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:And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. ({{s||Moroni|10|32-33}}) | :And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. ({{s||Moroni|10|32-33}}) | ||
− | Latter-day Saints do not wish to simply pay "lip service" to Jesus, as Dr. Whitcomb says. Therefore, they seek to obey when Jesus commands them to do something. To say we believe while not trying to obey (however imperfectly) would indeed be to give lip service. As Jesus Himself taught, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" ({{ | + | Latter-day Saints do not wish to simply pay "lip service" to Jesus, as Dr. Whitcomb says. Therefore, they seek to obey when Jesus commands them to do something. To say we believe while not trying to obey (however imperfectly) would indeed be to give lip service. As Jesus Himself taught, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" ({{b||John|14|15}}). |
And, after presenting His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes us: | And, after presenting His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes us: | ||
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: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. | :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. | ||
:And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: | :And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: | ||
− | :And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. ({{ | + | :And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. ({{b||Matthew|7|24-27}}). |
Is Jesus lying, or does He expect us to obey to the extent we are able? | Is Jesus lying, or does He expect us to obey to the extent we are able? | ||
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"According to the Bible," Jesus also says: | "According to the Bible," Jesus also says: | ||
− | *"He that believeth ''and is baptized'' shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."{{ | + | *"He that believeth ''and is baptized'' shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."{{b||Mark|16|16}} {{ea}} |
− | *"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."({{ | + | *"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."({{b||Matthew|7|21}}) |
− | *"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." ({{ | + | *"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." ({{b||Matthew|24|13}}) |
− | *"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, ''to give every man according as his work'' shall be."({{ | + | *"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, ''to give every man according as his work'' shall be."({{b||Revelation|22|12}}) {{ea}} |
− | *"Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.... Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.... Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ({{ | + | *"Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.... Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.... Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ({{b||Matthew|25|31-46}}) {{ea}} |
The Bible also says: | The Bible also says: | ||
− | *And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ({{ | + | *And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ({{b|1|Jn|2|3-4}}) |
− | *But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ({{ | + | *But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ({{b||James|1|22}}) |
− | *What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.... ({{ | + | *What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.... ({{b||Romans|6|15}}) |
− | *...if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.... ({{ | + | *...if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.... ({{b||Hebrews|10|26}}) |
− | *For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. ({{ | + | *For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. ({{b|1|Jn|5|3}}) |
− | *Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. ({{ | + | *Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. ({{b||Galatians|6|7}}) |
− | *...all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; ''they that have done good'', unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. ({{ | + | *...all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; ''they that have done good'', unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. ({{b||John|5|28-29}}) {{ea}} |
− | *For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ({{ | + | *For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ({{b||Ephesians|2|10}}) |
− | *This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. ({{ | + | *This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. ({{b||Titus|3|8}}) |
− | *That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;({{ | + | *That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;({{b||Colossians|1|10}}) |
− | *Nothing saves us without Christ. But, "He that saith, I know [Christ], and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." ({{ | + | *Nothing saves us without Christ. But, "He that saith, I know [Christ], and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." ({{b|1|Jn|2|3-4}}) |
'''To read more:''' | '''To read more:''' | ||
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The LDS position is here distorted very badly. | The LDS position is here distorted very badly. | ||
