; Revelation 20:12-15.
3. "We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind
may be saved, by obedience to the laws and
ordinances of the Gospel."
a. Salvation Through the Atonement of Christ.
Psalms 49:15; Isaiah 53:11; Mark 16:16; John 1:29, 36; 5:26, 29; Acts 2:38; Romans 5:18; 1
Corinthians 15:21-22; Hebrews 5:9;
1 John 1:7-10; Jude 1:3 (L.D.S. scriptural references Mosiah 27:24-26; D&C 93:38;
Moses 5:9).
4. "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the
Gospel are: First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; Second, repentance; Third, baptism by
immersion for the remission of sins; Fourth, laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy
Ghost."
a. Faith.
Mark 16:16-17; John 3:14-17; Romans 1:16-17; 10:14-15;
Hebrews 11; James 2:14-26 (L.D.S. scriptures D&C 138:33).
b. Repentance.
Isaiah 55:6-7; Ezekiel 18; Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5;
Acts 2:38; 17:30; Ephesians 4:24-32.
c. Baptism.
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 1:5, 9-10; 16:15-16; Luke 3:3;
John 3:3, 5; Acts 2:38, 41; 19:1-5.
1. Baptism by Immersion.
Matthew 3:6, 16; John 3:3, 5; Acts 8:39; Romans 6:3-5;
Colossians 2:12.
d. Bestowal of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of Hands.
Acts 8:14-17; 19:6; Hebrews 6:2; See also in this connection: Matthew 1:11;
Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 2:38.
5. "We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and
by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and
administer in the ordinances thereof."
a. Men Called of God into the Ministry.
Exodus 3:2-10; 28:1; Numbers 27:15-23; Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:14;
Luke 6:13; John 15:16; 17:18; Acts 13:1-4; 14:23; 20:28;
Romans 10:14-15; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Timothy 2:7;
Hebrews 5:4, 10; 1 Peter 2:5-9 (L.D.S. scriptures: Alma 13:8-16; D&C 11:15-20).
b. No Paid Ministry or Clergy
Isaiah 45:13; Romans 16:18; Titus 1:7,16; 1 Peter 5:2.
6. "We believe in the same organization that existed in the
Primitive Church, viz.:
Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc."
a. Church Organization.
Matthew 18:17; Acts 6:1-6; 14:23; 20:17, 28; 1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:4-16;
Philippians 1:1; Titus 5, 7.
b. (Again) None Paid to Minister.
Refer to 5. b. above. To further clarify this subject, an ancient American king
and prophet, King Benjamin, in an address to his people stated the
following:
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may
learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only
in the service of your God. [Mosiah 2:17, compare to 1 John 4:12-13, 20.]
7. "We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation,
visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, etc."
a. Spiritual Gifts.
Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:17; John 14:12; Acts 2:17;
1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 12:4-31; 14:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20; James 5:14-15; 2 Peter
1:21 (L.D.S. verse Mormon 9:7).
8. "We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is
translated correctly; We
also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."
a. Validity of the Scriptures Attested by Jesus Christ John 5:39, 46
(Compare with Luke 16:29); Luke 4:18-20 (Also see Isaiah 8:16-22).
b. Examples of Scriptures Mentioned but not Found in the Bible: Exodus
24:4, 7; Numbers 21:14; Joshua 10:13; 1 Samuel 10:25;
2 Samuel 1:18; 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Chronicles 29:29;
2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 20:34; 26:22; 33:19; Matthew 2:23; 1 Corinthians 5:9;
Ephesians 3:3-4; Colossians 4:16; Jude 3; 14.
[The above verses specifically mention 20 books that aren't found in the Bible. The
Apocryphal writings of both the Old and New Testament contain another 45 books not found
in the Bible, but are contained in the Apocrypha. Biblical scholars and historians alike
have agreed that there are many books missing. In fact, most agree that at least 60 to 70
percent of the Bible (as we know it) is missing; I have only mentioned just a few. (Refer
to the writings of Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea, 337 a.d.; the Nag Hammadi; Lost Books of
the Bible, Gramercy Books; Testament, by John Romer; just to name a few.) The logical
question that would arise from this would be: is the Bible a complete book? If 60 to 70
percent of it is missing then it can in no wise be classified as a complete work of
scripture. Therefore, new scripture would need to be revealed in order for mankind to have
the Fullness of the Gospel. (If you would like more detailed information on this I would
be more than happy to supply it. The reason that I didn't go into greater detail is due to
the fact that these facts are more widely accepted, and because of that (fact) I didn't
want to belabor the subject.)]
c. Predictions of Additional Scriptures (i.e.: The Book of Mormon)
Isaiah 29:4, 11-15; Ezekiel 37:15-20; And see this connection
John 10:16.
(A few Book of Mormon responses to the reaction of additional scriptures by people: 1
Nephi 13:20-41; 14:20-28; relate this to
John 21:25.)
9. "We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now
reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining
to the Kingdom of God."
a.
Latter Day Revelation.
Joel 2:28 (compare Acts
2:17-18); Daniel 2:22-29, 49; Amos 3:7; Malachi
3:1-4; 4:5-6; James 1:5-6; Revelation 14:6-7 (L.D.S. verse D&C 121:26-33).
10. "We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the
restoration of the Ten Tribes; That Zion will be built upon this [the American] continent;
That Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, That the earth will be renewed and
receive its paradisiacal glory."
a.
Gathering of Israel in the Last Days
Deuteronomy 30:1-3; Isaiah 5:26; 11:11-12; 35:1-10; 49:20-22;
51:1-3; 54:7; 60:4; 65:17-25; Jeremiah 16:14-16; 23:3-4; 31:10-12; 32:37-39; Ezekiel
20:34-36; Matthew 24:31; Revelation 18:4. (A few L.D.S. verses: 1 Nephi 19:16-17; 3 Nephi
16:3-5; Ether 13:2-11.)
b.
Christ's Millennial Reign
Psalm 50:2-4; Isaiah 11:6-9; Ezekiel 36:1-38; Micah 4:7; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:10-27; Acts
1:10-11; 3:20-21; Revelation 5:10; 20:4-7. (A few L.D.S. verses: 2 Nephi 8:1-3; D&C
42:9; 45:66-67; 84:2-5; Moses 7:62.)
11. "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to
the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship
how, where, or what they may."
a.
Toleration of Religion
Micah 4:5; Matthew 5:44-48; 7:12; Mark 9:38-40; Luke 9:54-56; John 8:32-36. (A few L.D.S.
verses: Alma 21:21-22; D&C 93:19; 134:1-4, 7.)
12. "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and
magistrates,
in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
a.
Submission to Secular Authority
Exodus 22:28; Proverbs
24:21; Ecclesiastes 8:2; 10:20;
Matthew 22:15-21; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Titus 3:1;
1 Peter 2:13-14, 17; 2 Peter 2:10. (A few L.D.S. verses
D&C 58:21-23; 134:1-11).
13. "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous
and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, We
believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to
endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
a.
Practical Religion
James 1:27 (See also Matthew 7:12; 22:36-40; 1
Corinthians 13;
Philippians 4:8).
[Note: Please understand that the Articles of Faith are officially represented by the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its doctrines; the scriptural references
are not a part of the original document, but I thought they would assist in clarifying the
points made therein. (Even though a great deal more could have been added, scripturally
speaking, I felt that this would be sufficient. The few L.D.S. verses are only added to
give an added emphasis, it should be obvious that I have added very few verses as to make
the Bible the primary and most readily accepted source that we are communicating with (or
from).) The other points that I make in the rest of this letter are my own scholarly
opinions and observations. Though what I have said is what the church teaches, I'm not in
anyway striving to represent the church in any official capacity or through any specific
church calling.]
Now that I have established a foundation of why I feel that the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is the only church that fully measures up to the Biblical verification;
and followed that up with a brief statement of the basic beliefs of the Church. In the
next few pages I would like to establish a foundation for the Book of Mormon. I feel the
best way to do this is to offer a challenge. Yes! A challenge to anyone who really thinks
that IF the Book of Mormon isn't truly the word of God, then the challenge is to try and
duplicate it. (Because any achievement of man can always been duplicated.)
Here is the challenge.
C. Book of Mormon Challenges and Evidences
Briefly consider the following information, in the next nine
paragraphs, before accepting the assignment or challenge. The assignment (should you
choose to accept it) is that you are to write a book about the religious history of a race
of people that we know nothing of. [Science and mankind will know virtually nothing of
these ancient peoples for at least another 50 to 100 years after you have written the
book.] The book must be over 500 pages long. Readers of this book must be able to directly
cross-reference this book, with the Bible, and the book must have a familiar voice, as if
a number of the Old Testament prophets were writing it.
This record must be about a people that no one knows exists (yet) and
will not be discovered by scientists for at least another 30 to 70 years (from now).
Geography, topography, and demographics must be in total consistency with what
anthropologists, archaeologists, and other members of the historical scientific community
would discover, as late as 150 years after the book is written, and even continuing beyond
that.
The writing style of the book must not be your own. The book must have
well defined writing styles of no one you know, have met, or will be known to exist (on
earth) at the same time as you do. Of course the technology to evaluate this writing style
will not be known (to you) when you write this book. So, you will have no reason to try
and cover or disguise your writing style.
You are not allowed to use any computers. You will not have any access
to public or private libraries. You will not have access to any modern convenience,
technologies, or known records. In writing the book you will not be allowed to call upon
any of your formal education beyond the third grade. Plus, all writing must be done with
old-fashioned pen and ink. No electric lighting, heating, or air-conditioning.
The time frame you will be allowed to log (in the actual time writing
the book) will be about 6 & 1/2 months, that is actual time spent on the book. [You
will be allowed vacations from writing the book due to heavy persecution, tar and
feathering, and other delays.]
Here is the exact format that you are to follow
and consider in the creation of your duplication: ---If one scoffs at the L.D.S.
missionary's explanation of the Book of Mormon, or reacts in total disbelief to what the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims about origins of the Book of Mormon.
Well then that individual, who scoffs at this book, in so many words is claiming it to be
false; this individual must be claiming that it is a deceiving fraud formulated through
the efforts and talents of a common man. Then in essence, what these people are saying is,
that what is produced by one person can be produced by any other.
The following challenge then, that could be made if a person makes the
above stated claims about the Book of Mormon, is that of duplication. That's right! If the
book is a fraud then, any person following similar conditions as when the book came forth,
should be able to reproduce a similar record.
Because the Book of Mormon complies with every one of the following
conditions, and in order for someone to produce a similar record; then the individual
attempting duplication must comply with the same conditions. The following is that very
challenge, the challenge of duplication. At the end of this document please ask yourself
if you can accept the challenge?
Here is the test format that you must follow:
1. Write a history of an ancient civilization. This civilization is yet
unknown and contains a completely undiscovered culture. The time frame for this
civilization is about 2500 B.C. to about 450 A.D. Why write about some unknown and
undiscovered civilization? Because you know no more about yet undiscovered civilizations
and cultures than Joseph Smith did (or anyone else for that matter) about ancient America
and its inhabitants during the 1820's.
2. You are in your early 20's (Joseph Smith was age 23).
3. You must not use any formal educated knowledge past a third grade
level. Since Joseph Smith had barely more than a third grade education and was a backwoods
farmer, then utilizing your own wealth of skills and education would be unfair in this
challenge.
4. This history that you write must be based on what you know right now.
No research and study may be conducted. You may not use any libraries, college research
facilities, or universities that could hold any clues or possible information. Nor may you
use any other resource materials, modern conveniences or conveyances, computers or
printers, word-processors or typewriters, or any other form of modern technology. The
reason for all of these handicaps, is due to the fact that Joseph Smith did not have
access to any of these means, nor any type of technology (except a translating device).
5. Your book must be over 500 pages in length (531 pages to be exact)
and over 300,000 words in length.
6. Other than corrections to account for changes in grammar and to
correct punctuation, printing and vocabulary errors, you must have no other changes in the
book (any changes in the book, though, will not affect the message or doctrine, but will
simply enhance and modernize the language there of). Your book must stand forever, with
the above stated exceptions, exactly as you dictate it directly to your scribe or
secretary. Of course, you must remember that no modern enhancements can be used. So all
dictation must be by word of mouth to the ear of your secretary; no recorders, no tape
players, no shorthand, no typewriters, or computers can be used. Plus, all of this
dictation must be done by candlelight, fire light, gas or oil light, or sunlight (no
electrical lights).
7. Your book must contain the history of two distinct and separate
nations that arrived in the same area in different time periods. Included must be the
histories of different contemporary nations or groups of people.
8. Along with the history of these peoples, you must describe their
religious, economic, political, and social cultures and institutions. You must attempt to
cover almost every phase of their society and culture, even to the point of naming their
coins and explaining their monetary structure.
9. You must be able to completely change your writing style many times
throughout the book. In fact, you must write this document so well that modern or yet
undiscovered (to you) writing technology and linguistic abilities, would not be able to
prove that you or any associate of yours (known or unknown) could have written the book.
[Remember, many ancient authors contributed to the Book of Mormon, not just one. Plus,
Joseph Smith actually translated the book---he didn't write it.]
10. Weave into your book or history the religion and gospel of Jesus
Christ, as well as, the complete pattern of Christian living.
11. You must steadfastly claim (to the point of death) that your smooth
narrative is not a fictional story with moral value, but that your book is a true and
sacred history.
12. You must include in your book fifty-four chapters dealing with wars;
twenty-one historical chapters; fifty-five chapters on visions and prophecies, remembering
that when you begin to write down these visions and prophecies, every point of your record
must agree (meticulously) with the Biblical author's. You must write seventy-one chapters
on doctrine and exhortation, and here too, every statement must be able to be
cross-referenced with the known canon of scriptures, or your document would be proven a
fraud. You must write twenty-one chapters on the ministry of Christ, and again every point
and statement that you claim that he made, every action taken, deed performed, and every
testimony you write in your book [about Christ] must agree (absolutely) with the New
Testament record and the Bible as a whole.
13. Many of the facts, claims, ideas, and statements given as absolutely
true (in your writings) must be entirely inconsistent with the prevailing beliefs of the
world. In fact, some of these current worldly beliefs must prove to be the direct opposite
of your claims (for several decades any way).
14. Included in your narrative will be authentic modes of travel;
whether or not those ancient people used fire, descriptions of their clothing, crops,
mourning customs, and types of government. You must invent 280 new names that will stand
up under strict scrutiny (linguistically or otherwise) through the years as to their
proper application and derivation. [This must all stand up to archaeological,
anthropological and linguistic studies that would not be established up until 50 to 150
years following the publication of your book.]
15. You will have to use proper figures of speech, similes, metaphors,
narrations, exposition, description, oratory, chiasm, epic lyric, and parable's; all
sounding as if it had been written in a Biblical format. [The record, many years after it
is published, must be allowed to be translated into Hebrew. Upon doing so (the
translation) must appear as if it had been originally written in a derivative of that
language, both in content and linguistically. It must stand up to a myriad of Middle
Eastern language specialists and meet their exacting standards for written content.]
16. You must invite the ablest and most preeminent scholars, experts in
every scientific historical background, to examine the text with care. You must strive
diligently to see that your book gets into the hands of those eager to prove it a forgery
and who are most competent to expose every flaw within it.
17. Thorough investigation, scientific and historical evidence, and
archaeological discovery (for the next 165 plus years) must verify its claims and prove
every detail after exacting detail to be true. For many of the details in your book are
still buried beneath the soil, yet waiting to be discovered.
18. You must publish your book to every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people. Declaring it to be the word of God and another witness, along with the Bible, of
Jesus Christ and His divinity. Eventually, becoming second only to the Bible in sales and
worldwide publication, as well as printing and distribution.
19. Your book must NOT contain any absurd, impossible, or contradictory
statements. Your history must NOT contain any statement that will contradict any other
statement made in the volume.
20. Many theories and ideas as to the origin of your book must arise,
however, after discovering and examining the facts, they must all fall. You must claim
that your knowledge came from a divine origin and this claim must continue to stand as the
only possible explanation. The strength of this explanation must not decrease as time
passes, but actually increase to the point where it becomes the only logical explanation.
21. Your record is to fulfill many Biblical prophecies (which many will
not recognize until after the fact), even in the exact manner in which your book shall
come forth, to whom delivered, its purpose, and its many accomplishments.
22. Call down an angel, from Heaven, in the middle of the day and have
him bear testimony to four honest and dignified citizens of your community, testifying to
them that the record is the word of God. These witnesses must bear the angels testimony to
the world, not for profit or gain, but under great sacrifice (physical and financial) and
severe persecution. These same witnesses would become your enemies, for many years,
however they would still keep their testimonies even to their deathbeds. (Plus, allow
eight others to examine the original record, as Joseph Smith did with the Gold Plates,
turning the pages and witnessing its curious workmanship, prior to its delivery back into
the hands of the angel.)
23. Thousands of great men and women, intellectual giants, national and
international personalities, and scholars (for the next 165 plus years) must accept your
history and its teachings. Accepting your testimony (and book) even to the point of laying
down their lives rather than deny their own testimony of it.
24. You must include, within your book, the following promise. A promise
that thousands and even millions would put to the test. The promise to its readers as
follows:
"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in
God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto
the children of men, from the creation of Adam and even down unto the time that ye shall
receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God,
the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall
ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the
truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
[Moroni 10:3-5.]
25. Millions must bear record to the world, for the next 165 plus years,
that they know the record to be true. They know it is true and bare testimony of it
because they put the promise to the test and found it to be true. Each person claiming
that the truth of your record was made known to them by the power of the Holy Ghost.
26. Over several hundred thousand competent sales type people must be so
sold on your book that they would gladly give up a couple of years of their lives to take
it (the story of your book) to all parts of the world for distribution. They must not only
pay their own way during these years, but return bearing testimony that the time spent
will remain as one of the highlights of their lives. All of these individuals receiving
nothing in return for their efforts but the joy of having shared your book and its message
with others.
27. Your book must not only raise the standards of millions of people,
but do it in such a way that they become one of the great moral, ethical, and dynamic
marvels of the day. These people (at every age level) must become world renowned for this.
