Restored Truths in
the Book of Mormon
1
2
. . . I will build my church.
Matthew 16:18
3
APOSTASY
For I know this, that after my
departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not
sparing the flock. Also of your
own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things, to
draw away disciples after
them.
Therefore watch, and
remember, that by the space
of three years I ceased not to
warn everyone night and day
with tears.
Acts 20:29-31 4
Roger Williams (1603-1683):
In writing to John Winthrop as early as
1636, Williams bemoaned the spiritual
nakedness of New England’s churches
but added the hope that within a few
years the Lord would reveal “the first
and most ancient path” more plainly “to
you and me.” More than a dozen years
later, in a letter to Winthrop’s son,
Williams indicated that he found no
churches organized “after the first
pattern”
. . Gaustad, Liberty of Conscience: Roger Williams in
Edwin. S.
America (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 91.
5
After Constantine, a true ministry no
longer existed, and none but God could
now bring it back. Williams did not come
to this position easily, nor did he find it
easy to persuade others that recreating
the true church of Christ was a vain
pursuit – apart from direct divine
intervention.
Edwin S. Gaustad, Liberty of Conscience: Roger Williams in
America (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 91-92.
6
GOSPEL RESTORED
BY ANGELIC
MINISTRY
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
7
“He said there was a book
deposited written upon
gold plates, giving an
account of the former
inhabitants of this
continent, and the source
from whence they sprang.
He also said that the
fullness of the
everlasting gospel was
contained in it, as
delivered by the Savior to
the ancient inhabitants.”
Moroni and Joseph Smith by Tom Lovell © by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Courtesy of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All rights reserved. Used by
permission.
8
The next day on September
22, 1823:
“Convenient to the village of
Manchester, Ontario County,
New York, stands a hill of
considerable size . . . On the
west side of this hill, not far from
the top, under a stone of
considerable size, lay the
plates deposited in a stone
box.”
9
GOLD PLATES
DELIVERED TO JOSEPH
September 22, 1827
“ . . . having went as usual
at the end of another year
to the place where [the
plates] were deposited, the
same heavenly messenger
delivered them up to me . . .
Joseph Receives Plates from Moroni by Ken Riley © by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Courtesy of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
10
Oliver Cowdery:
“These were days never to be
forgotten – to sit under the sound
of a voice dictated by the
inspiration of heaven, awakened
the utmost gratitude of this bosom!
Day after day I continued,
uninterrupted, to write from his
mouth, as he translated, with the
Urim and Thummim, or, as the
Nephites would have said,
‘Interpreters,’ the history , or
record, called ‘The Book of
Mormon.’”
11
Testimony of Three
Witnesses
Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris
“Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people . . .
that we . . . have seen the plates . . . and we also know that they
have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice
hath declared it unto us: wherefore we know of a surety, that the
work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the
engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been
shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we
declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came
down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes,
that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon.”
12
RESTORED TRUTHS
IN THE BOOK OF
MORMON
13
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
Christ’s Gospel
•If someone told you that they knew of a set of instructions to
reside in heaven for eternity, is there
anything that could possibly be more
important than that?
•The "gospel" is God's plan for our
salvation. That plan is comprised of building blocks called
"doctrines."
•Over centuries, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been modified,
not always by changing scriptural text, but more often by the
way that scripture is interpreted. Today, there are many different
Christian gospels.
•Which of those gospels more closely approximates the
original gospel of Christ?
14
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
The Book of Mormon makes the claim that its purpose was
to restore the truths, or doctrine, of Christ's gospel.
In 1 Nephi 3, the Lord said:
". . . I will be merciful unto the Gentiles
in that day, insomuch that I will bring
forth unto them in mine own power,
much of my gospel, which shall be
plain and precious, saith the Lamb;
For behold, saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto thy seed,
that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto
them, which shall be plain and precious.”
(continued on next slide)
15
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
The Book of Mormon makes the claim that its purpose was
to restore the truths, or doctrine, of Christ's gospel.
1 Nephi (continued)
And after thy seed shall be destroyed and dwindle in unbelief,
and also the seed of thy brethren; behold, these things shall be
hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles by the gift and
power of the Lamb. And in them shall be written my gospel,
saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation."
1 Nephi 3:183-186
16
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
The Book of Mormon makes the claim that its purpose was
to restore the truths, or doctrine, of Christ's gospel.
" . . . in the latter days, when our seed shall have dwindled in
unbelief, yea, for the space of many years and many
generations, after the Messiah shall be manifested in body unto
the children of men, then shall the fullness of the gospel of
the Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto
the remnant of our seed.”
"And in that day shall the remnant of our seed
. . . come to the knowledge of their Redeemer,
and the very points of his doctrine that they
may know how to come unto him and
be saved.”
