#3 Nephi 2-4

[mindfulldsliving]

3 Nephi 2-4: Applying Ancient Teachings to Modern Spiritual Challenges

The Nephite civilization during the time of Christ's ministry was marked by both trials and triumphs. As recorded in the Book of Mormon, this period saw the Nephites and Lamanites joining forces to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers—a symbol

Spiritual Survival in the Last Days: Insights from 3 Nephi 2-4 In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, understanding the principles of spiritual survival is crucial. The teachings in 3 Nephi 2–4 offer invaluable insights into sustaining faith and spiritual preparedness in these challenging last days. We often find ourselves asking how we can maintain spiritual strength when faced with…

[rhunae]

Multiplayer with the hubby, I'm playing a tiefling bard, and he's playing a human druid. Bard has some really fun dialogue choices. He used the default name, Tav. Her name is Nephi.

[loveerran]

LDS Doctrine, 8yr-old Transgender Children and Policy

One of the most shocking things about the new LDS policies for transgender children, is the policy that appears to deny or severely restrict their access to baptism. I discussed that briefly here (last year and recently). This post looks more at the doctrinal side of the question.

LDS doctrine has been amazingly clear and consistent on the treatment of little children prior to the age of accountability (defined as 8yrs-old in Doctrine & Covenants 68) from the very early days of the church. I honestly feel this issue has some nuance, but the church has been absolutely unwavering in stating the tenet that children under the age of 8 cannot sin, or even if they can their sin is swallowed up in the atonement of Christ automatically.

I might personally believe that accountability for actions is a continuum based on the light and law an individual has received (2 Nephi 9:25-6, Luke 12:47-9, Romans 4:15, 5:13, DC 137:7 – a continuum applying to all individuals, regardless of age). However, LDS doctrine and statements are emphatic in declaring the complete innocence of little children, and that the atonement covers them completely until the child is 8 years old:

Moroni 8:8,11-2,14,19 (verses 20+ are much harsher) “...wherefore little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin… their little children need no repentance… little children are alive in Christ, from the foundation of the world… little children cannot repent; wherefore it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them…”

DC 20:71 “No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived at the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance”

DC 68:27 “And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands”

DC 74:7 “But little children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Christ; and this is what the scriptures mean”

See also Mosiah 3:16, Mosiah 15:25, DC 29:46-7, DC 137:10, JST Genesis 17:3-11, etc.

Taken together, little children are whole and clean through Jesus Christ until they arrive at the years of accountability and are capable of repentance. And that age is 8 years old. Church leaders have repeatedly restated this:

Dallin H Oaks: “We understand from our doctrine that before the age of accountability a child is ‘not capable of committing sin’” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Sins and Mistakes,” Ensign, Oct. 1996, 65)

Bruce R. McConkie “There comes a time, however, when accountability is real and actual and sin is attributed in the lives of those who develop normally. It is eight years of age, the age of baptism.” (Bruce R. McConkie, “The Salvation of Little Children,” Ensign, Apr. 1977, 6)

And we can even see this in the policies laid out in the current General Handbook of Instructions:

31.2.3.1: Children who are Members of Record

(note: children of record are children whose names are on the rolls of the church prior to baptism at age 8)

"In the interview, the bishopric member ensures that the child understands the purposes of baptism (see 2 Nephi 31:5–20). He also ensures that the child understands the baptismal covenant and is committed to live by it (see Mosiah 18:8–10). He does not need to use a specified list of questions. This is not an interview to determine worthiness, since 'little children need no repentance' (Moroni 8:11)."

(bold emphasis mine)

But for the first time in our history, we have an exception to this rule, and it applies only if the child is transgender. Instead of a meaningful interview with the local bishop or one of his counselors about following Jesus, a transgender child (and only a transgender child) who dresses differently or uses a different name and pronouns must have a worthiness interview with the regional Stake President directly. There is no other ‘sin’ that calls for this, even when little children have somehow perpetrated horrible crimes. If the Stake President finds the child worthy (is this even possible under the new guidelines??), he recommends the child for baptism to the First Presidency. The First Presidency is the highest council/court in the church, from which there is no appeal. The First Presidency then chooses whether or not to permit the child to be baptized. This new policy is spelled out in the Handbook:

38.2.8.9: Individuals Who Identify as Transgender

"Any exception to this policy requires the approval of the First Presidency. To request approval, the mission president, or the stake president for an eight-year-old, interviews the person. If he finds the person to be worthy and if he recommends baptism and confirmation, he submits a request for approval to the First Presidency using LCR."

(bold emphasis mine)

In the past, the church has denied baptism to the children of polygamists and to the children of gays (possibly others). In those cases, it could always be said the child’s parents were at fault, not the child themselves. This new policy is a marked departure from that and, in my opinion, is inconsistent with the church’s doctrine. I hope to see this policy adjusted as other policies have been when they do not align well with our core values and doctrines.

Love,

Erran

[roses-red-and-pink]

Advent day 17: Lehi

Reading: 1 Nephi 10:2-10, the Book of Mormon

2 For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his dream, and also of exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews—

3 That after they should be destroyed, even that great city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even be brought back out of captivity; and after they should be brought back out of captivity they should possess again the land of their inheritance.

4 Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

5 And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world.

6 Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer.

7 And he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord—

8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing.

9 And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize with water; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water.

10 And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world.

[demigodofhoolemere]

1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he turned again to the multitude, and did open his mouth unto them again, saying: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the mote out of thine eye — and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly the cast the mote out of thy brother's eye.

