Testing the words of LDS leaders with Biblical Truth:
January 2010
Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society
* In the Preexistence we were born as spirit Children to Our Heavenly Father (page 9):
All men and women are literally the sons and daughters of God. “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.”
Every person who was ever born on earth is our spirit brother or sister.
Test these LDS Words with Biblical Truth:
The belief in the Preexistence of man is a false teaching. No Christian Church teaches this false doctrine. This belief is so fundamental to Mormonism that those who leave the Church are dumbfounded to discover that it is not Biblical, I sure was. But the truth is, that Gods Word—–as revealed in the Bible; does not support the belief in a Preexistence.
An important point to this teaching is the LDS belief that all humans are children of God. God’s truth, is that only those with faith in Christ are His children. A person is adopted as God’s child the very moment the Holy Spirit brings them to faith. By faith, we become a member of the only eternal family—–Heavenly Father’s:
“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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:14-21
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
By nature (without faith), we are Children of wrath:
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” Ephesians 2:1-5
Jesus claimed the Pharisees were children of the Devil:
“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” John 8:38-45
John the Beloved testified:
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 1 John 3:8-10
Man was not created spiritually first. The first man Adam, was created both body and soul during the creation of the world:
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7
“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45
Simply go to the LDS Topical Guide for “Man, Antemortal Existence of” and read the Bible passages used to support this false teaching, and please, read them in context: Click on this link:
Or, go to the LDS Topical Guide for “Man, Natural, Not Spiritually Reborn” to read the passages referencing every human who has not been brought to faith: Click on this link:
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* “Our Heavenly Father Presented a Plan for Us to Become Like Him” (pages 10-11):
Our Heavenly Father called a Grand Council to present His plan for our progression… We learned that if we followed His plan, we would become like Him. We would be resurrected; we would have all power in heaven and on earth; we would become heavenly parents and have spirit children just as He does (see D&C 132:19–20). [20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.]
Test these LDS Words with Biblical Truth:
There is and has always been only one God, all other gods are man-made. If you really want to know if this is true, simply listen to what God’s prophets have revealed, when you read:
“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
“As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 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.” 1 Corinthians 8:4-6
“Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name.” 1 Chronicles 16:26-29
To read more about the one and only true God, go to this Post: “Was God once a “created” man?” written January 14, 2009; or, Click here:
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* We came to earth to prove ourselves worthy by doing all that God commanded (pages 10-11)
Our Heavenly Father knew we could not progress beyond a certain point unless we left Him for a time. He wanted us to develop the godlike qualities that He has. To do this, we needed to leave our premortal home to be tested and to gain experience… If we passed our tests, we would receive the fulness of joy that our Heavenly Father has received. (See D&C 93:30–34.) We learned that He would provide an earth for us where we would prove ourselves (see Abraham 3:24–26)
… We learned that a Savior would be provided for us so we could overcome our sins and overcome death with resurrection. We learned that if we placed our faith in Him, obeying His word and following His example, we would be exalted and become like our Heavenly Father.
Test these LDS Words with Biblical Truth:
No one can prove themselves worthy by their works. Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul conclude:
“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:19) “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:9) The prophet Isaiah declared “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
To read more about whether you are capable of proving yourself worthy with your obedience, go to this blog Post: “Are You on Earth to Prove Your Worthiness?” written October 29, 2009; or, Click here:
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*Little children cannot sin because Satan has no power over them (page 11):
At this council we also learned that because of our weakness, all of us except little children would sin (see D&C 29:46–47). [46 But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten; 47 Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;]
Anyone who’s really spent time with little children, could never believe these words. Honestly, think about it. Even by the age of two, these little children tell lies, get angry, steal another child’s toy. Is lying, anger or stealing, committing a sin in God’s eyes? If you really want to know, just read Christ’s Sermon on the Mount.
Link to LDS Lesson:
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2009 Gospel Principles revisions (changes from 1997 edition):
* Took out LDS teaching that Jesus was the first-born spirit child. Also, that we can choose to be as perfect as our Heavenly Parents.
Page 9—2009 edition; page 11—1997 edition:
“Every person who was ever born on earth was {is} our spirit brother or sister in heaven. The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was Jesus Christ (see D&C 93:21), so he is literally our elder brother (see Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 26). Because we are the spiritual children of our heavenly parents {God}, we have inherited the potential to develop their {His} divine qualities. If we choose to do so, we can become perfect, just as they are. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become like our Heavenly Father and receive a fulness of joy.”
• Who was the first spirit born to our heavenly parents?
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* Changed concepts of Heavenly “Parents” & Heavenly “Father”:
Page 13 from ‘97 edition; page 10 from ‘09 edition:
We were not all alike in heaven. {We know, for example, that we were sons and daughters of heavenly parents—males and females (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).} We were given {possessed} different talents and abilities, and we were called to do different things on earth. (See Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 51.) We can learn more about our talents and callings {“eternal possibilities”} when we receive our patriarchal blessings (see Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 117). {(see Thomas S. Monson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 82; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 66).}
Page 13 from ‘97 edition; pages 10-11 from ‘09 edition:
Our Heavenly Parents Desired to Share Their Joy with Us {Our Heavenly Father} knew we could not progress beyond a certain point unless we left
Our heavenly parents provided us with a celestial home more glorious and beautiful than any place on earth. We were happy there. Yet they them {Him} for a time. They {He} wanted us to develop the godlike qualities that they have {He has}. To do this, we needed to leave our celestial {premortal} home to be tested and to gain experience. We needed to choose good over evil. Our spirits needed to be clothed with physical bodies. We would need to leave our physical bodies at death and reunite with them in the Resurrection. Then we would receive immortal bodies like those of our heavenly parents {Father}. If we passed our tests, we would receive the fulness of joy that our heavenly parents have {Father has} received. (See D&C 93:30–34.)
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* Added LDS teaching that little children cannot sin:
Page 15 from ‘97 edition; page 11 from ‘09 edition:
At this council we also learned that because of our weakness, all of us {except little children} would sin {See D & C 29:46-47}. We learned that a Savior would be provided for us so we could overcome our sins and overcome death with resurrection. We learned that if we placed our faith in him, obeying his word and following his example, we would be exalted and become like our heavenly parents {Father}. We would receive a fulness of joy.
Link to LDS.org Chapter 2, 1997 edition of Gospel Principles:
Latter-day Saint Woman 