1 Nephi 4:16,17 & 19
17
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
The Book of Mormon makes the claim that its purpose was
to restore the truths, or doctrine, of Christ's gospel.
19 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of
the loins of Judah shall write;
20 And that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and
also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah,
shall grow together,
21 Unto the confounding of false doctrines, and laying down
of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy
loins,
22 And bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the
latter days;
23And also to the knowledge of my
covenants, saith the Lord.
2 Nephi 2:19-23
18
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon
it, for Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then
take another stick, and write upon it, for Joseph, the stick of
Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions. And join
them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in
thine hand . . . Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold,
I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in
the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of
Israel his fellows, and will put them with
him, even with the stick of Judah, and
make them one stick, and they shall be
one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon
thou writest shall be in thine hand before
their eyes.
Ezekial 37:16-17, 19-20
19
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
Doctrine and “Fullness of the Gospel”
•“Doctrine” does not belong exclusively
to theologians. It is the calling of every
believer to understand the “plain and
precious" doctrines of Christ.
•Doctrine directs our worship of God and our relationship
with him. It is one reason for the existence of Christ's restored
church.
•Every member of Christ's church should be equipped to explain
what the "fullness of the gospel" is, what doctrines in that
gospel have been lost, and why there is a need for a
Restoration.
20
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
New Testament Culture
•The New Testament Church shared a
common culture and gospel with doctrines
that everyone understood.
•But unfortunately, those original shared
meanings of New Testament Christianity
have, to some extent, been altered or lost.
•Anyone who wants to change a culture will start by
redefining terms.
•To restore the shared meanings of the New Testament church,
we have examine how each doctrine operated in the life of the
church.
21
Twelve Examples of
Restored Truths in the
Book of Mormon
22
INSTRUCTION FOR THIS PRESENTATION
This presentation discusses four aspects of Christ’s gospel:
1. Free Will (or Agency)
2. Faith
3. Repentance
4. Water Baptism
For each aspect, there will be two sections:
1. Existing Doctrinal Confusion
In this section, we will examine what the
Bible has to say about each aspect and
the wide divergence of views on that subject.
2. What Does the Book of Mormon say?
In this section, we will examine additional
insight (i.e., restored truths) that the Book
of Mormon provides to clarify that aspect of
the gospel.
23
INSTRUCTION FOR THIS PRESENTATION
Under each subject, the second section about the Book of
Mormon will identify “restored truths” of Christ’s gospel as
follows:
1.Free Will (or Agency)
•two restored truths
2.Faith
•two restored truths
3.Repentance
•three restored truths
4.Water Baptism
•five restored truths
This lesson will provide 12 examples of restored truths that
can be found in the Book of Mormon.
24
Two Restored Truths About
Human Free Will
25
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Calvinism
In 1536, John Calvin formulated a number of concepts that have
become the basis for Reformed theology, predominant among
the 600 million Protestants living in the world today. Calvinists
strongly insisted that human free will, or agency, had nothing to
do with determining a person's eternal destiny.
26
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Calvinism
A sovereign God predetermined who was damned to hell for
eternity and who was saved, not based on any decision that
humans would make (i.e., unconditional election), but
entirely due to the sovereign will of the Creator operating by
means of his irresistible grace.
To Calvinists, grace was an irresistible force that would draw a
pre-determined elect into a saved condition. Any suggestion
that man might influence that outcome was viewed as an
attempt to diminish God's sovereignty and glory.
27
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Arminianism
In the late 1500s, a Dutch Protestant theologian named Jacobus
Arminius argued that God did determine our eternal destiny at
the foundation of the world as described in Ephesians 1, but
God's decision to exercise mercy and save anyone was guided
by his foreknowledge of the decisions we would make in
this life to follow him or not. To Arminius, man's free will
remained intact, and God’s grace was not irresistible. Man was
given the ability to choose.
28
Using the Bible Alone, What Do We Learn About
Human Free Will vs. Irresistible Grace?
29
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Calvinism
Using the Bible alone, what can we conclude about this
matter of free will?
4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without
blame before him in love.
5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of the
children of Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good
pleasure of his will.
Ephesians 1:4-5
30
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Calvinism
Using the Bible alone, what can we conclude about this
matter of free will?
8For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God.
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
31
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Arminianism
Arminius used Bible references like the ones on the next slides
to make the case that our election at the foundation of the world
was based on God’s foreknowledge of the decisions we would
make in this life:
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and
sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and
peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 1:2
32
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Arminianism
Arminian Bible references:
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!
(NIV says: “ . . . but you were not willing.”)
Matthew 23:37
33
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Arminianism
Arminian Bible references:
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to
be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be
the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did foreknow, them he also called:
and whom he called, them he also justified . . .