3 Nephi 14: 1-5, compare Matthew 7

[bookoformon]

2 Nephi 7. "The Foreign Fire."

Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: Isaiah speaks messianically—The Messiah will have the tongue of the learned—He will give His back to the smiters—He will not be confounded—Compare Isaiah 50. About 559–545 B.C.

The Messiah and King Messiah are not persons. The are the tendencies of God that are not built into humanity but must be learned as our culture advances and improves. Messiah is a divine stratagem designed to bring about a final and lasting peace on earth that mimics the one in the Blessed Realm noble souls find after death.

Were the King Messiah to be one person as we have seen the pack would overwhelm Him and the world would not benefit. Thus our sages say we will all have to all learn at once:

1 aYea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bbill of your mother’s cdivorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my dcreditors have I esold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

2 Wherefore, when I came, there was no man; when I acalled, yea, there was none to answer. O house of Israel, is my hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I bdry up the csea, I make their drivers a wilderness and their efish to stink because the waters are dried up, and they die because of thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with ablackness, and I make bsackcloth their covering.

4 The Lord God hath given me the atongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season unto thee, O house of Israel. When ye are weary he waketh morning by morning. He waketh mine ear to hear as the learned.

5 The Lord God hath opened mine aear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

6 I gave my back to the asmiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from bshame and spitting.

7 For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be aashamed.

8 And the Lord is near, and he ajustifieth me. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will bsmite him with the strength of my mouth.

9 For the Lord God will help me. And all they who shall acondemn me, behold, all they shall bwax old as a garment, and the moth shall eat them up.

10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the avoice of his servant, that bwalketh in darkness and hath no light?

11 Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of ayour fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. bThis shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Commentaries From Outorah:

Isaiah 50: The Light of Messiah Against Foreign Fire

​Introduction: The previous portion of the scroll of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) concludes with the enemies of Israel (ethnic, religious) devouring themselves and Israel being reminded that HaShem is her Mashiach (Messiah). Isaiah 49 gives important detail concerning the Servant and His identity and sets the stage for greater illumination as to Who He is and what role He will play in the continued purposes of God for Israel and for all humanity. Verses 1 - 3 of the present chapter are a continuation of the message of 49:22-26, addressed to those exiles who felt that HaShem had finally abandoned them. The primary theme of chapter 50 is God’s unbroken covenant with Israel (ethnic, religious), and an assurance that her captivity is temporary. Isa 50:1  Koh amar Thus says HaShem (YHVH: Mercy), Where is zeh it, seifer the book, document (gett) of the keriytut divorcement of imechem your mother, asher who I have shilachtiyah sent away? or which of minoshaiy My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Lo hein Behold, pay attention, ba’avonoteiychem for your perversity (depravity, guilt) you were sold, u’vefisheiychem and for your rebellion (transgression) shulechah imechem your mother was sent away. “Thus says the Lord, ‘Where is the bill of divorcement, which I gave to your congregation, that she is cast off? Or who is the man, who has a debt against me, unto whom I sold you? Behold, for your sins ye were sold, and for your rebellion your congregation was put away.’” -Targum Yonatan (2nd Century CE) This chapter opens with the Divine Name YHVH, which is subsequently proclaimed 7 times, 4 of those times it’s accompanied by Adonay. There is a strong theme of Mercy (YHVH) and Lordship (Adonay). The attributes of God as Merciful Master and Judge are intrinsically linked to His Salvation. In response to the claim of captive Israel, “HaShem has forsaken me and my lord has forgotten me.” Hashem asks for evidence that He has forsaken and forgotten her. “Where is the gett (divorce document) of your mother, who I have (supposedly) sent away?” This is in direct reference to the Torah (Law of Moses) which requires a man who sends away his wife to give her a bill of divorce (Deut. 24:1). In fact, Israel has no such evidence against HaShem because He has not divorced her, nor has He sent her away. At first glance this verse seems to contradict the later prophecy of Jeremiah 3:8. However, as Iben Ezra rightly notes: “The latter (Jer.3:8) refers to the kingdom of the ten tribes, which will never again be established; comp. She shall no more rise (Amos 5:2); but Isaiah speaks of the kingdom of the house of David which will be restored by Messiah.” -Iben Ezra Commentary on the Scroll of Isaiah All things are established by two witnesses, thus, in the present case a second example is offered to refute the false assumption of the people of Israel. “To which of My creditors have I sold you?” (Exodus 21:7) This is a rhetorical question with a poignant answer. God is in debt to no one! Therefore, He has not sold Israel (His daughter). This truth is followed by the sobering words, “For your own perversity you were sold, and it’s your rebellion that caused your mother to be sent away.” In other words, “You sold yourselves into bondage, and wilfully left your husband without a bill of divorce, because you were unconcerned with the moral obligation of the Torah.”

[diabolik-mana]

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-

[theestervashti]

"The Fitting." From Esther 2: 19-20.

We just discovered there are several definitions of virginity, one we keep to ourselves, one that is imposed upon us by society. The one that counts is the one we keep to ourselves as we wait for just the right touch.

All societies on earth are virgins, being hustled and bustled and fussed over by persons that do not care about their needs or feelings, wants and desires. The coming of the Mashiach is their longing, a time when the social and internal definitions of quality of life are in close harmony.

Conspiracies, something called a secret combination in the Book of Mormon are alliances formed between the church, state, industry, and private persons in order to squeeze the public like a grape. Secret Combinations represent a deep corrupt illness in our lives. Much of the Book of Mormon is dedicated to the complete eradication of them and their causes, the Gadianton Robbers, "those who cover up things of value."

