Session 4 - More on Mormonism
I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am
the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole
church together since the days of Adam. A large
majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul,
John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man
ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran
away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran
away from me yet . . . " (History of the Church, vol. 6,
p. 408-409).
In this session we will look at more Mormon teachings
Mormonism and the Priesthood
Priesthood authority is very important in Mormon
theology since it is the means through which the
Mormon Church supposedly has authority to
administer the ordinances which bring salvation to
humanity, to preach the Gospel, and govern the
kingdom of God on this earth
"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,"
(5th Article of Faith).
"What is the Priesthood? It is nothing more or less
than the power of God delegated to man by which
man can act in the earth for the salvation of the
human family... by which they may baptize for the
remission of sins and lay on hands for the
reception of the Holy Ghost, and by which they can
remit sin with the sanction and blessing of
Almighty God. It is the same power and priesthood
that was committed to the disciples of Christ while
He was upon the earth..." (Joseph F. Smith, 6th Prophet of
the LDS Church, Gospel Doctrine, 1919, p. 173; also see Mormon
Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie, 1966, p. 594).
Mormons frequently take great pride in the fact that
they have this priesthood authority and no other
churches on earth do. In essence, there can be no
true Church or true administering of the ordinances
unless priesthood authority is given.
This is the same approach taken by the Catholic Church
Anyhow, there are two classes of priesthood
in Mormonism: Aaronic and
Melchizedek. Interestingly, for younger converts to
Mormonism, Aaronic Priesthood is conferred at 12
years of age and the higher Melchizedek Priesthood is
conferred at age 18.
Passage #1: John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I
have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go
and bring forth fruit...." The LDS Church claims that
Jesus is speaking about ordaining the apostles to the
priesthood, but this passage does not state anything
about priesthood ordination. No where in all of the
Gospels or in the entire New Testament do we find
any reference for this doctrine. Ordain here simply
means "to appoint" or "to point out." The apostles
were appointed to go and bring forth fruit, which they
did once they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; cf.
Acts 2) and then went and preached the Gospel
Passage #2: Acts 8:14-20 mentions Peter and John
laying their hands on the people of Samaria who then
received the Holy Spirit. It is simply referring to
people who received the Holy Spirit through the
laying on of hands. It does not mention anything
about an Aaronic or Priesthood authority. To infer
such a teaching is to misinterpret the text.
Passage #3: James 5:14-15, another passage that the
LDS church uses, states, "Is any sick among you? let
him call for the elders of the church; and let them
pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of
the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick,
and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." Again,
this passage does not mention anything about an
Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood authority. The
"elders of the church" in James 5 likely refers to those
older wise individuals who were given authority in the
church (cf. 1 Tim. 5:1; Acts 14:23; 21:18).
Passage #4: Hebrews 5:4 states, "And no man taketh
this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God,
as was Aaron." This passage does not refer to any
command for the church today to institute an
ordained priesthood by laying on hands. Aaron was
called by God, not by Moses or anyone else laying
hands on him (Num. 18:7; cf. Ex. 4:27). Aaron was
anointed, but so was the tabernacle (Ex. 40:13) and
everything in it (Ex. 40:9-15).
In contrast to the Mormon Church's teachings,
the Bible has quite different things to say about
priesthood. First, the Aaronic priesthood was limited
to Jewish male members from the tribe of Levi who
were descendents from Aaron
(Ex. 28:1, Num. 3:5-13; Heb. 7:5).
The priesthood was inherited by descent from
Aaron, not received through ordination. It was never
supposed to be practiced by Gentiles (nonJews). There is absolutely no teaching about this
doctrine of Aaronic priesthood being practiced by
Gentiles in the Old or New Testaments.
Furthermore, the Aaronic priesthood was done away
with through Christ as the final priest (Heb. 7:11-12)
who fulfilled the Law as the eternal Priest (Heb. 7:1128; 8:6-7ff). The Old Testament priests were
mediators, but now Jesus is the only Mediator
between men and God (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:24-25; Jn.
14:6). Therefore, there is no need for this Aaronic
priesthood authority today. Since Christ's work is
finished (John 19:30), there is no need for a High
Priest on this earth. Christ is the only mediator and
High Priest in heaven (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:1-6).
Second, there is absolutely
no mention in the entire
Bible about a special class of
Melchizedek
priests. Melchizedek is
mentioned briefly in the Old
Testament in two places
(Gen. 14:18-20 and Ps.
110:1). In Genesis 14,
Melchizedek is a king and
priest who blesses Abraham
and to whom Abraham
gives tithes.
Psalm 110, a royal Messianic
Psalm, applies this priesthood of
Melchizedek to Jesus who is also
a priest and king (cf. Matthew
22:44; 26:64; Mark 16:19; Heb.