Romans 8:29-30
34
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Arminianism
Arminian Bible references:
. . . choose you this day whom ye will serve . . .
Joshua 24:15
35
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Calvinism
•Despite Bible passages like 1 Peter 1:2, Matthew 23:37,
Romans 8:29-30 and Joshua 24:15, this debate about free will
versus irresistible grace has continued for centuries.
•Unfortunately, the majority of protestants living in the world
today continue to believe that agency, or free will, has no
bearing on our salvation. They hold on tightly to John Calvin’s
concepts of irresistible grace and unconditional election.
Thus, the need for the Book of Mormon.
36
Using the Bible and Book of Mormon,
What Do We Learn About
Human Free Will vs. Irresistible Grace?
37
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"human free will"?
In 1830, Joseph Smith, Jr. translated the Book of Mormon
which settled this issue that had been debated for centuries.
It affirmed:
1.the importance of God's foreknowledge,
2.man's free will to choose, and
3.the fact that allowing agency to play a role in salvation in no
way diminished God's glory and sovereign power.
38
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"human free will"?
The glory for our salvation is 100% given to God alone because:
1. he provided a means to be saved that would not be available
to us without the sacrifice of his Son (2 Nephi 13:27-28).
2.
he gave us the gift of agency in the first place.
To God be the glory and honor for his mercy toward us
(Alma 13:46).
39
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"human free will"?
Here are a few passages from the Book of Mormon
that help to settle this debate about free will, or agency,
versus irresistible grace:
Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man, that he should act
for himself.
2 Nephi 1:99
119 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all
things are given them which are expedient unto man.
120 And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life,
through the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity
and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil.
2 Nephi 1:119-120
40
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"human free will"?
. . . remember that ye are free to act for yourselves; to
choose the way of everlasting death, or the way of eternal life.
2 Nephi 7:40
. . . for I know that he granteth unto men according to their
desire, whether it be unto death or unto life . . .
Alma 15:55
. . . and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or
death . . .
Helaman 5:86
41
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"human free will"?
Conclusion:
•At the foundation of the world, God determined our eternal
destiny (1 Nephi 3:28; Mosiah 8:53; Ether 1:110; Ephesians 1:45 & 11), but that decision was based on his foreknowledge
of the decisions we would make in this life.
•Asserting human free will or agency does not undermine God's
sovereignty and power. God, who is all-powerful, wanted
people to choose him of their own volition. God's grace calls
out to every person, not just an elect few, inviting them to accept
his invitation (Alma 3:57; Moroni 7:14; John1:9).
42
HUMAN FREE WILL OR IRRESISTIBLE GRACE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"human free will"?
Two Restored Truths:
1. God's grace is not an irresistible force.
2. Man is given the choice to accept or reject Christ's
invitation to embrace his gospel.
43
Two Restored Truths About
Faith
44
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
•There are theologians who maintain that faith is a human act,
something we do ourselves, rather than a gift from God.
•Some maintain that to have faith merely means that we
intellectually understand a set of facts about the saving
aspects of the gospel.
•They would deny that faith involves a commitment to Christ or a
submission to him as Lord.
•It is their thinking that a genuine "faith" could not possibly
include even a "willingness to obey" Christ as Lord because
that would be too much like a "works" salvation in which we
might claim some of the glory for our own salvation.
45
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
However, we know that it is entirely possible to have a false
assurance of salvation (Matthew 7:21), and anyone who
believes the doctrines in the last slide ought to re-examine their
commitment to Christ.
Now let's take a look at the Bible alone to see what it can tell us
about the doctrine of faith.
46
Using the Bible Alone, What Do We Learn About
A "Saving Faith"?
47
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
•Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) says that faith is "the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
•In a previous lesson about being saved by grace alone, we
said, "Belief in the atoning sacrifice of Christ is a
supernatural work that can only come from a power outside
ourselves" (Ephesians 2:8).
48
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
•Faith necessarily involves a "willingness to obey" Christ as
Lord of our lives (Acts 2:36). Nothing about this implies that
any credit or glory should be given to the believer for his
salvation.
•Hebrews 11 is sometimes referred to as the "Faith Hall of
Fame." It tells us that, by faith . . . Enoch was translated . . .
Noah prepared an ark . . . Abraham went out not knowing where
he went . . . Sara received strength to conceive seed . . .
Abraham offered up Isaac . . . Isaac blessed Jacob and Essau . .
. . . Moses refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter . .
. and, by faith, the walls of Jericho fell.
49
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
•Each story in Hebrews 11 describes people who acted on their
faith and who submitted to Christ as Lord. Faith did not lie
dormant. In every situation, their faith bore fruit.
•In the same manner, a "saving faith" is more than an
intellectual understanding or momentary decision that, by
itself, guarantees entrance into heaven.
