May 25

Today's Bible Reading...

2 Samuel - 7:1 - 8:18 -

John 14:15-31 -

Psalm 119:33-48 -

Proverbs 15:33 -

May 24

Today's Bible Reading...

2 Samuel - 4:1 - 6:23 -

John 13:31 - 14:14 -

Psalm 119:17-32 -

Proverbs 15:31-32 -

May 23

Today's Bible Reading...

2 Samuel - 2:12 - 3:39 -

John 13:1-30 -

Psalm 119:1-16

Proverbs 15:29-30 -

May 22

Today's Bible Reading...

2 Samuel - 1:1 - 2:11 -

John 12:20-50 -

Psalm 118:19-29 -

Proverbs 15:27-28 -

May 21

Today's Bible Reading...

1 Samuel 29:1 - 31:13 -

John 11:54 - 12:19 -

Psalm 118:1-18 -

Proverbs 15:24-26 -

May 20

Today's Bible Reading...

1 Samuel 26:1 - 28:25 -

John 11:1-53 -

Psalm 117:1-2 -

Proverbs 15:22-23 -

When then ten speed approaches Witnessing to Mormons

When then ten speed approaches

Preface

We have written this book to answer the attack by Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church against Orthodox Christianity. Mormons view their church as the "restored" church of Jesus Christ and all other professing Christian groups as being apostate.
Joseph Smith Testimony, written in 1838 and currently published and distributed by the LDS church relates the following:
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join...I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; they teach for doctrines and commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."
He again forbade me to join any of them.... (p. 5)
In this book we will take the Bible and check the prophet Joseph Smith. The Bible does not say to let a "prophet" check the Bible. But to take the Bible and check everything Joseph Smith has said. We will start with his statement above.
Has Orthodox Christianity become apostate, are all their professor corrupt and all their creeds an abomination in God's sight? Or has Joseph Smith and the LDS church been led astray by a lying spirit?
We ask you (the reader) to take your Bible and examine the enclosed teachings of Joseph Smith and the LDS church and answer the above question.

Introduction

This work is designed to help the sincere Mormon recognize the truth about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1. Its claim to be God's prophet today.
2. Prophecies that have not been fulfilled.
3. Cover-ups to hide false prophecies.
4. Doctrinal errors of the Church.
5. The responsibility of the sincere Mormon before God.
*All scriptures quoted from King James Version. The Mormon Church Claims:
1. Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God.
2. Through Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed himself to the world.
3. Through him he chose the elders of the Church, who have received their authority and commission through this channel, appointed by God, with Joseph at the head. — Gospel Doctrine pg. 43
4. God will not raise up another prophet and another people to do this work.
Relationship of Mormon Prophets to the Church
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Mormon Church, proclaimed to Brigham Young University Students fourteen "fundamental" statements about the relation of Mormon prophets to the Church and the LDS membership. He warned students: "OUR SALVATION HANGS ON THEM."
First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
Second: The living prophet is more vital to us than the Standard (Scriptural) Works.
Third: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
Fourth: The prophet will never lead the church astray.
Fifth: The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
Sixth: The prophet does not have to say "Thus saith the Lord," to give us Scripture.
Seventh: The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
Eighth: The prophet is not limited by men's reasoning.
Ninth: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
Tenth: The prophet may be involved in civic matter.
Eleventh: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
Twelfth: The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
Thirteenth: The prophet and his counselors make up the first presidency—the highest quorum in the church.
Fourteenth: The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the first presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.
The LDS church President can in theory make any pronouncement on any subject regardless of his personal knowledge about it or experience, and have it regarded as "divine revelation."
The Mormon Corporate Empire
Pgs. 200, 201
By John Heinerman, Anson Shupe
Check the Prophets' Prophecies
1. In the Old Testament, prophets instructed, warned, exhorted, promised, and rebuked.
2. Because of the stand of the Mormon Church we MUST CHECK their prophecies.
Deuteronomy 18:21, 22
"And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
Matthew 7:15-20
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth-good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth-evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth-evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Do Not Follow a False Prophet
This terrible practice of following a false prophet was considered so dangerous by God that some of the most terrible judgements were spoken against the followers:
I Kings Chapter 13
CONDEMNED TO DIE!

(A true prophet, follows a false prophet's instructions, without inquiring of the Lord. The true prophet dies, just as the Lord told him he would.)
Ezekiel 14:10
PUNISHMENT OF THE FALSE PROPHET AND THE SEEKERS THE SAME!

"And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him."
Jeremiah 23:16, 26, 34
PUNISH THE MAN AND HIS HOUSEHOLD!

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD."

"How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart."

"And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house."
Revelation 19:20, 20: 10
CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE!

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

A Word to Mormons:

The Mormon Church teaches that Joseph Smith received the keys to the Priesthood, he alone on earth held them; that is, he was first, he stood at the head. It was promised that he should not lose them nor be removed out of his place, as long as he was faithful.
Gospel Doctrine p. 43 It is beyond the power of the world to prove that Joseph Smith is a false prophet!
"Joseph Smith is accused of being a false prophet. It is, however, beyond the power of the world to prove that he was a false prophet. They may so charge him, but you who have received the testimony of Jesus Christ, by the spirit of prophecy, through his administration, are my witnesses that they have not the power to prove him false."
Gospel Doctrine p. 485 Nothing can stop Joseph Smith's predictions from coming true!
"...there is no power beneath the celestial kingdom that can prevent its growth, or the consummation of all that has been predicted concerning it."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 25 1884, p. 98 The Mormon Church Claims:
We ask the sincere Mormon to examine the enclosed information taken from the books of the Latter Day Saints, even though some of the information may come as a surprise to you. Nevertheless, they are worth examining and searching out. Consider the following:
• The Mormon church claims Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God.
• The Mormon church claims Joseph Smith has never made a false prophecy.
• Yet, they have many prophecies that were not fulfilled on their designated date.
• The Bible tells us NOT to follow a false prophet.
• See: Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Matthew 7:15-20; Revelation 19:20; 20:10.
Scriptural Imperative:
Those are not merely wild and sensational claims, but issues that have been raised by many inquiring and concerned Mormons.
"Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." —II Corinthians 13:5
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." —I John 4:1 A Word to Non-Mormons:
Spiritual Responsibility:
The Christian has a unique responsibility when dealing with those that claim to be Christians but instead follow the way of darkness:
"...And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." —Ephesians 5:11

Purpose:
The purpose is to help you, the reader, to understand the complex and devious character of one of the perpetrators of the fruits of darkness, the Mormon Church, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Strategy:
Once you are able to grasp the key weaknesses and errors in which they have become ensnared, you will be equipped to begin the task of helping that Mormon neighbor, relative, friend or visitor to be released from their dark imprisonment.
Exposé is a French word which usually means "exposure of something discreditable" and it is in that sense that we use it here. On the next few pages you will be introduced to a
• List of errors in the Mormon belief system.
• An Exposé confirming their belief (with documentation) and,
• Often, a brief explanation of the nature and/or danger of this belief.
How to Use this Tool!
The Exposé should be read through, preferably, in one or two sittings. After becoming familiar with the contents, you will be able to introduce to the Mormon the errors and inconsistencies of his religion. If a Mormon questions the validity of the Exposé, you are invited to turn with them to the documentation pages for the appropriate quotation. In the documentation section many actual facsimiles of pages from the Mormon's literature have been provided. Caution!
A word needs to be said at this point about technique. Our purpose in using a tool like the Exposé is to win people to Jesus Christ by pulling them out of darkness—our purpose is not merely to win an argument. Our firm presentation of the truth must always be seasoned with compassion. Instruction:
It is our sincere hope that you will apply these passages and examine the Mormon claims discussed in your Exposé. We ask that you simply read the study outline and examine the documentation.
May God's Spirit be with you as you study.
























