Divine Truths in the Book of Mormon
Anyone visited by a Mormon Missionary has heard the Elder's
testimony concerning the Book of Mormon: That he knows this book is
the Word of God and that the founder of the Mormon Church, Joseph
Smith, Jr., translated it by the gift and power of God. Further, the
prospect is encouraged sincerely to study the Book of Mormon and "The
divine truths it contains."
The Book of Mormon indeed does contain a number of "divine
truths", first set forth in the Bible, the most important of which
are:
1. GOD IS SPIRIT
Alma 18:28 (p. 242) - "Believest, thou that this Great Spirit,
who is God, created all things".
2. TRINITARIAN VIEW OF GOD
3 Nephi 11:27 (p. 422) - "Verily I say unto you, that the Father
and the Son and the Holy Ghost are one." In addition, three close
associates of Joseph Smith who gave testimony of the authenticity of
the Book of Mormon, close with words: "And the honor be to the Father,
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, WHICH IS ONE GOD. Amen."
(emphasis added) This endorsement is found in the front of every Book
of Mormon and further documents the Book of Mormon's acknowledgement
of the triune nature of God.
3. GOD IS UNCHANGEABLE
Moroni 8:18 (p. 517) - "For I know that God is not a partial God,
neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity
to all eternity."
4. NO SALVATION AFTER DEATH
Mosiah 3:25 (p. 141) - "And if they be evil they are consigned to
an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause
them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery
and endless torment, from whence they can no more return; therefore
they have drunk damnation to their own souls."
5. ONLY TWO DESTINATIONS AFTER DEATH
Mosiah 16:11 (p. 166) - "If they be good, to the resurrection of
endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection
of endless damnation."
6. SALVATION BY CHRIST"S WORK - NOT MAN'S
Helaman 5:9 (p. 369) - "...remember that there is no other way
nor means whereby men can be saved, only through the atoning blood of
Jesus Christ, who shall come, yea, remember that he cometh to redeem
the world."
The Book of Mormon also emphasizes the need for spiritual
rebirth. For example Alma 5:14 states "And now behold, I ask of you,
my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have
ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this
mighty change in your hearts?"
Much of the major theology set forth in the Book of Mormon is
indeed in harmony with orthodox Christianity. However, many who are
visited by the LDS Missionaries are unaware that the present theology
of the Mormon Church is very different from their own Book of Mormon.
Further, not only are today's major doctrines different, they are in
total opposition with this work of Joseph Smith, Jr., for which he
claimed divine inspiration.
Mormon theology is not contained in, but rather contradicted by
the Book of Mormon. The members of the Mormon Church now turn to
newer publications and revelations for their beliefs. A brief
examination of some of these will document the contradictions.
1. Mormonism today teaches "The Father has a body of flesh and bones
as tangible as man's" (Doctrine & Covenants 130:22).
2. Joseph Smith, later in his life, flatly denied the Trinity: "Many
men say there is one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are
one God! I saw that is a strange God anyhow - three in one, and one
in three!" He further concludes that the Father, Son and the Holy
Ghost are not one God, but rather three Gods (History of the Church
6:474, 476).
3. The LDS Church no longer adheres to the unchangeable nature of God,
but rather states: "God himself was once as we are now and is an
exalted man... We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all
eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you
may see". (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345).
4. Bruce R. McConkie announces on page 73 of his work, 'Mormon
Doctrine': "The Lord has ordained baptism for the dead as the means
whereby all his worthy children of all ages can become heirs of
salvation in his kingdom."
5. Mormonism today informs its members that all mankind will occupy
one of three heavenly kingdoms. The highest is the Celestial Kingdom
(which itself contains various levels). This kingdom is reserved for
all faithful Mormons and could lead to Godhood for the male members
there. The middle Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, is for those who
did not accept the gospel according to Mormonism, but who lived an
honorable life. The lowest or Telestial Kingdom still contains
murderers, adulterers, liars and thieves. (Doctrine & Covenants
section 76). Hell in Mormonism is usually thought to be only a
temporary state of suffering, which can be terminated through self-
atonement. In summary, all will be resurrected and receive some
degree of glory, according to Mormonism.
6. Mormons believe not in the infinite atonement of Christ, but rather
that "redemption from personal sins can only be obtained through
obedience to the requirements of the Gospel, AND A LIFE OF GOOD
WORKS." (emphasis added) (Talmage, Articles of Faith pgs. 478-479)
These changes and contradictions contained within these easily
available LDS Scriptures leave no doubt as to the human, man made
origin of Mormonism.
While Mormons regard the Bible as the Word of God, the Bible is
actually placed lower and superseded by their other Scriptures, which
in addition to the Book of Mormon include the Doctrine & Covenants and
the Pearl of Great Price. This devaluation of the Bible is found
within the LDS Articles of Faith, in the Pearl of Great Price, where
it is stated that Mormons "believe the Bible in so far as it is
correctly translated."
God's word, the Bible, has definitely stood the test of time,
whereas in its short existence the Book of Mormon has not. The Bible,
has been used by and confirmed by archeology, - the Book of Mormon has
not. The Bible, has through recent ancient manuscript discoveries,
been demonstrated to have been transmitted and translated accurately,
where the Book of Mormon contains nearly 4000 textual changes from the
first edition in 1830 to the present editions used today, and has
received further changes in the new 1981 "Triple Combination" edition.
The presence of "Divine Truths" within the Book of Mormon is
merely a result of Joseph Smith, Jr. incorporating much of the Bible
into his work. (see 'The use of the Bible in the Book of Mormon by H.
Michael Marquardt). Thus, the Book of Mormon must be regarded as
fiction, not as inspired Scripture.
Changes within Mormonism and the Book of Mormon make it clear
that Mormonism is not from God. God's word does not change. Jesus
Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and His
Word shall never pass away (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35). The Jesus
Christ who shed his blood on Calvary's cross to save you is not the
Jesus of present-day Mormonism. Jesus invites all people to
experience a spiritual rebirth and to receive the free gift of eternal
life by trusting in him alone for salvation.
Write to us and let us share with you more information concerning
our Risen Saviour Jesus Christ and how you can receive Him.
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