28. For the next twenty years (after you publish your book) you must
watch those that follow you, your family, and the dearest of your loved ones persecuted,
driven time after time from their homes; beaten, tortured, starved, frozen, and even
killed because of their belief in you and their testimony of this book. Tens of thousands
must undergo and endure the most extreme hardships in your presence, just because they
believe your claims concerning the origin and content of what you have written on and
about this ancient civilization.
29. You must gain no wealth or financial compensation from your work,
but many times lose all that you have. Like those that believe you, you must submit
yourself to the vilest persecution (by people who call themselves Christians). And
finally, after 20 years of this persecution, you must give your own life in a very savage
and brutal manner, all because of your testimony of this book. Plus, this must all be done
willingly, without any guile on your part, without fighting back in any way, and all with
only love for those that are persecuting you and would later kill you.
30. Start writing right now, producing this record which covers almost
3000 years of religious history, doing it all in a non-peaceful atmosphere. Write it under
the most trying of circumstances, which includes being driven from your home several times
and receiving constant threats on your life. Please have your book completed, talk a
friend into mortgaging his farm and property to raise money for the printing---All being
done and spending no less than 60 actual days on the book itself.
If there are no questions...Then get ready and start writing.
Now (really) there is only one answer to the above stated challenge, that is if you
haven't already guessed it, that being that the Book of Mormon is a divine record. If not,
its origin must be stated and the critic must explain its claims. It isn't enough to
merely discard it as false and forget about it, but a sincere and prayerful investigation
of this book must be done.
The first thing to do in examining any ancient text is to consider it in the light of the
origin and background that is claimed for it. If it fits that background, then there is no
need to look farther, since historical forgery is virtually impossible, that is,
impossible with the test of time.
[A few Bible references: Isaiah 29:4, 11-15; Ezekiel 37:15-23; 1 Corinthians 1:27; 2
Corinthians 13:1. A few Book of Mormon references: 1 Nephi 13:20-29, 41; 14:7; 2 Nephi
26:16; 27:12-15. Modern articles and documentation come from myriad's of documents at
Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, as well as, College of Near Eastern
studies in Jerusalem. Information also obtained from "The America's Before
Columbus," by Farnsworth. Plus, from various articles by F.A.R.M.S. (Foundation for
Ancient Research and Mormon Studies). The original format of this document was created by
Elder Hugh B. Brown, modified by Elder Matthew Cowley, however, it was in need of updating
and modernization which was done by William R. Harrison.]
I hope that this brief narrative (or challenge) brings across the point of what was and
has gone through with the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon. As any one can see, the
Book of Mormon is much more than just a novel or a nineteenth century fictional story
about the Indians; but this book truly is a work of divine origin and goes hand in hand
with the Bible as a second witness of Jesus Christ.
As I stated before, with all of the changes and deletions that have occurred within the
Biblical record over the centuries [26 translations just to get it to the 1600's King
James Version and 60 to 70 percent of the record missing or lost] any one could just say,
in considering of the lost information, that the Bible is just another mythological work.
What or who is to say that they are wrong in this assumption? Well as promised in the
Bible "...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established (2
Corinthians 13:1). So here we have that additional witness, the witness of the truth of
the gospel. The Bible and the Book of Mormon can function as dual partners in bringing
more people, Jew and gentile alike, to a firm belief that Jesus Christ really did live. He
did offer for us a ransom and bring us salvation, and these books can work together in
establishing that fact. [Ezekiel wrote of this as the stick of Judah (which is the Bible)
and the stick of Joseph (which is the Book of Mormon). See Ezekiel 37:15-20.]
Of course, if we could truly explain in human terms, every single thing and event, then
there would be no need for belief or faith. But just having a belief isn't enough either,
as James said even Satan's angels "believe and tremble" (James 3:19), yet it
isn't enough to save them. No, it requires more than just saying that I believe, it
requires action, work, and showing the Savior our willingness to follow Him. That action
of belief and first step of faith being, to enter the waters of baptism and to be baptized
by those in authority. Even Christ, who was the Son of God, who had the authority of His
Father, still even He entered the water and was baptized by one who had been called of God
"as was Aaron" (Hebrews 5:4).
Being a follower of Christ requires a lot more than a simple belief, it requires faith and
obedience. Obedience through the keeping of His commandments, as the Savior said: "If
ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). In fact, no where in the Biblical
record, even in Paul's writings, have I found anywhere that states all we have to do is
say that we believe---and that is all. True we must state a belief in Christ, repent, be
baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost; however, this is only a beginning of our
commitment to keeping the covenants that we have made with God through the waters of
baptism.
Yes I know that we are saved by grace through Jesus Christ, but I do believe that we are
only saved by grace after all that we can do. Even Paul stated that we must `work out our
own salvation with fear and trembling', however, the only one who has the power to save
anyone is God. And to help us in this journey back to Him, He has placed guides along the
way. Some of these guides are written and other guides are in the form of apostles and
prophets (as He promised).
Some people feel that the Bible is the only guide that we need, yes it is an important
one----But how does it help me with my modern day perplextions? If we look back through
the Bible, we see many cases where God guided His people through and by a prophet. The
events that Noah went through, for example, up to that point the scriptures didn't tell
what should be done. When Moses guided the Israelites, that hadn't been written either.
Throughout the entire Bible we see one account after another that required guidance from
above. Does God love us any less than He did His children anciently? Aren't we still in
need of that same guidance today?
I think that we are in need and God has fulfilled that need by having a living prophet on
the face of the earth today. Not only do we have a prophet of God, but twelve apostles as
well. Just as Paul explained to the Ephesians, about the structure of Christ's church, he
said: "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
Now I'm sure that we could go back and forth about our differences about the gospel.
Biblical scholars have differed over these points for many years and perhaps they always
will, but either there is one truth or there is not. Well I believe that there is one
truth, one faith, and one gospel---and that it is contained in the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints.
Though through stating all of these other witnesses of Christ, with all of the scriptures
and the testimonies of modern and ancient prophets, coupled with the power of prayer; I
can honestly say (without any doubts) that I know the truth of the gospel and understand
the character of God. But before I bear you my testimony I would like to introduce you to
the Jehovah that I have come to know, our Mediator, our Advocate with the Father, and mine
and your Redeemer: Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Who was Jesus Christ (some may ask and still may be asking)? He Himself told the entire
world: "I," He said, "am the Son of God." And John the Baptist, whom
Jesus Christ said was the greatest prophet of all, said: "I saw the Spirit descending
from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him...And I saw, and bare record that this is
the Son of God." [John 1:32, 34] At the mount of transfiguration Peter, James, and
John saw the heavens opened and heard and witnessed the voice of God testify:
"...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." [Matthew
17:5]
For what purpose did Christ come into the world, in other words, why was He born? Again he
tells us: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I
should bear witness to the truth." Earlier (or prior to making the above statement),
on the Mount of Olives, He had revealed this truth to an astonished multitude---A new
truth, shining, and radiant with new hope (and fulfilling the Mosaic Law): `God is a God
of love and brotherhood. Love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and our fellow man as
ourselves.' These were God's greatest commandments, on them, He said, "...hang all
the law and the prophets." [Matthew 23:40]
Teaching Nicodemus, and others, He enlarged upon this, relating it to humanity, to the
world, to us, and to our daily lives: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world
through him might be saved." [John 3:16-17]
This then was the mission of Jesus Christ. By it, He would fulfill God's word to Moses, as
stated in modern L.D.S. scriptures: "...This is my work and my glory---to bring to
pass the immortality and eternal life of man." [Moses 1:39]
This then all means (to us) that we all shall live again. If we (all) struggle
wholeheartedly against ignorance and sin, if we believe in Him, trust in Him, strive to
follow Him (then) when it comes our time to die, He will be with us (guiding us and
directing us) holding our hands. He will not only be our Mediator, but our Savior. "I
am the resurrection and the life," He said; "he that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never
die." [John 11:25-26]
Christ knew and He spoke His Fathers' word. And though He preached mildness, forgiveness,
and brotherly love; His condemnation of hypocrisy and of sin, was inflexible and swift:
"If thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off...And if thine eye offend thee,
pluck it out." [Matthew 5:29-30] He offered life everlasting, but the way would be
hard, uphill, and painful: "If any man will come after me," said the Christ,
"let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." [Matthew
16:24] He, Himself, set the ultimate example and paid the ultimate ransom---in Gethsemane,
with His own agony; on Calvary, on His own cross.
Thus in accord with the word of God, as testified by all of the prophets before Him and
since---He brought and bought our salvation. And I feel, much as Nephi wrote (an ancient
American prophet), speaking about this testimony: "There is none other name given
under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ...whereby man can be saved...We talk of Christ,
we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we write according
to our prophecies that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission
of their sins." [2 Nephi 26]
Not only did Jesus Christ promise that He would be our salvation in the next life, but our
rock, our guiding light, our comfort and strength in this one: "I am the light of the
world," said Jesus Christ, "he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but
shall have the light of life." [John 8:12]
And again, in His own tender words He speaks to you and to me and to the whole world, with
loving arms outstretched, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and
I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me...and ye shall find rest unto
your souls." [Matthew 11:28-29] He spoke not only of sin and salvation, but of love
and joy of life, as well: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my
love...that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." [John
15:10-11] And as Lehi (an ancient American prophet) said: "Men are that they might
have joy." [2 Nephi 2:25]
This is the Jesus Christ that I know. He loves us and wants us all to have the same joy
that He has. I know this and can testify to you that it is true. He lives! He loves you
and me! I know this with out any shadow of a doubt.
I have applied the points and put them to (and through) the tests of proof, as set forth
in all of the scriptures. God has given us a pattern to follow and a way to find out the
truth and a way to find Him in the process. I have done this and I know that you can too.
Not only do I bear this testimony to you, but so do thousands of others, many sealing
their testimonies with their own blood.
Show me another religion in the world that can measure up to every single point of the
true church, that I mapped out above (true some can measure up to a few, but)---There is
only one church that measures up to each and every point (as I have previously stated).
Show me a religion that allows you to come to a full and equal knowledge as everyone else
in its church---There is only one. Show me a church that gives equal hope to all of its
members and that every member is on equal ground from the start---There is only one.
What is this church that I testify so boldly about, it is The Church of Jesus Christ
Latter-day Saints. This is the only church, on the face of this earth, that has the actual
true power and authority to act in the name of God. Now I know that this may seem bold, on
my part, and you may say that this is only MY truth. But (again) I'm only one of many
thousands who have been shown this truth. No one forced me or brain washed me into this
way of thinking. No! No one has forced me, but I came willingly and humbly---And in all of
this the Lord has heard and answered my prayer. The sweet whispering's of the Spirit have
born witness to me of the truth. And this is the truth that I testify to you of---That I
know that God lives, Jesus Christ is the Son of God in the flesh, that this is His Church,
and that we are guided by a living prophet of God today; just as was done anciently.
I hope and pray that you can accept my testimony as a sincere one. My faith has grown to a
more perfect knowledge of the things that I have testified of to you. I know that the love
and success that you feel is of God. As Jesus Christ said, "Peace I leave with you,
my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid." [John 14:27] I hope and pray that this peace,
His peace, may be with you and find you and be upon you as you search for the truth. I
promise you that if you apply the truths that I have testified of, here in this letter,
that you can arrive at the same knowledge of the truth as I and thousands of others have.
But I don't want you just to take my word (alone) of this work. Let me add a couple of
other testimonies to mine.
In an address at the October 1985 general conference, Elder Dean L. Larsen (one of the
general authorities of the Church) said the following:
"The prophet Joseph Smith declared that his work was the Lord's work. His credentials
as a prophet of God are not adequately tested by historical relics. The fruits of the
restored gospel of Jesus Christ are the real test of Joseph and his work.
"Among these fruits which are easily available for assessment today are the
scriptures from his efforts. These, of course, include the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine
and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. They are tangible fruits that cannot be
displaced by all of the commentary of those who have interest in reconstructing history.
They contain the revelations of God. The value of the eternal principles which they
propound can be tested by daily application.
"In fact, this is the only true test. Alma, in his segment of the Book of Mormon
record, issues a challenge for such a test. `Behold,' he says, `if ye will awake and
arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of
faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you,
even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.' [Alma
32:27]
"Comparing this experiment to the planting of a seed, Alma continued: 'Now, if ye
give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a
good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of
the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these
swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves ---It must needs be that this a
good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it
beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.'"
[Alma 32:28]
Elder Larsen said that since the Church was organized in 1830 "millions of people
have tried the experiment proposed by Alma as it pertains to the gospel that the Lord
restored through His prophet, Joseph Smith. They and others in increasing numbers
throughout the world today bear testimony to the good fruit that the experiment has borne.
They have applied the Savior's sure test." [Church News, Volume 66, Number 26]
Not only as I have stated, but as Elder Larsen points out, we can all find out the
truth---Just apply the test as set forth by Alma (or Jesus Christ, James, or Moroni).
Let me add the testimony of Joseph Smith the prophet and the apostle Sidney Rigdon, to
Elder Larsen's and mine:
"And now, after the many testimonies which have been
given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which
we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we
heard a voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten
of the Father---
"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds
are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are
begotten sons and daughters unto God. [D&C 76:22-24]
Please accept all of this in the spirit that it is given. I haven't stated these things to
offend or condemn, but to share with you what I know, what I feel, and what I believe. I
hope and pray that I have been able to share with you not only what I believe and the
foundations of my faith, but that I have been able to show forth, to you, the fact that
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does indeed contain the embodiment of true
Christian beliefs and Christ centered values. [The reason that I haven't used the term
Mormon's or Mormonism in this letter is for the reason that this is a nickname that was
given to our church by someone outside of the church. This name has stuck with the church
due to our belief in the Book of Mormon, which many people think is the book of the
Mormon's. I hope that this letter has helped to change your mind on any of these issues.
As I have said before, if you need further documentation of what I have stated here, then
please let me know so that I can pass it on to you.]
I know that this is more of a monograph than a letter and I appreciate you taking the time
to read it. Thank you again for your time and interest in this information.
I look forward to hearing from you and having your response to this letter. I pray that
the Lord's blessings may be upon you and your family and give you success in all your
righteous endeavors.
Dear Keith:
It was nice to receive your letter a couple of weeks ago. I appreciate you taking the time
to respond. And yes! I do know what it is like to be very busy...It certainly seems like
the days get shorter and we have twice as much to do.
I hope (and pray) that as you read this letter that you will understand the point(s) that
I'm striving to make and the light that it is made in. Again, I'm not trying to be
contentious, nor argumentative, but simply striving to point out what I sincerely (and
humbly) feel is the truth. I pray that you can accept this as an attempt to point you to
the truth, the same truth that I have found and know through the power of the Spirit of
Truth and Light, and of course through a lot of searching and prayer.
In writing to you, in the 27+ page letter, I was attempting to show forth (with out any
room for doubt) the basic foundations of what I believe the truth really is. The truth of
what is still in the Biblical record about how to tell and determine which is the true
Church of Jesus Christ. The truth in a format that I personally feel would stand up in any
court of law (governmental or theological). And yes! I do read the source of all my
references, in answer to your question as to whether I read the scriptural references that
I quoted. I always attempt to thoroughly read every reference I give, however, I guess
that I must look at them differently than you. In fact, I would venture to guess that this
puts us into the 'pot' of all those people who read and interpret the Bible differently
from others (at least that would explain why there are thousands of different churches
that all claim the Bible as their source for truth and yet differ as much as night and day
in their understanding of it).
Isn't that odd that there are so many people, claiming to be Christian's, yet they differ
so much in their Biblical beliefs that any one studying them would be totally confused?
But to me (at least as I understand it) the Bible states that their is only one way. Let
me point out what I mean with a few verses.
The Savior taught the following, in regards to the path that leads to heaven:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate,
and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
(Matthew 7:13-14)
Now I realize that He was talking about other things here too. Plus, He was telling His
followers how to distinguish between true and false prophets. Then He continues to tell
them that there would be many who would be judged at the last day, many who would claim to
have done things in His name, but obviously from His following statement they didn't have
His authority or His blessing:
"Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and
in thy name have cast out devils? and in they name done many wonderful works?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that do
iniquity."
(Matthew 7:21-23)
And then He continues on to tell those who are listening, that not listening to His
counsel is like those who build a house on sand.
But this is not all. Christ's apostles (and even the ancient prophets) clearly state that
there can only be one way, can only be one gospel message, that there is only one way to
heaven and that there is only one baptism. I (again) personally feel that the following
messages make a fairly clear statement as to the fact that there can only be one true
church. For example:
Malachi taught:
"For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
(Malachi 3:6)
James taught:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the
Father of lights, with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning."
(James 1:17)
Paul taught:
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
(Hebrews 13:8)
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
(Ephesians 4:5)
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the
saints."
(1 Corinthians 14:33)
And he (Paul) clarifies that he is writing to one body, called the saints, even though
they were in different countries or city-states, they were all of the same following and
authority:
"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of
Paul?"
(1 Corinthians 1:13)
I think that I have made my point. Plus, I hope that I haven't taken these passages to far
out of context. To me, whether I was to quote the entire chapter, or just the one verse,
the message would be the same. That message being that there is only one true church. If
every church were true, or even if a part of them were, there would still be confusion as
to which was right and which was wrong. Because they can't all be true, nor could they ALL
possibly point the way to heaven because they all differ as to which gate or path really
leads to heaven, and if they were all true then God would be an author of confusion.
Now if Christ set up His church to have an organization based on a foundation of apostles
and prophets (Ephesians 2:20; 4:11-14) and if God stated that He would do nothing with out
warning or telling us through a prophet (Amos 3:7)---Doesn't it seem odd that almost every
Christian religion (except the L.D.S. church) doesn't seem to think that this kind of
organization and priesthood hierarchy is needed anymore? Yet these same organizations
claim a firm belief in the Bible but they deny the power, which it came by, that being the
power of revelation. That is the key to Christ's church--- continued revelation!
Paul taught that the foundation must consist of a cornerstone, the chief cornerstone being
Jesus Christ. But many teach that everything we need to know is in the Bible. If that is
true then why did God direct Noah to build an ark? Wasn't everything He had told the
prophets up to that point sufficient? Why did He have to call Moses and have him lead the
people of Israel out of Egypt? Didn't they have enough information already? When Jesus
Christ was on earth and taught all that He did, why did He have to leave an organization
of prophets and apostles to guide His church? Hadn't He said all that needed to be said?