1A. Was the precise day for the organization of the church revealed to Joseph Smith, along with the name?
Yes,
The name given by "divine revelation" was, the Church of Christ.
Four years later on April 3, 1830, the name was changed to, The Church of the Latter-day Saints.
Then four years later, in April of 1834, the name was again changed to, Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints.
Doesn't it seem strange that it took eight years and three revelations to name the "true church"?
Changes in Mormonism
History of the Church p. 63
2A. Do the Mormons believe the Bible to be the infallible word of God?
No, Article of Faith #8 teaches:
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly."
"But the Bible as we know it is a different volume from what it was—and would have been—had it not been changed so much by those with selfish interest."
As Translated Correctly Peterson, p. 4
2B. What did Joseph Smith do to overcome the great number of discrepancies between the teachings of the Bible and those of his own?
He rewrote the Bible: In the flyleaf of his "version" appear these words: "The Holy Scriptures, translated and corrected by the spirit of revelation by Joseph Smith, Jr. the seer," 1927 Edition. "The Revision of the Bible which was done by Joseph Smith at the command of the Lord was not a complete revision of the Bible. There are many parts of the Bible in which the Prophet did not change the meaning where it is incorrect. He revised as far as the Lord permitted him at the time, and it was his intention to do more, but because of persecution this was not accomplished. However, all that he did is very helpful for the major errors have been corrected."
Doctrine of Salvation Vol.3: 191
Joseph Fielding Smith
2C. Was the Bible Completed by Joseph Smith?
Yes, in 1833 The official Church Historian, Andrew Jenson wrote: "Joseph Smith the Prophet finished the translation of the Bible."
Church Chronology, 1899, p. 9.
Joseph Smith also published the same information in History of the Church, Vol. 1, p. 368.
2D. Did Joseph Smith add to the Bible?
Yes, seventeen extra verses were added to Genesis chapter 15. A total of 2,427 verses were added or changed by Joseph Smith.
2E. Did Joseph Smith change the Bible to fit his own doctrine?
Yes, Joseph wrote himself into Genesis 50.
"And that seer will I bless, and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise I give unto you, for I will remember you from generation to generation; and his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be like unto you, for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by His hand shall bring my people unto salvation."
He changed the meaning of John 1:1 to eliminate the doctrine of the Trinity.
"In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word; and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God."
The correct translation is:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
2F. What does the Bible say about adding or subtracting to the Scriptures?
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
Deuteronomy 4:2
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book."
Revelation 22:18
2G. What Does the Bible say about itself?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
II Timothy 3:16, 17
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
II Peter 1:20, 21
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."
Psalm 19:7
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
II Peter 1:3
2H. How long will the Word of God stand?
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."
Isaiah 40:8
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Matthew 24:35
God's word has remained true. It was written over a period of 1500 years, by many different men and from many different backgrounds. Yet, there is no place in the canon of Scripture that contradicts any other portion.
The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. The truth of one book is the same as the truth of any other book within the Bible.
In it God's judgment, forgiveness, and righteousness are displayed. Our Savior is revealed in all His glory both before His incarnation and after. The Holy Bible is the witness of the Son; and He said:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
John 5:39
3A. What is the Great Apostasy according to Joseph Smith?
Joseph Smith asked the Personages which of the sects were right and which should he join.
18. "My object in going to inquire of the lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join..." 19. "I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight;"
Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith 2:18, 19
3B. Was there a need to restore the church? Did everyone fall away from the faith?
No,
Jesus said His church would stand forever:
"...And upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Matthew 16:18
Jesus said He would be with man until the end of the world.
"...I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Matthew 28:20
3C. Is there a need for a modern day prophet?
No,
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."
Hebrews 1:1, 2
3D. What has the Son told his followers to do?
We are to contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints.
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Jude 1:3
3E. Was the Gospel fully preached before Joseph Smith?
Yes, because Paul had fully preached the gospel of Christ.
"Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
Romans 15:19
3F. What is the gospel that Paul preached?
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
I Corinthians 15:1-4

3G. What is the gospel of the Mormon Church?
That man can become a god.
"I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was god from all eternity, I will refute that ideas, and take away the veil, so that you may see.
It is the FIRST PRINCIPAL OF THE GOSPEL to know for certainty the character of God, to know that we may converse with Him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us, yea that God Himself the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth the same as Jesus Christ did...Here then is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God, and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, the same as all Gods have done before you."
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 346, 347.
3H. What does the Bible tell us to do when a false gospel is presented to us?
We are not to follow them.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."
Galatians 1:8, 9
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."
I Timothy 1:3, 4
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Ephesians 5:11
On the following pages will be found an outline of key claims and beliefs of the Mormon Church. Under each topic heading appears certain questions and explanations that will lead the student into examining that issue for himself. The outline format has been selected in order to save time and provide a rapid reference system.
4A. Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God?
Yes: "Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. He lived and died a true prophet."
Joseph Smith, The Prophet, p. 485.
4B. Does the church believe all of Joseph Smith's Prophecies will come true?
Yes:
"As these predictions have been fulfilled, so those not yet fulfilled will come to pass in the due time of the Lord..."
Gospel Doctrine, p. 488.
4C. Can anything stop Joseph Smith's predictions from coming true?
No,
"...there is no power beneath the Celestial Kingdom that can prevent its growth, or the consummation of all that has been predicted concerning it."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 25, 1884, p. 98.
4D. Where does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints look for future revelations?
Through the legally appointed channel of the Priesthood.
"So long as the Lord has any communication to make to the children of men, or any instruction to impart to his Church, He will make such communication through the legally appointed channel of the Priesthood; He will never go outside of it, as long, at least, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exists in present from on the earth."
A Brief Statement of the Principles of the Gospels, p. 222
4E. Does the Book of Mormon teach that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God?
Yes:
"...Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of this world, and that Joseph Smith is his revelator and PROPHET in these last days."
Book of Mormon, Introduction.
4F. What is Ezra Taft's statement about the prophet?
"The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything." (#1)
"The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the first presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer." (#14)
The Mormon Corporate Empire
, pp. 200, 201, by John Heinerman, Anson Shupe.


