Bible Question:
As a Mormon myself, I have never been taught to believe any of the things you have listed upon your site. I wonder because many people claim they know what a Mormon does or does not believe because they have heard or read the Book of Mormon and interpreted what it says to mean something other than what we teach. Have any of you gone to a Latter Day Saint Church and talked with an elder, sat in on lessons to debate, or ask questions? I would like to see if this is answered solely to me or if this question will actually be listed under questions and answers for all to see.
Bible Answer:
I have personally spent many hours speaking with Mormon elders about their beliefs and have been friends with a Mormon for many years. One of my first encounters with a Mormon elder was very revealing. He was sharing the Mormon view about Jesus Christ with a woman. I had been asked to attend the meeting. During the meeting the Mormon elder shared the Mormon perspective and stated that Jesus was God. At which point I asked if he believed that Jesus was created as a man. At that point he paused and seemed frustrated and then stated, “That is our deeper teaching.” He did not want to reveal at first that Mormons believed Jesus was created as a man and later became one of many gods.
I have also met with Mormon elders to discuss Mormon doctrine. They confirmed what I had heard earlier about Mormon doctrine. It also became clear that Mormons do not depend upon the Book of Mormon (BOM) for their doctrine. They depend upon the “Pearl of Great Price” and the “Doctrine of Covenants” for their doctrine. That was surprising since Mormons claim that the BOM is perfect and accuse the Bible of being inaccurate. When I stated that the BOM has undergone thousands of changes they did not disagree. The changes were necessary since the original BOM advocates doctrines contrary to some of their current beliefs. That diminishes the integrity of the BOM as a source of Mormon truth. In sharp contrast, the Bible is 99.8% accurate – virtually perfect when compared to the original documents.
Mormons use some of the same terminology as Christians but they have re-defined their terms. Consequently, at first they appear to sound like real Christians. Christians must be aware that just because they use familiar words it does not mean they are Christians. The scriptures clearly teach that Jesus was God from the beginning of time. He has always been God. Jesus Christ, Jehovah (the Father), and the Holy Spirit are one God (Isa. 43:10; 44:6; 45:5; 48:16). Here are just a few additonal passages. The first passage of scripture reveals that Jesus was and is Jehovah. Jesus said the same thing that Jehovah said about Himself in Exodus 3:14. It is a statement that reveals He has always existed as God. The second one is a statement by Jesus Christ that He has always existed and will always exist. He is God eternal.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” John 8:58 (NAS95S)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end . . . I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. Rev 22:13, 16 (NAS95S)
Conclusion:
Have you been a Mormon very long? I would encourage you to read the testimony of two ex-Mormons, Jerald and Sandra Tanner and to visit the website “To Those Who Are Investigating Mormonism.” Let me suggest some books from former Mormons who have described Mormon beliefs. The first book is “Beyond Mormonism” by James R. Spencer. Another is “Mormon Claims” by Marvin Cowan. There are several extensive ministries to Mormons by former Mormons who seek to help Mormons understand the truth: Utah Christian Publications (www.utahchristianpub.org) and the Utah Lighthouse Ministry (www.utlm.org). For some Christians, Mormonism can be convincing if you do not know your Bible very well.
Suggested Books:
3,913 Changes in the Book of Mormon
Mormonism – Shadow or Reality?
False Prophecies of Joseph Smith
Suggested Links:
What does it mean that Jesus was the first born of creation?What does the Bible mean when it says Jesus is the only begotten Son?
Are we little gods?
Mormons claim that they have present day prophets. Is this true?
Searching for God