I hope (and pray) that you can see the point that I'm attempting to make here. That is the
fact that we need guidance now just as much as the children of God did anciently. In fact,
I would like to ask you some more questions: Don't you think that we need modern
revelation now just as much as God's people did anciently? Isn't our day in age facing
problems that never existed before? Wouldn't it be a great blessing to have a living
prophet who can help us to understand exactly what God would have us do, helping us today
with today's problems?
Granted, the Bible does have a lot of wonderful information in it. Many of the principles
taught anciently have direct application for today, however, there are many situations
that are unique to our timetable that had not surfaced anciently.
Some feel that by modernizing the language of the Biblical text helps to apply the
principles to our time. But if those changes aren't performed by a prophet, seer and
revelator, then all we are getting is one group's opinion as to what they think the words
might mean or have meant. I guess the real question we have to deal with is whether the
Bible is enough? Does it truly answer every question and resolve every problem? Again, I
know (and believe) that a person can go along ways to getting closer to God by following
its precepts. However, is the record complete and does it contain everything that we need?
Isn't it interesting that people will accept a record that is clearly stated to have been
received by revelation, covering a time period of 4000 to 5000 years, yet in the same
breath those same people will scoff at a record being received the same way in modern
times? People flock to read the "Dead Sea Scrolls" and other related writings,
however, a modern prophet who receives modern scripture is completely beyond people's
synoptical ability to accept? If God did the same thing and communicated the same way,
through prophets for the vast majority of earth's history, wouldn't He do things the same
way now? Why would He all of a sudden change and stop communicating the way that He
promised He would? Is it that God can't communicate with us? Or is it that He just doesn't
love us as much as He did His people anciently? Maybe He's changed and does things
completely different from what is stated in the Biblical record?
I think that we both know the answers to all of the above and afore stated questions. If
God changed and did things differently now, contrary to what is in the Bible, then He as
well as the Bible would be invalidated. If He truly is unchanging and is the same from
beginning to end--- Then doesn't it stand to reason that if He had a church on the earth
today, wouldn't it have the same structure and procedure as it did anciently? (Any other
answer, other than yes, to the last question would mean that that person is denying the
power that created the Bible.)
Now I know that it can be easy to get confused when all one has is the Bible. In fact, I
find it hard to see how people can get a clear message with an incomplete book. What do I
mean by incomplete book? I mean that the Biblical record is missing close to 70 percent of
its original information and I plan to prove that to you. But first I would like to ask a
couple of more questions: First, wouldn't it be difficult to form a correct picture or
view of something if over half of the information was missing? Secondly, how could someone
base his or her entire belief structure on a document that was incomplete? In the next
several paragraphs I plan on answering these questions and then I will follow that up with
answers to questions from your most recent letter.
[The following data comes from over two decades of research (on my part) and are my own
views, however, I back up those views with the most recent historical and theological
information that I have.]
Many people, of other religions, state that the Bible is complete and that we need no
more. How convenient that would be, that being to assume (erroneously) that God is not
going to reveal anymore, that the Heavens are closed, and that we need no more guidance.
Could anyone really truthfully believe that? Could anyone really believe that God loves us
less now than he did anciently?
God does love us and has given us new information, information that pertains to us today
and goes hand in hand with what has already been revealed. In order to understand this
though; let's look at a few common areas of concern and misunderstanding.
[All Biblical scriptures used in this letter will be from the King James Version, unless
otherwise noted.]
1. The Book of Revelation is the last book of the Bible, the Bible is
complete, and we have no more need for additional revelation.
At the end of the Book of Revelation, John says:
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If
any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written
in this book:
"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the
things that are written in this book."
(Revelation 22:18-19)
John states that any one who reads "the prophecy of this book" must not take
away or add to it. Now if one is to assume that John is talking about the Bible or Canon
of scriptures, that person must realize that this is (again) an erroneous assumption.
Erroneous because the Bible didn't exist, at least as we know it today, when John received
this revelation.
The Bible, as we know it today, wasn't even put together until the third or fourth century
after Christ was on the earth. Even though the different books of prophecy, revelation,
and the writings of the prophets existed at separate locations; the words 'New Testament'
and 'Old Testament' or even the word 'The Bible' didn't exist as a concept at the time
that John received this revelation, that is in the sense that we understand them now to
be.
The first time in history that we even see the creation and bringing together of all the
books, in what is now called the Bible, was in (about) 337a.d. The Bishop of Caesarea,
Bishop Eusebius, is attributed with first coining the words 'Old' and 'New' testament and
postulating the idea of compiling them into a Bible (of sorts); which was called the Codex
Sinaiticus [Ref. to "Storia Ecclesiastica" by Bishop Eusebius].
So the Bible didn't even exist as a book, when John received this revelation. Plus, the
creators of the Bible have all admitted that the Book of Revelation is not, or should be
understood that it was not the last book written. Theologians and historians alike, often
referring to the Book of Revelation as the Apocalypse, simply felt that this was the most
appropriate book to come at the end of the Bible. Any Bible dictionary will point out that
a number of Paul's epistles were written afterward. Plus, Peter, Jude, and John's three
epistles were written many years after the Book of Revelation was received.
From this information we can clearly see that John was speaking only about this prophecy
that he had just received. He couldn't have been talking about the Bible since it did not
exist, nor would it exist for another 200 to 300 years.
Now this concept of the Bible not being compiled, as we have it today, is foreign to those
who have not studied world and religious history. But let's just look at it from the
viewpoint of whether the Bible is complete. In fact, let's ask the question: Is the Bible
the complete word of God?
To any one studying the Bible and Biblical history, will soon discover that the Bible
isn't complete. There are too many books, specifically mentioned in the Bible that are
missing from it. And what about the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books? Why aren't these
books in the Bible? They are in the Jewish version of the Bible, as well as a few Eastern
Christian religious groups. However, as the Bible went through its 26 different
translations, just to get it to the King James Version, many precious books were taken
out. Through the centuries, the many powers that be have decided that since they didn't
agree with certain passages of scripture, those passages were removed. (I'm not going to
back this information up with countless references, since among the historical and
theological circles these are already accepted and documented facts.)
Here are the examples of all of the known books that are missing from the Bible, books
that are mentioned in the Bible or other known canon's of scripture:
Mentioned But Missing From the Old Testament
Reference
1. Book of the Covenant
Exodus 24:4, 7
2. Book of the Wars
Numbers 21:14
3. Book of Jasher
Joshua 10:13
2 Samuel 1:18
4. Book of Statutes
1 Samuel 10:25
5. Book of the Acts of Solomon
1 Kings 11:41
6. Book of Nathan
1 Chronicles 29:29
2 Chronicles 9:29
7. Book of Gad
(Same as #6)
8. Prophecy of Ahijah
2 Chronicles 9:29;
12:15; 13:22
9. Visions of Iddo
(Same as #8)
10. Book of Shemaiah
2 Chronicles 12:15
11. Book of Jehu
2 Chronicles 20:34
12. Acts of Uzziah, Written by Isaiah
2 Chronicles 26:22
13. Sayings of the Seers
2 Chronicles 33:19
14. Prophecies of Enoch
Jude 14
15. Matthews' mention of Nazareth as the abode of Jesus,
"He shall be called a Nazarene."
This is not found in the Old Testament writings.
Matthew 2:23
Missing New Testament Writings Mentioned But Missing
16. Missing Epistle of Paul
1 Corinthians 5:9
17. 2nd Missing Epistle of Paul
Ephesians 3:3-4
18. 3rd Missing Epistle of Paul
Colossians 4:16
19. Missing Epistle of Jude
Jude 3
Bible Books in the Apocrypha (Old Testament writings) That Never Made it Into the Bible
20. Tobit
(See the Apocrypha, Deuterocanonical,
or Septuagint for the next 19 references.)
21. Judith
22. Additions to the book of Esther
23. Wisdom of Solomon
24. Ecclesiasticus, or the Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach
25. Baruch
26. The Letter of Jeremiah
27. Prayer of Azariah
27 - 30 are attributed to Daniel
28. Song of the Three Jews
29. Susana
30. Bel and the Dragon
31. 1 Maccabees
32. 2 Maccabees
33. 3 Maccabees
34. 4 Maccabees
35. 1 Esdras
36. 2 Esdras
37. Prayer of Manasseh
38. Psalm 151
New Testament Writings That Have Been Eliminated But Are Mentioned
39. Mary
(The following lost writings are written of in the
"Storia Ecclesastica", 337a.d., by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea, however he takes
them out of the N.T. because he thinks they are heresies. They are also in The Lost Books
of The Bible, Gramercy Books.)
40. Acts of Paul
41. Acts of Andrew
42. Acts of John
43. The Protevangelion
44. Infancy I
45. Infancy II
46. Christ and Abgarus
47. Nicodemus
48. The Apostles Creed
49. Laodiceans
50. Paul and Seneca
51. Paul and Thecla
52. Revelation of Peter
53. Epistle of Barnabas
54. The Lost Gospel According to Peter
55. Gospel of Thomas
56. Gospel of Matthias
57. Clement I
58. Clement II
59. Ephesians (II)
60. Magnesians
61. Trallians
62. Romans (II)
63. Philadelphians
64. Smyrnaeans
65. Polycarp
66. Philippians (II)
66. Gospel writer referred to only by the letter Q
(Some of these can be
referenced in the writings by Marcion, 50 a.d., and Muratorian, 170 a.d.
All of these New Test-
ament age writings are
a matter of record and
are not trumped up
Mormon propaganda,
they have been dis-
covered over the past
hundred years in old
or thought to be lost
libraries.)
67. Sheppard of Hermas
68. Hermas I (Visions)
69. Hermas II (Commands)
70. Hermas III (Similitude's)
71. Letters of Herod and Pilate (Ref. to their trial of Christ)
[The Following is a list of the Apocryphal Writings that do not exist, however, they are
mentioned and referred to in other writings as recently as the fourth century A.D.]
72. The Gospel of Andrew
73. Other Books under Andrew
74. Gospel of Apelles
75. The Gospel According to the Twelve Apostles
76. The Gospel of Barnabes
77. The Writings of Bartholomew the Apostle
78. The Gospel of Bartholomew
79. The Gospel of Basilides
80. The Gospel of Cernithus
81. The Revelation of Cernithus
82. An Epistle of Jesus Christ to Peter and Paul
83. Several other Books under the name of Christ
84. An Epistle of Christ (produced by the Manatees)
85. A Hymn, taught by Christ to his Disciples
86. The Gospel according to the Egyptians
87. The Acts of the Apostles
88. The Gospel of the Ebonite's
89. The Gospel of the Encratites
90. The Gospel of Eve
91. The Gospel according to the Hebrews (or Hebrews II)
92. The Book of the Helkesaites
93. The False Gospels of the Hesychius
94. The Book of James
95. The Acts of John
96. Gospel of Jude
97. Gospel according to Judas Iscariot
98. Acts of the Apostle Leucius
99. Acts of the Apostle Lentitus
100. Acts of the Apostle Leontius
101. Acts of the Apostle Leuthon
102. The False Gospels, published by Lucianus
103. Acts of the Apostles (used by the Manichees)
104. The Gospel according to or of Marcion
105. Books under Matthew:
The Gospel of Matthias ->106
The Traditions of Matthias ->107
The Book of Matthias ->108
The Gospel of Merinthus ->109
110. Gospel According to the Nazarenes
111. The Acts of Paul and Thecla
112. The Preachings of Peter and Paul
113. The Revelations of Paul
114. The Gospel of Perfection
115. Additional Acts of Peter
116. The Doctrine of Peter
117. The Gospel of Peter (not to be confused with the Gospel
according to Peter)
118. The Judgement of Peter
119. The Preaching of Peter
120. The Revelations of Peter
121. The Acts of Philip
122. The Gospel of Philip
123. The Gospel of Scythianus
124. The Acts of the Apostles, by Seleucus
125. The Revelation of Stephen
126. The Gospel of Titan
127. The Gospel of Thaddaeus
128. The Acts and Gospel of Thomas
129. The Gospel of Truth
130. Against the Heresies
[Number 66 (above) and numbers 72 - 130 only exist in references, they have never been
found but are or were known to exist. Known because many early Christians referred to them
in their letters (unofficial epistles) and other more religious writings.
Some scholars debate the legitimacy of these writings, however, some scholars question
what we already have too.]
Modern Discoveries of Missing Biblical Scriptures
131. Book of Moses
(#131 & 132 were found
132. Book of Abraham
in an Egyptian tomb
in the 1830's. There
translation is found
in the L.D.S. version
of the Pearl of Great Price.)
133. Prophecy of Joseph of Egypt
2 Nephi 3 (B. of M.)
134. Prophecy of Zenock*
1 Nephi 19
135. Prophecy of Neum*
(Same as #133)
136. Prophecy of Zenos*
(Same as #133)
*[These were Old Testament prophets whose writings were also lost.]
[If the prophet's of God were all commanded to write down His word to His people---Doesn't
anyone ever wonder as to what ever happened to the writings of Adam, Seth, Enoch, Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and others? Every Bible historian can point out, very clearly and with
evidence, that the first five books of the Bible were written by Moses, as God told him
the story of the earth from the beginning of time to the present. Doesn't one wonder as to
where all of those books, histories, and prophetic writings are prior to Moses? We must
assume that they were intelligent enough to write. And at the same time as you realize, or
at least contemplate the answer to these questions, one must come to the rationalization
that 4000 to 5000 years of religious history would have to be a lot longer than just 66
books. In fact, let's look at exactly how many prophets (or religious leaders from Old
Testament times) that are mentioned and yet there is no writing that exists for them. They
are as follows:
The most prominent writings would have come from (or would have been written during the
lifetimes of) Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamach,
Noah, Japheth, Shem, Ham, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah,
Melchizedek, Abraham (except for short script found in the Pearl of Great Price), Isaac,
Jacob, Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim.
Thus we have an additional 28 books that should be there (that we know of) but aren't
found in the Bible. This brings the total number of missing books, according to my
research and calculations, to 164 (over 71 percent missing). Even if you were to take out
some of the questionable books and reduce the number of missing books by fifty percent,
that would be approximately 80 missing books. Even that number, compared to the 66 books
of the Bible, is a significant number to be missing. Again, in light of this evidence, how
could anyone say that the Bible is complete? In fact, most people upon realizing that a
book is incomplete would search for and want to know where the rest of it was. Wouldn't
you? (And I haven't even mentioned writings discovered within the "Dead Sea
Scrolls".)]
So there we have it: 136 (known) missing books from what we now call the Bible. The King
James Version of the Bible only contains Sixty-six (66) books---That means that almost
seventy percent of the Bible is missing! Even if you want to take out the books that come
to us through modern revelation (i.e.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
the number is still over 65 percent [some accounts state that it is as high as 71 percent
of missing books].
Now we haven't even explored the fact that the Bible has gone through numerous
translations; those translations primarily being all in the same language. Every so many
years the Catholic Church hierarchy would disagree on how the Bible was put together and
would commission another writing. From this alone it is hard to say exactly how many pure
and precious truths were eliminated. However, the facts are written in Catholic history
that items were omitted on purpose. (Bringing the total number of translations, or
different versions of the Bible prior to the first edition of the King James Version, that
number of translations being a total of 26.)
Now in all of this, if one still wants to stick to the erroneous argument that John the
Revelator was writing about the Bible, at the end of the Book of Revelation; that argument
being: 'that no one should add to or take away from it.' Then a lot of people are in
trouble for taking away from the Bible. Plus, in making this argument stick, then we must
disregard the majority of the Bible after reading the following, disregard it for having
added to it:
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought
from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."
(Deuteronomy 4:2)
Now the argument of not having any more scripture becomes a mute point. In order for truth
to continue the Lord will always speak to His children through living prophets and those
prophets will record what the Lord tells them (Amos 3:7) ---Thus, we will have more
scriptures.
2. Does the Bible say that the Heavens will be closed?
Any Bible scholar can clearly see that there is a falling away from the truths as
prophesied. But there is also a promise of a full restoration of the Gospel in the
latter-days. In fact, that is what John speaks of in Revelation:
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue,
and people."
[Revelation 14:6]
Paul spoke of this to the Thessalonians, stating that the Second Coming could not occur
until there was a falling away and a restoration [2 Thessalonians 2:1-3]. The scriptures
are full of these revelations of (or concerning) the 'apostasy' or falling away, as well
as, the restoration of the true and everlasting gospel.
Here are some references:
a. Apostasy Foreseen and Predicted: Isaiah 24:5-6; 28:7-8; 29:9-14;
60:2;
Jeremiah 2:11-13; 16:19-21; Amos 8:11-12; Matthew 24:4-5, 23-24;
John 16:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 11-12; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Revelation 13:4.
b. Causes of Apostasy: Matthew 24:9-13; John 16:1-4; Acts 20:29-30;
1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 17-19.
c. Already Begun in the Days of the Apostles: Galatians 1:6-8;
2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Titus 1:10-11, 15-16; 1 Timothy 1:6;
2 Timothy 2:18; 1 John 2:18-19; Jude 3-4; Revelation 2:4-5; 3:14-17.
d. Conditions Incident to the Apostasy: Jeremiah 5:30-31; 16:16-21;
23:10-12;
Hosea 4:1-9; Micah 3:5-7, 11; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Peter 3:3-4.
e. Results of Individual Apostasy: Luke 12:9-10, 47; Hebrews 6:4-7;
10:26-29;
2 Peter 2:20-22.
f. Non-LDS Historical References of the Apostasy: Writings of Hegesippus
and Eusebius; Mosheim, "Ecclesastic History"; John Wesley's Works; Church of
England's writing "Homily Against Peril of Idolatry." (Plus, countless numbers
of modern and ancient Biblical dictionaries, to many to be effectively mentioned here.)
This should give sufficient cause, to some degree of agreement, that there was an apostasy
or falling-away that took place. Thus, the logical step here is that a restoration would
be required in order for the truth to exist (again) on the earth. That is, a restoration
of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ prior to the Second Coming of the Savior.
(Which would mean that additional scriptures would have to follow.)
3. The Heavens are Opened...
The scriptures, as already pointed out, clearly state that there will be a falling away.