5A. What was Joseph Smith's Prophecy concerning the Temple?
"Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints.
Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.
And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court-house."
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 57:1-3
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, July, 1831.
5B. Did Joseph Smith repeat this prophecy in 1832?
Yes, in 1832.
1. "A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high.
2. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
3. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4. Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple, shall be reared in this generation.
5. For verily, this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of The Lord, which shall fill the house."
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 97:19, Revelation given through Joseph Smith, the Prophet, at Kirkland, Ohio, September 23, 1832.
5C. Did Joseph Smith repeat this prophecy in 1833?
Yes,
"And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there."
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84:1-5, Revelation given through Joseph Smith, the Prophet, at Kirkland, Ohio, August 2, 1833.
5D. Was the prophecy repeated in December of 1833 by Joseph Smith?
Yes:
A revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet at Kirkland, Ohio, December 16, 1833.
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:17-21
17. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, not withstanding her children are scattered.
18. They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion—
19. And, all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled.
20. And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints."
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 107:17-20, 12:16, 1833, p. 172.
5E. Did the Elder Orson Pratt believe the prophecy given by Joseph Smith, that the temple would be built in Jackson County, Missouri?
Yes,
"...And when the saints were driven out from Jackson County, almost all in the Church expected that they would almost speedily be restored; and a person was considered almost an apostate that would say, they would not return in five years, or ten at the furthest;"
"The people think of almost everything else but the redemption of Zion, and speak to individuals about it, and they put it off a great distance ahead. But I do not feel to go to this extreme. I will give you my opinion; so far as the revelation go, in speaking of this subject, I think that this event is nearer than this people are aware of."
1845 Journal of Discourse, Vol. 3, p. 17. A discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, May 20, 1855.
5F. Did President Heber C. Kimball believe the prophecy of returning to Jackson County and building the temple given by Joseph Smith?
Yes,
A discourse by President Heber C. Kimball delivered in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, August 2, 1857.
"But if you cannot learn to keep the commandments of God in Great Salt Lake City...how do you expect to keep them in Jackson County?—for we are sure to go back there as we exist."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 5. p. 134 A.
5G. Did President Heber C. Kimball Expect to go back to Jackson County, Missouri?
Yes. He indicated this in his speech, December 17, 1857.
"They are holy places, and they will be held sacred even as Jackson County.." "and I shall yet see the day that I will go back there, with brother Brigham and with thousands and millions of others, and we will go precisely according to the dedication of the Prophet of the living God. Talk to me about my having any dubiety on my mind about these things being fulfilled!—I am just as confident of it as I am that I am called to be a saviour of men, and no power can hinder it."
1857 Journal of Discourses, Vol 6. p. 190.
5H. Did Elias Smith believe Joseph Smith's Prophecy about returning to Jackson County?
Yes, 1857.
"I expect to live to be an old man, and to go back with the saints to the land of Jackson County."
(President B. Young; "God grant it.")
1857 Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, p. 221
5I. How many others did Heber C. Kimball say would go back with him to Jackson County?
With thousands of this people.
"Brethren, I shall go to Jackson County with thousands of this people who will be faithful to their integrity; but we cannot go back until we have built some good houses."
1861 Journal of Discourses, Vol. 8, p. 350, Disclosure by Heber C. Kimball.
5J. Did Elder George A. Smith teach that this generation would not pass away until the temple was built?
Yes:
"Who is there that is prepared for this movement back to the center stake of Zion, and where are the architects amongst us that are qualified to erect this temple and the city that will surround it." "And let me remind you that it is predicted that this generation shall not pass away till a temple shall be built, and the glory of the Lord rest upon it, according to the promises."
March 10, 1861, Journal of Discourse, Vol. 9, p. 71.
5K. What generation did Elder George Q. Cannon teach would build the temple?
The generation in which the revelation was given, which is upwards of thirty years ago.
"The day is near when a Temple shall be reared in the Center Stake of Zion, and the Lord has said his glory shall rest on that House in this generation, that is in the generation in which the revelation was given, which is upwards of thirty years ago."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, p. 344, October 23, 1864.
5L. Did the Latter-day Saints have more faith in returning to Jackson County, than the Jews in returning to Jerusalem?
Yes,
"We have just as much confidence in returning to Jackson County and the building of a great city that will remain there a thousand years before the earth passes away, as the Jews have in returning to Jerusalem and re-building the waste places of Palestine. In fact, we have more faith than they have; for they have been so many generations cast out of their land that their descendants have almost lost their faith in returning. But, the Latter-day Saints are fresh, as it were. There are many of the old stock, who passed through all those tribulations I have named, still living, whose faith in returning to Jackson County, and the things that are coming, is as firm and fixed as the throne of the Almighty."
Elder Orson Pratt, in a discourse delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, April 10, 1870. Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13, p. 138.
5M. Did the generation of 1832 believe they would return and build up the City of Zion in Jackson County including the Temple where the cornerstone had been laid?
Yes, as much as they expected the sun to rise and set tomorrow. God has spoken, it must come to pass. This is our faith.
"God promised in the year 1832 that we should, before this generation then living had passed away, return and build up the City of Zion in Jackson County; that we should return and build up the temple of the Most High where we formerly laid the corner stone. He promised us that He would manifest Himself on that temple, that the glory of God should be upon it; and not only upon the temple, but within it, even a cloud by day and a flaming fire by night.
We believe in these promises as much as we believe in any promise ever uttered by the mouth of Jehovah. The Latter-day Saints just as much expect to receive a fulfillment of that promise during the generation that was in existence in 1832 as they expect that the sun will rise and set to-morrow. Why? Because God cannot lie. He will fulfill all His promises. He has spoken, it must come to pass. This is our faith."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13, p. 362, Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, May 5, 1870.
5N. Did Elder Orson Pratt continue to preach after thirty nine years had passed, that the generation of 1832 would still build the temple on the spot that had been selected?
Yes, "all the people that were living thirty-nine years ago have not passed away; but before they do pass away this will be fulfilled."
"We just as much expect that a city will be built, called Zion, in the place and on the land which has been appointed by the Lord our God, and that a temple will be reared on the spot that has been selected, and the corner-stone of which has been laid, in the generation when this revelation was given; we just as much expect this as we expect the sun to rise in the morning and set in the evening; or as much as we expect to see the fulfillment of any of the purposes of the Lord our God, pertaining to the works of his hands. But say the objector, "thirty nine years have passed away." What of that? The generation has not passed away; all the people that were living thirty-nine years ago have not passed away; but before they do pass away this will be fulfilled."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 14, p. 275. Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, April 9, 1871.
5O. Did Elder Orson Pratt teach that the generation of forty-two years ago would commence a house of God in Jackson County, Missouri, and actually complete the same?
Yes. "...before that generation should all pass away."
"God said, in the year 1832, before we were driven out of Jackson County, in a revelation which you will find here in this book, that before that generation should all pass away, a house of the Lord should be built in that county. (Jackson County).
This was given forty-two years ago. That generation then living was not only to commence a house of God in Jackson County, Missouri, but was actually to complete the same. And when it is completed the glory of God should rest upon it."
Interest Manifested, ETO p. 111.
5P. Did Elder Orson Pratt change his mind on how large a group would return to Jackson County?
Yes, 1875.
"We need not expect, from what God has revealed, that a very great number of those who were then in the Church and who were driven, will have the privilege of returning to that land."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 17, p. 291. February 7, 1875.
5Q. In 1935 did the Latter-day Saints teach the temple would still be built by the generation of 1832?
Yes,
"I firmly believe that there will be some of that generation who were living when this revelation was given who shall be living when this temple is reared. And I do not believe that the Lord has bound himself to accomplish the matter within 100 years from 1832." "I have full confidence in the word of the Lord and that it shall not fail."
The Way to Perfection, Salt Lake City, p. 270.
5R. Was the temple built by the generation of 1832? Was the prophecy of 1832 considered a false prophecy by Joseph Fielding Smith in 1972?
No, the temple was not built.
Yes, it is a false prophecy because no soul living in 1832 was still alive.
"It may be reasonable to assume that in giving this revelation to the prophet the Lord did have in mind the generation of people who would still be living with the one hundred years from the time of announcement of the revelation, and that they would enjoy the blessings of the temple, and a glorious cloud would rest upon it. It is also reasonable to believe that no soul living in 1832 is still living in mortality on the earth."
Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 4. p. 112, Joseph Fielding Smith.
5S. Has a temple ever been built on this property?
No,
The Latter-day Saints never built a temple in Missouri at the place appointed. They do not own the property.
In fact, Zion was moved out of her place two weeks prior to Smith receiving this prophecy. He was in Kirkland, Ohio, and unaware of the Missouri problem when he gave the revelation.
Notice in the quote below, the temple had to be on the "consecrated spot I have appointed." By the above, all authority after Joseph Smith believed that Zion would be on the consecrated spot.
Below is the original prophecy by Joseph Smith, Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84:1-5, 31 given September, 1832.
1. "A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high.
2. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
3. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4. Verily, this is the word of the Lord, and that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
5. For verily this generation shall not pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill his house."
31. "which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the "consecrated spot as I have appointed."
5T. By the words of the church in 1972 is Joseph Smith a false prophet?
Yes: Joseph Fielding Smith stated:
"It is reasonable to believe that no soul living in 1832 is still living in mortality on the earth."
Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 4, p. 112, Joseph Fielding Smith.
5U. Did Joseph Smith predict the coming of the Lord would be fifty-six years from 1835?
Yes, on February 14, 1835
"President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision and by the Holy Spirit. He then gave a revelation of some of the circumstances attending us while journeying to Zion...our trial, sufferings; and said God had not designed all this for nothing, but He had it in remembrance yet; and it was the will of God that those who went to Zion, with a determination to lay down their lives, if necessary, should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh—even fifty-six years would wind up the scene."
History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182.
5V. Did Joseph Smith predict that Zion would be the city of God and never removed from its place?
Yes, on August 2, 1833
"And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there."
Doctrine and Covenants 97:19
Two weeks prior to this prophecy (July 20, 1883) Zion was moved and leading Latter-day Saints officials were run out of town.
5W. What did Joseph Smith predict about Salem, Massachusetts?
"And it shall come to pass in due time, that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours."
Doctrine and Covenants, Section III, Vs. 4
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the prophet at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836.
5X. Did Joseph Smith predict that there were men on the moon?
Yes,
"The inhabitants of the moon are more of a uniform size than the inhabitants of the earth, being about 6 feet in height. They dress very much like the quaker style and are quite general in style, or the fashion of dress.
They live to be very old; coming generally, near a thousand years.
This is the description of them as given by Joseph the Seer, and he could 'see' whatever he asked the father in the name of Jesus to see."
Journal of Oliver B. Huntington, Vol. 2 p. 166.