Gadianton means:

Gad= to cut out

ian= anything without

ton= the undertone

The references in the Book of Mormon like the rest of it are simply fabulous:

Secret Combinations

See also Cain; Gadianton Robbers

An organization of people bound together by oaths to carry out the evil purposes of the group.

The father of lies stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations, 2 Ne. 9:9.

I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, 2 Ne. 10:15.

Judgments of God did come upon these workers of secret combinations, Alma 37:30.

Gadianton did prove almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi, Hel. 2:4–13.

Satan put it into the hearts of the people to form secret oaths and covenants, Hel. 6:21–31.

The Lord worketh not in secret combinations, Ether 8:19.

Nations that uphold secret combinations shall be destroyed, Ether 8:22–23.

They did reject all the words of the prophets, because of their secret society, Ether 11:22.

From the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, Moses 5:51.

The objectives of the Secret Combination in America was the one that attempted to keep the black man in slavery. The Book of Mormon, written for the most part by President Abraham Lincoln, introduced a doctrine of freedom to the nation and we know what happened after that.

In the Book of Eshter, we see a secret combination is attempting to usurp the line of succession of the Kingdom of Persia and take the queen's virginity and thus become entitled to that which was stolen rather than offered freely.

The text says we can't have our virginity stolen twice; meaning once slavery to the man is done, we must not submit ever again unless the slavery is to one's sugar honey.

The story continues as Marduk, called Mordecai in Hebrew, AKA the Babylonian god of the King's Gate calls attention to the plans of a secret combination.

The structure of the block of verses is what is called a Hand. Hands consist of five stanzas designed to explain the cultivation of a member of the royal line of succession. They are different from those which appear in 2, 3, 4, 6, or 7 line blocks of scripture found in the Torah and Tanakh. The goal of a Hand is to "bring up" up an enlightened person into an elevated level of Malchut, AKA Tiferet, "of glory."

The story says the secret combination that was trying to prevent Esther's rise to glory on her wedding night consisted of two officials, the king's officers. They did not end well when discovered:

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

19 When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 

20 But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

21 During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana[b] and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. 

23 And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were impaled on poles. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 19: The virgins gathered a second time. Until you place your lips on another's or put your hand on his chest, you are a virgin to this person. Marduk "the son of Utu Shamash, the destroyer of darkness" means "resist the misfortune." The Number is ה‎החו‎ ‎‎"from the meadow."

=

We can't lose our virginity until we meet someone who has put slavery of any kind behind him or her and we have done the same. This place in life is called the meadow; it is carefree, effortless, clement, pleasant, and rejuvenating.

Communities are meant to find themselves and their ways of life in the meadow not within a melting pot meltdown.

v. 20: Esther followed the instructions and was brought up. Esther endured Seven Days of torture in hell. She then returned to life and restored human nature. The Number is 10358 ק‎גהח‎, kgah. Eventually we have to come into the light and old age is too late:

"The verb כהה (kaha) means to be dim or darkened and is often used for the effects old age has on one's eyesight (Deuteronomy 34:7, Isaiah 42:4). It comes with two derivatives:

The adjective כהה (keheh), meaning dim, dull or faint (1 Samuel 3:2, Isaiah 61:3). The feminine noun כהה (keha), meaning a lessening or alleviating. Some translations read "healing," but that overshoots the meaning of this root somewhat. It occurs only in Nahum 3:19."

v. 21: Two of the king's guards became angry. Anger is always selfishness and jealousy. It is the root cause of idolatry, worship of the offended, disquieted ego self.

They are identified as:

Bigthana= your fortune is mine!

Teresh= fear of austerity, of inheriting nothing

These must not influence the search for the sugar honey, that would be a mistake. ‎

The Number is 10065, ק‎סה‎, cassa, "the chair seat", also י'‎סה‎ ‎, "yes, there is existence."

"Existence" is explained in Massei. It is apparently comprised of a world without assholes in it:

The Israelites Conquer the Canaanites.

40 The Canaanite king of Arad "the wild ass", who lived in the Negev "rolling hills" of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were coming. 41 They left Mount Hor "the highest mountain" and camped at Zalmonah "place of idols." 42 They left Zalmonah and camped at Punon "the regions beyond." 43 They left Punon and camped at Oboth, "water skins". 44 They left Oboth and camped at Iye Abarim, "ruins of the regions behind" on the border of Moab "the waters of the past". 45 They left Iye Abarim and camped at Dibon Gad "future washing water". 46 They left Dibon Gad and camped at Almon Diblathaim "hidden in the two cakes". 47 They left Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, "across the Jordan" near Nebo "the prophecy." 48 They left the mountains of Abarim and camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho "the fragrant place". 49 There on the plains of Moab they camped along the Jordan from Beth Jeshimoth "house of waste" to Abel Shittim, "the stream by the acacias".

=

"In order to make the plan of God, His Promise of a land flowing with milk and honey come to pass, the rolling hills of cyclic existence must be surpassed. All the idols, men who act like and are treated like gods, who long for the afterlife at the expense of real life must be thrown down so their flawed and ridiculous patterns come to an end.

Beyond them are "water skins" pure men who, free to worship the One God Alone, will be able reflect upon Him. Leave the dirty water of the past behind, move forward by reflecting upon the future. A future free of assholes, liars, tyrants, cheaters, freaks, and their corruption which lay between yesterday and tomorrow.

Do not hesitate to leave their shittiness behind, their House of Waste, and cross over into a land that is fragrant with "inexpensive fragrance", the sweetness of men who live without strife."

v. 22: Marduk received the credit. Resistance to secret combinations and privateers who think they are entitled to the privileges others have to earn is always where the credit or the inheritance is willed.

