Series: “Jesus Christ Is the Only Way to God: An Examination of Christianity and Other World Religions and Cults.”
Sermon: “Examining the Cults of Jehovah Witnesses and Mormonism!”
Presenter: Rev. Dr. JoAnne P. King
June 5, 2022
Praise the Lord Saints and God from whom all blessings flow and happy Pentecost Sunday. Information for this sermon series was gathered from Biblical scholars such as, Dr. Norman L. Deisler in his study on “Christianity Cults & Religions,” Books and DVD; and Josh McDowell in his book: “The Best of Josh McDowell: A Ready Defense” and other materials related to Christianity, other religions and cults.
Two weeks ago, we covered all the essential Christian doctrines that a church must claim in order to be considered a Christian church, along with Christian creeds that lists Christian beliefs.
This week we are going to examine the cults of Jehovah Witnesses and Mormonism. Walter Martin defines a cult as: “a group of people polarized around someone’s interpretation of the Bible and is characterized by major deviations from orthodox Christianity relative to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly the fact that God became man in Jesus Christ.”
Remember the Apostle Paul warned that there would be false gospels and false Christs that would try to deceive the whole world and the true church in 2 Cor. 11:13-15.
I will follow the format used in discussing Biblical Christianity for cults and other religions as closely as possible.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Founder:
Officially known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that Christianity fell into general apostasy under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. To restore purer worship in the last days, God supposedly appointed Charles Taze Russell, born in (1852-1916) near Pittsburg, PA. who established the Watchtower organization to provide spiritual truth for Jehovah’s true worshipers through literature such as The Watchtower and Awake! Magazines.
He predicted that the world would end in 1914, then changed the date to 1915—then again to 1918. Many Witnesses believing the prophesy sold their homes and withdrew their money from banks thinking that they wouldn’t have need of these things.
After his death in 1916, the society’s legal counselor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford became the second President of the Watchtower Society. Under his leadership, the name “Jehovah Witnesses” was adopted. Beginning in 1920, Rutherford declared that the Jubilee cycle was soon to begin in 1925, meaning that the earthly phase (or Gentile Age) of the kingdom would be ended. How was one to know this? You would know by the resurrected return of the prophets and ancients of old—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the list given in Hebrews chapter 11. They would return in the condition of human perfection.
Moreover, he declared that “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” Jehovah Witnesses around the world were elated that their beliefs would finally be justified by the physical manifestation of these biblical patriarchs. When 1925 came and the biblical patriarchs had not come, some of Rutherford’s followers left the fold. Others still believed that even though the biblical patriarchs were late, that they would arrive shortly. Even though by 1929, they had not arrived, there was still a lot of anticipation. Rutherford realized that when Abraham and company did arrive, they would need a place to stay.
So, in 1929, a house was built for the Princes in San Diego called Beth Sarim. The Hebrew word Beth Sarim means ‘House of the Princes.’ Rutherford writes in his book the purpose for the house was: “that there might be some tangible proof that there are those on earth today who fully believe in God, Christ Jesus and His kingdom. Who believe that the faithful men of old will soon be resurrected by the Lord and be back on earth to take charge of the visible affairs of the earth.”
The deed for the property stated that it was being held in trust for the visible representatives of the kingdom of God under the supervision of the invisible ruler Christ… The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society shall hold said title perpetually in trust for the use of any or all of the men above named as representatives of God’s kingdom on earth… The deed had three purposes, signed by Rutherford, they were: 1) Beth-Sarim was built for the express purpose of housing the
patriarchs. 2) Rutherford could live in the house, only until someone from Hebrews 11 arrived. 3) Beth-Sarim house was to remain in Jehovah’s kingdom forever.
In a 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a statement was made that in 1929, there was built a house, which is called and known as Beth-Sarim to be used by Brother Rutherford. There are two problems with this statement: 1) Brother Rutherford said that Beth-Sarim was built and to be used by the Hebrews 11 patriarchs. 2) Brother Rutherford claimed to be prophetic and full of wisdom. However, he made many false prophecies. One, concerning the 1925 prediction concerning the return of Abraham and other biblical patriarchs.
The Watchtower in recent years in order to cover up these problems from their past have turned from false prophecies to outright lying. In covering up these false prophecies, they are lying to their own followers. The property was not held in perpetuity after all, it was sold in 1948.