5Y. Did Brigham Young teach that the moon and the sun are inhabited?
Yes.
"Who can tell us of the inhabitants of this little planet that shines of an evening, called the moon?...When you inquire about the inhabitants of that sphere you find that the most learned are as ignorant in regard to them as the most ignorant of their fellows. So it is with regard to the inhabitants of the sun. Do you think it is inhabited? I rather think it is. Do you think there is any life there? No question of it; it was not made in vain. It was made to give light to those who dwell upon it, and to other planets; and so will this earth when it is celestialized."
Journal of Discourses 13:271, July 24, 1870.
False Prophecy List: Deuteronomy 18:20-22
1. Inhabitants of the Moon
"The inhabitants of the moon are more of a uniform size than the inhabitants of the earth, being about 6 feet in height. They dress very much like the quaker style and are quite general in style, or the fashion of dress. They live to be very old; coming, generally, near a thousand years. This is the description of them as given by Joseph the Seer, and he could 'see' whatever he asked the father in the name of Jesus to see."
(Journal of Oliver B. Huntington, Vol 2. p. 166 of typed.)
2. The Temple that was never built:
In a revelation given by Joseph Smith, September 22 and 23, in 1832, the following appears:
4. "Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
5. For verily this generation shall not pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.
31. Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses for the sons of Moses—and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed."
Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 84, v. 4, 5, 31
On May 5, 1870, the Mormon Apostle Orson Pratt stated that the Mormons would return and build the temple in that generation because God could not lie:
"...God promised in the year 1832 that we should, before the generation THEN living had passed away, return and build up the temple of the Most High where we formally laid the corner stone.
We believe in these promises as much as we believe in any promise ever uttered by the mouth of Jehovah. The Latter-day Saints just as much expect to receive a fulfillment of that promise during the generation that was in existence in 1832 as they expect that the sun will rise and set tomorrow. Why? Because God cannot lie. He will fulfill all his promises. He has spoken, it must come to pass. This is our faith."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13, p. 362.


6A. Has the Bible warned us about false prophets?
Yes,
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before."
Matthew 24:24, 25.
Jesus has warned us in advance, false prophets would be here, they would look good, show great signs and wonders, for one reason: TO DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT.
What does First John 4:1 tell us to do concerning the false prophet?
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
6C. Does Joseph Smith pass the test of a true prophet?
No, one false prophecy would forever disqualify a man as a true prophet of GOD.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22.
"But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
6D. How did the Mormon Church try to hide the facts that Joseph Smith is a False Prophet?
Joseph Fielding Smith stated in 1972,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept their offerings."
1972, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 4, p. 112.
6E. What does the Bible say the false prophet would do when he was caught?
"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his visions, when he hath prophesied."
Zechariah 13:4
6F. Should a sincere person follow a false prophet for any reason?
No,
"...the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him."
Ezekiel 14:10
6G. What does the Mormon Church say about following a false prophet?
Joseph Smith should be exposed as a False Prophet!
"Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground.
If Joseph Smith was a deceiver who willfully attempted to mislead the people then he should be exposed: his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines whom to be false, for the doctrines of an imposter cannot be made to harmonize in all particulars with divine truth. If his claims and declarations were build upon fraud and deceit, there would appear many errors and contradiction, which would be easy to detect. The doctrines of false teachers will not stand the test when tried by the accepted standards of measurement, the scriptures."
Doctrines of Salvation by Joseph F. Smith, Vol. 1 p. 188.
6H. Joseph Smith is a false prophet! What is the punishment of a false prophet?
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!"
Ezekiel 13:13
"The false prophet...were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."
Revelation 19:20 20 and Revelation 20:20
6I. Can a true church come from a false prophet?
No, according to Jesus.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
(A ravening wolf will take your temporal life, a false prophet will take your eternal life)
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
(We shall know them by what they say)
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(The fruits of the prophet is his prophecies)
Matthew 7:15-20
6J. Joseph Smith is a false prophet, we are not to be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22
"And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."


The Mormon concept of salvation is faith plus baptism, plus works,
"Full salvation is attained by virtue of knowledge, truth, righteousness, and all true principles. Many conditions must exist in order to make such salvation available to men. Without the atonement, the gospel, the priesthood, and the sealing power, there would be no salvation. Without continuous revelation, the ministering of angels, the working of miracles, the prevalence of gifts of the spirit, there would be no salvation...There is no salvation outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Bruce McConkie. Mormon Doctrine 669-70.
According to Mormon Theology, who holds the keys to heaven?
Joseph Smith does,
"—namely that not man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial-kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith. From the day that the Priesthood was taken from the earth to the winding-up scene of all things, every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are."
Journal of Discourses, p. 289.
7A. Does Joseph Smith have the keys to life?
No, Jesus determines who goes into heaven for only He is HOLY and TRUE.
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth."
Revelation 3:7
7B. Do we need to work for our salvation?
No,
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
Romans 4:5
7C. Mormons emphasize many "works"; What did Jesus Christ say when asked what the ultimate work was?
Jesus answered:
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
John 6:28, 29
7D. Who should the sincere Mormon turn to when he realizes he's been following a false prophet?
Jesus.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:6