•In Matthew 14:21-28, Peter had to exercise "real faith" in order
to step out of the boat and walk to Jesus on the water. The effort
to walk on water began with Jesus calling Peter and saying
“Come.” Peter then acted on his faith when he "got down out of
the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (NIV)
50
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
On this same theme, Galatians 5:6 says:
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything,
nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
•Some people describe the last few words in this passage as
"faith formed by acts of love." Any other kind of faith does not
have the power to save; it "availeth" nothing.
•A saving faith does not lie dormant. Like those great people
described in the Faith Hall of Fame, a saving faith must be a
principle of action (allowing God to work in us by his grace),
and it must bear fruit.
51
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Despite Bible passages like Hebrews 11, Galatians 5:6 and
Matthew 14:21-28, there is sometimes a distorted understanding
in the Christian community regarding what a “saving faith” is
and how it works in our lives.
Thus, the need for the Book of Mormon.
52
Using the Bible and Book of Mormon,
What Do We Learn About A "Saving Faith"?
53
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
What does the Book of Mormon say
about “faith”?
•Is faith simply a momentary decision for Christ that raises a
firewall against the flames of hell regardless of how we live our
lives? Or is faith like a seed that must be nurtured and cultivated
and grow?
•The Book of Mormon makes it clear that "faith" is more
than simply a momentary, intellectual understanding.
•A true, saving faith is one that bears fruit in the life of the
believer. But in using the Bible alone, many well-intentioned
Christians have failed to understand what true faith is really
about.
54
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
What does the Book of Mormon say
about “faith”?
Here are some Book of Mormon passages about “faith.”
For Nephi, his faith involved "submission to God's will" as
Lord, not just Savior:
. . . I will go and do the things which the Lord hath
commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare
a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he
commandeth them.
1 Nephi 1:65
55
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
What does the Book of Mormon say
about “faith”?
Alma talks about how this supernatural act of faith begins in
the heart of a believer:
143And now as I said concerning faith: Faith, is not to have a
perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith, ye hope
for things which are not seen, which are true.
151 But behold, 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.
(continued on next slide)
56
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
What does the Book of Mormon say
about “faith”?
152 Now we will compare the word unto a seed.
153Now 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;
154 And when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to
say within yourselves, It must needs be that this is a good seed,
or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul;
yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding; yea, and it
beginneth to be delicious to me.
155 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? . . .
158 . . . therefore, if a seed groweth, it is good, but if it
groweth not, behold, it is not good; therefore it is cast away.
..
Alma 16:143-158
57
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
What does the Book of Mormon say
about “faith”?
27 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church,
Have ye spiritually been born of God?
28 Have ye received his image in your countenances?
29 Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
30 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created
you?
31 Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this
mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in
incorruption, to stand before God, to be judged according to the
deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
Alma 3:27-31
58
WHAT IS A “SAVING FAITH”?
What does the Book of Mormon say about “faith”?
Two Restored Truths About Faith
1. Faith is more than:
a.a human act,
b.an intellectual understanding about a set of facts, or
c.a momentary decision that raises a firewall against the
possibility of separation from God, regardless of how we
live our lives.
2.
Faith, a gift of God, bears fruit in the life of every true
believer (i.e., God’s grace working within us). It must be
cultivated and nurtured that we might grow in
understanding and endure to the end of our lives.
59
Three Restored Truths
About Repentance
60
WHAT IS “TRUE REPENTANCE”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
•There are theologians who take the concept of "salvation by
faith alone" so far as to claim that we can be saved without
repentance.
•Some say that "repentance" is simply "a change of mind
about who Christ is," that the term is strictly limited to the
meaning of the Greek term given in the New Testament.
However, if that is true, how would their concept of repentance
be different from their concept of faith?
•Some maintain that repentance does not have to bear fruit –
that we can be “carnal Christians” who never obey God and live
however we like, yet we will still be saved.
61
Using the Bible Alone, What Do We Learn About
"Repentance"?
62
WHAT IS “TRUE REPENTANCE”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Using the Bible alone, let's look at some aspects of repentance
that we need to remember:
a.Repentance, not just faith, is absolutely necessary for
salvation (Acts 3:19, 11:18).
b.Repentance necessarily involves turning away from sin.
(Acts 3:26).
c.Repentance must bear fruit in the life of every believer
(Luke 3:8, 1 John 3:9, Acts 26:20).
63
WHAT IS TRUE “REPENTANCE”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
a. Repentance, not just faith, saves.
Repentance is not optional. It is a necessary element of Christ's
gospel. Repentance saves.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out.
Acts 3:19
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and
glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles
granted repentance unto life.
