Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee

Our friend Bill the Mormon (from Gatlinburg, TN) is an expert at the cut and paste technique on this blog. One of the Mormon beliefs that makes absolutely no sense to me is that Jesus and Lucifer were brothers. Yes, you read that right–Mormons believe that Jesus was the brother of Satan.  Before you think I made this up read this from their own official website:

Jess L. Christensen, Institute of Religion director at Utah State University, Logan, Utah. On first hearing, the doctrine that Lucifer and our Lord, Jesus Christ, are brothers may seem surprising to some—especially to those unacquainted with latter-day revelations. But both the scriptures and the prophets affirm that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are indeed offspring of our Heavenly Father and, therefore, spirit brothers. Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning. Lucifer, too, was an angel “who was in authority in the presence of God,” a “son of the morning.” (See Isa. 14:12; D&C 76:25–27.) Both Jesus and Lucifer were strong leaders with great knowledge and influence. But as the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus was Lucifer’s older brother. (See Col. 1:15; D&C 93:21.)

How could two such great spirits become so totally opposite? The answer lies in the principle of agency, which has existed from all eternity. (See D&C 93:30–31.) Of Lucifer, the scripture says that because of rebellion “he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies.” (Moses 4:4.) Note that he was not created evil, but became Satan by his own choice.

When our Father in Heaven presented his plan of salvation, Jesus sustained the plan and his part in it, giving the glory to God, to whom it properly belonged. Lucifer, on the other hand, sought power, honor, and glory only for himself. (See Isa. 14:13–14; Moses 4:1–2.) When his modification of the Father’s plan was rejected, he rebelled against God and was subsequently cast out of heaven with those who had sided with him. (See Rev. 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–37.)

That brothers would make dramatically different choices is not unusual. It has happened time and again, as the scriptures attest: Cain chose to serve Satan; Abel chose to serve God. (See Moses 5:16–18.) Esau “despised his birthright”; Jacob wanted to honor it. (Gen. 25:29–34.) Joseph’s brothers sought to kill him; he sought to preserve them. (Gen. 37:12–24; Gen. 45:3–11.)

It is ironic that the agency with which Lucifer rebelled is the very gift he tried to take from man. His proposal was that all be forced back into God’s presence. (See Moses 4:1, 3.) But the principle of agency is fundamental to the existence and progression of intelligent beings: as we make wise choices, we grow in light and truth. On the other hand, wrong choices—such as the one Satan made—stop progress and can even deny us blessings that we already have. (See D&C 93:30–36.)

In order for us to progress, therefore, we must have the opportunity to choose good or evil. Interestingly, Satan and his angels—those who opposed agency—have become that opposition. As the prophet Lehi taught, “Men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27.)

Although the Father has allowed Satan and his angels to tempt mankind, he has given each of us the ability to rise above temptation. (See 1 Cor. 10:13.) He has also given us the great gift of the Atonement.

When the Lord placed enmity between Eve’s children and the devil, Satan was told that he would bruise the heel of Eve’s seed, but her seed would bruise his head. (See Moses 4:21.) President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that “the ‘God of peace,’ who according to the scriptures is to bruise Satan, is Jesus Christ.” (Answers to Gospel Questions, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1957, 1:3.) Satan would bruise the Savior’s heel by leading men to crucify Him. But through his death and resurrection, Christ overcame death for all of us; and through his atonement, he offers each of us a way to escape the eternal ramifications of sin. Thus, Satan’s machinations have been frustrated and eventually he will be judged, bound, and cast into hell forever. (See Rev. 20:1–10; D&C 29:26–29.)

In Hebrew, the word bruise means “to crush or grind.” Therefore, the very heel that was bruised will crush Satan and will help us overcome the world and return to our Father. As we use our agency to choose good over evil, the atonement of Christ prepares the way for us to return to our Father in Heaven.

We can only imagine the sorrow of our Heavenly Father as he watched a loved son incite and lead a rebellion and lose his opportunity for exaltation. But we can also imagine the Father’s love and rejoicing as he welcomed back the beloved son who had valiantly and perfectly fought the battles of life and brought about the great Atonement through his suffering and death.