After Rutherford’s death in 1942, he was succeeded by Nathan H. Knorr. Under Knorr’s leadership, the membership increased from 115,000 to more than two million members. Today, its “Governing Body” of nine claims sole spiritual authority over Jehovah’s people.
Writings:
Russell did not have a formal theological education. In 1879, he published the magazine Zion’s Watchtower which contained his own unique interpretation of the Bible. In 1886, he published the first volume of seven books (six written by Russell) entitled: the Millennial Dawn. (It was later retitled Studies in the Scriptures.)
In 1961, Under Knorr’s leadership, the society published its own English translation of the Bible entitled: The New World Translation of Holy Scriptures. They claim to accept the Bible as their only authority. However, they reject every central belief of Christianity including the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, His bodily resurrection, salvation by grace through faith and eternal punishment of the wicked (hell). 2
Additionally, they constantly misuse the Scriptures to establish their own beliefs. This is accomplished by quoting texts out of context while omitting other passages relevant to the subject. In fact, they have altered the Bible in 300 places to fit their beliefs and to say what they want it to say. Their publications take precedence over the Scriptures. The Watchtower claims this about itself: “It is God’s sole collective channel for the flow of biblical truth to men on earth.” The Watchtower is published in over 100 languages. Pastor Russell claims that: “the six volumes of Scripture Studies … are practically the Bible itself.”
God:
One person, God called Jehovah.
Jesus:
In the theological system of the Jehovah Witnesses, Jesus Christ is not God in human flesh, but rather a created being. “He was a god but not the Almighty God, who is Jehovah.” The Jehovah Witnesses use the Bible in an attempt to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is not Jehovah God. They intentionally add words to make the scriptures fit their theology. Their translators make the scriptures say what they think they should say instead of letting the scriptures speak for themselves. However, the Bible contradicts their theology showing it to be unbiblical and non-Christian. Favorite scriptures used by them to prove their supposed points are: John 14:28; Colossians 1:15; John 1:1 and John 8:58. Let’s look at several.
John 14:28: They use this scripture to try to prove that Jesus is less than God. It says: “My Father is greater than I.” This verse is referencing Jesus’ earthly life where He submits Himself to the Father. He is referring to His rank on earth and not His nature. Therefore, the “greater than” doesn’t mean His person but His position.
Colossians 1:15 says: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” The Watchtower takes “firstborn” to mean “first created.” The passage in verses 16 and 17 says very clearly that Christ is the Creator of all things not a created being. The firstborn refers to His sovereignty, not the first creation of Jehovah. To support their doctrine that Christ was a created being, here is an example of the Witnesses deliberately inserting a word that is not indicated in the Greek text, but found in The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures.
Turn to Colossians 1:16-17. I will read their scripture and you will see where they have inserted the word “other” throughout the above verses. “Because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or Governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist.” The Greek states: “He is before all things and by him all things hold together.” When translated it should read: “Christ is the Creator of everything that has existence, material or immaterial, and therefore, He cannot Himself be a creature.” Taking into account the historical, metaphorical and literal meanings of “firstborn” the Jehovah’s Witnesses are unscriptural in the application of it to Christ as created.
John 1:1 I was outraged when reading this verse in the New World Translation and not at all surprised that it has caused anger among Greek scholars because of the unsupported version of
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the last clause of John 1:1, which reads “The word was a god.” Turn to John 1:1 in your Bible and you will see that it says “The Word was God.” The Witnesses have added “a” and a small “g” instead of a capital “G” for God in their last clause of John 1:1. Trying to justify their translation, the Witnesses list several translations indicating: “That the Word was with God” and “the Word was God,” Another, “And the Word (The Logos) was divine.” Others, “And the Word was a god.”
This statement was to make one think that there were other translations that rendered this clause in the same manner, “The Word was a god.” There aren’t any reputable translations or authorities that support the reading of this clause that way. The Watchtower listed only one reference, as “The New Testament in an Improved Version Upon the Basis of Archbishop Newcome’s New Translation: With a Corrected Text’ printed in London in 1808. This old and obscure translation cannot be considered reputable.
It has been pointed out that by translating the last part of John 1:1 as, “The Word was a god,” the Watchtower is guilty of belief in polytheism, or the belief in more than one god. The whole Bible testifies that: the Word (Jesus Christ) of John 1:1 must be either the only true God, Jehovah, or a false god. The Bible knows only one true God, and that is Jehovah.