The Number is 6211, ו‎ב‎בב‎ ‎, "The port, the gangway."

The gangway was revealed when Moses parted the Red Sea. As soon as the opportunity to escape the darkness of the secret underworld is availed, one must change one's mind and head in the other direction. Our enemies must be left for dead behind us.

As we discussed in the prior frame, this is why the Other is critical in our lives, he gives us hope the future and the past shall no longer collide. He gives us something homogeneous to look forward to.

v. 23: All of this was recorded in the book. For a virgin homo, the book of the annals has not been written yet. Some would say if it involves a fairy tale romance with a prince or a princess it is worth waiting for. The Number is 10015, י'‎אה‎, "a proper fitting."

The new or newer honeybee in one's life is supposed to fit like a sexy new outfit. It is supposed to feel as if one is living within one's own skin at last. Any conspiracies that take place around the palace intrigue are therefore to foster this female prince version of Shabbat called a fitting. The theft of virginity is otherwise considered a crime.

Societies that surrender this feeling to the whims of oppressors and desires of the corrupt for even a single second are making a huge mistake.

As I have said, the fucking Republicans, a hotbed of terrorism and conspiracies in America and all around the world to steal virginities need to be exterminated, just as the Book of Mormon instructs.

[thoughts-in-20s]

The time is far spent.

Hello today is our last day here in the MTC and we'll gonna leave tomorrow i really can't believe we'll be out in the field for the next few days. Sorry If I missed the email last week because we had a lot of things to do. I don't really know what to feel right now because it's more on the overwhelming part but I will never forget all of the learnings and experiences we had here in the MTC for the past 9 weeks of staying here I have come to appreciate more and more of The Greatest Power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ the enabling, healing saving and redeeming power it holds because of this I come to realized that I can overcome my emotions and weaknesses in ways I never thought would work, The only Hope I can look for now is Jesus Christ, He lives and He is there to bear you up. I may look like I'm having a good time here in the MTC in my past emails but there are also times when I really miss home and I just cry so much because it's just so heavy inside. There are times when I really feel inadequate to do this work but I'm blessed enough to have Him on my side and to have a genuine teachers who had taught us in Christlike way and also my districtmates who supported me all throughout my MTC stay because of them My MTC experience became one of the best experience i had in my life. I can't even describe in words how grateful I am to be a part of this great cause. My MTC experience taught me how important time is, how the principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes a person into his/her best version. I am so grateful to listen to so many devotionals that had help me increase my love for the Savior, Heavenly Father and His people. One of the activities here in the MTC that I really like is the Go and Do because this is the only time where I can read a lot of general conference talks and immerse myself in the scriptures although we usually do this alot during our personal study time but there's not enough time for me to study so it's was a every good experience. I really testify that this is the most important work we would ever involve ourselves with. I also testify the GENUINE DISCIPLESHIP IS A STATE OF BEING and I testify that our love for Christ sustains us in every need and influences us in every decision. Take care of yourself and be healthy until next pday!

1. Love chair message from District

2. Sister Brynes cute koala

3. The Best Companion

4. Nephi District with the best teachers in the MTC.💛😭

Sister Apostol

Thailand Bangkok Mission

[maewriteswords]

Faith

Why does faith matter? Why does faith matter as we strive to be disciples of Jesus Christ?

To answer that was easy. If we don’t have faith in Jesus Christ, we aren’t going to be a disciple of Him; we won’t want to. We won’t have that faith that encourages us to do so. But by developing and having faith in Jesus Christ, we yearn to be a disciple of him - to follow him and be like him. 

So, the most important part of that process is: how do we develop that faith? 

So, I went to the Gospel Library app and typed in the search bar, “What is faith?”

What popped up is: What Is Faith in Jesus Christ?

“Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It means not only believing in Him but placing your trust in Him. Having faith includes hoping for and believing in things that are true, even when you can’t see them or completely understand them. Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities.”

I also asked, “What is a disciple?”

The answer popped up: A follower of Jesus Christ who lives according to Christ’s teachings.

So, they go hand in hand. One is not without the other.

I then really pondered upon the Savior and how my testimony has evolved, grown, and changed throughout the years. 

I was born to amazing parents who believed in our Savior Jesus Christ and were actively engaged in the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ. I was baptized at eight years old and knew of Christ from such a young age. Age 5 is when I first bore my testimony of Him in fast and testimony meeting, and it’s something I’ve actively done throughout my life. I’m so grateful for that foundation. It’s been a rock in my life that has continued to be an aid through the ups and downs of my journey. 

So, I thought about ways that I have been able to strengthen my faith in Christ which has enabled me to be a stronger disciple of him. As you hear me talk, it has been an ebb and flow in my life. It hasn’t been perfect, but I’m so grateful for the lessons learned and for the redeeming love of God. 

So, first - trusting in the Lord is so important. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2 Nephi 4:34 says: O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh.

So, it’s just not believing him but it’s trusting in our Savior Jesus Christ. That He loves us. That his way is the higher way. That he will always be there for us.

My biggest wrestle with trusting our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came in 2016 after losing a sweet baby to miscarriage. And then another loss came a few months later. And then years of negative pregnancy tests and unanswered questions from my fertility doctor. Infertility. It was a time of deep depression, anger, sadness, and frustration. I just wanted to be a mama. It was a role I had prepared for my entire life, from a young girl I knew I wanted to grow up and be a mother. But it wasn’t coming; fertility drugs didn’t work; panic attacks set in, my heart was broken. I was so angry at God. I didn’t understand his plan; I questioned if there was a plan - for me, for a family that I wanted so bad. 