Huh? How can a group claim to be Christians when they teach such heresy?  No where in the Bible does it even hint that Satan was a deity.  The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is God and was around from the beginning.  It also never mentions that Lucifer was Jesus brother.  The Bible says Lucifer was an angel that rebelled but that is a far cry from being the son of God!  Do realize how preposterous that is?

Now the Mormons will try to tell you that Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Mormon are all considered “Scripture” according to the Latter Day Saints.  In fact, they believe those books are more important than the Bible.  But those books were written less than 200 years ago.  The Bible is living and active.  Jesus Himself was the Word and dwelt among us according to the book of John.  

Look, people can believe what ever they want.  That is the right of every American.  But why do the Mormons insist on being called Christians when they don’t teach the basic doctrines of Christianity?  Just admit that you are not Christians.  Just be happy with who you are–Mormons.  Don’t try to convince people that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus because it is not.  It is a book written by a delusional man named Joseph Smith.  It was not inspired by the Holy Spirit like the real Bible.  So how cant you be a Christian faith if you teach that Lucifer was the brother of Jesus?

Our friend Bill the Mormon said he went to the Nashville Mormon Temple to baptize the dead.  How can you baptize someone against their will? Mormons have baptized 1000’s of people without their consent for years including Adolph Hitler in 1993. Isn’t it a little disrespectful to baptize a person who made their choice while they were alive?  I believe in free will.  I don’t want anyone to perish but if they chose to reject God or even follow a false religion like Mormonism then that is their choice.

The Mormons are angering The Vatican by trying to getting names of Catholics for baptism by proxy. What good does it do to baptize someone against their choice or the choice of their family?  Will Billy Graham be baptized by the LDS when he passes?  Will I be baptized by proxy?  I don’t get it.  

Baptism doesn’t save anyone.  I believe in baptism as a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  I have been baptized by emersion out of obedience to Jesus command-but I was saved before I was baptized.

On any given day, in more than fifty Mormon temples around the world, thousands of faithful Mormons are baptized vicariously for the dead. Most non-Mormons are dimly aware that the Mormons are interested in genealogy, but they are not sure why. While there is nothing wrong with being interested in genealogy as a hobby, this is far from a hobby for Mormons. 

Mormons believe people who have died can be baptized by proxy, thus allowing them the opportunity to become Mormons after their death. The idea behind baptism for the dead is this: God wants each of us to be with him in glory. To effect this, he allows us to accept the Mormon gospel here on earth. If we do not, he sends us to a “spirit prison” until the Mormon gospel has been preached to us there and we convert. 

Mormons believe that their church has missionaries in the “spirit world” who are busy spreading the Mormon gospel to dead people who have not yet received it. Should any of these dead people want to convert to Mormonism, they are required to abide by all its rules, one of which is water baptism. Hence the need for proxies to receive the corporeal waters of baptism.   So if you can be saved after you die, then why even bother to be good here on earth?

The Mormon church has teams of men and women microfilming records of Catholic and Protestant parishes, cemetery records, birth and death certificates—virtually any sort of record pertaining to past generations. Temple Mormons hope, in time, to have all of the dead of previous generations baptized posthumously into the Mormon church. 

The doctrine of baptism for the dead was first given to the Mormon church by Joseph Smith in 1836 and is found in his Doctrine and Covenants but not, as we’ll see, in the Book of Mormon.

In Paul’s first epistle to the church in Corinth, he treats a number of subjects. This letter was written to counteract problems he saw developing in Corinth after he had established the church there. Corinth had its share of pagan religions, but there were also quasi-Christian groups that practiced variations of orthodox Christian doctrines. Enter baptism for the dead. 

Mormons cite a single biblical passage to support baptizing members on behalf of dead persons,

1 Corinthians 15:29

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?

Mormons infer that in 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks approvingly of living Christians receiving baptism on behalf of dead non-Christians; however, the context and construction of the verse indicate otherwise. The Greek phrase rendered by the King James Version as “for the dead” is “huper ton nekron”. This phrase is as ambiguous in Greek as it is in English. The preposition huper has a wide semantic range and can indicate “for the sake of,” “on behalf of,” “over,” “beyond,” or “more than.” Like the English preposition “for,” it does not have a single meaning and does not require the Mormon idea of being baptized in place of the dead. Such a reading would be unlikely given the more plausible interpretations available, and even if huper were taken to mean “in the place of,” it doesn’t mean Paul endorses the practice. 

