Earlier today I read the Relief Society Lesson titled “Gaining Knowledge of Eternal Truths”. It’s evening now and I just got back from a Bible class at my Church. The Bible study was so awesome, and I am so grateful to my Lord for opening my eyes and heart to the truth. We were studying a few passages in Corinthians about comparing God’s wisdom with man’s wisdom.
The contrast of reading Joseph Smith’s words this morning with reading God’s Words tonight brings me such thankfulness and peace, and yet also turmoil. Joy washes over me because I am reminded that Jesus rescued me from believing in false teachings. Also though, turmoil comes because I know that your eternal life hangs in the balance of testing the words of your prophets.
I am overwhelmed with my desire to share my faith with you. I know I am not the best writer, but oh do I wish to share my Jesus with you! Your Heavenly Father sent Him to rescue you from the life you now live. No matter how unworthy, unloved or unforgiven you feel; Jesus will rescue you. In fact, He already has! His entire purpose for coming to this earth was to pick you up out of your pain and give you all His love for eternity.
I don’t wish to offend, but I feel I must warn you about some things your prophet tells you in today’s lesson. Joseph claimed:
“A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge…”
These words deny God’s truth, the truth that the simple faith of a small child is what saves us! Contrast Joseph’s words with Christ’s: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18: 3-4
Now, Smith’s whole quote with the words that disturbed me the most:
“A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth.”
These words deny the power of God! These words are the words of someone who does not know the love and power of the Almighty God of Heaven and Earth! All of God’s children are completely protected from evil spirits by their Father in Heaven!! Contrast Joseph’s words with Jesus’ words found in John 10: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand>.”
Notice these words: My Father is greater than all. All, means all things, including evil spirits.
Please believe me when I tell you that it doesn’t matter how intelligent or sinful you are. You have been rescued from evil spirits. You have been rescued from your sinful life. With the simple faith of a child, trust that Jesus did everything for you and your Heavenly Father will safely hold you in His loving arms!
Latter-day Saint Woman 