It came to a breaking point at the end of 2018. My husband and I had gotten called to serve as nursery leaders. I couldn’t do it; it was really hard to be around moms and young children when that’s something I wanted so bad for myself. I avoid people when I feel uncomfortable or have to confront them; so I stopped going to church for a few weeks. It came to a breaking point; I could leave the church, try to find healing on my own, or I could stay. I was really tired of feeling hurt and feeling sad all the time. I wanted to change. I knew my Savior had been there before, so I strived to remember him and choose him.  I wanted to follow him and rebuild my relationship with him. So, I did the small things - prayer, reading my scriptures, going to church, attending the temple. Those little things matter so much. And I’m so grateful I choose to trust, because I would need Him more than ever in 2019.

Five years ago this month, we were still pursuing fertility drugs and had decided to adopt in the future if the fertility drugs didn’t work, but God had other plans in store when I got a text from my bishop asking if we were open to adopting. We said yes.

The night before we met the birth mother, my husband and I attended the Houston Texas Temple for a session. It was a temple trip that was pre-planned for several weeks, but came at the exact moment we needed to hear from our Heavenly Father. I had a wonderful time at the temple that evening, and my husband walked away feeling open to the opportunity and assurance from our Heavenly Father that he would take care of us no matter what we choose to do. That experience in the temple and relying on the faith of my husband was something that carried us through the next few months. 

So, we stepped into the world of adoption having faith that God would be there for us. As we walked with full faith on an unknown path, I knew that God had us. The following seven months were anything but ideal. It was hard and confusing but also exciting. I won’t go into details, but it was really hard to trust a stranger with the hope that they selected us to be this little baby’s mother and father. Would it fail? Would she change her mind? Would the baby be okay? How would it work out? There were really amazing days; from my baby shower to feeling the sweet baby move for the first time. I bonded with the birth mother who would eventually give birth to my precious daughter. But at the time, I was filled with fear of the unknown, but I was also filled with great faith. I trusted in the Lord; I trusted there was a plan. I trusted that no matter what happened - He was good; He would take care of us. 

The hardest part was the day that this sweet baby was born, unforeseen events would get the state involved, and we had to fight everything we had to bring this baby home. For five days, it was a back and forth toss of the state taking her, then maybe us having a chance to take her home, but then things changed. It was a coin toss in the air, or at least it felt like that. I lived at the hospital, even though I couldn’t see the baby, it was the closest I could be to a baby that I was hopeful would become my daughter. The day before we brought her home, I remember driving home with Ryan and still not knowing how it would work out, but I was okay. I knew we did what we needed to do; I knew God had us in his hands. I was very aware of His love, of His goodness, of his mercy. 

However, miracles do happen and on day six, our sweet Allyson Hazel came home with us and four months later we legally became a family and one year after that, we were sealed in the Dallas Texas Temple as a forever family. 

I know that all prayers aren’t answered with big miracles like ours did. I know some prayers are answered with not yet, not right now, and sometimes a heartbreaking no. But he’s so good; he loves us so much. When we place our trust in him and allow ourselves to feel his love, there’s so much power in that. I am so grateful for the trials of faith; I’m so grateful for the years of infertility because I see where God led me on the path I needed to go to be able to bring Hazel home. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ who know us, love us, and are in the details of our lives. Trusting in them is always the best choice. 

Trusting in Him allows us to build a stronger relationship with him that helps build our faith and makes us stronger disciples of Christ.

Now, I turn to service. One of my favorite scriptures is Mosiah 2:17. It says: And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

During His ministry on the earth, Jesus Christ spent His time serving and helping others. True disciples of Jesus Christ do likewise. In John 13:35, the Savior said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

One of the greatest ways I’ve ever been served is by those caring for my sweet daughter. A great example of service as a disciple of Christ is in this very ward. So my sweet Hazel is autistic. Simple communication can be complicated and many situations can be overwhelming for her. Music, especially. We are still figuring out primary classes and nursery and finding a balance to help my sweet girl. Music though for her, especially in group numbers or loud voices, can cause distress with big feelings for a four-year-old. One Sunday, one of our first Sundays, it was time for music time in nursery; we tried but it was very overwhelming for Hazel. Tears and cries came to her face and a sweet sister in the Primary Presidency came to our aid as she guided us into an empty primary room and interacted with Hazel - giving her a pretend candle to distract her and showing her how to play with different colored handkerchiefs and gave room for Hazel to play and just be. This sister saw a mama who was struggling with a crying, really frustrated, toddler - in that moment that sister became a life jacket for me. I went home that Sunday with tears in my eyes with so much gratitude. 

This sweet sister was a great example of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, Showing their faith in service and love, even if she didn’t realize how big of an impact she made. 

In John 13:35 it reads: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Throughout His mortal life, Jesus Christ showed His love for others by ministering to them.  He set the example and wants us to “succor those that stand in need of [our] succor,” as said in Mosiah 4:16. He calls His disciples to work with Him in His ministry, giving them the opportunity to serve others and become more like Him.

Repentance 

My favorite parable in the scriptures is of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Elder Dieter F. Urchdorf talked about the Prodigal Son in his most recent General Conference Address in October 2023. 

He says, “My beloved brothers and sisters, dear friends, like all of the Savior’s parables, this one is not just about people living long ago. It’s about you and me, today.

Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way?

Who among us has not felt humbled, brokenhearted, and desperate for forgiveness and mercy?

Perhaps some may even have wondered, “Is it even possible to go back? Will I be labeled forever, rejected, and avoided by my former friends? Is it better to just stay lost? How will God react if I try to return?”

