In reading the Sunday School Lesson for 12 & 13 year olds I was shocked that an LDS Apostle would change the very words of Christ! Next I read the Aaronic Priesthood Lesson and found that the LDS Manual itself had changed the words that James had written. When looking at both of these official LDS re-writings of God’s Word; I could see how LDS leaders have been able to deceive millions of people, even your children. I understood better why I used to believe I could gain eternal life by keeping the commandments.
Today, lets simply look at these two examples where God’s Word has been re-written by LDS leaders. In doing so, I pray you will understand why you need a Savior who is your Substitute—instead of one who is merely your Exemplar.
First, lets look at what was written in the Preparing for Exaltation Lesson:
“Testify that Heavenly Father loved us enough to send his Son to atone for our sins. Share the following statement by Elder Melvin J. Ballard, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to show how the sacrament reminds us of that love and to show why we should remember the Savior’s Atonement when we partake of the sacrament:
“It is written in the scriptures that God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son to die for the world, that whosoever believeth on him … and keepeth his commandments, shall be saved. But this [sacrifice] did not cost us very much—freely given are all these glorious privileges.” (Preparing for Exaltation Teacher’s Manual, Lesson 21: In Remembrance, p. 117)
Elder Ballard claims that these words were written in scripture but in truth, he has added a few words. While his words do teach LDS doctrine, they are not what Jesus said! Here are the exact words spoken by our Lord and Savior:
“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)
Christ testified that all who believe in Him have eternal life! LDS leaders insert a few words into Christ’s mouth and add “and keepeth his commandments” to His free and unconditional gift.
Next, lets look at our second example. In looking at this Lesson we see one reason why Mormons believe they can gain eternal life by keeping the commandments. The Aaronic Priesthood teacher is instructed to have the young men do an activity from James chapter 3. From this, we will see how the Manual re-writes verses 7-8:
“Bible Exercise: Use James 3:2–13 to assist you in filling in the following blanks:
5. Man has been able to tame animals of all kinds, but the thing he has the hardest time taming is his own tongue. (verses 7–8)” (Aaronic Priesthood Manual 1, Lesson 21: Pure Thoughts: Clean Language, p. 74)
Here are the two Bible passages the Manual references:
“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8)
James testifies that no man can tame the tongue! But thats not what your children are being taught. Instead, the Manual claims it is something that is merely hard to do. There is a big difference between impossible and hard. If it’s hard to do you should pull up your bootstraps and do it yourself. If it’s impossible to do, your hope is to find a Substitute who can do it for you.
Why are these examples important? Because they expose the foundation of false LDS teachings. In spite of what Jesus revealed, you are told that you must add obedience to your faith to obtain eternal life. Because LDS leaders have changed God’s holy and written Word, you are given hope that you can keep the commandments—-when you really can’t
The truth is that Jesus is your Substitute–He has already kept the commandments for you, in your place. That is why He testified that all who believe in Him already have eternal life!
“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, without the added words)
All praise and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He alone is worthy!
Latter-day Saint Woman 
Ian Davies said,
August 6, 2014 at 9:35 am
I’m just curious, what are your thoughts/beliefs on the scripture John 14:15 in which Jesus says to His apostles, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” ?