Holy Spirit:
The Watchtower Society says that the Holy Spirit is not part of the Godhead. The personality and deity of the Holy Spirit is defined as “the invisible active force of Almighty God which moves His servants to do His will” are denied. The New World Translation always rejects the personality of the Holy Spirit by refusing to capitalize the term “spirit” when referring to it. They mistranslate passages such as Ephesians 4:30: (“also, do not be grieving God’s holy spirit, with which you have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom”) Holy Bible: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
John 14:26: (“But the helper, the holy spirit which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you”). Holy Bible: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Notice both of these verses demonstrate the personality of the Holy Spirit. Can something impersonal be grieved? Or, can an “impersonal force” teach all things? An unbiased translator would substitute Ephes. 4:30 “with which” with “by whom” and have “whom the Father will send” and “he will teach you:” in John 14:26 in place of the impersonal holy spirit of the Watchtower.
Salvation:
The Jehovah Witnesses believe that to be saved: 1) One must be baptized as a Jehovah Witness. 2) Obey God’s laws. 3) Belong to and serve in God’s organization. And, 4) No independent thinking. Salvation is earned through a combination of faith plus good works. Before the pandemic, they recorded seven million in door-to-door service and 1.5 billion hours all over the world. They are required to keep records of every house they go to and every call they make, etc.
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They believe true Christians can have no assurance of eternal life. They must work toward perfection throughout this life, and then throughout Christ’s 1,000 year-reign on earth. Additionally, they must pass the final test of Satan before God will grant them eternal life, this is: (when Satan is released from the pit to tempt all faithful Witnesses one last time). If they fail at any point, they are at risk of annihilation (eternal destruction).
They believe that salvation in heaven is limited to 144,000 “anointed ones.” The Watchtower teaches that 144,000 is the number of Christians living between Pentecost (c. AD 30) and 1935, called the “anointed class” or “little flock.” This number has already been reached. Rev. 7:4-8, says that the 144,000 saved saints are 12,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel and names the tribes. Jehovah Witnesses are not named in the list.
Death:
The Watchtower teaches that after death the 144,000 or the “anointed class” live in heaven as spirits. The rest of the righteous, called “the great crowd” or (“earthly class”) live on earth, and for 1,000 years must obey God perfectly or be annihilated.
Other Beliefs:
Important in Watchtower theology is the fact that they believe that the second coming of Christ took place in 1914 and His Kingdom was fully set up in Heaven. However, this was not always their teaching, before 1914, the Watchtower was predicting that God’s Kingdom was to be set up on earth (not in heaven) in 1914. We were warned of this very teaching in 2 Timothy 2:18: “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”
Charles Taze Russell stated that the world would see “the full establishment of the Kingdom of God in the earth in A.D. 1914, the terminus of the times of the Gentiles.” The prophecies made by Russell and the Watchtower concerning the year 1914 failed because the Kingdom of God was not established upon the earth. Today, the Watchtower claims that Christ returned invisibly in 1914 and set up his Kingdom in Heaven only. This belief contradicts the scriptural teaching of the visible return of Christ. (Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:26-27; and Rev. 1:7) They have predicted the end of the earthly reign for 1918, 1925 as mentioned before and 1975. Since 1975, the predictions have stopped. 5
Once a year, only “anointed” ones may partake of the Lord’s Evening Meal (Communion). Services are held in Kingdom Halls instead of churches. Followers are forbidden to observe birthdays, holidays, to vote, salute the flag, work in the military, accept vaccinations, blood transfusions and organ transplants. A lot of the forbidden activities just mentioned have been changed or allowed over the last few years. For a group who is supposed to have the truth, their truths shift over the years.
All active members are encouraged to distribute literature door-to-door. The Watchtower teaches that Jesus was not crucified on a cross but on an upright pole or stake. Jehovah Witnesses believe that the cross is a pagan symbol and that using it in worship violates the Second Commandment’s prohibition against idolatry.
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The Watchtower teaches that before Jesus lived on earth, he was Michael the archangel. Jehovah made the universe through him. On earth, Jesus was a man who lived a perfect life. Jesus was resurrected a spirit; his body was destroyed. Jesus is not coming again; he returned invisibly in the spirit in 1914.
Additionally, Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in divine healings or miracles. They believe that healings or miracles are done by Satan to trick them. We know that Jesus’ sacrificial death was not only for our sins but for the healing of our bodies as well. Therefore, they have made the blood of Jesus of non-effect.