They also state that there will be a restoration of ALL things. A few references are as
follows:
a. Predictions of a Restoration: Daniel 2:28-29, 44-45; 7:27; Micah
4:1-2;
Malachi 4:1-6; Matthew 17:11; 24:14; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 11:25-27.
b. Restoration Done With Angels or Heavenly Messengers: Daniel 2:28-45;
Malachi 4:5-6; Revelation 14:6-7.
Now that the fact has been established that the scriptures, as contained in the Bible,
aren't complete; that there was a falling away (apostasy); and that the true gospel of
Jesus Christ would be restored. The realization must come that there is a true church on
earth, a true church being led by a prophet of God, just as was done anciently.
[Compiled and researched by myself, William R. Harrison. Some content ideas come from the
'Ready References', however, most just come from searching the Holy Scriptures.]
Of course, I realize that you might argue that the Word of God is infallible---And I
agree! The Word of God is infallible. Yet the Bible was the Word of God through His
prophets and later through His apostles. I know that we would both agree that men aren't
infallible and therefore there is the high chance of for errors, especially after all that
the Biblical record has gone through (i.e.: the incompleteness of the scriptures as
already stated). So (again) the question to ponder here is that if the record isn't
complete, and God promised to restore all things prior to the Second Coming, then isn't
there the possibility that there would be scriptures restored that would fulfill
scripture, or at least restore what had been lost?
Now let's get to your most recent letter...
First of all I would like to point out to you that the points I made, in my 27+ page
letter to you, the points that I called the "Points of the True Church," didn't
all originate with me. Part of them (or at least the initial idea) came from the research
of a group of college students who were searching for the truth; searching for the true
Church of Jesus Christ (as shown in the Biblical record). Now this is a long story and for
the sake of time I will shorten it as much as possible, however, I feel that it is
important to note that I'm not the only one who feels that their has to be one true
church.
This group of college students lived in the same dorm back in the late 1930's. They would
have a great deal of conversations, as college students are apt to do, conversations and
discussions about life and our purpose in it. Some of them turned to science and others to
other sources. One of them, a devoted atheist, thought that science held the only answer.
But one of them thought that the Bible just might contain the answer. So this one student
mapped out all of the scriptures in the Bible that pointed to the structure of the Church
of God. His initial list was quite large and lengthy; however, he eventually narrowed the
list down to 17 specific points that he felt would lead anyone to the true church.
Once his research was complete he shared these 17 points with his dorm mates. He typed
them up on three by five cards and gave them to each one of his friends (even the
atheist). They all promised that they would attempt to find the true church, that is if it
existed on the earth, and then try and let the others know. Shortly there after they lost
touch with each other, because of World War II and the draft. In-spite of the war, though,
they all still looked.
Many years later they caught up with each other. With the exception of one individual who
was killed in the war, every single one of these college students ended up in the same
church; that church being The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This all
happened on their own and without any contact with the others until many years after they
had joined and discovered that the others had joined too.
Now what are the chances of that happening?
[This story about the 17 points was told to me by one of the college students by the name
of Jack Weston, Santa Clara, Utah.]
In your letter you stated that you would be just 'focusing in on a few areas' and to let
you know if you 'missed anything of importance' (page 1, paragraph 3). Well how about
accepting the overwhelming evidence that points to the truth? I feel that I more than
adequately pointed out what must consist of the true gospel and what the foundation for
that basis was. The reason that my original letter was so long is that the truth, in order
to be clearly seen, must be based on the wholeness of the record. Not just on a few
scriptures here and there, with a few quotes thrown in that only show bits and pieces of
that picture. Just like a puzzle, with only a few pieces in place, anyone could form any
opinion they wanted as to what the finished picture must look at. But if one doesn't have
all of the pieces then the picture wouldn't be complete.
So to argue only about a few points at a time is like taking a case to court with
insufficient evidence. However, if for the sake of time you are only able to take a few
points at a time, then that is fine too. Since our common goal is to set forth the truth.
Page 1, paragraph 4 (reference to page 2 #1, of 27+ page document, Church Named after
Christ), yes I did read all of the references that I quoted. But let's look at them in the
light that I was intending them to be viewed in, hopefully, we both gain a common
understanding as we view each one. But first let's see what a few Bible Dictionaries state
the definition of church is, so then we will at least speaking about the same thing:
"CHURCH. This word is the English translation of the Greek 'ecclesia', originally
meaning 'an assembly called together'. In the N.T. it is used to denote 'the whole body of
the baptized'; or sometimes a portion of the whole body, settled in some particular place.
It occurs only twice in the Gospels, Matthew 16:18; 18:17; the society of which Christ is
the Head being usually called 'the kingdom of heaven' or 'the kingdom of God'. The
Parables of the kingdom may be regarded as teaching the character of the Church itself.
From Matthew 28:19 we learn that the Church is to be universal in its extension, i.e. is
to include all the nations of the earth; and that Baptism is the means of entrance. Those
who desire to enter must have Faith (Mark 16:16) and Obedience (Matthew 28:20).
"From the Acts and Epistles we learn the method of the Church's life, and the nature
of its belief. The Day of Pentecost was its 'birthday', for then the Holy Spirit descended
to sanctify its members, to unite them together, and lead them into all truth. From the
first its members understood that they had a missionary work to do, they were to be
'witnesses' of Christ and of His Resurrection (Acts 1:8). The effect of the first day's
preaching was that 3,000 were added to the Church. Acts 2:41-46 describes the manner of
life of the first believers. After Baptism they 'continued steadfastly' in the apostolic
doctrine, in fellowship with the Apostles, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers,
i.e. certain acts of public devotion with which they supplemented the ordinary Temple
worship. It was also the custom for believers to surrender whatever possessions they had
to be used for the common good; but this was optional (Acts 5:4).
"Paul uses several metaphors to explain the nature of the society thus formed. It is
the result of the engrafting of a new branch into an already existing olive-tree (Romans
11:17); i.e. it is a development from the Jewish Church by the addition of a non-Jewish or
Gentile element. It is described as a 'body' consisting of many members (Romans 12:4; 1
Corinthians 12:12); each member having its own peculiar work to do, each ministering to
and dependent on the rest. This Body is Christ. It is again the Body of which Christ is
the Head (Ephesians 1:22); the metaphor emphasizing the mystical union between Christ and
His people. It is the Temple of God, in which the Spirit dwells, of which Apostles and
Prophets form the foundation, and of which Christ is the chief corner-stone (Ephesians
2:20). Paul also compares it to a house (1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:20); and to a city or
household (Ephesians 2:19).
"A most important passage is Ephesians 4:3-12, in which Paul teaches the unity of the
Church, and shows in what that unity consists. 'There is one Body', i.e. there is an
external unity, a common organization; it is pervaded by the 'One Spirit'; there is 'one
hope of your calling'; all members of the Body aim at the same object, the same eternal
life; it has 'one Lord', i.e. one Head, Jesus Christ; 'one faith'; i.e. it everywhere
believes the same truths; admission is everywhere by the same act, 'one Baptism'; the root
of its unity lies in the 'one God and Father of all'.
"Doctrine was first taught orally, by the Apostles and those whom they commissioned.
The fundamental truths were enshrined in a profession of faith made at baptism. As time
went on, and necessity required, the Epistles and Gospels were written. From these may be
gathered the various parts of the Christian's Faith, but it must be remembered that they
were written for the use of men who were already members of the Church ; the N.T.
presupposes on the part of its readers at all event an elementary knowledge of Christian
truth."
("The Holy Bible," King James Version, printed in Great Britain, Concise Bible
Dictionary (p.26), 1950's Edition.)
As a side note and statement to the above, I would like you to point out to me a church on
the face of this earth that fits the above definition, or at least the parts that are in
bold face. There is only one and can only be one, at least according to the above
definition of what the (true) Church of Christ must consist of. An interesting statistic
to all of this is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only
organization on the face of the earth that teaches the same things, teaches in the same
format, and conducts every meeting within every congregation world wide. Can you show me
or tell me of any other religious group that is unified to this level in the order of its
religious meetings? The only common bond that I find in other religious groups is that
they use the same name, however, the meeting of each group is conducted entirely different
from one congregation to the next (in other words--- No unity, no one faith, no one
baptism, etc.).
In the 1979 edition of the Holy Bible, by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
the Bible Dictionary states:
"CHURCH. From the Greek, Ecclesia, meaning 'an assembly called together." The
church is the organized body of believers who have taken upon themselves the name of Jesus
Christ by baptism and confirmation. To be the true church it must be the Lord's church,
and must have his laws, his name, and be governed by him through representatives he has
appointed (3 Nephi 27:1-12; Doctrine & Covenants [D&C] 115:4). In this sense, the
church began with the days of Adam, and has been on the earth among mankind whenever there
were a group of believers who had the priesthood and revelations of heaven. The word
church is only used twice in the four Gospels (Matthew 16:18; 18:17) but is frequently
mentioned in Acts, the epistles, and Revelation. The O.T. uses the term congregation for
church. The word kingdom is often used in the scriptures to mean the church, since the
church is literally the kingdom of God on the earth. The Book of Mormon, as it speaks of
O.T. events, uses the word church (1 Nephi 4:26), and the Doctrine and Covenants speaks of
the church in O.T. time (D&C 107:4).
"Principal offices in the church are spoken of by Paul in Ephesians r:11-16, in which
it is pointed out that the church is a means by which the saints (or members) become
edified and progress toward the full measure of the stature of Christ. That belonging to
the Lord's church is important is emphasized in Acts 2:47, where we find that 'the Lord
added to the church daily such as should be saved.' In church there should be unity and
oneness, and Paul was greatly concerned that there were divisions in the church at Corinth
(1 Corinthians 1:10-13). He repeatedly explained that all the offices and functions of the
church are necessary (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:1-16), the whole body
being fitly joined together. The scriptures contain the prophecies that the church, which
Jesus established, would fall into apostasy. This occurred soon after the death of the
Twelve. Consequently, the church, with the same organization, doctrines, and authority,
has in the last days been restored to the earth, preparatory to the second coming of Jesus
Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1-9; Acts 3:19-21; D&C 20:1-4; Article of Faith 6)."
(The Holy Bible, King James Version, Bible Dictionary, page 645, L.D.S. 1979 edition.)
In a late 1800's edition of the Holy Bible (London edition) states this about the
definition of Church:
"CHURCH--- This word is derived from the Greek kuriakon, Lord's house. It denotes, in
Scripture, the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into
one, under Christ their head..."
(The Holy Bible, King James Version, London publishers,
The Concise Family Bible & Bible Cyclopedia, p.10.)
My reason for quoting three sources is to show exactly what the word 'Church' means and
how the scriptures (and even other religious groups) define its meaning. Now let's look at
those scripture references that I originally gave:
"Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
"All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers:
But the sheep did not hear them.
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be
saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
(John 10:7-9)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
(John 14:6)
I used these scriptures to point out the fact that no one can come "unto the
Father" but through Jesus Christ. And if He is the only way, following the
definitions of what church means, then I would venture to say that the name of His Church
would be His own (i.e.: if it is Jesus Christ's Church then it would logically be called
in His name, the Church of Jesus Christ).
The other scriptures that I referenced follow the same analysis, however, 1 Corinthians
1:13 does point out that (or at least this is how I understand this scripture) we call
ourselves and our organization after the individual that is at its head, He being Jesus
Christ... Thus, if it is His Church then (again) it would be in His name.
The purpose in using the situation (or scripture) from the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 27:8)
is to point out that even with the direct administration of Jesus Christ, these early
saints weren't sure as to what to call them selves by (or at least to what they should
name the Church). Even though this question had been answered a hundred years earlier
(Alma 46:12-16) when they had adopted the name of Christ, calling themselves Christian's
[73 B.C.]. So just like anciently, the saints in this dispensation, even though they knew
that they were Christian's and called themselves the Church of Jesus Christ, there was
still some initial confusion.
If you were to read a little bit further into the history of the Church, as well as David
Whitmer's story, you would find out the whole truth of what happened in the early days of
the Church. But in case you haven't, let me explain what was happening in 1834 and why
Sydney Rigdon brought up this question as to the name of the Church, that being the Church
of Jesus Christ, he wanted to (or felt) that there should be a distinction between the
early saints and the modern day saints. Since Biblically the churches called themselves
after the saints in this place or that place, so Sydney Rigdon didn't want people to think
that we were calling ourselves after the name of those early saints. Thus, the issue was
raised and the leaders of the church started calling the church the Church of the
Latter-day Saints. However, if you were to search through the Doctrine and Covenants you
would find that every reference to the Church was either in the form of the Church of
Jesus Christ or the Church of the Firstborn (or Lamb of God), that is until the Lord
officially named the Church.
But as typical of the scriptures and God's dealings with man, meaning He isn't going to
compel us in all things, He waited for an official enquiry from His prophet. In 1838
Joseph Smith finally asked the Lord as to what the official name of the Church should be,
not that he didn't know, but he knew it was required to have the Lord's direct revelation
concerning the name (see D&C 115:3-4). Joseph Smith knew that it wouldn't be binding
upon the people of the Church unless he had this revelation and could state prophetically
"Thus saith the Lord," which is required of a prophet when reveling new or lost
truths.
Nephi, one of the first prophets in the Book of Mormon, prophesied that in the last days
there would only be two churches, though each of these churches might have many
congregations: one would be good and righteous, the other would be evil and of the devil.
The two churches that people would be members of would either be the Church of the Lamb of
God, or the church of the devil. (See 1 Nephi 14:10-17.)
I hope and pray that I have sufficiently and clearly answered your question: "Was it
the true church then?"
Page 2, paragraph 2 (reference to 27+ pages, page 3 #3, Restorer Must Become a Martyr).
You pretty much defined this one yourself in the reference you used from Elder Bruce R.
McConkie's document, entitled Mormon Doctrine , let's read it again: "In the gospel
sense martyrdom is the voluntary acceptance of death at the hands of wicked men RATHER
THAN FORSAKE CHRIST AND HIS HOLY GOSPEL ." Now where in any of the events at the
Carthage jail (or anywhere else) did Joseph Smith deny Christ or the restored gospel?
Again, if you were to study the history of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith you would
discover several things that qualified him to be classified as a martyr. Let's look at
this event and examine all of the particulars of it.
1. Conspiracy Against the Church and the Prophet Joseph Smith.
In early 1844 several of those close to Joseph Smith wanted
to take over the Church and have the power for themselves. These
lies and threats had actually started earlier in Missouri, which
not only caused a great deal of suffering but resulted in many
innocent deaths at the hands of murders. This was allowed by the
signing into law, though illegal and un-constitutional, the
"Mormon" extermination order by the Missouri governor, Governor
Lilburn W. Boggs (see History of the Church, 3:175-184 and Andrew
Jensen "The Historical Record" page 84).
Because of this 'extermination order' and other violent acts
against the Church (i.e. the Haun's mill massacre), while in
Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith started the Nauvoo Legion. This was
strictly meant to be a militia force, similar to modern day state
national guard forces. But others used this as propaganda to stir
up fear amongst local residents in neighboring cities.
2. The Nauvoo Expositor Affair.
A new newspaper was started in Nauvoo called the Nauvoo
Expositor. This newspaper was to become the voice of those who
would print lies and half truths about the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith, as the mayor of Nauvoo, called
a special town meeting to discuss the situation. The meeting
consisted of church members and non-members alike and the legal
consultant wasn't a member either. It was decided to shut down the
press, in accord with Illinois state law. However, the marshal
went a little bit too far and destroyed the press. [Note: Joseph
Smith wasn't even present when this was done. The legal
enforcement officials were the ones who had gone to far and read
more into the town order than had been officially ordered (see
Dallin H. Oaks, "The Suppression of the Nauvoo Expositor,"
Utah Law Review, Winter 1965, pp. 890-891; "Warsaw Signal," 12
June 1844, p. 2; History of the Church, 6:487-540).
This act of the Nauvoo town counsel caused a great deal of
unrest and so Joseph Smith ordered a state of martial law until
things quieted down. He never thought anything more would come of
the incident, since within the past year prior to this incident,
20 other presses in other towns in Illinois had been shut down
with violence, some being burned to the ground and the reporters
shot, by other groups (not "Mormon" groups) who took the law into
their own hands. The local or state authorities never responded to
of these other more blatant violations of the law, but let the
"Mormon's" do just one little thing, even if it was legal, and the
whole country was in an uproar (of course all of these other
events were done by local towns and not by the "Mormon's," so I
guess it wasn't the same---Or was it?).
[Ibid.]
Local authorities from neighboring towns who were looking for
any excuse to come after Joseph Smith, since they thought that if
they could get him out of Nauvoo to be killed that then the
"Mormon" situation would be stopped (or be under control), thus
utilized this newspaper incident as a prime excuse to put an end
to the "Mormon's."
3. The Trip to Carthage.
Even though extradition out of Nauvoo was illegal, still the
people took the law into their own hands and had Joseph Smith and
his brother Hyrum taken to Carthage, Illinois. Unknown to the
members and leadership of the Church, there wasn't going to be any
trial, this was strictly an act to get Joseph out of Nauvoo.
Unfortunately the people of Nauvoo were afraid that another Haun's
mill situation my exist and wanting to prevent a potential
massacre, they demanded that Joseph be bound over and remanded
into custody, thus causing him to reply: "If my life is of not
value to my friends it is of none to myself" (History of the
Church, 6:549).
Even though he commanded a legion of troops (5,000 - 6,000 in
the Nauvoo Legion), he had the militia disbanded and disarmed to
prevent any violence. As he and his brother departed for Carthage,
he stated:
"I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm
as a summer's morning. I have a conscience void of offense
toward God and toward men. If they take my life I shall die an
innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for
vengeance, and it shall be said of me 'He was murdered in cold
blood!"
(History of the Church, 6:555; also see D&C 135:4.)
4. The Martyrdom.
Since the jailing of the leaders of the Church was highly
illegal, which they knew and recognized as being such, a couple of
guns were smuggled into them to protect them until the trial
began. Since they thought that a trial would take place and then
they would be illegally charged and put to death. They never
imagined that a mob would gather to kill them.
On June 27, 1844, a mob gathered and forcefully entered the
jail. Joseph Smith used one of the guns, which only fired on three
cylinders the others failing, the other gun was never fired. He
then was blown out the up stairs window by a volley of gun shots,
falling to his death, two stories below (History of the Church,
6:615-623).