Acts 11:18
So repentance has a direct bearing on our salvation. Christ's
gospel requires that both faith and repentance must be evident
in the life of any true believer.
64
WHAT IS TRUE “REPENTANCE”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
b. Turning Away from Sin
A true repentance means that we begin to look at sin with the
same revulsion that God would. It is more than “a change of
mind”; it is a change of life. This is what repentance meant to
every believer in the New Testament Church:
26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him
to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his
iniquities.
Acts 3:26
65
WHAT IS “TRUE REPENTANCE”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
c. Genuine repentance will bear fruit.
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance.
Luke 3:8 (KJV)
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.
(The NIV Bible says, "No one who is born of God will
continue to sin.”)
1 John 3:9
But he showed first unto them . . . that they should repent
and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Acts 26:20
Every true believer will experience a change in the pattern of
sin. This is not a work of man, but rather it is a supernatural act
of God’s grace changing our lives.
66
WHAT IS “TRUE REPENTANCE”?
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Despite Bible passages like Acts 3:19, 11:18, 3:26, Luke 3:8,
and 1 John 3:9, some Christians continue to distort the meaning
of repentance, deny its saving power and insist that a believer
who just has faith can live a carnal life of unabated sin as long
as he simply “accepted Christ as his Savior.”
Thus, the need for the Book of Mormon.
67
Using the Bible and Book of Mormon,
What Do We Learn About Repentance?
68
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
Behold, now I say unto you, that he commandeth you to repent;
and except ye repent, ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom
of God.
Alma 7:13
And thou also hast heard, that whoso repenteth not, must
perish.
1 Nephi 3:212
For the Lord covenanteth with none, save it be with them
that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of
Israel.
2 Nephi 12:78
69
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
7
And King Benjamin again opened his mouth, and began
to speak unto them . . .
8
For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at
this time, has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness,
and your worthless and fallen state;
9I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the
goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom,
and his patience, and his long suffering toward the children of
men . . .
(continued on next slide)
70
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
13 And again: Believe that ye must repent of your sins and
forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask
in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you . . .
20 Even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain
in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own
nothingness, and his goodness and long suffering toward you
unworthy creatures,
21 And humble yourselves even in the depths of humility,
calling on the name of the Lord daily and standing steadfastly
in the faith of that which is to
come . . .
(continued on next slide)
71
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
31 . . . and except he repenteth of that which he hath done,
he perisheth for ever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of
God.
32 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend
upon the same being, even God, for all the substance which we
have; for both food, and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and
for the riches which we have of every kind?
(continued on next slide)
72
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
33
And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his
name, and begging for a remission of your sins.
34
And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain?
35
Nay, he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has
caused that your hearts should be filled with joy . . .
Mosiah 2:7-35
73
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye
may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be
bound down by the chains of hell . . .
Alma 10:30
74
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
a. Repentance, Not Just Faith, Is Necessary For Salvation
Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men; for the arms of
mercy are extended toward them, and he saith, Repent, and I
will receive you.
Alma 3:57
•If you were taught a "faith alone" gospel that denied the
importance of repentance, you can make a fresh start.
•More than simply "accepting Jesus" as Savior, you can repent
of your sins and turn away from them.
75
WHAT IS “TRUE REPENTANCE”?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
b. Repentance Necessarily Involves Turning Away From Sin
And they did all declare unto the people the self-same thing; that
their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire
to do evil.
Alma 12:176
And now my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart,
yea, with great anxiety, even unto pain, that ye would hearken
unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate
the day of your repentance . . .
Alma 10:27
76
WHAT IS “TRUE REPENTANCE”?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
b. Repentance Necessarily Involves Turning Away From Sin
O repent ye, repent ye! Why will ye die? Turn ye, turn ye unto
the Lord your God.Helaman 3:18
For ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come
unto me with full purpose of heart . . .
3 Nephi 8:65
. . . if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of
heart.
3 Nephi 4:58
Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost . . . could not
look upon sin, save it were with abhorrence.
Alma10:4
77
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
b. Repentance Necessarily Involves Turning Away From Sin
87 For the arms of mercy were extended toward them, and they
would not; they being warned of their iniquities, and yet they
would not depart from them;
88 And they were commanded to repent, and yet they would
not repent.
89 And now had ye not ought to tremble and repent of your
sins, and remember only in and through Christ ye can be
saved?
Mosiah 8:87-89
78
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
c. Genuine Repentance Bears Fruit
And now my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren, and ye
had ought to be beloved, and ye had ought to bring forth works
which are meet for repentance, seeing that your hearts have
been grossly hardened against the word of God, and seeing that
ye are a lost and a fallen people.
Alma 7:46
79
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
c. Genuine Repentance Bears Fruit
That he [God] is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto
the children of men, and that he has all power to save every
man that believeth on his name, and bringeth forth fruit meet
for repentance.