5:5-6). However, nowhere in the
Old or New Testaments do we see
the practice of ordaining males to
the office of the Melchizedek
priesthood. Jesus alone is
mentioned in the New Testament
as a priest after the order of
Melchizedek (Heb. 5:1-4).
Instead, the Bible teaches that all believers have
priesthood authority (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rev.
1:6; 5:10; 20:6). Even in the Old Testament, the
nation of Israel was to be a kingdom of priests (Ex.
19:5-6). However, Jesus is the unique High Priest
(Heb. 7:23-8:13). Each believer has the authority to
preach the Gospel, baptize, and govern the kingdom
of God on this earth. It is not something that is
limited to males who are above the age of 12 or 18.
The Bible gives us an abundance of information on
the priesthoods in the Bible, and it doesn’t line up
with Mormon teachings
Baptism for the dead
"Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for
the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then
are they baptized for them?" (1 Cor. 15:29).
In their practice, individuals go to their local Mormon
temple, dress appropriately for a baptism,
representatively adopt the name of a person who has
died, and then the Mormon is baptized in water for
that deceased person. This way, the dead person has
fulfilled the requirements of salvation in the
afterworld and can enjoy further spiritual benefits in
the spiritual realm.
But, the Mormons are incorrect. They have usurped
this verse and taken it out of context. So, let's
examine 1 Cor. 15 briefly so we can see what Paul is
talking about when he mentions
baptism for the dead.
In verses 1-19, the fact of Christ's resurrection is
detailed by Paul. Beginning in verse 20 and going
through verse 23, Paul speaks about the order of
the resurrection. Christ was the first one raised - in a
glorified body - and next will be those who are His at
His return. Verses 24 - 29 then mention Christ's reign
and the abolition of death.
This is when this controversial verse occurs:
"Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for
the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then
are they baptized for them?"
Just north of Corinth was a city named Eleusis. This
was the location of a pagan religion where baptism in
the sea was practiced to guarantee a good afterlife.
This religion was mentioned by Homer in Hymn to
Demeter. It is probable that the Corinthians were
being influenced by the religious practices found at
Eleusis where baptism for the dead was practiced.
Paul used this example from the pagans in 1 Cor.
15:29, when he said, "...if the dead are not raised,
then why are they baptized for the dead?" Paul did
not say we.
This is significant because the Christian church was
not practicing baptism for the dead,
but the pagans were.
Paul's point was simple. The resurrection is a reality. It
is going to happen when Jesus returns. Even the
pagans believe in the resurrection, otherwise, why
would they baptize for the dead?
However, some are not convinced by this argument
and state that the word "they" is not in the Greek
and, therefore, Paul is not speaking about the
pagans. Let's take a look.
Literally, the verse is translated as "Since what will do
the being immersed on behalf of the dead if wholly
dead not are raised why also are they immersed on
behalf of them."
The issue here is the word, "baptizontai" -- "they are
baptized." It is the present, passive, indicative, 3rd
person, plural. In other words, it is THEY ARE BEING
BAPTIZED or, THEY ARE BAPTIZED.
I -- first person singular
you (singular) -- second person singular
he/she/it -- third person singular
we -- first person plural
you (plural) -- second person plural
they -- third person plural
It is the latter form, the third person plural (they) in
which the verb "baptizo" is found. Therefore, the best
translation is "THEY are baptized."
Joseph Smith Prophecies
"But the prophet who shall speak a word
presumptuously in My name which I have not
commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in
the name of other gods, that prophet shall
die.’ 21 "And you may say in your heart, ‘How shall we
know the word which the Lord has not
spoken?’ 22 "When a prophet speaks in the name of
the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come
true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken.
The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall
not be afraid of him," (Deut. 18:20-22).
Prophecy about Jesus' return within 56 years
Prophecy about Jesus'
return within 56 years "President Smith then
stated that the meeting
had been called, because
God had commanded it;
and it was made known to
him by vision and by the
Holy Spirit.
He then gave a relation of some of the circumstances
attending us while journeying to Zion--our trials,
sufferings; and said God had not designed all this for
nothing, but He had it in remembrance yet; and it was
the will of God that those who went to Zion, with a
determination to lay down their lives, if necessary,
should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to
prune the vineyard for the last time, for the coming of
the Lord, which was nigh--even fifty-six years should
wind up the scene." (History of the Church,
vol. 2, p. 189)
Prophecy that the temple would be built in Missouri
within Smith's Generation
"Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church,
established in the last days for the restoration of his
people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his
prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand
upon Mount Zion,i which shall be the city of New
Jerusalem. 3 Which city shall be built, beginning at the
temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the
Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of
Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith,
Jun., and others with whom the Lord
was well pleased.
Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New
Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints,
beginning at this place, even the place of the temple,
which temple shall be reared in this generation. 5 For
verily this generation shall not all pass away until an
house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest
upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord,
which shall fill the house... 31Therefore, as I said
concerning the sons of Moses for the sons of Moses
and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable
offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which
house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation,
upon the consecrated spot as I have
appointed." (Doctrines and Covenants 84:2-5,31.)
All Nations would be involved in the Civil War
"Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will
shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South
Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and
misery of many souls; 2 And the time will come that war
will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this
place. 3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided
against the Northern States, and the Southern States will
call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as
it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in
order to defend themselves against other nations; and
then war shall be poured out upon all nations," (Doctrine
and Covenants 87:1-3).
Prophesy that the earth will tremble and the sun be
hidden in "not many days"
"For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble
and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun
shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and
the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall
become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves
down as a fig that falleth from off a fig-tree,"
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:87)
Prophecy that Isaiah 11 was about to be fulfilled
"In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter
of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He
quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second
and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our
New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ;
but the day had not yet come when 'they who would
not hear his voice should be cut off from among the
people,' but soon would come," (Pearl of Great Price,
Joseph Smith, History, verse 40)
Mormonism and
spiritual
progression
The atonement by Christ
Luke 22:44: “And being in agony, He prayed more
earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of
blood falling down to the ground.”
BYU professor Robert J. Matthews, who on page 282
of his book, A Bible! A Bible!, wrote, "It was in
Gethsemane, on the slopes of the Mount of Olives,
that Jesus made his perfect atonement by the
shedding of his blood-more so than on the cross."
Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie, stated, "Where
and under what circumstances was the atoning
sacrifice of the Son of God made? Was it on the Cross
of Calvary or in the Garden of Gethsemane? It is to
the Cross of Christ that most Christians look when
centering their attention upon the infinite and eternal
atonement. And certainly the sacrifice of our Lord was
completed when he was lifted up by men; also, that
part of his life and suffering is more dramatic and,
perhaps, more soul stirring. But in reality the pain
and suffering, the triumph and grandeur, of the
atonement took place primarily in Gethsemane,"
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, vol. 1, p. 774, emphasis mine).
Reconciliation is through the cross:
"And might reconcile them both in one body to God
through the cross, by it having put to death the
enmity," (Eph. 2:16).
"And through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
having made peace through the blood of His cross;
through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things
in heaven," (Col. 1:20).
Our debt nailed to the cross
"Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting
of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and
He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the
cross," (Col. 2:14).
He bore our sins on the cross
"And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the
cross, that we might die to sin and live to
righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed,"
(1 Pet. 2:24).
Reconciled through Christ's death –
which occurred on the cross.
"For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to
God through the death of His Son, much more, having
been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life,"
(Rom. 5:10).
"Yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body
through death, in order to present you before Him
holy and blameless and beyond reproach," (Col. 1:22.)
“For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Cor 2:2)
The temple is a
peaceful, sacred place,
set apart from the cares
and turmoil of the
world. All areas of the
temple are beautifully
and carefully
maintained to preserve
a spirit of reverence.
The temple has many
rooms to accomplish
the ordinances
performed there.
The Mormon Temple
In the Bible, Jesus taught
about baptism (see, for
example, John 3:5).
Because many people do
not have the opportunity
to be baptized in this life,
the fonts in temples are
used by the living to be
baptized in behalf of
those who have died. The
baptismal font rests on
the backs of 12 oxen. The
oxen represent the 12
tribes of ancient Israel.
Ordinance room
The celestial room
symbolizes the exalted
and peaceful state that
all may achieve
through living the
gospel of Jesus Christ.
This room represents
the contentment, inner
harmony, and peace
available to eternal
families in the
presence of Heavenly
Father and His Son,
Jesus Christ.
In a sealing room, a bride and bridegroom are
married not only for this life but also for eternity.
Polygamy
- “God” told Joseph Smith that Polygamy should be
practiced by all male Mormons (It was an “everlasting
covenant between them and God”)
-The United States of America did not
-like the practice…
- Congress threatened to take away all the property of
the Mormon church and ship all the Mormon’s the
Mexico if they did not stop the practice… Then guess
what happened!
- God changed his mind in 1890
Didn’t seem to stop the first two heads of the
Mormon church…
Joseph smith – 43 wives
Brigham Young - 57 wives
Why practice Polygamy?
People groups can grow faster with
polygamist practices
Who was the angel of light who appeared
to Joseph Smith?
“And our spirits must have become alike unto him,
and we become devils, angels to a devil, to
be shut out from the presence of our God, and to
remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto
himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first
parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto
an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men
unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of
secret works of darkness.” - 2 Nephi 9:9
Mormon Doctrine: Angel
of Light: See Devil
“For Satan himself
transforms himself into
an angel of light” - 2
Corinthians 11:14
That is also our memory
verse for the week