Joseph Smith could have had the Nauvoo Legion protect him, but
instead he ordered them to stand down, disband and disarm. He
could have stayed in Iowa and never come back, but he came back
because he knew that in order for his testimony to be valid he
would have to seal it with his own blood (see Hebrews 9:15-22;
D&C 135).
I'm sure that it is very easy for us, on the outside looking in, to say that Joseph Smith
had no right to defend himself. But we must remember that he was still a man, which means
that like anyone, it is only natural to initially defend oneself (just like we blink when
something is thrown at our eye). Even though he fired on the mob and his weapon failed, he
could have picked up the other gun when he went to his brothers' side (but he didn't). He
had been illegally jailed many times and he always went willingly, without fighting or
reacting violently. He was tarred and feathered many times and ran out of towns on a rail,
but he didn't fight back. He saw many die for what they believed, but he never fought
back.
When the Savior was illegally taken, after being in the Garden, Peter reacted as any man
would by pulling out his (borrowed) sword and cutting off the ear of one of the high
priest's servants (John 18:10). Of course, the Savior being the Son of God was able to
control Himself and even act with love towards His enemies in this final hour. But Peter
initially reacted just as Joseph Smith did.
Stephen may not have physically fought back; however, his words certainly acted like
swords (Acts 7). But the reason he didn't fight back was that the people, as they
understood it, acted within the boundaries of the Mosaic law; though his acts didn't seem
bad to us and he may not have thrown any rocks back, he certainly threw a lot of (what
seemed to be) blasphemous statements that enraged the crowd to stone him to death. Joseph
Smith only said, "My Lord my God," and then he was shot to death.
(I guess before we make any brash judgments or statements we should consider all of the
facts first.)
Page 2, paragraph 3 (reference to page 3 #10, No Paid Ministry ). Let's look at these
verses that I 'ripped' out of context and evaluate the meaning of each one 'in its
context.' Before we jump into the scriptures, though, I would like to bring one thing up.
In John 10:6-15, even though this is a parable, it certainly sounds like the Savior
doesn't think much of "hireling's"--- Would that be because He knows that
someone who is 'paid' to watch His flock isn't going to care much beyond what they are
paid to do? In Matthew 6:1-21 the Savior discusses the things that men do and the rewards
for their deeds. To me these verses would certainly imply that if someone does things to
be seen of men (or being paid for 'feeding the flock') then they have their reward. In
fact, does the following sound like service that could be performed for 'price' or a
monetary 'reward':
"Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them,
Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are his 'other' lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows,
Over the waters so deep.
"Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.
"Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the lambs of his fold;
Some from the pastures are straying,
Hungry and helpless and cold.
See, the Good Shepherd is seeking,
Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing,
Saved at such infinite cost.
"Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.
"Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the 'ninety and nine';
Dear are the sheep that have wondered
Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! he is earnestly calling,
Tenderly pleading today:
'Will you not seek for my lost ones,
Off from my shelter astray?'
"Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.
"Green are the pastures inviting;
Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer thee gladly,
'Yes, blessed Master, we will!
Make us thy under-shepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert,
Seeking thy wandering sheep.'
"Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue we'll hasten,
Bringing them back to the fold."
["Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd," Hymn #221,
L.D.S. book of Hymns. Text: Mary B. Wingate
(ref.'s to Luke 15:4-7; 1 Peter 5:2-4).]
Does this (the above verse) sound like service that would be assisted by hirelings? Or
could be done for payment in the form of monies of any kind?
Now let's look at those scriptures that I referred to for the area of having a lay
ministry only. The first one was Isaiah 45:13, the main point in that verse being
"...not for price nor reward," but you stated that I took this verse out of
context. So let's look at the entire chapter (don't worry I won't quote the whole thing).
As I understand this chapter, it is (Jehovah is discussing through Isaiah) discussing how
Cyrus will free the captives of Israel from Babylonean captivity. It compares the saving
of Israel to the saving mission of Jehovah (Jesus Christ)---Which to all shall bow and
every tongue shall swear or confess is the Christ. Of course there is a great deal of
similitude here, but I would say that Isaiah is clearly identifying the God of the Old
Testament (Jehovah) as the pre-mortal Jesus Christ, the following verses (at least to me)
make this quite clear:
a. He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world (see v.15).
b. He shall save Israel with an everlasting salvation (see v.17).
c. He is the Creator (see v.18).
d. He is just and mighty to save (see v.21).
e. There is no other name given by which man may be saved
(see vv.21-22).
f. His words are truth and righteousness (see v.23).
g. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is
the Christ (see v.23; compare to Romans 14:11).
h. He is the mediator for all the seed of Israel (see v.24).
So if we now read verse 13 out of Isaiah 45, shouldn't we imply that the Savior wouldn't
be doing any of these deeds for 'price nor reward' and therefore neither should we be
feeding His flock for a 'price nor reward'? To me it is pretty clear. (But this is only my
opinion.)
Let's now look at Titus chapter 1. Here Paul is counseling Titus in what he should do and
how he should conduct himself. He lays out some pretty specific rules and
responsibilities. In verse 5 he counsel's Titus to "set in order things that are
wanting" and that he was to "ordain elders in every city, as I have appointed
thee." To me it sounds like these directives should apply to Titus, to bishops, and
to the elders of the Church who teach and conduct and minister. Verse 7 gives a number of
items to heed, following it up with "not given to filthy lucre..." Now that
could mean not to be greedy or ministering for greedy purposes. Yet further on he
counsel's him against people who are out there working at priestcraft [priestcraft is men
who set themselves up to be a light to the world and getting paid to preach (see 2 Nephi
26:29)]. Paul says it best in verses 11-16, here are just verses 11 and 16:
"Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny
him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good
work reprobate."
(Titus 1:11 & 16)
He gives almost the same directives to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Peter says the same
thing all in one verse (1 Peter 5:2) which to me is a clear statement that we are not to
be paid for ministry work of any kind. But Paul in his Epistle to the Hebrews clearly
stated that in order for this kind of work (ministry or pastoral work) one must be called
of God "as was Aaron" (Hebrews 5:4). So in order to even be allowed to perform
in the name of Christ we must be called and set apart (by the power of the Holy Ghost and
the laying on of hands) just as Aaron was---Just as every leader, minister, elder or
anyone called to the work, it must be done by revelation... Never, ever for money or to be
paid as if it where a job, because we know how the Lord feels about 'hirelings.'
Now let's look at 1 Corinthians 9:6-15. This is a statement that Paul is making that they
could partake of certain things, according to the Law of Moses, however they don't. We
should ask ourselves why didn't they partake, I mean if it is their right then they should
feel free to do so, right? Wrong! If you read through all of Paul's Epistles (or the New
Testament as a whole) we will see that the Laws of Moses were done away with. If it were
not so then the Savior wouldn't have cleared the moneychangers out of the temple. The old
ways were done away with by the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. No, I'm not saying that
the commandments were done away with, but the many cumbersome laws of outward performance
were fulfilled and not required any more. That is why Paul didn't indulge himself.
The Book of Mormon helps to clarify this issue, at the same time defining for us what
priestcraft is:
"He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for,
behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up
for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of
the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
"But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they
labor for money they shall perish."
(2 Nephi 26:29,31)
We read further:
"And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had
ordained should labor with their own hands for their support.
"And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their
support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of
God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the
knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority
from God."
(Mosiah 18:24,26)
These ancient American's felt so strongly about a paid ministry that they mention it a
number of times. The following are just a few more scriptures to make the point clear:
"And there was a strict command throughout all the churches
that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should
be an equality among all men;
"That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their
peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself,
laboring with their own hands for their support.
"Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with
their own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in
sickness, or in much want; and doing these things, they did abound
in the grace of God."
(Mosiah 27:3-5)
"And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of
God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the
word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word
of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and
the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, neither was
the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all
equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his
strength."
(Alma 1:26)
By revelation, in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord makes it clear as to why this is
truly important for us all:
"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why
are they not chosen?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this
world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn
this one lesson---
"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected
with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be
controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when
we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our
vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion
upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of
unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the
Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to
the priesthood or the authority of that man."
(D&C 121:34-37; contrast this with Matthew 20:16 & 22:1-14)
Again, I hope and pray that I have made my point clearly as to why I had used and
referenced these scriptures in my letter to you.
Pages 2 - 3, last paragraph of page 2 - end of page 3 (refers to page 4 #17 The True
Church must teach that God the Father and Jesus Christ have Bodies of Flesh and Bone [More
correctly stated is: that the True Church must teach that the Godhead are three separate
Beings; God the Father and His son Jesus Christ having glorified and perfected bodies of
flesh and bone, and the Holy Ghost being a personage of Spirit]). First of all, I'm
honored that you think of me as an 'intellectual-type' and I'm glad that you used the
'A=B=C' formula, glad because I would like to utilize that form of analysis too. But
before we use this (A=B=C) format there should be some basic tenants set that will ensure
the proper use of the formula. When using the above formula, no supposition can be used,
meaning: That 'A' must always equal itself first (i.e. A = A). This first part of the
formula must be a rock solid fact before we can proceed to state that it might equal
something else, that is unless we are first sure that it is equal to itself.
Second, we must ensure that B = B and that C = C. Once we have established this fact then
we can begin to analyze whether the different variables actually could or can equal other
variables of the formula. After this type of equatitive analysis or equation has been
preformed, then we can see whether the other properties or variables are true too. Once
all of this analysis has been done, then and only then, can we truthfully state if 'A = B'
and 'B = C' ---Therefore, 'A' must be equal to 'C," but only after we know that each
true value has been attributed to each value. (I hope I'm making sense and not sounding
like an algebra book.)
In your analysis, using the 'A=B=C' formula, you only point to one scripture (John 4:24)
for 'A' and only one scripture (Luke 24:39) for 'B.' Then without verifying whether 'A' or
'B' are actually true, in light of all the other scriptures in the Biblical record that
refer to God---You expect me to make an illogical jump to find 'A' to be equal to 'C'? You
state that it is the 'only logical answer,' however, in the previous paragraph you refer
to scriptures that state God has 'feathers and wings' and that His 'eyes are running'
(Psalm 91:4 & II Chronicles 16:9). You dismiss the afore mentioned scriptures as being
'Anthropomorphism's,' yet by the fact that you even mentioned these scriptures you
rendered your 'A=B=C' analysis incorrect. Why? Because you didn't square these scriptures
with the other ones (i.e. 'A' could mean that God=Spirit, however it could also mean that
God=Feathers and Wings or Spirit must equal a body with Running Eyes). So as you can see
your references must square with the fact that if 'A' is to equal something else then it
must first be equal to itself, likewise for 'B' and 'C.' (Am I starting to make sense now?
I certainly hope so!)
Now we both know that God and His prophets (many times) spoke in parables or used some
type of analogy or allegory, used them to make plain things difficult for the wicked to
understand but simple for the righteous. So with this in mind, as we look through many of
the scriptures, at first they seem to mean one thing but say something else. Certain
passages can be quite confusing, however, as we compare these scriptures to others within
the Bible, then they make sense. Let's look at Psalm 91 verse 4 and see what it really
means:
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under
his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy
shield and thy buckler."
Just to read this scripture by itself I would almost agree with you, but once you read the
whole chapter (placing the above scripture into its proper context) then it makes perfect
sense. Let me show you what I mean:
Psalm 91
"1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide [Heb.= lodge]
under the shadow of the Almighty." [Wouldn't the most High require a tangible body to
cast a shadow? Of course I know, this is just allegory.]
"2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I
trust.
"3. Surely he shall deliver thee form the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome
pestilence." [Now we see the allegory taking shape---He is comparing us to birds or
chicks that have been caught in a fowler's snare.]
"4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his
truth shall be thy shield and thy buckler." [It is forming now, it is like he is
comparing us to little chicks that are being gathered under the wings and feathers of a
hen for protection.]
Verses 5 - 10 explain the type of protection and rewards of that protection.
"11. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
"12. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a
stone."
[Now is this talking of physical protection or only protection in a figurative sense? Do
angels really have hands? Would this imply that they have physical bodies or are they
really only personages of spirit? Or maybe this is an allegory of Jesus.]
I won't finish out the rest of the chapter, since I think we both get the point. But the
question still remains as to whether God has a body, is only Spirit, or neither or both,
or maybe He has feathers and wings. Let's turn to Matthew 23:37 to find out a possible
answer to this mystery:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets,
and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I
have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth
her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
Now we can see that the Psalmist, just as the Savior, was speaking allegorically. But both
sets of scripture, though speaking figuratively are also speaking of a physical action.
I'm surprised that you used II Chronicles 16:9 the way you did. It is quite obvious that
this scripture is speaking figuratively too. This scripture uses the statement
"...the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth...," it
really doesn't say that they are 'running.' However, if you put that scripture into its
context, verify what is being said here through cross-referencing (i.e. Job 34:21;
Jeremiah 16:17; 32:10), and look up the meanings in a Bible Dictionary or original Hebrew
text; we realize that it isn't meaning that God's eyes are running. It means that God has
the ability to see everything everywhere and all of the time (omniscience and
omnipotence).
To follow this analysis one step farther, if we think that since these scriptures refer to
God in other than human physical form--- Then are we to assume that other scriptures that
refer to God in other terms should be taken on face value too? For example, Isaiah 45:7
refers to the Lord as the creator of evil and Isaiah 45:14 states (in its last line)
"...there is no God." So do we take these scriptures literally? If the Bible is
infallible, as you claim, then they must be correct. Or are they? These scriptures in
Isaiah can't be passed off as anthropomorphisms (and these are only a couple).
Some would say that anthropomorphism is nothing more than the humanizing of deity---But is
that really what it means? Could it be that due to the apostasy, men have attempted to
mystify God and His nature, thus perverting the truth about Him and our relation to Him?
Let's see what Elder Bruce R. McConkie says in "Mormon Doctrine" about this
subject:
"Strictly speaking 'anthropomorphism' is the conception that
God has human attributes and characteristics; hence, people who
profess to worship a personal God are sometimes said to believe
in an anthropomorphic God. Actually, of course, man was created
in God's image, not God in man's. But since man is the inheritor
of the physical form and, to some extent, the attributes and
characteristics of Deity, it follows that Deity has the same form
and the fullness of the attributes enjoyed by men, and so in a
rather inaccurate sense it may be agreed that the true God is an
anthropomorphic Being."
(Page 39 of the 1966 edition.)
This broaches another subject, which I would like to briefly bring up now, and that is the
fallacious concept (that some people profess) that God is a God without body, parts or
passions. Now if God created man in His image (and not the reverse) then wouldn't God
possess the positive parts of life that we at least have? I'm not talking of manly fleshy
carnal desires. I'm talking about God, who created us, would have the good things that we
enjoy, but on a perfected scale (i.e. perfect love or charity, perfect understanding, a
feeling of pain for the mistakes that we make, or wrath at our wickedness).
I know that I have (kind of) gotten side tracked here, but I felt that the above
information was important. Important so that we could be on common ground or have a common
understanding before I proceeded any further. Now back to the scriptural analysis.
What does the preponderance of scriptures teach about the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost?
There are lots more scriptures that refer to them as separate personages of Deity, than
there are those that imply that they might be all combined into the same Being. In fact,
all of the scriptures that refer to them being as one, are referring to them as the
Godhead and that their purpose is one (that they are one in purpose, one in their mission,
and one in their righteous desires). This doesn't mean that they are compressed into one
personage, one personage that is so big that it can fill the whole universe and yet so
small that He can fit into our hearts---Doesn't that sound a little confusing? And yet
this the view that the vast majority of religionists teach, a teaching that wasn't
embraced until the counsel at Nice conveniently decided that was what they wanted theology
to accept. If you study all of the histories of the early Christian church this type of
theology didn't arise until all of the apostles had been rounded up and either imprisoned
or put to death.
A noted point should be made here about the Hebrew version of the Old Testament, when ever
scriptures (in the Hebrew) refer to God the Father: He is called 'Elohim.' However, when
reference is made to the creator, or God of the Old Testament: He is called 'Jehovah.' In
the New Testament, Christ makes it quite clear that He is the God of the Old Testament,
that He is Jehovah. Yet, in more ancient versions of the New Testament, reference to God
the Father is made by calling Him Elohim. The point---That when many precious truths
aren't properly translated, it can be easy to be confused about these basic and simple
truths of the Godhead. For example, I would encourage you to read the original Hebrew text
of the following verse:
"And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR
likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all
the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the
earth.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God
created he him; male and female created he them."
(Genesis 1:26-27)
Even in English these scriptures bring up some interesting questions, such as--- Why does
it say 'US' and 'after OUR likeness?' And what does 'image' really mean? To me the answer
is quite obvious, but let's look a little bit further for the definition. In regards to
what image means, Jack Van Impe of J.V.I. Presents, said that an image means: "An
exact copy, exactly like or mirror representation of the other" (Monday March 3,
1997, broadcast). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines image as 'a likeness or imitation
of a person or thing... a person strikingly like another person.' Of course, the Bible
already gives us a description of what image truly means:
"This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day
that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
"Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and
called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
"And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son
in his own likeness, after his image ; and called his name Seth:"
(Genesis 5:1-3)
In consideration of the above definitions of image and likeness, the above scripture makes
it quite clear that we were created in the likeness of God. If man is in the image of God,
and not the reverse, then stating that God doesn't have a body of flesh and bone would
render these verses and definitions as falsehoods. So which is it? Are we created in God's
image or is He simply a mirror of our image?
Now let's continue on and look at several examples of what I'm talking about, as well as
try and lay a foundation to the 'A=B=C' formula:
1. Individual Personages in the Godhead, Bible References.
a. John the Baptist's Testimony of this Principle.
John the Baptist gave his personal testimony of the
Saviors baptism, but he also gave an accounting of the
fact that the Godhead consists of three distinct separate
personages.
"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto
John, to be baptized of him.
"But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be
baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
"And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to
be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all
righteousness. Then he suffered him.