7E. Who has provided for our salvation?
Jesus
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8, 9
"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Acts 16:30, 31
7F. What are the steps to salvation?
Acknowledge: We must all acknowledge in the light of God's word that we are sinners.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. "
Luke 18:13
7G. What does it mean to repent?
To turn away from, to change. We must see the awfullness of sin and then turn from it.
7H. Does the Lord require us to admit our guilt of sin?
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
I John 1:8-10
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Isaiah 55:7
7I. What must we believe in order to be saved?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Romans 10:9, 10
7J. Have you asked God to forgive you for following a false prophet?
Do you have a desire in your heart to become a child of God and serve the Lord from now on?
7K. If you have answered yes to the above question, you are ready to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name."
John 1:12
Please pray the following prayer:
I am convinced by God's word that I am a lost sinner; I believe that Jesus Christ died for sinners and shed His blood to put away my sins.
I now receive Him as my personal Lord and Savior and will, by His help, confess Him before men.
7L. If you prayed this prayer, the Bible teaches:
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:13
7M. Did you sincerely, ask Jesus Christ to come into your life? Where is he now? What has he given you?
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8, 9
7N. If you believed, when you said this prayer, you now have eternal life.
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
I John 5:12, 13
7O. We now have a special gift from the Lord, the Holy Spirit, who promises to teach us all things.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:26, 27


















8A
The Prophecy
3. "Wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion."
4. And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place: and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court-house."
See document appendix.
8B
1832
This is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem, which temple shall be reared in this generation...For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord...a cloud shall rest upon it which shall be the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84, 9/22/1832.
See document appendix.
8C
1833
Joseph Smith:
And the nations of the earth shall honor her...Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there;
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 97, 8/2/1833.
See document appendix.
8D
1833
Zion shall not be moved...that the prophets might be fulfilled neither shall there be any other place appointed then which I have appointed..."
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:17-21, 12/16/1833
See document appendix.
8E
1845
Elder Orson Pratt:
"And when the saints were driven out from Jackson County, almost all in the Church expected that they would speedily be restored, and a person was considered almost an apostate that would say, they would not come back in five years, or ten at the furthest."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3 p. 17
See document appendix.
8F
1856
Huber C. Kimball:
"...but if you cannot learn to keep the commandments of God in great Salt Lake City...how do you expect to keep them in Jackson County?—for we are as sure to go back there as we exist."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 5 p. 134a, August 2, 1857
See document appendix.
8G
1857
Elias Smith stated that he expected to live to be an old man and go back with saints to the land of Jackson County.
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6 p. 221
See document appendix.
8H
1861
Herbert C. Kimball:
"Brethren, I shall go to Jackson County with thousands of this people who will be faithful to their integrity."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 8 p. 350
See document appendix.
8I
1861
Elder George A. Smith:
"...And let me remind you that it is predicted that this generation shall not pass away till a temple shall be built, and the glory of the Lord rest upon it, according to the promises."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 9 p. 71, 3/10/1861
See document appendix.
8J
1864
George Q. Cannon:
"The day is near when a Temple shall be reared in the Center Stake of Zion, and the Lord has said his glory shall rest on that House in this generation, that is in the generation in which the revelation was given, which is upwards of thirty years ago."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10 p. 344, 10/23/1864
See document appendix.
8K
1870
Orson Pratt:
"We have just as much confidence in returning to Jackson county and the building of a great central city that will remain there a thousand years"...There are many of the old stock—still living, whose faith in returning to Jackson county, and the things that are coming, is as firm and fixed as the throne of the Almighty.
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13 p. 138, 4/10/1870
See document appendix.
8L
1871
Orson Pratt:
"...The generation has not passed away; all the people that were living thirty-nine years ago have not passed away; but before they do pass away this will be fulfilled."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 14 p. 275
See document appendix.
8M
1875
Orson Pratt:
"...We need not expect, from what God has revealed, that a very great number of those who were then in the Church and who were driven, will have the privilege of returning to that land."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 17 p. 291, 2/7/1875
See document appendix.
8N
1935
"I firmly believe that there will be some of that generation who were living when this revelation was given who shall be living when this temple is reared. And I do not believe that the Lord has bound himself to accomplish the matter within one hundred years from 1832," "...I have full confidence in the word of the Lord and that it shall not fail."
The Way to Perfection, Salt Lake City, p. 270
See document appendix.
8O
1972
Joseph Fielding Smith stated:
"It is also reasonable to believe that no soul living in 1832, is still living in mortality on the earth."
Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 4 p. 112
See document appendix.

9A. Do both groups trace their roots to Joseph Smith, Jr?
Yes, the larger group officially known as "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" are often referred to as LDS or Mormons. The smaller group is officially called, "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." They are often referred to as "Latter Day Saints," or "RLDS."
9B. Following are some of the similarities taken from a pamphlet written by Ex-Mormons for Jesus, Ira T. Ransom.
1. Acknowledge Joseph Smith, Jr. as a true prophet
2. Accept the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as Scripture.
3. Baptized by immersion for the remission of sins. (Children are baptized at the age of eight.)
4. Believe that good works are essential to attain salvation.
5. Have Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood.
6. Believe that there are three Heavens: Celestial, Terrestial, and Telestial.
7. Believe in continuous revelation and have an open canon of Scripture.
8. Both groups have similar, but not identical views about Hell. Neither group believes that Hell is a place of permanent punishment.
9. Have presidents whom they consider to be living prophets.
10. Believe that Zion will be established on the American continent during the Millennium.
11. Both groups make the same fatal mistake of trusting in their good works for salvation instead of putting complete faith in Jesus Christ and His redeeming work.
9C. Differences between "LDS" (Mormons) and "RLDS."
1. The RLDS think of God as eternally unchangeable, but Mormons believe that God is progressive.
2. RLDS believe that men may develop in righteousness into any degree of glory, including the Celestial glory, through obedience to the fundamental gospel principles.

Mormons believe that by obeying those principles, men can even become Gods in the highest Heaven.
3. The RLDS marry only for time, but Mormons marry for time and eternity, believing that Celestial marriages are essential to attain Godhood.
4. Mormons accepted the revelation about polygamy (Doctrine and Covenants 132) as from Joseph Smith, and followed it. The RLDS claim that Brigham Young gave the revelation, so RLDS have always rejected the dogma of polygamy.
5. Mormons accepted a fourth book as Scripture, The Pearl of Great Price, which the RLDS never considered as Divine revelation.

As a result of teaching in the Pearl of Great Price, Mormons did not allow Blacks to hold the Priesthood, believing that they were cursed with a dark skin, and were also unworthy spirits in the pre-existence. Now Blacks can hold the priesthoods in the Mormon Church since a revelation by President Spencer W. Kimball in June 1978. The RLDS never discriminated against Blacks.
6. The RLDS system has Pastors, elected from the Eldership, who preach sermons. Mormons have no pastors, but have Bishops who lead the local assemblies.
7. The RLDS have headquarters in Independence, Missouri. The Mormons have headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.
8. The RLDS followed Joseph Smith's sons as their second President. The Mormons followed Brigham Young.
9. The RLDS have presidents in the Joseph Smith family line. The Mormons choose and sustain their presidents from different families. So far, each new president has previously been the president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.
10. The RLDS go more by the earlier teaching of Joseph Smith, while Mormons hold distinctive views which resulted from his later teachings.
11. The teachings of the RLDS are more in harmony with the Book of Mormon, while Mormon theology comes more from the Pearl of Great Price and some of Joseph Smith's Sermons.
12. Mormons and the RLDS both have a book called Doctrine and Covenants, but they are not exactly the same, therefore, the numbering system is different.
13. The nickname "Mormon" applies only to the Utah Latter-day Saints.
14. The RLDS write the term "Latter Day Saints: as three words with three capital letters. Mormons write it "Latter-day Saints" with a hyphen and a small "d."