Alma 9:27
And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves
before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye
may also enter into that rest.
Alma 10:6
80
WHAT IS TRUE REPENTANCE?
What does the Book of Mormon say about
“repentance”?
Three Restored Truths About Repentance:
a.Repentance, not just faith, is necessary for salvation.
b.Repentance is more than “a change of mind about who
Christ is.” Repentance requires a "turning away from sin.”
c.Repentance must bear fruit in the life of every true
believer. If a person truly repents, it is not possible to be a
“carnal Christian” (i.e., with no change in the pattern of sin).
81
Five Restored Truths
About Water Baptism
82
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
In Christianity today, there is a bewildering difference of opinion
regarding water baptism. Let’s look at two widely-held views:
1.Protestantism. Adherents of a “faith alone” gospel believe
that being “born again” strictly refers to receiving the gift of
the Holy Spirit at the point of initial belief. At that moment,
salvation is secured for eternity and you are “born again.”
In making a public commitment to Christ, many
protestants today rely on a practice called "decisionism" in
which the new convert "accepts Jesus" as his Savior by raising
a hand, walking an aisle, repeating a sinner's prayer, signing a
card or reciting a pledge.
83
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Protestantism (continued)
To protestants, water baptism is a “work” and not part of
Christ’s gospel. It is a good thing to do after you have been
saved, but it does not save you. To many, baptism is merely an
“outward sign” of an inward grace.
There are many protestants (such as Methodists, Lutherans,
Reformed and Anglican) who, for various reasons, still practice
baptism of infants or small children.
84
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Protestantism (continued)
Baptist churches strongly object to infant baptism and practice
only “believer’s baptism” (the candidate must be aware of the
commitment they are making). They view baptism as an “act of
obedience” that occurs after you are saved. However, it is
required before you can be a church member or partake of the
Lord’s Supper. But baptism is not an element of salvation and
therefore not part of the gospel.
85
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Protestantism (continued)
In baptizing by water, some churches sprinkle, partially immerse,
or immerse completely. Baptist churches practice total
immersion. In protestant churches, it is an act that they are
encouraged to do, but it is not a requirement of their gospels
(i.e., not necessary for salvation). Quakers, Salvation Army,
Christian Scientists and Unitarians do not even baptize.
Since protestants adhere to the concept of “the priesthood of all
believers,” technically any believer has the authority to baptize
someone. However, in actual practice a minister normally
performs this sacrament.
86
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
2.Catholicism. In the Catholic Church, baptism is necessary for
salvation (part of their gospel). By it, they are supposed to obtain
forgiveness for original sin, personal sin and the punishment for
sin. Infant baptism is supposed to remove both the guilt and
punishment of original sin. Thus, the infant is “freed from the
power of darkness.” Water is poured on the head of the infant
by a priest or bishop. At around the age of 12, a child then
receives confirmation to consecrate or empower him for
service to God.
87
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Catholicism (continued):
From the Catholic perspective, a genuine faith must continue to
grow. The Eucharist (or Mass) becomes part of the believer’s
ongoing growth and commitment (John 6:53-56). Baptism,
confirmation and the Eucharist are three of the seven
sacraments, and all three are supposed to have a bearing on
salvation. This approach is much more consistent across
Catholicism, but it is the opposite order to the protestant view we
just discussed.
Approximately 1.8 billion Christians adhere to one of the
two perspectives discussed in these five slides.
88
Using the Bible Alone, What Do We Learn About
Water Baptism?
89
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Before we examine what the Bible has to say about water
baptism, it might be good to clarify two things:
•Salvation is initiated by the grace of God calling us to a
recognition of our sinful condition, our need for faith in
Jesus Christ and a genuine repentance for sin.
•Without this internal condition of the heart, baptism is a
meaningless exercise. In fact, it is not baptism at all.
90
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Using the Bible alone, we see that Jesus and Nicodemus had
this conversation in John 3:
3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God.
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when
he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb,
and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God.
John 3:3-5
91
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
In Jerusalem, a crowd listening to Peter’s sermon believed the
gospel but had not yet received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They
asked this question: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Peter’s answer was immediate and clear:
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 2:36-37
Here, a people believed. Then they repented and were baptized
“for the remission of sins.” After that, they received the gift of
the Holy Spirit.
92
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Does baptism have the power to save?
Ananias told Saul:
And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and
wash away thy sins.
Acts 22:16
The gospels describe the baptism of John the Baptist:
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching
the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 3:3
Peter’s first epistle refers to being saved by water:
20. . . in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing,
wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save
us . . .