"And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway
out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto
him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove,
and lighting upon him:
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
(Matthew 3:13-17)
Here we have John the Baptist testifying of the Godhead and we can clearly see that they
are three separate distinct individuals: 1) Jesus Christ is coming up out of the water; 2)
The Holy Ghost (or Spirit) is descending from heaven; and 3) The voice of the Father is
heard from above. What point do we get from this? Either that there are three distinct
personages, or we are being misled to believe that the Savior is throwing His voice (like
a ventriloquist) and that he can cast mirror images of Himself elsewhere. Personally I
would have to believe the first part of the last sentence, otherwise I must believe in a
God who is misleading (which might be viewed by some as being dishonest).
God in His wisdom, though, provides for us a number of examples that prove this point,
that point being that the Godhead are separate and distinct individuals. In fact, He must
have felt so strongly about this point that John's testimony is repeated in all four of
the Gospel's.
"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came
from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in
Jordan.
"And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw
the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending
upon him:
"And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art
my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased."
(Mark 1:9-11)
Luke states:
"And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like
a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said,
Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
(Luke 3:22)
In the Gospel of John we read:
"And John [the Baptist] bare record, saying, I saw
the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it
abode upon him.
"And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize
with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt
see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same
is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
"And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of
God."
(John 1:32-34)
Again, I ask, is God trying to mislead us or trick us here? Is He deceiving us by being in
three places at once? Now I'm not implying that He doesn't have the power to do these
things, however, it certainly seems to me that this would be trickery to have these
scriptural accounts that obviously state them as separate and then try to make us believe
otherwise. Plus, in the above verses from John, John the Baptist states that he didn't
know who the Savior was, yet he had been taught of God. How could he have been taught by
the same person and then not know Him? Because he was taught by God the Father and told
how to recognize His Son.
In Acts chapter, where we read the account of the martyrdom of Stephen, why go to the
trouble of stating that he saw "Jesus standing on the right hand of God?" (Acts
7:54-57) If the Godhead is all compressed and jammed into one Being, then why does Stephen
testify, with his last breathes, that he witnesses Jesus Christ on the right hand of the
throne of God? Wouldn't it have just been simpler to say that he looked up into heaven and
saw God? Why make the distinction? Again, the answer is that they are separate personages
and it would be a lie to state otherwise.
b. The Savior's Own Testimony of this Subject.
No man can come unto the Father except through Jesus
Christ:
"All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and
no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth
any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the
Son will reveal him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:27-28)
What does he mean here? Let's look at John to see if we can get a better understanding:
"Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of
himself, but he Seth the Father do: for what things
soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
"For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all
things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater
works than these, that ye may marvel."
(John 5:19-20)
This certainly sounds to me like the Savior is following the example of His Father; an
example that was set by someone else (the Father) previously. Again, this is definitely
mentioning the Father and Son as two separate Beings.
However, John says:
"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten
Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared
him."
(John 1:18)
This scripture certainly sounds a little bit confusing. It almost sounds as if something
was left out. Plus, this scripture doesn't fit in with others that say something
different. Let's read on:
"It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all
taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and
hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which
is of God, he hath seen the Father ."
(John 6:45-46)
So here we get some clarification as to what was meant in the first chapter of John, that
being: Only those who are righteous and keeping the commandments have been privileged to
see God the Father. The prophet Joseph Smith helps us to understand exactly what John was
saying, in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible:
"And no man hath seen Gad at any time, except he hath
borne record of the Son; for except it is through him no
man can be saved."
(John 1:19 J.S.T.)
The Savior further clarifies the point that He does have a body of flesh and bones. Note
that He doesn't say flesh and blood, but flesh and bone:
"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the
midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
"But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed
that they had seen a spirit.
"And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why
do thoughts arise in your hearts?
"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself:
handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones,
as ye see me have.
"And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hand
and his feet.
"And while they yet believed not for joy, and
wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
"And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of
an honeycomb.
"And he took it, and did eat before them."
(Luke 24:36-43)
Didn't He go to a lot of trouble to prove to them that He wasn't a spirit? If He wasn't
going to continue with His (now glorified and perfected body) why would He have them feel
Him, touch Him and feed Him, if He wasn't going to keep His body? Why would He have done
all of this if He wasn't striving to have them understand, as He stated had been taught to
all the prophets, that He and the Father were one in purpose, but yet separate distinct
individuals? In fact, as He was departing and commanding His apostles to do missionary
work, why did He say the following?:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost."
(Matthew 28:19)
Why didn't He just say go and baptize everyone in My name? Or why didn't He say go and
baptize in the name of God? Why would He make reference to Their separateness? It is
obvious, because even though They are One in purpose, They are still distinct individuals.
To further enforce this point, the Savior and His Father ensured that the apostles would
be able to testify of the Godhead. As follows:
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud,
which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased; hear ye him.
(Matthew 17:5)
And Peter added his testimony of this too:
"For he received from God the Father honour and
glory, when there came such a voice to him form the
excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased.
"And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when
we were with him in the holy mount."
(II Peter 1:17-18)
c. Personality of God.
1. Man is in the likeness of God.
(References: Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-3; 9:6;
James 3:8-9.)
2. Bodily parts and attributes of God mentioned.
(References: Exodus 33:9-23 [Now I know that you
stated that you think that this scripture means that
God's hand would have to be pretty big to cover
someone. However, isn't it likely that His hand was
directly in front of the eyes of Joshua, and thus
rendered him unable to see God's face? In fact, I
know that if you were to take your hand, right now as
you are reading this letter and were to cover your
eyes with your hand, you probably wouldn't be able to
see or read the letter until your hand was taken away
from your face.]; Numbers 12:7-8.)
3. God in possession of passions.
(References: Exodus 20:5-6; 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24,
31; 6:15; 7:7-9; 10:15, 18; 23:5; Joshua 24:19;
Judges 2:14; 3:8; 2 Kings 13:3; Nehemiah 9:17, 31;
Psalms 7:11; 69:16; 74:1; 90:11; 106:40-41; Isaiah
30:27; Jeremiah 7:19-20; Hosea 11:1; John 16:27;
Romans 1:18; James 5:11; 1 John 3:1; 4:8, 16, 19;
Revelation 15:1, 7.)
4. Jesus Christ in the express image of the Father.
(References: John 12:44-45; 14:7-9; Colossians
1:12-15; Hebrews 1:1-3 [Compare to 2 Corinthians 4:4;
Philippians 2:6; John 5:19-20].)
5. Unity of the Godhead.
(References: Matthew 28:19; John 5:43; 8:16-18;
10:25, 30; 17:11, 20-22; 1 John 5:7.)
2. Individual Personages in the Godhead, References from:
The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants (D&C), and the
Pearl of Great Price (P. of G.P.).
a. The Book of Mormon.
1. The Book of Ether (circa 2300 B.C.).
Shortly after the Tower of Babel, a prophet identified
as the Brother of Jared (the spiritual leader of the only
group whose language wasn't confused) petitioned the Lord
for guidance on a number of occasions. The following is
an account of what happened on one of those occasions,
that being that Jehovah (Jesus Christ) showed Himself (in
Spirit form) to him:
"And it came to pass that when the brother of
Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched
forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with
his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes
of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the
Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto
flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down
before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.
"And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had
fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him:
Arise, why hast thou fallen?
"And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of
the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I
knew not that the lord had flesh and blood.
"And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith
thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and
blood; and never has man come before me with such
exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye
could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than
this?
"And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto
me.
"And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the
words which I shall speak?
"And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou
speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and
canst not lie.
"And when he had said these words, behold, the
Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou
knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall;
therefore ye are brought back into my presence;
therefore I show myself unto you.
"Behold, I am he who was prepared from the
foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I
am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me
shall all mankind have light, and that eternally, even
they who shall believe on my name; and they shall
become my sons and my daughters.
"And never have I showed myself unto man whom I
have created, for never has man believed in me as thou
hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own
image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning
after mine own image.
"Behold this body, which ye now behold, is the
body of my spirit; and man have I created after the
body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to
be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the
flesh."
(Ether 3:6-16)
Now you may think that the above scripture doesn't
prove my point, but it does. It shows that God showed
Himself to man, taught him about the difference of flesh
and blood, and flesh and bone. Verified that man was
created in the image of God, while attesting to His own
divinity and oneness with the Father. To help you
understand the above passage of scripture, as well as a
few more that we will examine, here are the combined and
unanimous words of a modern prophet, his counselors and
the quorum of the twelve apostles, on the subject of the
Father and the Son. The following is a condensed version
(or synopsis) of the First Presidencies exposition on the
above subject.
A. Jesus Christ is the Father as Creator.
"Jesus Christ whom we also know as Jehovah, was
the executive of the Father, Elohim, in the work of
creation....Jesus Christ, being the Creator, is
consistently called the Father of heaven and earth"
(Articles of Faith, p. 467, see also Helaman 14:12).
B. Jesus Christ is the Father of those who Abide in His Gospel.
"A forceful exposition of this relationship
between Jesus Christ as the Father and those who
comply with the requirements of the Gospel as His
children was given by [the prophet] Abinadi" (Ibid.,
p. 469, see also Mosiah 15:10-13).
C. Jesus Christ is the Father by Divine Investiture of Authority (Delegation).
[A third reason we may apply] "the title 'Father'
to Jesus Christ is found in the fact that in all His
dealings with the human family Jesus the Son has
represented and yet represents Elohim His Father in
power and authority....So far as power, authority, and
Godship are concerned His words and acts were and are
those of the Father" (Ibid., p. 470).
(For the entire treatise on the above subject, see
Articles of Faith, by James E. Talmage, Appendix 2 #11, pages 465 - 473.)
2. The Book of First Nephi (circa 592 B.C.).
In 1 Nephi, chapters 11 - 14, we learn a great deal
about the future mission of Jesus Christ, as well as the
past and present. The Savior Himself speaks and teaches
this young prophet about the journey that his family would
take and the future of the promised land (the America's).
Nephi is taught directly by the Savior, he states:
"---for I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld
that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew
that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me
as a man speaketh with another" (1 Nephi 11:11).
To have represented Himself any other way would have
been misleading, meaning, Nephi and all of the ancient
prophets all described the premortal Jesus Christ as a
personage of Spirit (O.T. Biblically or in the Book of
Mormon). To state that He was anything else, or to try and
pass Himself off as anything else would have been a
lie---Therefore He was a spirit and all who saw Him knew
it, however, that all changes after His birth, death, and
resurrection. Nephi knew and understood that Jesus Christ
would come to earth and gain a body, following His
resurrection He would be just like the Father (this was
understood and taught by all of the Book of Mormon
prophets, that being the relationship and roles of the
Father and the Son).
3. Second Book of First Nephi (570 - 544 B.C.).
There is a great deal contained within this book, from
the Book of Mormon, about the Godhead; the most powerful
message of the mission, oneness, and separateness of the
God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, is in chapter 31.
This chapter explains the 'doctrine of Christ' (v. 2) and
continues on through out the whole chapter expounding this
doctrine, which is the doctrine of baptism. Nephi explains
that this is the only gate that we can enter through,
while he is explaining this and the vision of Christ
setting the perfect example is unfolded, he hears the
voice of the Father calling everyone to repentance and
commanding all people to follow His Son (vs. 3 - 13).
Now the question that comes to mind (again) here
is---If God is honest, wouldn't lie or deceive, then why
do we have another witness of Christ being seen doing
something in the future and the voice of the Father
separate from the Son proclaiming His Son's divinity? The
answer can only be that God is perfect in honesty and
truth, He would never deceive us, so we have another
witness of the separateness of the Father and the Son. If
you read chapter 31 it will become obvious that Nephi is
receiving a personal witness of both the Father and the
Son. In fact, the Savior promised that this would happen
to the faithful (i.e. that they would make their 'abode
with him'), as He stated during His earthly ministry:
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love
me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode
with him.
(John 14:23)
Joseph Smith later explained, for those who didn't
fully comprehend the meaning of the above scripture, as
follows: "The appearing of the Father and the Son, in
that verse [John 14:23], is a personal appearance; and the
idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man's heart is
an old sectarian notion, and is false" (D&C 130:3; and I
will explain this and refer to this again a little bit
later). The scriptures are replete with this fact, thus
showing the oneness of the Godhead in their divine
mission, while also explaining (by example or analogy) the
separateness of their Glorified Beings.
4. The Book of Alma (91 - 52 B.C.).
I'm not going to quote the scriptures that you
referenced (Alma 18:24-28; 22:8-11), however, I will
attempt to explain them to you.
Let's try and answer this question: Why did Aaron and
Ammon say that God was a Great Spirit? The reason is as
follows... The God who created all things, the one whom
Aaron and Ammon refer, was the Jehovah of the Old
Testament record, whom we know as Jesus Christ. At the
time that Ammon taught King Lamoni, and also Aaron taught
Lamoni's father, Jesus Christ (the great Jehovah of the
Old Testament record) was at this time still a spirit. He
most certainly (and I'm sure you would agree with me) was
a great spirit, and He was the creator of all things.
Since it was not a false concept and provided a common
ground in which the king and Ammon agreed on, Aaron only
naturally began with this concept too. There was no need
to say any more than those truths (most basic) until the
king was converted, allowing the proper gospel teaching
format of 'line upon line, and precept upon precept.'
Later they would hear a more detailed account of the
nature of the Godhead. This was a wise missionary approach
to teaching, they first gave them the milk of the gospel
and later the meat. All that Ammon and Aaron were doing
was to start the learning process from a point that the
kings and their people could all understood and initially
relate to, they started from a position of (and on)
common ground, preventing any possible alienation due to
the fact that the Lamanite language had become perverted.
(If you were to read the entire account of the mission of
the four son's of Mosiah, you would find out that the
Lamanite's language and understanding of the scriptures
was, or had become, perverted. They had no concept of God
in the scriptural sense, because the Nephites had the
scriptural records and they didn't, and thus they had to
be taught accordingly.)
5. The Book of Third Nephi (circa 34 A.D.).
Following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
a great devastation occurred (due to the wickedness of the
peoples on the American continent) all through the ancient
America's. The most wicked people and most wicked cities
were destroyed. Following this great and terrible
devastation, came three days of total and utter darkness.
At the end of the third day the light came back. And as
the people stood around and surveyed the damage,
discussing the horrible loss of life, they heard a voice
or something like a voice from above, but they didn't
recognize it until the third time. And this is what they
heard and saw:
"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in
whom I have glorified my name---hear ye him.
"And it came to pass, as they understood they cast
their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a
Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a
white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of
them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon
him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to
another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it
was an angel that had appeared unto them.
"And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand
and spake unto the people, saying:
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets
testified shall come into the world.
"And behold, I am the light and the life of the world;
and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father
hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking
upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have
suffered the will of the Father in all things from the
beginning.
"And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these
words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they
remembered that it had been prophesied among them that
Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension
into heaven.
"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them
saying:
"Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your
hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints
of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know
that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole
earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth,
and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the
prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this
they did do, going forth one by one until they had all
gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with
their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record,
that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets,
that should come.
"And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed
for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
"Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!
And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did
worship him."
(3 Nephi 11:7-17).
In the above account we have the testimony of the
Father to all the people that this was His Son. This
followed by the personal physical manifestation of the Son
to the people, allowing them to feel of the wounds He had
received while on the cross. Thus allowing the people to
personally witness that He (Jesus Christ) had been slain
for them, but also to testify that He had a glorified
resurrected body of flesh and bone. Later, the multitude
receives a third witness, the witness of the Holy Ghost.
(The Savior's ministry to the Nephites and Lamanites
comprise 3 Nephi chapter 11 to end of 3 Nephi.)
b. The Doctrine and Covenants.
Joseph Smith, by way of revelation, clarified the meaning
of John 14:23 (received 2 April 1843), as follows:
"John 14:23---The appearing of the Father and the Son,
in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that
the Father and the Son dwell in a man's heart is an old
sectarian notion, and is false."
(D&C 130:3)
To help us further understand what is meant by this, the
prophet Joseph Smith continues on to explain what is meant
here:
"The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible
as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body
of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it
not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us."
(D&C 130:22)
With this we can finally understand what is meant in the
New Testament, as well as how God is able to dwell in our
hearts. It doesn't mean bodily dwelling, but through the
manifestation of the Holy Ghost, who is able to dwell in our
hearts, we can be visited by a member of the Godhead.
To verify the above statement, and that is was made from a
position of personal knowledge on the subject, Joseph Smith
bore witness to this very fact eleven years earlier. The
heavens were opened to both Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon (a
counselor and church scribe) on 16 February 1832. They testify
as follows:
"And now after the many testimonies which have been
given of him, this is the testimony, last of all that we
give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we
heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only
Begotten of the Father---
"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds
are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are
begotten sons and daughters unto God."
(D&C 76:22-24)
(I hope (and pray) that these few references from the
Doctrine and Covenants are enough. I would have included more,
however, then I might as well just copy the entire book--- The
above verses should be enough to bring across the point that
I'm striving to make.)
c. The Pearl of Great Price (P. of G.P.).
To Moses (out of the Book of Moses) God makes man and
gives him dominion over all else:
"And I, God, said unto my only begotten, which was
with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image,
after our likeness; and it was so...
"And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the
image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female
created I them."
(Moses 2:26-27)
The Gods plan the creation of the earth, as recorded in
the Book of Abraham:
"And the Gods took counsel among themselves and said:
Let us go down and form man in our image, after our
likeness....
"So the Gods went down to organize man in their own
image, in the image of the Gods to form they him, male and
female to form they them."
(Abraham 4:26-27)
Vision of the Father and the Son, as recorded and attested
to by Joseph Smith. Which occurred while he was age 14 in a
grove of trees near to his home in up state New York.
"When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages,
whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing
above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me
by name and said, pointing to the other---This is My
Beloved Son. Hear Him!"
(Joseph Smith---History 1:17)
3. Modern Prophets and Apostles testify of the Godhead and that
the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, are separate Personages.
The prophet Joseph Smith gave the following, speaking about
the subject of the Godhead, 11 June 1843:
"There is much said about God and the Godhead. The
scriptures say there are Gods many and Lords many, but to
us there is but one living and true God, and the heaven of
heavens could not contain him; for he took the liberty to
go into other heavens. The teachers of the day say that
thy Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is
God, and they are all in one body and one God. Jesus
prayed for those that the Father had given him out of the
world might be made one in them, as they were one; [one in
spirit, in mind, in purpose]. If I were to testify that
the Christian world were wrong on this point, my testimony
would be true. Peter and Stephen testify that they saw the
Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Any person
that had seen the heavens opened knows that there are
three personages in the heavens who hold the keys of
power, and one presides over all."