− | The atonement of Christ, operative in our individual lives, is required for each of us to enter the "celestial heaven" (as demonstrated extensively above). Yet, Christ sets the terms whereby the atonement may be received. LDS believe that all mankind will be saved in a kingdom of glory because of the universal atonement of the Savior. "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" ({{ | + | The atonement of Christ, operative in our individual lives, is required for each of us to enter the "celestial heaven" (as demonstrated extensively above). Yet, Christ sets the terms whereby the atonement may be received. LDS believe that all mankind will be saved in a kingdom of glory because of the universal atonement of the Savior. "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" ({{b|1|Corinthians|15|21-22}}). This is without action on our part, but as a result of a loving Savior's atoning sacrifice and God the Father's plan of salvation. |
We see, at last, the complaint which the critics have against the Latter-day Saints. The critics insist that no action of mankind's, aside from fervent, correct belief in Christ and the action of personally accepting Christ as their savior, is required for salvation. | We see, at last, the complaint which the critics have against the Latter-day Saints. The critics insist that no action of mankind's, aside from fervent, correct belief in Christ and the action of personally accepting Christ as their savior, is required for salvation. | ||
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Yet, Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ brings salvation without action on our part, without even the requirements that other faiths add to the process. But, they find it hypocritical and nonsensical to talk about a fervent faith that does not lead to fervent efforts to do one's best to honor Christ's commandments, seek His will, obey His words, and imitate His sinless life. If we love, honor, and trust someone, why would we not try to be like them to the extent possible? How we apply these lessons has a great deal to do with how the atonement will be applied in our lives beyond the life in a heaven that comes to all men. | Yet, Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ brings salvation without action on our part, without even the requirements that other faiths add to the process. But, they find it hypocritical and nonsensical to talk about a fervent faith that does not lead to fervent efforts to do one's best to honor Christ's commandments, seek His will, obey His words, and imitate His sinless life. If we love, honor, and trust someone, why would we not try to be like them to the extent possible? How we apply these lessons has a great deal to do with how the atonement will be applied in our lives beyond the life in a heaven that comes to all men. | ||
− | Of course we will not succeed perfectly in this undertaking—but, the sincerity of our faith compels us to offer our best efforts—not because we think they will save us (they will not) but because we love Christ, and desire to obey Him. As Jesus asked rhetorically, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" ({{ | + | Of course we will not succeed perfectly in this undertaking—but, the sincerity of our faith compels us to offer our best efforts—not because we think they will save us (they will not) but because we love Christ, and desire to obey Him. As Jesus asked rhetorically, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" ({{b||Luke|6|46}}) |
The Latter-day Saints desire to make Jesus not just Lord of their lips, but Lord of their lives. | The Latter-day Saints desire to make Jesus not just Lord of their lips, but Lord of their lives. | ||
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The early Christians were certainly both Christians and believers in the Biblical texts. Evangelical author David Bercot responded to the charge that the Early Christians didn't properly "understand" the Bible the way 20th century Christians do by pointing out that Clement of Alexandria quoted the New Testament 2,400 times and Tertullian 7,000 times. Bercot concludes: | The early Christians were certainly both Christians and believers in the Biblical texts. Evangelical author David Bercot responded to the charge that the Early Christians didn't properly "understand" the Bible the way 20th century Christians do by pointing out that Clement of Alexandria quoted the New Testament 2,400 times and Tertullian 7,000 times. Bercot concludes: | ||
− | :''So please don't accuse the early Christians ''[and, we would add, LDS Christians]'' of not reading their Bibles. These Christians were well aware of what Paul had written concerning salvation and grace. After all, Paul personally taught men like Clement of Rome. However, the early Christians didn't put Paul's letters to the Romans and the Galatians on a pedestal above the teachings of Jesus and the other apostles. They read Paul's words about grace in conjunction with such other scriptures as''...{{ | + | :''So please don't accuse the early Christians ''[and, we would add, LDS Christians]'' of not reading their Bibles. These Christians were well aware of what Paul had written concerning salvation and grace. After all, Paul personally taught men like Clement of Rome. However, the early Christians didn't put Paul's letters to the Romans and the Galatians on a pedestal above the teachings of Jesus and the other apostles. They read Paul's words about grace in conjunction with such other scriptures as''...{{b||Matthew|7|21}}...{{b||Matthew|24|13}}...{{b||John|5|28-29}}...{{b||Revelation|22|12}}...{{b|1|Timothy|4|16}}... |
::<small>—{{Heretics|start=63|end=64}}</small> | ::<small>—{{Heretics|start=63|end=64}}</small> | ||
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Bercot continues: | Bercot continues: | ||
− | :''So, the real issue isn't a matter of ''believing'' the Scriptures, but one of ''interpreting'' the scriptures. The Bible says that "by yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" ({{ | + | :''So, the real issue isn't a matter of ''believing'' the Scriptures, but one of ''interpreting'' the scriptures. The Bible says that "by yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" ({{b||Ephesians|2|8-9}}). And yet the Bible also says, "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" ({{b||James|2|24}}). Our [i.e. evangelical] doctrine of salvation accepts that first statement but essentially nullifies the second. The early Christian doctrine of salvation gives equal weight to both."'' |