1 Peter 3:20-21
93
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Continuing our study in the Bible alone, miracles followed
Philip’s ministry in a city in Samaria as he proclaimed the
gospel, and many were baptized.
12But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,
they were baptized, both men and women.
Then, Peter and John came from Jerusalem and:
15 . . . prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost
17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:12-17
94
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
How should baptism be properly administered?
Using the Bible alone, we see that we are required to enter the
water to be fully immersed in order to symbolize Christ's death
and resurrection:
4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
Romans 6:4-5
95
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Should little children be baptized or blessed?
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch
them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto
them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them
not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom
of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them,
and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
96
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED,
HAS THE POWER TO SAVE.
Existing Doctrinal Confusion
Using the Bible alone, we see that baptism performs three
functions:
1.
Baptism Saves. Administered properly, baptism is an
integral part of salvation (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Luke 3:3 and 1
Peter 3:20-21).
2.
Baptism Initiates a Covenant Relationship with God
to Obey His Commands. Baptism is the means that God has
provided for us to become disciples (Acts 2:42).
3.
Baptism is the Method of Entrance into Christ's
Church. Baptism is the means by which we are numbered
among the members of Christ's church (Acts 2:41).
97
Using the Bible and Book of Mormon,
What Do We Learn About Water Baptism?
98
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What Does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Three purposes of baptism:
1. Remission of sins – Speaking of baptism:
a.
Mosiah 9:40 says, “ . . . that ye may be redeemed of God,
and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye
may have eternal life,”
b.
Mosiah 9:44 says, “ . . . and may he grant unto you
eternal life through the redemption of Christ.”
c.Alma 3:108 says, “. . . be baptized unto repentance, that ye
also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life.”
d.Alma 5:25 says, “. . . be baptized unto repentance, that ye
may be washed from your sins. . . “
e.2 Nephi 6:48 says, “. . . they must repent and be baptized
. . . or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
99
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
First Restored Truth About Baptism:
•Baptism, properly administered, has the power to save.
Therefore, it is part of Christ’s gospel.
•Baptism is more than simply an “outward sign” of an
inward grace. Baptism is “an inward grace bearing fruit in
the life of the believer (i.e., God’s grace working in us to
accomplish his purposes).”
100
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Three purposes of baptism (continued):
2.
Covenant to obey God’s commands – Speaking of
baptism:
a.
Mosiah 9:41 says, “ye will serve him and keep his
commandments . . .”
b.
Mosiah 9:44 says, “I baptize thee . . . as a testimony that
ye have entered into a covenant to serve him . . .”
c.Alma 5:27 says, “Enter into a covenant with him to keep his
commandments... by going into the waters of baptism.”
d.2 Nephi 13:7-9 says, “. . . the Lamb of God . . . baptized by
water . . . witnesseth . . . that he would be obedient . . .”
101
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Second Restored Truth About Baptism:
• By the holy ordinance of baptism, we become disciples
of Christ and covenant to, by the grace of God, walk in
obedience to his commandments.
102
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Three purposes of baptism (continued):
3. Method of entrance into Christ's church – Speaking of
baptism:
a. Mosiah 9:39 says, “And now, as ye are desirous to come into
the fold of God, and be called his people . . .”
b. Mosiah 9:50 says, “. . . whosoever was baptized by the power
and authority of God, was added to his church.”
c.Alma 2:4 says, “. . . many were baptized . . . and were joined
to the church of God.”
d.Mosiah 11:129 says, “ . . . this is my church: whosoever is
baptized . . .”
10
3
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Third Restored Truth About Baptism:
• Baptism is the means by which we become numbered
among the faithful and affiliate with his church on earth.
104
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
So to summarize what we've learned so far:
“Baptism” is a holy ordinance of God that necessarily
involves a:
1. remission of sin,
2. covenant to obey God’s commands (discipleship), and
3. method of entrance into Christ's church.
We call these restored truths because these facts have, to one
degree or another, been lost to many in the Christian community.
105
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
How should baptism be properly administered?
Mosiah 9:37-46 describes how Alma baptized 204 new
believers in the waters of Mormon:
v. 37 And he did teach them repentance, and redemption
and faith on the Lord.
v. 43 . . . went and stood forth in the water . . .
v. 44 . . . the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said,
Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the
Almighty God.
v. 45 . . . buried in the water . . .
106
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
How should baptism be properly administered?
Fourth Restored Truth About Baptism:
Baptism, properly administered, must involve the
following:
• The person being baptized must have faith in Christ
and a repentance for sin.
• The minister must have authority from God.
• The ordinance must represent the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
107
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
“If I was baptized in another church, why do I have to be
baptized in yours?”
1.In other churches, baptism does not represent the three
functions of remission of sins, a covenant to obey and church
membership.