This parable gives us the answer.

Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us; place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet; and proclaim, “Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!”

Heaven will rejoice at our return.

12 years ago today I was the prodigal daughter. I was living a life that was not in harmony with the Church of Jesus Christ with no intentions of changing. But how that would all swiftly change one evening. I was standing at a bus stop in Provo, Utah when my unknown to me ministering sister, well visiting teacher at  the time, rolled up in her car and yelled, “Are you Megan Ault?” She introduced herself as Anna and that she was my visiting teacher. She drove off when all of sudden, the boy I was standing next to asked, “You know Anna?” which later resulted in me meeting a soon-to-be missionary asking if I would attend church the next day. We all happened to be in the same ward. The next day, I attended all three hours of church for the first time in 9 months. By that Wednesday, I was in Bishop Owen’s office and started making my way back to the straight and narrow path. As I left his office that evening, my bishop shook my hand and said, “Welcome back to the fold.” 

The next six months were among the most powerful and life-changing months of my life. I’ve believed in Christ and testified of him throughout my life, but for the first time, I started understanding what the Atonement was. I had deserted my Savior, turned my back against my Heavenly Father. I had broken their hearts, but just like the prodigal son, as soon as my Father saw me coming down the road, he welcomed me back home with open arms. For the first time, I felt the change of repentance, of the Savior’s sacrifice and love for me. It was truly an incredible experience with me. I never felt the Savior so present in my life; his hands were wrapped around me as I came to know him and trust him and love him so much. It wasn’t easy to make changes, and it was difficult as once close friends became acquaintances. But oh how sweet was the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

In my journal, one month into my repentance journey, I wrote…

“I am really starting to feel the effects of the Savior’s atonement in my life. I feel peace and reassurance that my Savior knows me, loves me, and accepts me for me. No one else but me. I am grateful for that knowledge. I am grateful to be gaining a stronger understanding of what the Savior really is, what He does for me, and how much he loves me. He will take my pain. Erase my scars. He will fully heal me. I just need to allow myself to fully trust in Him, learn of Him and realize He is my elder brother who loves me so much. I really feel tonight His healing power and the power of forgiveness that He can give to me. It’s amazing. I love my Savior so much.”

Alma 34: 17 reads, “Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;”

I am so grateful for repentance. I’m so grateful for the redeeming love of our Savior.

In Matthew 4:18–20, it reads: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

A question I ask myself, would I follow him? I will follow him. Through repentance, trusting, service, praying, reading my scriptures, loving my family, and in an array of different ways, I will always strive to follow my Savior Jesus Christ - to be like him, to trust in Him, to love him. 

The other night I wrote in my journal, “and she begins again and again and again, over and over and over.” It’s like a baby that is learning to walk. Do they start over at the beginning line? No, they don’t. They pick up right where they fell and they begin again. 

That is what our Savior Jesus Christ allows us to do. He is always right there to help us. He is always right there to help us begin again. 

3 Nephi 5: 13 says: Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

[bond-servant-of-christ-jesus]

Mormonism

Mormonism: a religious cult that was founded by Joseph Smith in the woods of Palmyra, New York in the year 1821. He claimed that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him to establish a completely new church. In other words, he had visions that told him to start a new religion.

Smith claimed that the "Angel Moroni" gave him some golden "Nephi Plates" so that he could translate them into English. This religious text is known as the Book of Mormon. The three other religious texts use by the Mormons are the King James Version, Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Mormon Church claims that the entire Christian church and the Bible have been totally corrupted. Thus, its alleged purpose is to restore the church back to the original teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

Is A Total Apostasy Of The Christian Church Possible?:

The Lord Jesus Christ specifically taught that the gates of hell would never prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). Paul said that God would be eternally glorified in Christ and His saints (Ephesians 3:21). If the Mormon Church is correct, then God must be a liar. May that never be. God has always preserved His faithful remnant. While the Bible does speak of apostasy, it nowhere mentions a total apostasy.

The Words of the Lord are incorruptible. His Word shall endure forever (Isaiah 40:8; Proverbs 30:5-6; 1 Peter 1:23-25). The Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). It is simply not possible for the Bible to be lost and forgotten. Those who present strange doctrine are to be deemed heretics (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 John 9-11). The faith has been delivered to the saints "once for all" (Jude 3). Thus, there is no need for new revelations. Angelic visions are not an acceptable method of drawing attention to oneself (Colossians 2:18).

The Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:8-9 wrote a categorical condemnation of any different gospels that could arise in the future after his death. He even issued an anathema to angels who could theoretically arrive to preach differently from the doctrine originally delivered by the apostles. So, even granting that Joseph Smith had an encounter with the Angel Moroni, Mormonism is a false religion because it preaches a different message of salvation. According to Paul, another gospel is no gospel at all (Galatians 1:6-7). The gospel never needed to be restored because it was never lost to begin with. Mormon revelation is not of divine but human origin. The simple, true gospel involves placing trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone. We are not saved by obeying various laws, ordinances, and attending temple ceremonies.

It is one thing to say that the church has become unrecognizably dirty throughout history, but it is quite another to claim that the church disappeared completely from the face of the earth. The possibility of such a claim is ruled out by Scripture itself.

The Mormon Claim Of Being The Complete Restoration Of Lost Truth Is Unfounded:

An essential question that needs to be addressed is, "When did the Christian church go into the state of total apostasy?" There has always been a unanimous consensus on what constitutes the essential doctrines of the Christian faith in the earliest church creeds. The New Testament is supported by thousands of different manuscripts. It is almost one hundred percent textually pure. The creed summarizing the gospel message that the Apostle Paul recounted in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 has been dated back to the first century, thereby proving that the gospel has not been lost or altered.