::<small>—{{Heretics|start=63|end=64}} {{eo}}</small> | ::<small>—{{Heretics|start=63|end=64}} {{eo}}</small> | ||
The Latter-day Saints likewise honor ''all'' facets of salvation taught in scripture, not just some of them. | The Latter-day Saints likewise honor ''all'' facets of salvation taught in scripture, not just some of them. | ||
− | The Bible does not "refute" the idea of ordinances for salvation. When the apostles preached to a crowd, and the people were pricked in their hearts, they cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" ({{ | + | The Bible does not "refute" the idea of ordinances for salvation. When the apostles preached to a crowd, and the people were pricked in their hearts, they cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" ({{b||Acts|2|37}}). |
Peter did ''not'' reply: "simply have faith in Jesus, and don't worry about any ordinances." He said: | Peter did ''not'' reply: "simply have faith in Jesus, and don't worry about any ordinances." He said: | ||
− | :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. ({{ | + | :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. ({{b||Acts|2|38}}) |
Peter's answer is exactly what the fourth Article of Faith calls for after faith in Jesus Christ: repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. | Peter's answer is exactly what the fourth Article of Faith calls for after faith in Jesus Christ: repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. | ||
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− | ! <h2 style="margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Claim: "Joseph Smith's Doctrine & Covenants teaches that Joseph himself holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven (on screen) 'Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come.... '({{s||DC|90|3}}) (on screen ends) and if Joseph Smith holds the keys to heaven then how can Jesus claim, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth'? ({{ | + | ! <h2 style="margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Claim: "Joseph Smith's Doctrine & Covenants teaches that Joseph himself holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven (on screen) 'Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come.... '({{s||DC|90|3}}) (on screen ends) and if Joseph Smith holds the keys to heaven then how can Jesus claim, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth'? ({{b||Matthew|28|18}})"</h2> |
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Jesus told Peter, the chief apostle: | Jesus told Peter, the chief apostle: | ||
− | :And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ({{ | + | :And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ({{b||Matthew|16|19}}) |
Peter was told that he would hold the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." The power of these keys was to continue into the hereafter, since Peter's actions on earth would have validity in the world to come. | Peter was told that he would hold the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." The power of these keys was to continue into the hereafter, since Peter's actions on earth would have validity in the world to come. | ||
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− | ! <h2 style="margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Claim: "God's word tells us that 'there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.... ' ({{ | + | ! <h2 style="margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Claim: "God's word tells us that 'there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.... ' ({{b|1|Timothy|2|5}}) In stark contrast, Brigham Young stated, '...that no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith.' (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7 p 289)"</h2> |
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At the Last Supper, Jesus himself taught His apostles: | At the Last Supper, Jesus himself taught His apostles: | ||
− | :Ye [the apostles] are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ({{ | + | :Ye [the apostles] are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ({{b||Luke|22|28-30}}; see also {{b||Matthew|19|28}}.) |
Since the Latter-day Saints accept the witness that Joseph was called as an apostle and prophet (see [http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/21/1#1 D&C 21:1]) with the same authority as that given to Peter, James, John, and others, they do not think it strange that he will likewise play a role in judgment. | Since the Latter-day Saints accept the witness that Joseph was called as an apostle and prophet (see [http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/21/1#1 D&C 21:1]) with the same authority as that given to Peter, James, John, and others, they do not think it strange that he will likewise play a role in judgment. | ||
− | The witness of a prophet will always be brought against those who did not accept his witness of Christ (see {{ | + | The witness of a prophet will always be brought against those who did not accept his witness of Christ (see {{b||Matthew|10|40}}; {{b||John|5|45-47}}). Could first century Christians accept Christ while rejecting the witness of Peter or Paul? |
'''Another incomplete quote''' | '''Another incomplete quote''' |
<metadesc>Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith Search for the Truth DVD Good News for Mormons</metadesc>
Eternal Life |
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