In conclusion, in ministering to Jehovah Witnesses remember they have to use the Watchtower magazine and their translation of the bible in order to minister. You should ask questions that will make them start to doubt or question what the Watchtower and their bibles say. You must make them think for themselves instead of relying on what the Watchtower teaches. Don’t assume that they know the Bible because they don’t. They only know what the Watchtower says. Therefore, you want to ask them questions about the failed prophecies that the Watchtower made. Your question should be worded as: Why did the Watchtower teach:
- The world would come to an end in 1914?
- Averred that this was a miscalculation and the world would actually end in 1915?
- The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be resurrected when the world ends in 1925?
- Strongly suggested that in 1975 the end of the world would come?
- In 1995, its magazine Awake, stopped printing the following message about the end of the world: “This magazine builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 pass away.”
Deuteronomy 18:22 states that “a person is not a prophet if he makes a prediction that fails to come to pass.” Jehovah Witnesses will respond that the Watchtower is not acting as a prophet but is “still learning.” Not only does this contradict previous Watchtower claims to being “God’s
prophet,” it also leads to a simple yet obstinate problem: “if the Watchtower is “still learning,”
why trust anything it teaches now? Why would God allow his “spirit-led” organization to lead so many people into error about the end of the world and contradicting the Holy Bible, if He was leading the Watchtower? The Bible tells us in Matthew 24:36 and other scriptures, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” This scripture lets us know that men, not God, guide the Watchtower, and so it should not be trusted with our eternal salvation.
Their religion is in direct opposition to Christianity. It is guilty of false prophecy, anti-biblical theology and misrepresentation of the truth. So, make sure that you have prayed and have a firm foundation yourself, based on what you are learning. And, above all, rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you and convict them. He will do His job, if you do yours!!
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MORMONISM
Founder:
The founder of Mormonism or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was Joseph Smith, Jr. 1805-1844. The Church was founded in 1830 in New York. Headquarters are located in Salt Lake City Utah.
Smith did not join any of the denominations because he felt that there was too much strife and tension among them. This caused him to question which one was right? This conflict set the stage for his supposed first vision. The alleged first vision received in 1820 became the reason for the founding of the Mormon Church.
It was during this 1820 vision, where he allegedly asked the Lord which sect he should join. He supposedly was told by some personage that he should join none of them because all of their creeds were an abomination in His sight... “they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
Dr. Walter Martin puts this 1820 vision in perspective by saying that: “the Mormon Church expects its intended converts to accept the totally unsupported testimony of a fifteen-year-old boy that nobody ever preached Jesus Christ’s gospel from the close of the apostolic age until the “Restoration” through Joseph Smith, Jr., beginning in 1820! We are asked to believe that the church fathers for the first five centuries did not proclaim the true gospel …. As well as, a vast army of faithful servants of Jesus Christ all failed, where Joseph Smith, Jr., was to succeed!”
Joseph claims that he had a second vision on September 21, 1823 from a messenger named Moroni who told him that he had a work to do. He was told that a book had been written on golden plates giving an account of former inhabitants of this continent and containing “the fullness of the everlasting Gospel: as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants of this land. Two stones were provided with the golden plates to be used to translate them. An angel supposedly showed him where the plates were stored and that he was to return every year at the same time for the next four years. The plates supposedly contained the Book of Mormon.
Mormons have contradictory versions of the vision that occurred on September 22, 1827, when Smith supposedly was given the golden plates to hold until Moroni called for them. The golden figure seen on-top of Mormon Temples is the angel Moroni.
The publication of the plates was financed by Martin Harris, a New York farmer, who told Smith that the writings on the plates was “reformed Egyptian.” The translation was completed and placed on sale on March 26, 1830. A little over a week later, “the church of Christ” was officially organized with 6 members. The name was eventually changed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Smith and his brother were assassinated while in prison for destroying a local newspaper for renouncing his polygamy policy and marriages, as well as, money digging. The Mormons consider Smith a martyr for the cause. After his death, Brigham Young became the President of the Twelve Apostles, who convinced the majority of Mormons that he was the rightful successor. Russell Nelson is the current LDS prophet.