(At the Stand, Nauvoo, Illinois, History of the Church, 5:426)
An early Latter-day apostle, Elder Orson Pratt, stated the
following in the book, Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt:
"The Godhead may be further illustrated by a council,
consisting of three [glorified] men---all possessing equal
wisdom, knowledge, and truth---together with equal
qualifications in every other respect. Each person [or
personage] would be a separate distinct person or
substance from the other two, and yet the three would form
but one council. Each alone possesses, by supposition, the
same wisdom and truth that the three united or the one
council possesses. The union of the three men in one
council would not increase the knowledge or wisdom of
either. Each man would be one part of the council when
reference is made to his person; but the wisdom and truth
of man would be the whole wisdom and truth of the council,
and not a part."
(page 313, also in the "Teachings of the Latter-day Prophets," p. 229)
President Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth president and prophet
of the Church, stated:
"I make bold to say that there is not within the lids
of the Bible one single passage which can properly be
construed to uphold the popular but erroneous doctrine
that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are in
substance one, a spirit, or essence, and without body or
parts or passions, incomprehensible and invisible. To the
contrary, I maintain that throughout the scriptures there
is ample evidence in numerous passages, teaching that the
Eternal Father and his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost
are separate entities, perfectly distinct and in person
independent from each other. This is doctrine clearly
stated by our Savior. It is in their epistles to the ancient
saints. Any doctrine to the contrary contradicts what is
plainly written and is a misinterpretation of these
teachings."
(The Restoration of All Things, pp. 51-52)
Another Latter-day apostle, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, stated:
"We learn these truths relative to the Gods we
worship: 1) They are three in number, three separate
persons: the first is the Father, the second, the Son;
and the third, the Holy Ghost. They are three individuals
who meet together, counsel in concert, and as occasion
requires travel separately through all immensity. They are
three holy men, two having [glorified resurrected] bodies
of flesh and bones, the third a personage of spirit.
2) They are one and dwell in each other, meaning: They have
the same mind one with another; they think the same
thoughts, speak the same words, and perform the same
acts---so much so that any thought, word, or act of one is
through that of the other. 3) They possess the same character,
enjoy the same perfections, and manifest the same
attributes, each one possessing all of these in their
eternal and godly fullness. 4) Their unity in all things,
their perfect oneness in mind, power, and perfection's,
marks the course and charts the way for faithful mortals,
whose chief goal in life is to unite together and become
one with them, thereby gaining eternal life for
themselves. 5) Our Lord is the manifestation of the
Father, meaning: God is in Christ revealing himself to
men so that those who believe in the Son believe also in
the Father, and into such the Father gives the Holy Ghost,
and they being thus purified in Christ are fit to dwell
with him and his Father forever."
(The Promised Messiah, p. 120)
Another Latter-day apostle, Elder Stephen L. Richards, stated:
"When Joseph came out of the grove, he had no need to
argue for a theory---he knew the facts. God is in form
like a man. He has a voice. He speaks. He is considerate
and kind. His Son is a like but distinct person. He is
obedient to the Father and the mediator between God and
man. The presumption of God as a mere essence or principle
of power and force in the universe was for all time
exploded. The testimony is direct and positive and
irrefutable. Many have not believed, but no one has ever
had the knowledge to disprove it."
(Where is Wisdom?, p. 31)
Hopefully, the previous material has driven home the point that I'm striving to make. That
being, that the Godhead consists of three separate and distinct individuals: God the
Father and His Son Jesus Christ, both having glorified resurrected and perfected bodies of
flesh and bone; the Holy Ghost being a personage of Spirit. Perhaps, in light of what has
already been discussed, the following New Testament scriptures will make more sense now.
When Jesus offered His great intercessory prayer for his Apostles, he stated: "And
this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom
thou hast sent" (John 17:3). Again, I will ask, if God is all compressed into one
being, why would Jesus pray as He does here? Why would He have instructed His disciples to
pray the way that He did? Was He praying to Himself or was He actually praying to Our
Father in Heaven?
From Jesus we get some further insight on this subject, that being, He has a glorified
body of flesh and bone, separate from that of the Father's. When the risen Christ appeared
to Mary Magdalene, He stated the following: "[Jesus saith unto her] Touch me not; for
I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend
unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (John 20:17). As we
read the whole account, it is obvious that Mary was about to reach out and touch Jesus and
that she could see that He was a personage consisting of flesh and bone. She didn't
hesitate or think that He was a spirit.
Now as we read the account of Stephen, we can understand that he was allowed to see what
the ancient saints already knew (see Peter's testimony in Acts 2:33-36). Let's read again
Stephen's vision of the Father and of the Son:
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly
into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the
right hand of God.
"And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of
man standing on the right hand of God."
(Acts 7:55-56)
So here I must ask the question (again): Doesn't this represent to us, just like when the
Savior was baptized, or at the Mount of Transfiguration, the separateness of the Godhead?
We can see that they are one in mission, yet as we can see from Stephen's testimony, there
are three separate personages---he is filled with the Holy Ghost (1); he see's the glory
of God (2); and see's Jesus standing on the right hand of God (2 & 3)---all three
members of the Godhead are manifest.
Now (finally) let's examine the 'A=B=C' formula again. I strongly feel that I have proven
(beyond a shadow of a doubt) that 'A, B, C' would have to equal the following:
'A'= God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, have glorified
resurrected bodies of flesh and bone; the Holy Ghost is
a personage of Spirit. Thus, the Godhead (meaning: separate
but one in purpose).
'B'= Man was created in God's image, or image of the Gods,
meaning that we are in His likeness and not Him in ours.
Thus meaning, or implying, that God the Father and His Son
Jesus Christ (the first two principles of the Godhead) have
physical (glorified) bodies of flesh and bone; but the Holy
Ghost is a Spirit only, allowing him to spiritually bear
witness to the Godhead. One in mission, thought, action, and
deed, however, separate entities or Beings.
'C'= The Godhead, though one in purpose, consists of three
separate and distinct individuals; possessing bodies, parts
and passions.
Therefore, 'A = C', 'A = B', so 'B = C'--- It most certainly does make a logical
connection! (Thank you for opening up this avenue of proof.)
As far as your challenge (last sentence of page 3) "...please give me an example of
where two things equal to the same thing are not equal to each other." The only
example I could find was the one you attempted to make, however, I think that I have more
than sufficiently proven that your example does not consist of a logical answer. Nor do
the two scriptures that you used bear out any type of consistency with the rest of the
Biblical record.
I do recall one example from my math theory and logic courses that could possibly be used
(by you) to back up your version of the 'A=B=C' formula. It goes something like this:
Three men enter a hotel to spend the night. The room price for one room is $30, so they
decide to stay in the same room and split the cost three ways, making the cost only $10 a
piece. After they check in and are already in their room, the manager realizes that the
hotel was running a special rate of $25 per room with two or more people in it. The
manager corrects the mistake, calls the bellhop over, explaining the mistake to him and
gives the bellhop five one dollar bills to take up and give to the men who had just
checked in. On the way up to the room, the bellhop thinks to himself that since there are
three men in the room, it will be hard to divide five one dollar bills three ways, and to
give himself a tip for his troubles, he pockets two of the dollars. Once at the room,
explaining that the hotel over charged them, the bellhop gave them each a one-dollar bill,
stating (dishonestly) that they were supposed to have been charged only $9 per person
instead of $10.
Now let's do the math...
$9 X 3 = $27
Add in the two dollars the bellhop kept + $2
That equals
$ 29
What happened to the other dollar???
The answer is that the dollar is never missing. The problem is in how the numbers are
added up, even though it appears that the math has been done correctly, in reality it
hasn't been done correctly. First, of all, truthfully the men were only charged $25 for
the room with a $5 refund coming. The bellhop gave them $3 back and kept $2... If you add
those numbers up it comes out to $30 and there really isn't any missing dollar.
For example............ Room Rate... $25
Amount paid
+ $30
Refund Equals
+ $ 5
Of Refunded Amount Returned - $ 3
Bellhop Kept - $ 2
Figures Zero Out = 0
Thus, the supposedly lost dollar is accounted for. But from this example it is very easy
through illogical means, even if they appear to be logical, that something can be made to
look as if they add up---Yet, through thorough analysis the truth finally comes out.
One final point that I would like to add to this discussion of the Godhead, a point made
by the Apostle, Elder Orson Pratt, back in 1848. This observation was made by him after he
read some passages from a document that was widely accepted by most Protestants, some
Catholics and the Church of England (of that day in age) as their definition of God and
the Godhead. His comments are as follows:
"There have been various species of idolatry in different ages of the world. The sun,
moon, stars, beasts, crocodiles, frightful serpents, images of wood, of stone, and of
brass, have been erected into gods, and worshiped by innumerable multitudes. But the
system of idolatry, invented by modern christianity, far surpasses in absurdity anything
that we have ever heard of. One of the celebrated worshipers of this newly-discovered god
[article published by Protestant religions], in his Physical Theory of Another Life, says,
'A disembodied spirit, or, we would rather say, an unembodied spirit, or sheer mind, is
NOWHERE. Place is a relation belonging to extension; and extension is a property of
matter; but that which is wholly abstracted from matter, and in speaking of which we deny
that it has any property in common therewith, can in itself be subject to none of its
conditions; and we might as well say of a pure spirit that it is hard, heavy, or red, or
that it is a cubic foot dimensions, as say that it is here or there. It is only in a
popular and improper sense that any such affirmation is made concerning the Infinite
Spirit, or that we speak of God as everywhere present. God is in every place in a sense,
altogether incomprehensible by finite minds, inasmuch as his relation to space and
extension is peculiar to infinitude. Using the terms as we use them of ourselves, God is
not HERE OR THERE, any more than he exists NOW AND THEN.' [What?] This species of
idolatry, according to the foregoing quotation, approaches so near to Atheism, that no one
can tell the difference. Reader, can you see the difference? A god 'without a body!' A god
'without parts!' A god that cannot be 'here or there!' A god that is 'nowhere!' A god that
cannot be 'here or there!' A god that is 'nowhere!' A god that exists in NO TIME. A god
that has no extension---no 'parts'---no conceivable relation to TIME OR SPACE! O, blush
for modern christianity!---a pious name for Atheism! Some, perhaps, may think that I have
not sufficient charity. But why should I have charity for a god that has no 'parts'---no
relation to space? Let him first have charity for himself. But this would be impossible;
for he is a god 'without passions.' He can have no charity nor love for himself nor any
one else. There is no danger of offending him; for a passionless god is not capable of
anger. One of the persons of this imaginary god is said to have been crucified. But this
must be a sad mistake; for it would be impossible to crucify a portion of something that
had no 'parts.' The reason, then, why the people have not received any word form the Great
King, is because they have petitioned the wrong god. Would you expect her majesty, the
queen of England, to answer your petition if it were directed to some African prince?
Would you expect the God of heaven to answer a petition that was addressed to a Hindoo
god? If, then, your petitions are addressed to the bodiless, passionless god of modern
christianity, you must not be surprised if the true God does not pay attention to them.
You need not expect that the True God will make any reply to petitions offered to any
other being. (The Kingdom of God, by Orson Pratt, No. 2, pp. 3-4, Liverpool, October 31,
1848. Elder Pratt's comments on the document entitled "Physical Theory of Another
Life.")
I would say that Elder Pratt pretty well drives the point home in the above document, that
point being, that it seems very difficult to believe in a god that is inconsistent with
what is contained in the Biblical record. This would certainly seem to justify why many
people feel that the heaven's are closed and that God doesn't speak to man
anymore---Again, this would be inconsistent with the Biblical record; but it is what many
seem to believe today.
Twenty to thirty years ago many people advocated that God was dead. I guess if someone
believed that their god was passionless, without emotions, body or parts, and didn't
really exist anywhere---It would be easy to say that God was only a creation of our minds;
but again, this doesn't square with the Biblical record.
In accord with what is stated in the Bible, God does exist and He speaks to man through
His prophets and the through the power of prayer. Again I will ask---If God and the
Godhead have done things a certain way throughout the entire Biblical record, which covers
a time span of 4,000 to 5,000 years, why would he all of a sudden change how He does
things? If Christ's Church was to be based on a foundation of prophets and apostles, then
where is His Church? If God is the same and unchanging, then why would He have hundreds of
different churches that say they believe, yet they all do and teach entirely different
doctrines---doctrines that aren't found in the Bible and differ as much as night and day
from each other? Even the names of their churches are after the names of men, or a man or
some other name, with very few calling the name of their church after Christ---But why the
confusion? The answer....They all believe in a different version and definition of God and
the Godhead. These many different (so-called) Christian organizations have denigrated the
Biblical representation of God and the Gods (meaning: God the Father, God the Son [Jesus
Christ], and God the Holy Spirit [Holy Ghost]). Each organization has their own version of
God, so that they can worship and function without feeling too guilty. What do I mean?---
Wouldn't it be easier to not keep God's commandments if you could convince yourself that
God doesn't exist in a physical sense? If God was a passionless God, without parts or
feelings, then perhaps He wouldn't really care if some infractions were committed? In
fact, if God really wasn't anywhere specific then a person could take it one step further
and not really care about anything but his or her own hedonistic desires. Doesn't that
seem to be the popular teachings of many religionists today? (For example: For the past
month I have watched several television evangelists who all state what I have said they
say, in the previous few sentences. They state that all one has to do is say that they
believe, and bang! you are saved. No matter what you do, good or bad, you are now saved.
You will be with God in paradise. The battle is over and we can all go on doing what ever
it was we were doing before. ---Now isn't that convenient? And yet, doesn't that sound a
little bit hedonistic? I'm saved but I can keep on doing what I was before? The evangelist
Billy Graham said that the early church that existed at the time of Christ doesn't exist
anymore and will never exist again on earth.... It certainly sounds like he needs to read
the Bible again, at least the parts that refer to prophets and apostles.)
Do you see the point that I'm making here? Do you see why it is essential to believe in
the same God (Godhead) as is mapped out and attested to in the Bible? I just hope and pray
that I have sufficiently made my point here without sounding offensive or obtrusive in
anyway--- If you feel that I have been offensive, or rude, please let me know and I will
try and rectify any unknown errors that I might have made. Because I'm only striving to
share the simple and precious truths of the scriptures.
On to the next point...
Page 4, entire page, (reference to 27+ page letter Page 8c, paragraph 3 "Where We are
Going"). In your letter you laid out the two scriptures that I used (Psalm 82:6 &
John 10:34), yet in your approach you only attempted definement without any proof to the
contrary of what I stated. In fact, I venture to say that (as I read your analysis) you
did a very good job of proving to points: 1) You verified the double meaning that many
scriptures can have and mean, causing inconsistent definitions (as I clearly pointed out
earlier in this document); 2) You did an excellent job of defending Christ as the literal
Son of God. Yet, again, in this you never came up with any Biblical proof that states
otherwise to the initial points that I made in all of section C. However, if you feel that
I didn't meet the requirement of at least two to three references to validate my point,
then I will attempt to rectify that mistake in the following few paragraphs.
We both know that the definition of Gospel is 'Good News,' meaning the good news of
salvation through Jesus Christ. What does salvation entail and why is it so important? We
both know that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ---But what do we receive through
salvation? What is the point of obtaining salvation?
To me, as I read the Holy Scriptures, I understand salvation to mean that I will be
rewarded for keeping the commandments of God. And that reward will be eternal salvation in
the Kingdom of God. Now I don't want to get into an argument of 'faith verses works,' that
isn't the point I'm trying to make here. The point in all of this is if we are to gain
salvation, that means we will be greatly rewarded, and since we are in the image of God
and that we are His 'offspring' (Acts 17:29)---Wouldn't you think that the righteous
progeny of God would inherit at least a part (if not all) of what He has? Of course, I
realize and recognize that salvation comes through the Lord Jesus Christ and not through
me or anyone else. But all we have to do is refer to the parable of the 'Wheat and Tares'
to see that not all of us will earn the same rewards, therefore, we will be rewarded
according to how well we have kept God's commandments.
The 'Sermon on the Mount' is quite clearly an explanation of the rewards for righteous
living and keeping the commandments. In fact, here are a few of the other scriptures that
very clearly state that we will receive rewards for our deeds here on earth: Genesis 15:1;
2 Samuel 22:21; Psalm 18:20; 58:11; 137:8; Isaiah 40:10; 62:11; Micah 3:11; 7:3; Matthew
5:12; 6:2, 5, 16; 16:27; Luke 6:23, 35; 23:41; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 9:18; 2 Timothy 4:14;
Hebrews 11:6; 2 John 8; Jude 11; Revelation 18:6; 22:12. Some of these scriptures may
speak of different kinds of rewards and different rewarder's, but they clearly point out
the fact that people in Biblical times understood and realized that for every dead
(whether good or bad) had a reward or punishment attached. [Again, I specifically left out
the scriptures that discuss faith verses works, these have to do more with judgment rather
than rewards following the judgment, so I left them out of this discussion. However, they
very well could be tied into this discussion too.]
But what is the point of having these eternal rewards? That is, why should we look forward
to blessings that would satisfy our heavenly desires if we can't truly enjoy them? The
righteous are promised 'the kingdom of heaven' and 'they shall inherit the earth' (Matthew
5:3-12). The Savior said:
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would not have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be
also.
"And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
(John 14:2-4)
Paul spoke of this subject, obviously (and plainly) understanding what was meant in verse
4 above. He stated this understanding in Ephesians chapter 4. After he goes through the
promises and gifts of salvation, he states the following, in verse 21: "Unto him be
glory in the church of Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end." It is
obvious that Paul understands the purpose, point and author of salvation. He also
understands that there are many kingdoms or worlds (mansions) for our inheritance, when
the Savior said that He was 'preparing a place' for His disciples in the 'many mansions'
of His Father; he states 'world without end.' In other words, to have a full inheritance
at the hands of God, would mean that we would have all that He has---Thus, He is God,
therefore the righteous in receiving a full inheritance would receive their own world
which they would be the god or lord of.