10A. Do we need to compare LDS beliefs with Christianity?
Yes, the Mormon Church has asked us to check their doctrine.
"...convince us of our errors of doctrine, if we have any by reason of logical arguments, or by the word of God, and we will be ever grateful for the information, and you will ever have the pleasing reflection that you have been instruments in the hands of God of redeeming your fellow beings from the darkness which you may see developing their minds.
Orson Pratt, The Seer, pp. 15-16
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
I Timothy 4:1
10B. Are we to expose the false doctrines?
Yes,
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Ephesians 5:11
10C. Do Mormons believe in more than one God?
Yes,
"in the beginning the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and the people in it."
Journal of Discourses, Vol 6, Sermon by Joseph Smith.
"In the heaven where our spirits were born, there are many Gods, each of who has his own wife or wives which were given to him previous to his redemption while yet in his mortal state."
The Seer, Vol 1, Page 37 Apostle Orson Pratt.
10D. Is there more than one true God according to the Bible?
No,
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Isaiah 43:10
"Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his redeemer, the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
Isaiah 44:6
Also read: Isaiah 44:10, 44:8, 45:5, 46:9 & I Timothy 2:5
10E. Do Mormons believe that God has a body of flesh and bone?
Yes,
"The Father has a body of flesh and bone as tangible as man's; the Son also, but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones but is a personage of Spirit..."
Doctrine and Covenants, 130:22
"My next sermon will be to both Saint and sinner...Our God and Father in heaven, is a being of tabernacle, or, in other words, He has a body, with parts the same as you and I have;...I will tell you how it is. Our Father in Heaven begat all the spirits that ever were, or ever will be, upon this earth; and they were born spirits in the eternal world."
Journal of Discourses, 1:50 — Brigham Young.
10F. Do Mormons believe that God is an exalted man?
Yes,
"God was once as we are now and is an exalted man."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, p. 3
"Remember that God our Heavenly Father was perhaps once a child and mortal like we are and rose step by step in the scale of progress, in the school of advancement; has moved forward and overcome until He has arrived at the point where He now is."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 2, p. 123
"When our father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body and brought Eve, one of his celestial wives, with him...He is our father and our God and the only God with whom we have to do."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, p. 50, Brigham Young
"God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil. So that you may see...It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did; and I will show it from the Bible."
History of the Church, 6:305, 306
10G. Does the Bible teach that God is a glorified man with a body?
No, the book of Hosea states:
"...for I am God, and not man;"
Hosea 11:9
"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of a man, that he should repent."
Numbers 23:19
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
John 4:24
"For I am the Lord, I change not."
Malachi 3:6
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."
Psalm 90:2
10H. Are the Mormons guilty of changing the glory of the incorruptible God into an image of corruptible man?
Yes,
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."
Romans 1:22, 23


11A. Do Mormons teach Jesus is the brother of Lucifer?
Yes,
"The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind."
Mormon Doctrine, p. 193
11B. Does the Bible teach that Jesus and Lucifer were brothers?
No,
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."
Colossians 1:16
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 3:9
Jesus created all things (angels too) including Lucifer who was an angel before the fall.
11C. Do the Mormons teach that Jesus was born as a result of a sexual relationship between God the Father and the Virgin Mary?
Yes,
"These name-titles all signify that our Lord is the only Son of the Father in the flesh. Each of the words is to be understood literally. Only means only; Begotten means begotten; and Son means son. Christ was begotten by an Immortal Father in the same way that mortal men are begotten by mortal fathers."
Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546, 547
"God the Father, is a perfected, glorified, holy man an immortal Personage. And Christ was born into the world as the literal Son of this Holy Being; he was born in the same personal, real, and literal sense that any mortal son is born to a mortal father. There is nothing figurative about his paternity; he was begotten, conceived and born in the normal and natural course of events, for he is the Son of God, and that designation means what it says...Christ is the Son of Man, meaning that his Father (the Eternal God!) is a Holy Man."
"Christ was begotten by an Immortal Father in the same way that mortal men are begotten by mortal fathers."
Mormon Doctrine, pp. 742, 547
"The fleshly body of Jesus required a Mother as well as a Father. Therefore, the Father and Mother of Jesus, according to the flesh, must have been associated together in the capacity of Husband and Wife: hence the Virgin Mary must have been, for the time being, the lawful wife of God the Father."
The Seer 1853, pp. 158, 159 Orson Pratt.
11D. Do Mormons believe Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit?
No,
"If He were begotten by the Holy Ghost, then He would have called him His Father."
The Seer, p. 159 Orson Pratt
"When the virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the father had begotten him in his own likeness. He was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. And who was the father? He was the first of the human family...Jesus our elder brother was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the Garden of Eden and who is our father in heaven (Adam)."
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, pp. 50, 51
11E. How was Jesus conceived according to the Bible?
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Isaiah 7:14
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."
Matthew 1:18-20
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Luke 1:35
11F. Do Mormons teach that Jesus Became a God?
Yes,
"Jesus became a God and reached His great state of understanding through consistent effort and continuous obedience to all the Gospel truth and universal laws."

The Gospel Throughout the Ages, p. 51
11G. Did Jesus become a god or has he always been God?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God."
John 1:1, 2
"Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior. "
Isaiah 43:10, 11
"And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
John 20:28
"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom."
Hebrews 1:8

12A. Are Mormons confused about the nature of the Holy Spirit?
Yes,
Joseph Smith taught the Holy Spirit is one distinct God of many Gods. "I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and that these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods."
Teachings of the Prophet, Joseph Smith p. 370.
But,
Articles of Faith states: "He (the Holy Ghost) is an immaterial being possessed of a spiritual form and definite proportions."
Articles of Faith, James E. Talmage
"Jesus Christ...was filled with the divine substance or fluid called the Holy Spirit, by which He comprehended and spake the truth in power and authority, and by which He controlled the elements and imparted health and life to those who were prepared to partake of the same...The purest, most refined and subtle of all these substances and the one least understood or even recognized by the less informed among mankind is that substance called the Holy Spirit."
Key to Theology, pp. 38, 46. Parley P. Pratt.
12B. Who does the Bible teach the Holy Spirit is?
The Holy Spirit is God.
"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
Acts 5:3, 4
The Holy Spirit is Joined with the Father and Son:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Matthew 28:19
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
II Corinthians 13:14
The Holy Spirit is:
Eternal (Hebrews 9:14)
Omniscient (I Corinthians 2:10, 11)
Omnipresent (Psalms 139:7-13)
Creator (Genesis 1:2)
The Holy Spirit is called:
The Comforter, He Abides forever (John 14:16)
Brings to remembrance Christ's words (John 14:26)
Testifies concerning Christ (John 15:26)
Convicts the world of sin (John 16:7, 8)
Guides into all truth (John 16:13)