2.When you were baptized in another church, it conveyed a
loyalty to a different set of commandments, not the fullness of
the gospel as found in the three standard writings of Christ’s
church.
3.In Acts 19, when the twelve men at Ephesus had not fully
understood the gospel, Paul re-baptized them.
108
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Should little children be baptized or blessed?
9
Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous, but
sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they
that are sick; wherefore little children are whole, for they are not
capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken
from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of
circumcision is done away in me.
10
And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the
word of God unto me; wherefore my beloved son, I know that it
is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little
children.
Moroni 8:9-10
109
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Should little children be baptized or blessed?
•The Book of Mormon leaves no doubt that baptism of little
children is a false doctrine.
•Such a practice distorts the gospel of Christ and causes people
to believe that a little child's soul is in danger unless he is
baptized.
•Those who believe that the Bible is God’s only scripture are
confused about this issue. However, the Book of Mormon takes
a very clear position on this matter.
110
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Should little children be baptized or blessed?
23. . . and he [Jesus] took their little children, one by one, and
blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
24. . . and saith unto them, Behold your little ones.
25And as they looked to behold, they cast their eyes toward
heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels
descending out of heaven as it were, in the midst of fire; and
they came down and encircled those little ones about.
3 Nephi 8:23-25
111
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
What does the Book of Mormon say about
"water baptism"?
Should little children be baptized or blessed?
Fifth Restored Truth About Baptism
The Book of Mormon clearly states that little children
should not be baptized; rather, they should be blessed.
112
BAPTISM, PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, HAS
THE POWER TO SAVE.
IN SUMMARY:
FIVE RESTORED TRUTHS ABOUT WATER BAPTISM:
1.Baptism has the power to save.
2.Baptism is a holy ordinance of God that necessarily
involves a remission of sin, a covenant to obey and a
method of entrance into Christ’s church.
3.Baptism, properly administered, must be performed by
one who has authority from God and must represent the
death and resurrection of Christ.
4.Those who affiliate with Christ’s church should be
baptized, even if they were baptized in another church.
5.Little children should not be baptized.
113
SUMMARY
•The Book of Mormon makes the claim that it:
1.contains the “fullness of Christ’s gospel.”
2.restores parts of the gospel that have been lost.
•This presentation provides 12 examples of restored truths
relative to Christ’s gospel.
•We could give many more examples of restored truths.
•Today, many Christian denominations staunchly maintain a
belief in the “Bible alone” as an undergirding, bedrock principle
of their faith. They reject the fullness of the gospel and will not
listen. But God wants to speak to his people today, just as
he did in times past.
114
CONCLUSION
35 Wo be unto him that shall say, We have received the word
of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we
have enough . . .
44 . . . many of the Gentiles shall say, A bible, a bible, we have
got a bible, and there cannot be any more bible . . .
53 Thou fool, that shall say, A bible, we have got a bible and we
need no more bible . . .
59 Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness
unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto
another?
61 . . . the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
67 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews, and they shall write it.
68 And I shall speak unto the Nephites, and they
shall write it.
2 Nephi 12:35-68
115
Therefore whosoever heareth these
sayings of mine, and doeth them I
will liken him unto a wise man, which
built his house upon a rock. And the
rain descended, and the floods came,
and the winds blew, and beat upon
that house: and it fell not: for it was
founded upon a rock.
Matthew 7:26-27 116
Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any
man hear my voice,
and open the door, I
will come in to him,
and will sup with him,
and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
117
118
APPENDIX
119
THE CLARITY OF
CHRIST'S GOSPEL
IN THE BOOK OF
MORMON
120
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
Material Sufficiency of the Bible
The Bible is "materially sufficient."
In other words, the doctrines of Christ's
gospel can be found in the Bible for
those who are willing to search diligently.
The material or doctrines of the gospel are
there if we look hard enough. Thus, it is
possible for a person who studies the
biblical text to enter into a saved condition
and obtain the gift of eternal life.
121
RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
Formal Sufficiency of the Book of Mormon
Though the “material,” or doctrines, of the
gospel can be found there, the Bible itself is
not what we might call "formally sufficient."
In other words, certain aspects of the gospel are not always
delivered in a form that makes it easy for a seeker to obtain
a clear understanding of every doctrine. As a result, there is
a great deal of confusion and disagreement among Christians.
The Book of Mormon clarifies the doctrines of Christ. It is given
in a form that leaves little doubt about what Christ meant. The
Book of Mormon is “formally sufficient,” meaning that doctrines
are explained in a form, or manner, that makes it easier to
understand Christ’s gospel.
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RESTORED TRUTHS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
Formal Sufficiency of the Book of Mormon
For my soul delighteth in plainness:
for after this manner doth the Lord God
work among the children of men.
2 Nephi 13:4
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