Why would Mormons use the Bible at all, since they maintain that the whole of Christianity was lost in the first century and the canon was assembled (along with the King James Version being produced in the seventeenth century) by an allegedly apostate church? Which parts of the Bible have been corrupted?

If any of Joseph Smith's claims regarding the alleged total apostasy of Christendom were true, then he should have been able to give an extensive list of all of the original teachings of Jesus Christ, where every denomination had went wrong, provide the exact date of when Christianity went extinct, and go back to the original teachings of Jesus and the apostles. He should have been able to refer to established facts, writings, history, etc. However, Joseph Smith never took the time to verify any of his claims.

[73ironath]

WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS THERE IS YOUR HEART ALSO.

Each of us, we can recall when we made a decision on a profession we want to live with, we sought for all materials, time, money, schools, advice and even had sleepless night to see that we achieve our aims. This zeal I shall term "where your treasure is, there is your heart also." 3 Nephi 13:21.

This same heart the Lord requires from us who have come unto him.

Doing this with faith and patience in the midst of trials will make us to see clearly the difference between earthly and heavenly treasures. The one that fades away and the everlasting.

As we find ourselves in the Lord's ship, we do say within ourselves that our hearts are on the treasures of heaven. But to confirm if our hearts is fully on the treasures of heaven, these questions we must ask ourselves.

1. Do I observe the law of Sabbath?

2. Do I ponder my calling and study the handbook of instructions before attending meetings and activities?

3. Do I study my scriptures and pray daily?

4. Am I fair and just in my earthly work or business... with my fellow beings?

These questions and others the spirit will ask us as we outline it with the process we pass through to achieve our earthly aims will definitely tell us which treasure our hearts is.

One beautiful thing about this heavenly treasure is that when we treasure it dearly in our hearts with the works therewith, automatically, we are opening up treasures of other aspects of our lives which we most often stress ourselves beyond measure to get. For surely the spirit will direct... and all we seek for will be in the Lord's time and way.

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[the-hem]

The Perfect Series Resumes. Part 11.2: Purgation.

Illumination tells us why we want to be involved with life, it explains how and when to open and also to harden our hearts.

Purgation tells us what to leave behind when we finally make our moves. Both are products of the Suggestive Powers of the Holy Spirit.

From the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi Chapter 33.

Nephi’s words are true—They testify of Christ—Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi’s words, which will stand as a witness before the judgment bar. About 559–545 B.C.

1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I amighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man bspeaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

2 But behold, there are many that aharden their bhearts against the cHoly Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.

3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great aworth, and especially unto my people. For I bpray continually for them by day, and mine ceyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.

4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it apersuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life beternal.

5 And it speaketh aharshly against sin, according to the bplainness of the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.

6 I aglory in bplainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath credeemed my soul from hell.

7 I have acharity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.

8 I have charity for the aJew—I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came.

9 I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of athese can I hope except they shall be breconciled unto Christ, and enter into the cnarrow dgate, and ewalk in the fstrait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of gprobation.

10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also aJew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and bbelieve in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall cbelieve in Christ ye will believe in these dwords, for they are the ewords of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they fteach all men that they should do good.

11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with apower and great bglory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.

12 And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his akingdom at that great and last day.

13 And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto you as the voice of one acrying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come.

14 And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the aJews, and also my bwords, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall ccondemn you at the last day.

15 For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the ajudgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must bobey. Amen.

[demigodofhoolemere]

1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister. 2 For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. 3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them. 4 And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the other tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which ye shall write shall be kept and shall be manifested unto the Gentiles, that through the fulness of the Gentiles, the remnant of their seed, who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer. 5 And then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the earth; and then will I fulfil the covenant which the Father hath made unto all the people of the house of Israel.

3 Nephi 16: 1-5

[bookoformon]

4 Nephi 1, Part 2. "Performances and Ordinances."

The Prophet says the basics are all we need if we want to keep evil away. Every religious text including the Quran states religion is a means to an end, and should take up a large amount of our time. So long as we are all willing to get along and avoid corruption and controversey, just a smattering of religion is all we need:

10 And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people.

11 And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them.

12 And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.

13 And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land; but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus.

The biggest miracle we will ever experience is peace on earth. It won't happen here for a few more years, every nation on the planet is making weapons, deadly, effective, gruesome weapons and shipping them to partners who plan to use them to annihilate each other.

Except the Book of Mormon forbids the minting and use of weapons. The Torah forbids violence, the Quran forbids fighting, the Gospels insist upon the Passover Feast at the Table in order that we remember the fullness of the Grace of God.

Anyone who can engineer and manufacture a weapon is capable of reading. So are all the members of the Congress, and the President and nearly everyone on the planet. If we do not implement the rules our books tell us to follow, how are we to keep the terms of their Covenants with God? How will we know God is Lord of All if we refuse to acknowledge these things? And if this knowledge is not appetizing to us, why are we bothering with religion at all?

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 10: The people waxed strong. The Value in Gematria is 7443, זדדג, "slow down." The secular world says we need to work harder, faster, and better, but religion says moderation is best. Jealousy, a product of ambition, caused Slavery in Egypt and it is enslaving everyone on this planet right now. All these presidents and future presidents running for election are trying to kill the world on the way to their inaugurations and someone or something needs to get in their ways.

v. 11: And they were married. The Value in Gematria is 7568, זהו‎‎‎ח, this is H. The hei represents thought, speech and action. Just as the form of the hei is composed of three lines, so do thought, speech and action comprise the three garments of the soul, the three garments through which we express our­selves.