13A. What is the doctrine of the Trinity?
"Within the nature of the Eternal God there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
The "triunity" of God: means his tri-personality exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in three distinct persons in one God. Each is separate in their personal characteristics, being clearly distinguished from the other, but equal in power, glory and being (i.e., nature).
Father:
"For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
II Peter 1:17
Son:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:1
Holy Spirit:
"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost...thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
Acts 5:3, 4
13B. Are Christians Monotheistic?
Yes, because like the Jewish affirmation of faith they believe in ONE GOD.
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."
Deuteronomy 6:4
"See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand."
Deuteronomy 32:39
"...before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Isaiah 43:10
"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
Isaiah 44:6
"...I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me."
Isaiah 46:9
13C. What is Polytheism?
"Belief in a number of Gods"
Webster's 11 New Riverside Dictionary, p. 541.
13D. Are Mormons Polytheists?
Yes,
"I will preach on the plurality of Gods. I have selected this text for that express purpose. I will to declare I have always and in all congregations when I have preached on the subject of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods. It has been preached by the Elders for fifteen years.
I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit; and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods. If this is in accordance with the New Testament, Lo and Behold! we have three Gods anyhow, and they are plural: and who can contradict it?"
History of the Church 6:474, Joseph Smith, Jr.
"Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are only one God! I say that is a strange God anyhow—three in one, and one in three! It is a curious organization...All are to be crammed into one god, according to sectarianism. It would be a wonderfully big God—he would be a giant or a monster."
History of the Church 6:475, 476, Joseph Smith, Jr.
"I am going to inquire after God, for I want you all to know him and to be familiar with Him...God was once as we are now, an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens...I am going to tell you how God came to be God. 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...It is the first principal of the Gospel...and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests, the same as all gods before you, namely by going from one small degree to another..."
Times and Seasons, August 1, 1844. Joseph Smith.


14A. Does the Bible command us to prove all things?
Yes,
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
I Thessalonians 5:21
14B. Could a false church appear righteous?
Yes,
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And have no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
II Corinthians 11:13, 15
"There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Proverbs 16:25
14C. If Mormonism isn't the truth, then what is?
Jesus is the truth, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:6
14D. do I have to acknowledge that I am a sinner?
Yes, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
14E.Why do I have to repent of my sins?
Then your sins will be blotted out.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
Acts 3:19
14G. What will happen when I confess my sins to God?
He will forgive your sins.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I John 1:9
14H. How do I receive eternal life?
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Romans 10:9, 10
14I. If you would like to receive Jesus Christ right now, repeat the following prayer.
Dear Father,
I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that Christ died for my sins. I am willing to turn from my sins. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. I am willing, by God's grace, to follow and obey Christ as the Lord of my life.
14J. Did you sincerely ask Jesus Christ to come into your life? Where is he right now? What do you have?
The Bible says...
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."
I John 5:11-15

Friendshipping
15A. The Mormons have a specific and structural way of gaining converts known as Friendshipping.
John L. Smith has printed a booklet written by Patrick and Cynthia Maquire exposing the highly structural practice of every Mormon congregation or ward. For a complete copy of this article you may write John L. Smith at the following address. Friendshipping
By Patrick & Cynthia Maquire

John L. Smith
Utah Missions, Inc.
P.O. Box 348
Marlow, Oklahoma 73055
15B. If a person has a Mormon friend who is in good standing with the LDS church is he being friendshipped?
Yes, FRIENDSHIPPING is a term used to describe a general plan that is always in effect for every member of the Mormon Church, regardless of age.
15C. What is their next step after the target family has been selected, and their names turned into the priesthood leader?
There is a printed guide for the member family to follow. During the first week of the program (after training) a specific number of contacts are made. These are telephone calls, visits, shopping trips, any kind of contact that enhances the relation.
In the second week, the number of contacts increases and may include activities that only involve the children of the two families. This kind of building, caring, personal relationship continue increasing in intensity until the target family and the member family are good friends.
Throughout the process, however, the priesthood holder (or the head of the member family have been turning in written reports to his priesthood leader on the overall progress being made with the non-member family. Also, verbal reports are required on demand.
If progress is slow, or for some reason non-existent, then the entire member family is retrained in FRIENDSHIPPING. If progress continues to stagnate over a period of time, then the target family is dropped and another chosen."
15D. Is the Mormon Church discussed in the first few weeks of friendshipping?
NO. If it is brought up by the target family it is usually approached in a non-aggressive manner, depending on how church leaders feel about the target family's readiness for the "gospel."
15E. What programs are offered to attract the target family to church-related meetings? Are these meetings religious in nature?
The meetings are not religious. "The Ward (Local Mormon Congregation) have many cultured programs throughout the year. These may be parties for children. The topics vary and include little or no religious content."
15F. Why do target families consent to a study with the missionaries?
Usually out of a sense of obligation to their friends.
15G. When are the target families asked to commit a goal date for baptism?
Usually after two or three lessons. This comes as a complete surprise to the target family, because in most cases they felt they were just getting more information on the church. This is what they were told by their friends. If the answer to this request is "No" the first time, then the same request will be made with every missionary contact until the target family consents.
15H. What tactics do the missionaries use to avoid complicated doctrinal topics?
They are avoided by the Missionaries.
"If an investigator, as each member of the target family would now be called, asks questions that probe too deeply into the real doctrine of the church, he is reassured that there are no hidden secrets and that non-members are misguided about Mormon doctrine because they have never studied it as a believer."
15I. Why are missionaries used to teach the lessons?
"Practice has made perfect and they are ready to deal with any kind of opposition the target family might raise."
15J. If the lessons are continued to the end, what is the result?
"The chances are excellent that the target family will be baptized into THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS."
15K. What happens to the target family after becoming a member of the church?
"The target family is engulfed by the church. Two or three other families are assigned to 'FELLOWSHIP' the new members for the first year. The new family is either going to a church function or attending a social affair arranged by one of these families several times per week."
15L. What has happened to the original relationship which the investigators had with the member family?
"Their intense interaction has come to an end. The member family must select some other family or individual and follow the same process through again."
15M. What happens to the target family that decides not to remain in the church after joining?
"They find their friends have lost interest in them. In a matter of weeks the intense involvement the apostate family had as members is completely gone. After the initial pressure by inside friends not leave has failed there remains only the warnings from the local leadership. After all, an apostate family is doomed to hell as soon as they are excommunicated."
15N. What is the real intent of friendshipping?
"EVERYTHING that an active Mormon in good standing does is geared toward perking a non-member's interest and obtaining their eventual membership in the LDS church."
15O. What should a person do when he realizes he is a victim of friendshipping?
Ephesians 5:11
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Then turn to Jesus Christ.
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."


16A. What did Joseph Smith say about the Book of Mormon?
Joseph Smith declared that the Book of Mormon contained "the fullness of the everlasting gospel" that he had been called to restore. (Doctrine and Covenants 20:9; 42:12, 135:3)
16B. What is the everlasting Gospel as set forth in the Bible?
Paul made the everlasting Gospel known in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1. "Now I make known to you brethren the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you stand.
2. by which you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believe in vain.
3. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,
4. and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures."
Was this gospel of 1 Corinthians lost or changed by the Orthodox Christian Church?
No, this gospel has remained in the Orthodox Christian Church. It is one of the central doctrines of Christianity that binds the many denominations of the Christian Church together.
16C. Does the Book of Mormon contain the Mormon gospel?
No, Joseph Smith's gospel has expanded to include a "God" who was once a sinful man, and is now resurrected in a physical body. Refer to the quote on 3G.
16D. Does the Book of Mormon contain the central teachings of Mormonism?
No, the central teachings of Mormonism include:
• God being man, Man becoming God.
• Three degrees of Glory.
• A pre-mortal state of man.
• Marriage for eternity.
• Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood.
• Baptism for the Dead.
None of these teachings are in the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon does not contain "the fullness of the gospel" as claimed by Joseph Smith, in fact it contains almost no Mormonism.
16E. Joseph Smith said, "The Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth." Have there been any changes in the Book of Mormon since it was first published in 1830?
Yes, there have been over 2000 changes since 1830.
16F. What are some of the obvious errors in the Book of Mormon?
Joseph Smith said the Book of Mormon was written their Gospels and Epistles. His quotes were taken directly from King James English.
Joseph Smith also copied entire chapters from the King James Bible: Isaiah 2:14 with 2 Nephi 12-24; Isaiah 48, 49 with 1 Nephi 20, 21; Isaiah 50, 51 with 2 Nephi 7, 8. These passages of Scriptures include the verse and chapter divisions, and Italics from the King James Bible, which wasn't written until centuries later.
In Alma 46:15 believers are called Christians in 73 BC, Acts 11:26 says they were first called Christians at Antioch in 42 AD.
16G. Are there any archaeological findings that prove the Book of Mormon?
No, according to Mormon Archaeologist Professor Dee F. Green.
"The first myth we need to eliminate is that the Book of Mormon archaeology exists...If one is to study the Book of Mormon archaeology, then one must have a corpus of data with which to deal with. We do not...no Book of Mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Biblical archaeology can be studied because we do know where Jerusalem and Jericho were and are, but we do not know where Zarahemla and Bountiful (nor any location for that matter) were and are...a concentration on geography would be the first order of business, but we have already seen that twenty years of such an approach has left us empty handed."
Dialogue, op. cit. Summer 1969, pp. 77-78. Mormon Archaeologist Professor Dee. F. Green.