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Because of the alleged visions Smith had, he and all Mormon prophets thereafter, espouse: “after the death of Jesus’ original apostles, the Christian church gradually slipped into “the Great Apostasy” –a complete and universal abandonment of true Christian principles. Christian doctrine had supposedly become thoroughly corrupted and the priesthood authority necessary to administer key ordinances like baptisms and the Lord’s Supper was lost.” The importance of believing that the true church was destroyed was stressed by Mormon apostle James Talmage who said: “If the alleged apostasy of the primitive Church was not a reality, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not the divine institution its name proclaims.”
Jesus promised his followers that he would be with them in ministry making disciples, baptizing and teaching, “even until the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20) Additionally, He promised that he would build his church, and that the “gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). If He had allowed his church to be destroyed, he would have broken his promise. While He does mention that some shall depart from the faith, (1 Tim. 4:1), it never implied a complete apostasy would take place before his return. The fact that “some would depart” implies that some would not. Apostasy in the New Testament here and other places is portrayed as the acts and attitudes of individuals and groups breaking away from the church (see also 1 John 2:19) and not as the church ceasing to exist. So, Apostle James Talmage by your own definition you have shown that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not the divine institution its name proclaims!
Writings:
Supposedly using the plates and divine revelations, Smith wrote the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, plus the Bible (King James Version only or Smith’s Inspired Version) which is seen as less reliable. There are authoritative teachings of Mormon prophets and other LDS “general authorities,” as well as, the Ensign and Liahona magazines.
Only the Bible is considered to have corruptions and is accepted with qualifications. Under Doctrine and Covenants 73:4 states that God commanded Joseph Smith to finish a new translation of the Bible. On July 2, 1833, Smith wrote, “We this day finished the translating of the Scriptures ...” To call his new Bible a “translation” is very misleading since this Bible, known as the Inspired Version or Joseph Smith Translation, wasn’t a real translation at all. He wasn’t fluent in any biblical language nor did he have any ancient manuscripts in his possession. Joseph opened the Bible and “corrected” anything he felt was necessary at the time (for example, adding a prophecy of his own birth to Gen. 50:33), instead of researching ancient texts.
The Bible warns that it is a serious offense to claim God said something when he actually didn’t. with Heb. 1:1-2, saying that the “most reliable way to measure the accuracy of any biblical passage is Any Bible translation, in order to receive validation, must agree with what the Bible says or reveals- also see Acts 17:11. The Mormon church disagrees not by comparing different texts, but by comparison with the Book of Mormon and modern-day revelations.”
Continuing Revelation: Mormons are also instructed to accept the words of their living prophets. Because of their belief in continuing revelation, Mormons do not view their scriptures as being “closed,” meaning that some doctrines may be changed or added in the future.
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God:
The Mormon doctrine of God contradicts the Bible. The Mormons teach that God himself was once a man and they believe in many gods. In The King Foillett Discourse: Joseph Smith made it clear that Mormon males have the possibility of attaining godhood. He taught that God was once a man, but progressed to godhood. He has a physical body, as does his wife (Heavenly Mother). Do not believe in the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate gods. Worthy men may someday become gods themselves. Joseph Smith’s words about the Mormon idea of God was repeated by Lorenzo Snow: “As Man is, God was; As God is, man may become.” Smith’s teachings not only contradict the Bible; it also contradicts the Book of the Mormon!
Jesus:
The Mormon Church teaches that Jesus Christ was a pre-existent spirit like the rest of us. Jesus is a separate god from the Father (Elohim). He was created as a spirit child by the Father and Mother in Heaven, and is the “elder brother” of all men and spirit beings. His body was created through sexual union between Elohim and Mary. Jesus was married. His death on the cross does not provide full atonement for all sin, but does provide everyone resurrection.
Holy Spirit:
The “holy spirit” is different from the “Holy Ghost.” The “holy spirit” is not God, but is an influence or electricity-like emanation from God (or “light of Christ”). They are trying to say that the “Holy Spirit” and the “Holy Ghost” are different when in fact, they are one and the same with the same attributes and are part of the Trinity.
Salvation:
Resurrected by grace, but saved (exalted to godhood) by works, including faithfulness to church leaders, Mormon baptism, tithing, ordination, marriage and secret temple rituals. No eternal life without Mormon membership and belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
Death:
Eventually nearly everyone goes to one of three separate heavenly “kingdoms,” with some achieving godhood. Apostates and murderers go to “outer darkness.” A quote from Brigham Young: “... no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith.”