First Corinthians 15 is a key chapter for Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of the body. He makes no statement on baptism for dead persons except to note that some unnamed “they” practice it. While the rest of his teaching in chapter fifteen refers to “we,” his Christian followers, “they” are not further identified. Who this group was may not be known with certitude today, but there are some reasonable interpretations: 

There is no other evidence in the Bible or in the early Church Fathers’ writings of baptism being practiced on the living in place of the dead. Some Mormon writers assert that some Christian commentators have discussed the possibility of a kind of “baptism for the dead” among some in the Corinthian community in Paul’s time. But these commentators do not suggest that the practice was accepted or mainstream. Given the silence of Scripture and tradition, we conclude rightly when we see this behavior as another aberration within a community of believers already soundly scolded by Paul for its lack of charity, its factionalism, its immorality, its abuse of the Eucharist, and other matters. 

Although there is no way of knowing for sure who was engaging in this practice, it is certain that Paul was not referring to orthodox Christians baptizing the dead. Catholic and Protestant scholars agree on that. 

The case against baptism for the dead is also made by the Mormon scriptures themselves. The current Mormon doctrine on baptism for the dead is quite unlike what Joseph Smith first taught. As in other cases, the Book of Mormon becomes an important tool for the Christian apologist. It contradicts much Mormon theology, and baptism for the dead is no exception. 

In Alma 34:35-36:

“For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he does seal you his. Therefore, the spirit of the Lord has withdrawn from you and hath no place in you; the power of the devil is over you, and this is the final state of the wicked.” 

In other words, those who die as non-Mormons go to hell, period. There’s no suggestion of a later, vicarious admission into the Mormon church. So which is it?  Do we believe the Book of Mormon or the later teachings that came out of the LDS?  You see, the Bible never changes!  It is the same it was 1000’s of years ago.  Sure Christians disagree about certain doctrines but true believers know that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven.  True believers know that we can’t do anything to gain our salvation–it is all grace!

There is only one way to go to heaven.  Accept Jesus as the personal leader or your life.  Just because you are born into a Christian home doesn’t mean you are a Christian.  So just because I want all of my family, friends and neighbors to go to heaven I can’t manipulate it the process by baptizing by proxy.  I wish I could but it doesn’t work.  There is one way to God–accept Him today.

What do you think?

We have had the honor of Bill the Mormon and other Mormons grace this blog for a few years.  I have never deleted one comment that pertained to their propaganda or any of their links.  If a reader wants to go there fine because I know they are false.  I don’t get why Mormons fight to be considered Christian?  It amuses me to see how many times Mormons will argue with you and even devote entire books and websites to prove they are Christians.  

I don’t pretend to know the heart of every individual.  Are there members in the Mormon sect that are Christians?  I’m sure there are.  If at some point in their lives they asked Jesus to come live in their lives then they are under the blood of Christ.  But if they joined the Mormons some where they got deceived.  

But is the Mormon religion Christian? No.  Why?  Here are just a few reasons: (thanks to All about cults)

What Do Mormons believe about “Divine Authority?”

The Mormon church uses two sources as its primary authorities: the Book of Mormon and the Bible. The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price are also viewed as divinely authoritative. The Christian church uses the Holy Bible alone as its authority from God. Joseph Smith is not recognized as a prophet. 

So how can they say the Bible is a good book when it contradicts their documents?

What Do Mormons believe about “The Nature of God?”

The Mormon church sees God as the Supreme Being of the universe. However, He gradually acquired that position over a long period of time by living a perfect and righteous life. God the Father has a body (flesh and bones). The Christian church proclaims God as eternally and infinitely supreme. He is the same today as always. He is a spirit Being.

Christians believe that God has always been God.  He has always been and always will be.  

What Do Mormons believe about  ”The Nature of Man?”

The Mormon church teaches that humans exist as spirit beings before their birth. At physical birth, bodies are given to these spirits. They are also given an opportunity for free-will choice. The physical world represents a period of probation. The status of a person in the afterlife is determined by the way that person lived his/her life on Earth. If the person lived by a satisfactory standard, (including the fulfillment of Mormon temple obligations) that person has the potential to become a god in the after-life. The person can also produce “spirit children” to populate a world of his own (like God did with the earth). The Christian church holds that humans do not exist as spirits prior to being born into the world. Humans cannot attain godhood or populate other worlds with “spirit children.”