The following Questions will be answered according to the 1978 edition of Mormon Gospel Teachings. And then compared to the Bible.
17A. What kind of being is God according to Joseph Smith?
"...God is like a man in form." — Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith. p. 345.
God is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bones. Inside his tangible body is an eternal spirit." — Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.
The Bible teaches:
"...for I am God and not man." — Hosea 11:9
"God is not a man that he should lie." — Numbers 23:19
"God is Spirit." — John 4:24
"For I am the Lord, I change not." — Malachi 3:6
17B. Are we all literal children of our heavenly Father according to Joseph Smith?
Yes,
"...All men and women are...literally the sons and daughters of Deity...Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal (physical) body." — Joseph Smith, The Origin of Man. Improvement Era Nov. 1909 pp. 78-80.
The Bible Teaches:
Man was created out of the earth by God, he became a living soul when God breathed into him the breath of life.
"Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." — Genesis 2:7
Man was created natural, then spiritual.
"...The first man, Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual." — 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47
Men and women are not literal sons of Deity, they become sons of God when they are born again.
"Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." — Romans 8:14
17C. Was Adam and Eve's fall a blessing? Because of it, would man have joy?
Yes, according to Mormon Gospel Teachings, "Great blessings resulted from the transgression."
Eve said after her transgression, "...if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created...And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." — 2 Nephi 2:22-25
The Bible Teaches:
Adam and Eve's sin did not bring blessings or joy, it brought pain, toil, physical and spiritual death to all generations.
"To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth." — Genesis 3:16
"The to Adam He said, "...Cursed is the ground because of you...thorns and thistles it shall grow for you...and to dust you will return." — Genesis 3:16-19
"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned." — Romans 5:12-14
17D. Jesus Christ died on the cross, and rose from the dead in three days, in order for us to be saved from sin.
Please refer to 7F and the following on how you can be redeemed from your sins.


In the prefix we stated that this book was written to answer the attack by Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church against Orthodox Christianity. We feel we have answered this attack by taking the Bible and checking the Prophet Joseph Smith. In doing this we have proven beyond all doubt the following truths:
1. Joseph Smith is a false prophet.
2. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the sole authority for the Christian's faith and life.
3. The Christian Church is not apostate, it is the Body of Christ on earth, those called by God to salvation.
4. Salvation is through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
5. Justification is by faith in Christ, without works.
6. The Book of Mormon is not inspired by God.
7. The Angel Moroni is a fallen angel.
8. God has never been man. He is Spirit and always has been.
9. Man will never be a God, only a son of God.
We pray that this book will cause you to study the Bible and grow in your knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ.

When they come knocking Part 3

When they come knocking
Part 3

JW’s at a glance…

Doctrinal differences

The Trinity
They Say: There is no Trinity - Let God be True, p. 100-101; Make Sure of All Things p. 386.

The Bible Says: The doctrine of the Trinity is Biblically based.

1. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

2. John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

3. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

4. 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

5. 1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

The Holy Spirit
They Say: The Holy Spirit is God's impersonal active force - The Watchtower, June 1, 1952, p. 24

The Bible Says: The Holy Spirit is not impersonal.

1. John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

2. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

3. Acts 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Jesus and Michael
They Say: Jesus was Michael the archangel who became a man, Jehovah's first creation was his 'only-begotten Son' and was used by Jehovah in creating all other things - Aid to Bible Understanding, pp. 390-391. The Watchtower, May 15, 1963, p. 307; The New Word, 284.

The Bible Says: Jesus is the Creator not a created being.

1. John 1:1-3 Jhn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Jhn 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Jhn 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

2. 1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

3. Colossians 1:15-17 Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.


The Resurrection
They Say: Jesus did not rise from the dead in his physical body - Awake! July 22, 1973, p. 4.

The Bible Says: Jesus did rise in Body.

1. Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

2. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 1Cr 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Cr 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Cr 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Cr 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Cr 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Cr 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

3. John 20:24-29 Jhn 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Jhn 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Jhn 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.
Jhn 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Jhn 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Jhn 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.


The Cross
They Say: Jesus did not die on a cross but on a stake - The Truth Shall Make You Free, p. 300.

The Bible Says: Jesus was crucified on a cross.

1. John 19:17-19 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

2. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Those Who Will Be Saved
They Say: Only their church members will be saved - The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1979, p. 30.

The Bible Says: Whoever believes that Jesus is Lord will be saved.

1. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2. John 14:4-6 Jhn 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Jhn 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

3. Romans 3:23-26 Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Hell
They Say: There is no hell of fire where the wicked are punished - Let God be True, p. 79, 60.

The Bible Says: All who deny Jesus as Lord will one day know first hand there is a Hell.

1. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

2. Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

3. Rev 1:17-18 Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

4. Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

5. Rev 20:14-15 Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

6. Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Those Who Will Enter Heaven
They Say: Only 144,000 Jehovah's Witness go to heaven - Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 166-167, 361; Let God be True, p 121.

The Bible Says: All who believe that Jesus is Lord will enter into Heaven.

1. John 14:1-6 Jhn 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Jhn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.
Jhn 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Jhn 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2. John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

3. Matthew 16:19 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.


Here are some other beliefs they practice:
• Blood transfusions are a sin.
• The soul ceases to exist after death.
• They refuse to vote.
• They will not salute the flag.
• They will not sing the "Star Spangled Banner."
• They do not celebrate Christmas or birthdays.
• Their leadership will not allow them to serve in the armed forces.
• Those that leave the organization are known as apostates. Jehovah's Witnesses cannot talk to them or even greet them on the street.
• For many years it was taught that Blacks were that color as a result of God's curse on Canaan.
• Lying is part of "theocratic war strategy." A Jehovah's Witness can lie to someone if they are not entitled to know the truth.
• Periodically Jehovah's Witness doctrine will change. This is known as "new light."

Are these the guidelines that an Awesome, Gracious, Merciful, Loving, All Knowing God, would give you? I think not

Jehovah's Witnesses are trained in the art of verbal battle. Do not engage them. Pray first and share the scriptures verse by verse, point by point. Share in stern love, you will disarm them.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.


Defend Your Faith With The Word!

2 Timothy. 3:16 All Scripture Is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.