They believe that in the afterlife there are “three degrees” of glory--(Telestial, Terrestrial, Celestial). Telestial=is the lowest of three heavenly “degrees of glory” to which the worst sinners are sent to after death. The Holy Ghost will visit people in this - kingdom, but the Father and Son will not. Terrestrial=is the middle of the three heavenly “degrees of glory,” to which good people who are not Mormons are sent to after death. Jesus will visit people in this heaven, but God the Father will not. Celestial= is the highest of three heavenly “degrees of glory” awaiting faithful Latter-day Saints. Entrance into this kingdom is gained by complete obedience to the Mormon gospel, and those who reach its highest level become gods.
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Other Beliefs:
Prior to 1890, the practice of plural marriages became essential for any Mormon man hoping to achieve exaltation. After 1890, anti-polygamy laws were written into the state constitution and Utah was granted statehood. Secret temple “endowment” rituals and “celestial marriage” are available only to members in good standing.
Baptism on behalf of the dead, where a person even though dead, is given a second chance for salvation. In Heb. 9:27, it says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This scripture lets you know, there will be no second chances!
“Word of Wisdom” prohibits tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine drinks. Two-year missionary commitment is encouraged. Tithing is essential. Door-to-door proselytizing is mandatory. Having an extensive social network. People of African ancestry were denied full access to Mormon priesthood and privileges until 1978.
I would be remiss, if I did not point out that Dr. Gleason Archer has found historical inaccuracies in the Mormon scriptures, here are a few examples: 1) According to Alma 7:10, Jesus was to be born at Jerusalem (rather than Bethlehem, as recorded in Luke 2:4 and predicted in …. 2) Alma 46:15 indicates that believers were called “Christians” back in 73 B.C. rather than in Antioch found in Acts 1:26. How could anyone be identified as Christians so many decades before Christ was born? 3) Helaman 12:25-26 was allegedly written in 6 B.C., quotes John 5:29 as a
prior written source, introducing same as, “We read.” Again, how can one quote as a prior written source when it wasn’t written until eight or nine decades after 6 B.C.?
Fraud was recently exposed of the so-called Book of Abraham, which is part of the Mormon scripture known as The Pearl of Great Price. This was supposedly translated from an ancient Egyptian papyrus found wrapped around mummies. He is supposed to have found the writings of Abraham himself. Smith published his translation in 1842 entitled: “The Book of Abraham” in Times and Seasons and even included two drawings of the pictures that were included. This collection of papyri was lost for many years. However, on November 27, 1967, a duplicate set of them from ancient times were presented to the Mormon Church by the Metropolitan Art Museum of New York City. At this time, this made the transcription skill of Joseph Smith verifiable. Present day Egyptologists found that not a single word of his alleged translation bore any resemblance to the contents of this document.
In conclusion, the Mormon’s claim to be the restoration of Jesus Christ’s church has proven to be false. Brigham Young gave a challenge to anyone that said: “Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-Day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test.” Well Brigham: As you can see, we compared the religion of the Latter-Day Saints with it and it did not stand the test!!!
In witnessing to Mormons, do the following:
- Don’t assume that a Mormon defines a word in the same way you do.
- Define your terms and have them define theirs. (For example, “What do you believe about salvation: About eternal life? Are they the same or different?”)
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- Do ask Mormons what they believe. Rather than accusing, ask a question.
- Don’t dwell on topics that are especially sensitive to Mormons and should only be addressed after they feel more comfortable discussing religious issues with you. Talking about temple ceremony, the sacred garments, polygamy, or racism will almost certainly bring the discussion to a close.
- Concentrate on core issues. What the Mormon believes about God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as well as, the issue of salvation, should be primary. Ask if they have the assurance that when they die all of their sins are forgiven? Do they feel confident they will receive the best their religion has to offer (godhood, eternal increase)? If so, how so? If not, why not?
- Do memorize certain points and quotes. Quote directly from LDS sources if possible.
- Do be patient. Mormons are led to believe that leaving the LDS church will lead to damnation. This is not a decision most Mormons make in an instant.
As you can see, the Mormons are in direct opposition to all of the tenets of Christianity. Do not let them pray for you or with you because they are not allowed to have a personal relationship with Jesus. However, as you minister to them have them read the Bible after you have given them the biblical reference.
Next week, we will examine the beliefs of Christian Science, Unity School of Christianity, Scientology and New Age.
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