Nowhere in the Bible does it say anything about us being married or having Spirit Children.  In fact Jesus said we would not be married in heaven.  Jesus said in

Matthew 22:30

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Mark 12:25

When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Luke 20:35

But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage,

What Do Mormons believe about “The Nature of Jesus Christ?”

The Mormon church views Jesus and Satan as spirit brothers and sons of God. God put forth His plan of salvation for the world, and Satan proposed his own plan. Jesus accepted the Father’s plan and offered to implement it as the Savior. The Father chose Jesus, and the spirit of Jesus was given a body through the virgin Mary. He was crucified on a Roman cross, and rose from the dead three days later to establish His deity. The character and life of Jesus is attainable by anyone who performs at such a righteous level. The Christian church teaches that Jesus Christ has existed eternally as the Son of God, the second “person” of the Trinity. Jesus took on human flesh about 2000 years ago and was born into the world through the virgin Mary. He was crucified on a Roman cross for our sins, and rose from the dead three days later to establish His deity.

Do you see how sick that is?  The Mormons believe that Jesus and Lucifer were brother. That doesn’t sound very Christian to me.  If this was true why was it never mentioned in any of the Bible?

What Do Mormons believe how do we achieve “Salvation?”

The Mormon church holds that Jesus Christ overcame physical death and guaranteed physical resurrection to all mankind. However, spiritual death can only be avoided through personal obedience of God’s commandments. Forgiveness of sins requires faith, repentance and baptism by an approved Mormon priest. The practice of baptism for the dead is an extension of this belief, in which Mormons are baptized in proxy for those who have died without proper baptism. The Christian church teaches that we are unable to live a life righteous enough to meet God’s perfectly holy standard. Therefore, we establish a relationship with God by faith in the work of Christ on the cross, not by our own works. Baptism and good deeds are acts of obedience to God, but not the means for gaining eternal salvation.

Jesus death made it possible that we don’t need priests to go to God.  He is our priest.  He paid our penalty for sins once for all.  Baptism is done in obedience to Christ not for salvation.  Also, the Bible makes it clear in Romans that none of us are good enough to obtain heaven.  None of us will ever keep all of the commandments.  We can never be that good!

What Do Mormons believe about “Life After Death?

The Mormon church maintains that although there is temporary punishment for those that are most wicked, Jesus Christ will establish a new kingdom that will consist of three levels: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. The Christian church holds that there are only two possible fates after death, heaven or hell. These locations are final, both physically and spiritually.

Do you see the sick theology they are teaching?  There are two choices for every person.  Accept Jesus as the leader of your life and go to heaven or reject Him and spend eternity in hell!  As much as I would hate for anyone to go to hell, I can’t change what the Bible says.

What do you think?

I have made it known that I love everyone.  It is my desire that everyone I come in contact with comes to have a personal relationship with Jesus.  Atheists, Agnostics and other religions are open and honest that they are not Christians or as I like to call it followers of Jesus.  But the Mormons are not that way.  They try to deceive people into believing that they are Christians.  They claim they believe the Bible.  They have the name of Jesus Christ in their official name.  They strive to live “good,” “moral” lives and that is great.  But the problem is they are deceiving themselves and those they try to convert that being “GOOD” will get you into heaven.  That is a lie from Satan.

No one (especially me) is good enough to go to heaven.  The Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned and we have fallen short of God. (Romans 3:23)  The Bible also says the wages of our sin is death. (Romans 6:23a)  So there is no way that anyone can be good enough to enter heaven.  The Mormons will argue that we must work in order to get to heaven or get to our own planet.  Their whole religion is based on a book written by a charlatan, Joseph Smith.  His claims are unfounded and he plagiarized the Book of Mormon from the KJV of the Bible.

I’m asking for the Mormons, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to send their elders to my home. I will have decaffeinated drinks available for you.  We can talk theology.  But mainly I want to keep you at my house long enough that you will stay away from our neighbors.  Every minute the elders are at my house it keeps them from converting people to their heresy.  

So I’m inviting the entire Mormon Church to send your heavyweights to my home.