Our responsibility is to focus instead on the soul, the G‑dly spark within each person.3 Since our souls emanate from the same Source, we are all equal in our essence. When we delve beneath the personality and externality of a person and go straight to his or her core, we experience that we are all one.

The hei’s right vertical line represents hierarchy, which is speech. A king rules with his words.4 He is empowered to sit in his palace and utter a decree, which then becomes law. People do not have to see him. He does not have to shake their hands. All he needs to do is speak; that is his power.

v. 12: The Performances and Ordinances. The Value in Gematria is 10968, י‎טו‎ח, "will power, to find the range."

v. 13: No contention in all the land. The Value in Gematria is 8458, חדהח‎, "sharp". This is how intelligent people live.

Our problems stem from the fact we are not trying to fall in love with each other, all we want to do is allow inarticulate persons to distract us from the ultimate duties we have as members of mankind.

I just don't understand why this is happening.

*Check out the schnoz on that new set of wheels. Lucky her!

[awideplace]

I just found out a girl i follow is "lds" what is that? There is a latter day saint church in my town but are they mormans? Why do people have to be apart of a denomination? it just seems confusing and divisive, isn't there only one bible?

LDS = Latter Day Saints = Mormons.

Mormonism is a cult. Yes, there is only one Bible - the inspired word of God. This is also why Roman Catholicism is so wrong - we are not to add human teaching/"revelation" to Scripture. LDS breakdown:

The following from this link: The Mormon religion (Mormonism), whose followers are known as Mormons and Latter-day Saints (LDS), was founded less than two hundred years ago by a man named Joseph Smith. He claimed to have received a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ (Articles of Faith, p. 35) who told him that all churches and their creeds were an abomination (1 Nephi 13:28; Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith – History 1:18, 19). Joseph Smith then set out to "restore true Christianity" and claimed his church to be the “only true church on earth” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 670; 1 Nephi 14:10). The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible. Christians do not have a reason to believe that the Bible is untrue or inadequate. To truly believe in and trust God means to believe in His Word, and all Scripture is inspired by God, which means it comes from Him (2 Timothy 3:16).

Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, not just one: 1) the Bible “as far as it is translated correctly” (8th Article of Faith). Which verses are considered incorrectly translated is not always made clear. 2) The Book of Mormon, which was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. Smith claimed it is the “most correct book” on earth and that a person can get closer to God by following its precepts “than by any other book” (History of the Church 4:461). 3) Doctrine and Covenants, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the “Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.” 4) The Pearl of Great Price, which is considered by Mormons to “clarify” doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible (Articles of Faith, p. 182–185) and adds its own information about the earth’s creation.

Mormons believe the following about God: He has not always been the Supreme Being of the universe (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321) but attained that status through righteous living and persistent effort (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345). They believe God the Father has a “body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). Brigham Young taught that Adam actually was God and the father of Jesus Christ—although this teaching has been abandoned by modern Mormon leaders. 

In contrast, Christians know this about God: there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6–8). He always has existed and always will exist (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). He was not created but is the Creator (Genesis 1; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 37:16). He is perfect, and no one else is equal to Him (Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25). God the Father is not a man, nor was He ever (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hosea 11:9). He is Spirit (John 4:24), and Spirit is not made of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39).

Mormons believe that there are different levels or kingdoms in the afterlife: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness (Mormon Doctrine, p. 348). Where mankind will end up depends on what they believe and do in this life (2 Nephi 25:23; Articles of Faith, p.79). 

In contrast, the Bible tells us that after death we go to heaven or hell based on whether or not we had faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. To be absent from our bodies means, as believers, we are with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6–8). Unbelievers are sent to hell or the place of the dead (Luke 16:22–23). When Jesus comes the second time, we will receive resurrected, glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50–54). There will be a new heaven and new earth for believers (Revelation 21:1), and unbelievers will be thrown into an everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15). There is no second chance for redemption after death (Hebrews 9:27).

Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115; Mormon Doctrine, p. 547). Mormons believe Jesus is a god, but that any human can also become a god (Doctrine and Covenants 132:20; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345–354). Mormonism teaches that salvation can be earned by a combination of faith and good works (LDS Bible Dictionary, p. 697). 

Contrary to this, Christians historically have taught that no one can achieve the status of God—only He is holy (1 Samuel 2:2). We can only be made holy in God’s sight through faith in Him (1 Corinthians 1:2). Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16), is the only one ever to have lived a sinless life, and now has the highest place of honor in heaven (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus and God are one in essence, Jesus being the only man who existed before physical birth (John 1:1–8; 8:56). Jesus gave Himself to us as a sacrifice, God raised Him from the dead, and one day everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:6–11). Jesus tells us it is impossible to get to heaven by our own works and that only by faith in Him is it possible (Matthew 19:26). We all deserve eternal punishment for our sins, but God’s infinite love and grace have allowed us a way out. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Clearly, there is only one way to receive salvation and that is to know God and His Son, Jesus (John 17:3). Receiving salvation is not done by works but by faith (Romans 1:17; 3:28). We can receive this gift no matter who we are or what we have done (Romans 3:22). “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Although Mormons are usually friendly, loving, and kind people, they are deceived by a false religion that distorts the nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation.

(Editor’s note: many of the references in our articles on Mormonism are Mormon publications, such as Mormon Doctrine, Articles of Faith, Doctrines of Salvation, History of the Church, Doctrine and Covenants, and so forth. Others are from the Book of Mormon itself, e.g., books such as 1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, and Alma.)