Of course, this reward of salvation must come through faith. The reward for faithfulness
is a full knowledge and full inheritance of what the Father gave the Son. Perhaps the best
way to understand this is to turn to the first prophet of this last dispensation, the
Prophet Joseph Smith, and get a complete explanation of what I'm trying to say here. In
one of his 'lectures on faith,' Joseph Smith explained what the rewards of faithfulness
will be, that reward being salvation. By understanding salvation, we can gain an
understanding of where we will (hopefully) be going, and here is an excerpt from one of
his lectures that will helpfully explain and clarify this topic:
"As all the visible creation is an effect of faith, so is salvation also---we mean
salvation in its most extensive latitude of interpretation, whether it is temporal or
spiritual. In order to have this subject clearly set before the mind, let us ask what
situation must a person be in order to be saved? or what is the difference between a saved
man and one who is not saved? We answer, from what we have before seen of the heavenly
worlds, they must be persons who can work by faith and who are able, by faith, to be
ministering spirits to them who shall be heirs of salvation; and they must have faith to
enable them to act in the presence of the Lord, otherwise they cannot be saved. And what
constitutes the real difference between a saved person and one not saved is---the
difference in the degree of their faith---one's faith has become perfect enough to lay
hold upon eternal life, and other's has not. But to be a little more particular, let us
ask---Where shall we find a prototype into whose likeness we may be assimilated, in order
that we may be made partakers of life and salvation? or, in other words, where shall we
find a saved being? for if we can find a saved being, we may ascertain without much
difficulty what all others must be in order to be saved. We think that it will not be a
matter of dispute, that two beings who are unlike each other cannot both be saved; for
whatever constitutes the salvation of one will constitute the salvation of every creature
which will be saved; and if we find one saved being in all existence, we may see what all
others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, where is the prototype? or where is
the saved being? We conclude, as to the answer of this question, there will be no dispute
among those who believe the Bible, that it is Christ: all will agree in this, that he is
the prototype or standard of salvation; or, in other words, that he is a saved being. And
if we should continue our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved? the answer
would be---because he is a just and holy being; and if he were anything different from
what he is, he would not be saved; for his salvation depends on his being precisely what
he is and nothing else; for if it were possible for him to change, in the least degree, so
sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his dominion, power, authority, and glory,
which constitute salvation; for salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power
and dominion which Jehovah possesses and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but
himself or one like him. Thus says John, in his first epistle, third chapter, second and
third verses: 'Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see
him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.' Why purify themselves as he is pure? Because if they do not they cannot be like
him.
"The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus xix. 2: 'Speak unto all the congregation of the
children of Israel, and say unto them, "Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am
holy."' And Peter says, first epistle, i. 15, 16: 'But as he which hath called you is
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, "Be ye
holy; for I am holy."' And the Saviour says, Matthew v. 48: 'Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' If any should ask, why all these
sayings? the answer is to be found from what is before quoted from John's epistle, that
when he (the Lord) shall appear, the saints will be like him; and if they are not holy, as
he is holy, and perfect, as he is perfect, they cannot be like him; for no being can enjoy
his glory without possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than they could reign
in this kingdom without his power.
"This clearly sets forth the propriety of the Saviour's saying, recorded in John's
testimony, xiv. 12: 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works
that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my
Father.' This taken in connection with some of the sayings in the Saviour's prayer,
recorded in the seventeenth chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions. He says in
the 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24th verses: 'Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also
who shall believe on me through their words; that they all may be one, as thou, Father,
art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that
thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be
one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;
and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou has loved
me. Father, I will that they also whom thou has given me, be with me where I am; that they
may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation
of the world.'
"All these sayings put together give as clear an account of the state of the
glorified saints as language could give---the works that Jesus had done they were to do,
and greater works than those which he had done among them should they do, and that because
he went to the Father. He does not say that they should do these works in time; but they
should do greater works, because he went to the Father. He says in the 24th verse:
'Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they
may behold my glory.' These sayings, taken in connection, make it very plain that the
greater works, which those that believed on his name were to do, were to be done in
eternity, where he was going and where they should behold his glory. He had said, in
another part of his prayer, that he desired of his Father that those who believed on him
should be one in him, as he and the Father were one in each other. 'Neither pray I for
these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their words,
that they all may be one;' that is, they who believe on him through the apostles' words,
as well as the apostles themselves, 'that they all may be one, as thou, Father, are in me
and I in thee; that they also may be one in us.'
"What language can be plainer than this? The Saviour surely intended to be understood
by his disciples, and he so spake that they might understand him; for he declares to his
Father, in language, not to be easily mistaken, that he wanted his disciples, even all of
them, to be as himself and the Father, for as he and the Father were one so they might be
one with them. And what is said in the 22nd verse is calculated to more firmly establish
this belief; if it needs anything to establish it. He says: 'And the glory which thou
gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one.' As much as to say
that unless they have the glory which the Father had given them they could not be one with
them; for he says he had given them the glory that the Father had given him that they
might be one; or in other words, to make them one.
"This fills up the measure of information on this subject, and shows most clearly
that the Saviour wished his disciples to understand that they were to be partakers with
him in all things, not even his glory excepted.
"It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we have previously noticed, that the
glory which the Father and the Son have is because they are just and holy beings; and that
if they were lacking in one attribute or perfection which they have, the glory which they
have never could be enjoyed by them, for it requires them to be precisely what they are in
order to enjoy it; and if the Saviour gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the
very way set forth in his prayer to his Father---by making them one with him as he and the
Father are one. In so doing he would give them the glory which the Father has given him;
and when his disciples are made one with the Father and Son, as the Father and Son are
one, who cannot see the propriety [virtue and applicability] of the Saviour's
saying---'The works which I do, shall they do; and greater works than these shall they do,
because I go to my Father.'
"These teachings of the Saviour most clearly show unto us the nature of salvation,
and what he proposed unto the human family when he proposed to save them---that he
proposed to make them like unto himself, and he was like the Father, the great prototype
of all saved beings; and for any portion of the human family to be assimilated into their
likeness is to be saved; and to be unlike them is to be destroyed; and on this hinge turns
the doors of salvation.
"Who cannot see, then , that salvation is the effect of faith? for, as we have
previously observed, all the heavenly beings work by this principle; and it is because
they are able so to do that they are saved, for nothing but this could save them. And this
is the lesson which the God of heaven, by the mouth of his holy prophets, has been
endeavoring to teach to the world. Hence we are told, that 'Without faith it is impossible
to please God;' and that salvation is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the
promise might be sure to all the seed. Romans iv. 16. And that Israel, who followed after
the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because
they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for they stumbled at
that stumbling stone. Romans ix. 32. And Jesus said unto the man who brought his son to
him, to get the devil who tormented him cast out: 'If thou canst believe, all things are
possible to him that believeth.' Mark ix. 23. These with a multitude of other scriptures
which might be quoted plainly set forth the light in which the Saviour, as well as the
Former-day Saints, viewed the plan of salvation. That is was a system of faith---its being
with faith, and continues by faith; and every blessing which is obtained in relation to it
is the effect of faith, whether it pertains to this life or that which is to come. To this
all the revelations of God bear witness. If there were children of promise, they were the
effects of faith, not even the Saviour of the world excepted. 'Blessed is she that
believed,' said Elizabeth to Mary, when she went to visit her, 'for there shall be a
performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.' Luke i. 45. Nor was the
birth of John the Baptist the less a matter of faith; for in order that his father
Zacharias might believe he was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of
life and salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man received according to his
faith---according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was
withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of
lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, was valiant in fight,
and put to flight the armies of the aliens; women could, by their faith, receive their
dead children to life again; in a word, there was nothing impossible to the Former-day
Saints, according as their faith was. By their faith they could obtain heavenly visions,
the ministering of angels, have knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the
general assembly and church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven, of God
the judge of all, of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and become familiar with
third heavens, see and hear things which were not only unutterable, but were unlawful to
utter. Peter, in view of the power of faith, second epistle, first chapter, second and
third verses, says to the Former-day Saints: 'Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,
through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath
given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of
him that hath called us to glory and virtue.' In the first epistle, first chapter, third,
fourth and fifth verses he says: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.'
"These sayings put together show the apostle's views most clearly, so as to admit of
no mistake on the mind of any individual. He says that all things that pertain to life and
godliness were given unto them through the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
And if the question is asked, how were they to obtain the knowledge of God? (for there is
a great difference between believing in God and knowing him---knowledge implies more than
faith. And notice, that all things that pertain to life and godliness were given through
the knowledge of God) the answer is given---through faith they were to obtain this
knowledge; and, having power by faith to obtain the knowledge of God, they could with it
obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness.
"By these sayings of the apostle, we learn that is was by obtaining a knowledge of
God that men got the knowledge of all things which pertain to life and godliness, and this
knowledge was the effect of faith; so that all things which pertain to life and godliness
are the effects of faith.
"From this we may extend as far as any circumstances may require, whether on earth or
in heaven, and we will find it the testimony of all inspired men, or heavenly messengers,
that all things that pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith and nothing
else; all learning, wisdom and prudence fail, and every thing else as a means of salvation
but faith. This is the reason that the fishermen of Galilee could teach the
world---because they sought by faith, and by faith obtained. And this is the reason that
Paul counted all things but filth and dross---what he formerly called his gain he called
his loss; yea, and he counted all things but loss fore the excellency of the knowledge of
Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer the loss of all things. This is the reason that
the Former-day Saints knew more, and understood more, of heaven and of heavenly things
than all others beside, because this information is the effect of faith---to be obtained
by no other means. And this is the reason that men, as soon as they lose their faith, run
into strifes, contentions, darkness, and difficulties; for the knowledge which tends to
life disappears with faith, but returns when faith returns; for when faith comes it brings
its train of attendants with it---apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers,
gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All
these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the
earth; for these are the effects of faith, and always have attended, and always will,
attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things
which pertain thereto---revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every necessary
thing, in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected, and obtain salvation; for
God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will,
through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the
Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent---whom to know is eternal life [John 5:39]."
(Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, 1838, pp. 63-69)
I know that the above passage by Joseph Smith was a little bit long, but I felt that it
was necessary to bring home the point that I was striving to make before---That is, if the
faithful are to be 'joint heirs' with Christ and receive a 'full inheritance,' doesn't
this imply that 'ALL' that the Father has, the faithful will receive too? Now I also know
that this must be accepted and understood on and by faith, that is why I included so much
of Joseph Smith's lecture. But let's look at these two passages: 1) 'joint heirs' with
Christ, and 2) receive a 'full inheritance.' To be a joint heir, according to several
dictionaries (religious and otherwise), the definition was quite clear: to receive in
common everything that the other party had or has--- that is a pretty clear definition.
The definition of a full inheritance is basically the same. Now if you take both of these
passages and the definitions for them; the only obvious conclusion that can be drawn is:
that the faithful will have and receive everything that Jesus Christ received from the
Father.
Not only will the faithful receive everything, the Savior also stated that they would be
one with Him and the Father. So let's ask the question here, if what many misinterpret the
Bibles' meaning of the Father and the Son being compressed into one Being, does this mean
that the faithful will all be compacted into this one being and become one big common
collective? a collective of beings without shape, without mass, without passions,
feelings, parts or attributes? In light of all of the other scriptures that have been
quoted I think that we can safely agree that this isn't what the scriptures mean by being
one; they could only mean to be one in purpose, one in mission and scope, and one in the
eternal scheme of all things.
I also felt that this lengthy section, by Joseph Smith, might help you to see that it
truly is Jesus Christ that we believe in. Our faith is entirely based on Him, based on the
resurrected Living Christ, and we firmly believe in His plan of salvation for all mankind.
So let's go back to the beginning of this section, can the faithful become god's? Doesn't
the New Testament point out that the faithful are to become one with Christ, as Christ is
with the Father? Yes! Won't the faithful be joint heirs and full inheritors of all that
the Father has given the Son? Again, yes! Isn't all of mankind created in the image of
God? Yes! And this must certainly point to our divine potential; it isn't guaranteed, but
the reward is there for the faithful, isn't it? Yes again! And finally, both the Old and
New Testament records contain the passages implying that somewhere, or by some of the
prophets, it was taught and accepted that the people of Israel (or covenant people of God)
had divine potential, showing this with the statements, "I have said ye are
gods," (and of course it would be in lower case because this would have implied that
they were saying they were on the same level as God)--- They all knew they weren't on the
same level, but had the potential of being 'joint heirs.' So again I would say that that
is another yes.
That is five, very definite yes'! All utilizing the Biblical record only. I sincerely feel
that in my previous letter to you I more than sufficiently met the scriptural requirement,
as specified in both Deuteronomy 19:15 and 2 Corinthians 13:1, of establishing the facts
with two to three or more witnesses (which I did in the 27+ page letter that I sent to you
earlier), so I hope (and pray) that this has been sufficient evidence to prove at least
the point that we have all been given the opportunity of divine blessings; and since we
are all the spiritual 'offspring' of God--- doesn't that imply an inherent message of our
divine potential and opportunities? that is, if we are faithful 'unto the end'...
I realize that this letter has really grown into a small book, however, I hope (and pray)
that you can understand why it has become so long. As I explained earlier, I attempted to
make my first letter as short as possible and it still turned into a monograph. It is just
(that I felt) that in order to get the main points across, the points and truths behind
the subjects that you didn't understand or agree with, that it was necessary to fully
explain each point (beyond a reasonable doubt).
Plus, I tried to explain each point to dispel any myths about The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saint, or what we believe. Ever since the beginning and restoration of the
Church in 1830, organizations have attempted to mislead others as to what our beliefs are.
Persecution of our Church, by other so-called Christians, has become a way of life. Other
people state that we don't believe in Jesus Christ or His divinity. At one point in
history, other religions actually published articles that said 'you could always tell a
Mormon by his horns and tail.' So many blatantly false statements have been made about the
L.D.S. church; some attacking us with guns, governors signing extermination orders against
us, and even the president of the United States sending an army against us (under false
pretenses). And all of this done at the request of preachers and teachers of other
Christian organizations--- Whose main fear was that our teachings against priestcrafts
would threaten their livelihood.
Unfortunately, the biggest (or greatest) misconception that is still spread about by
others, about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is that we don't follow
Christ. In fact, the current president and prophet of our church, President Gordon B.
Hinckley, when asked about this great misconception, stated:
"The biggest misconception is that we are not followers of Christ. That is a constant
allegation that is lodged against us. There is not a bit of substance to it. If there is
any people in this world who believe in Jesus Christ, it is the people of this Church. The
Church carries His name. He is the central figure of all our worship." (From
interview by Chuck Henry, KNBC)
Now that I have done all of this explaining and scripture referencing, again I hope that
the points here are clear. But as evidenced from the information at the beginning
(about-lost scriptures and the need for more) it should be quite obvious that additional
information is needed. If all of the Christian organizations differ as much as night and
day in their doctrines, definitions and belief's, not to mention the names of their
churches, all claiming the Bible as their source--- Isn't it clear that additional
information, scriptures, or revelation is needed? If there is any day in age or history of
mankind, that guidance from above is needed, isn't that time now? With all of the
confusion about the Biblical record, wouldn't a clarification from God through a living
prophet (as promised in the Bible would happen) help us all in understanding the truth?
Well that additional information, guidance, and scripture is available to all of mankind.
Available, if they will only listen, read and pray.
Please don't be offended by anything that I have said or stated. This has only been an
attempt to point out the truth, so I hope and pray that I haven't alienated you in anyway
or caused you to think ill of me or of the Church [Galatians 4:16]. And even though I have
quoted many scriptures and Church sources, please remember that the views that I have
represented here are from my own analysis and are not done as an official representative
of the L.D.S. church. Any errors that might be in this letter are my own, though if any do
exist, they were strictly unintentional.
Well I look forward to hearing from you again. I know that it will take you a little while
to get through this letter, but I will look forward to your comments and questions. But I
would like to state in closing that I know that what I have stated and quoted here is
true. I give you my personal testimony that what I have said here in, at least to the best
of my knowledge, is the absolute truth. I can promise you that if you prayerfully read the
Book of Mormon (from beginning to end) you will start to understand and realize that it is
scripture too. Once you gain this testimony, then the understanding of everything else
will fall into place.
If it would assist you in the understanding of what has been stated here, I would be more
than happy to set up a time to meet with you. This could be either at my home or yours,
accompanied by the missionaries of course. I know that trying to sort through the myriad's
of anti-Mormon documents and other false literature printed about The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, can make it difficult to recognize the truth. But, as I
stated before, we would be more than happy to assist you in your journey of discovering
the truth.
Since we have been discussing the life and mission of the Savior, I hope you don't mind a
brief Easter message. A humble message of brotherly love....
Now, once again, in the light and rebirth of another Springtime and Easter celebration,
the words of the angel reawaken our hopes, revitalize our faith: "Fear not...I bring
you good tidings of great joy."
The gloomy doubts and shadows of doubts from a long winter, and the cares and burdens of
life, are put aside. It is a time, as well, to put aside disbelief. To be sure, there are
Biblical points by the hundreds over which we (and other scholars) may differ, and perhaps
we always will. But either Jesus Christ---and the disciples touched and inspired by His
spirit---spoke the truth or they did not. Either He was raised from the dead, to show us
the perfect way and to set up His Church, or He did not.
Well I (firmly) believe that they spoke the truth, and that the truth they spoke was the
Word of God. I also believe that Christ was resurrected from the dead, to show us the
perfect way and that He truly was the 'way.'
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
From my home, from our meeting houses, in our temples, and by our firesides at this
Easter-time, I and the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the
Mormon's), join in praying that your family (and all families around the world) will be
blessed with this knowledge and with His peace. From my heart to yours, I reaffirm the
exultant witness of the risen Christ by the founding prophet of this Church, Joseph Smith:
"And now...this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of Him: That He
lives!"
I know and declare, along with millions of other faithful members of the Church, declare
the Divine Sonship of Jesus Christ, and pray that He will be born anew in all of our
hearts (and in yours), just as He was born in Bethlehem; and just as He came forth again
on the day of resurrection, so many years ago.
Whether we sing "Glory to God in the highest" or "Hosanna, He is
risen," the message is the same. And I hope and pray that this message will gladden
the heart and that you and your family will truly have a wonderfully Happy Easter.
Again, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Happy Easter...
Sincerely,
William R. Harrison