Preached and Received in the First Century

"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)

THE NATURE OF THE WORD OF GOD

BIBLE (NT Apostles and Prophets)       LDS Apostles and Prophets

   John 16:12-13                                      2 Nephi 29:3, 10

    2 Timothy 3:16-17                                 2 Nephi 28:29; 29:6

† INCORRUPTIBLE                                 x CORRUPTIBLE

    1 Pet. 1:22-25; 2 Jno. 2; 1 Tim. 4:1          1 Nephi 13:28

† ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED                 x GOD STILL REVEALING

    Jude 3                                                 (Articles of Faith 1:9)

† FULL AND FINAL AUTHORITY              x LIVING PROPHET MORE               
    Jno. 13:20; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:37         VITAL THAN STANDARD

                                                               WORKS (Pres. Ezra Benson)

†UNDERSTANDABLE                            x BIBLE IS DIFFICULT, BUT

    Ephesians 3:3-5; John 8:31-32               THE BOOK OF  MORMON IS OTHERWISE

                                                              (Apostle Bruce R. McConkie)

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When we put Mormonism to the test we find that...

BIBLE Doctrine and Mormon Doctrine are NOT the Same!

The gospel plan of salvation is clear. The sinner must believe in Jesus to be saved (Jno. 8:24). He must confess his faith (Rom. 10:9-10). He must repent of his sins (Acts 17:30). He must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). If someone asked you, “Why should I become a Christian?”, how would you reply? Here are a few reasons. If you are not a Christian, we ask you to examine your heart and life to know you should become a Christian now.

1) To be forgiven of your sins. Sin is the violation of God’s law either by committing acts which are opposed to His will, or omitting from one’s life conduct which He commands (1 Jno. 3:4; 5:17; Jas. 4:17). This includes violating one’s conscience, although the conscience cannot be your guide in deciding what is and is not sinful (Rom. 14:23; Acts 23:1). Every morally accountable adult has sinned against God (Rom. 3:23). Until you become Christian you are not freed from your sins. It is a weight that encumbers you and brings you under the just penalty of spiritual death (Rom. 6:23). But, Jesus said “I will give you rest....you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-30). Rest from the pain and penalty of sin is obtained by the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). He died to heal your sin and give you eternal life (1 Pet. 2:24; Rom. 5:8-11).

2) To have the proper direction to your life. In a world where people are constantly seeking the newest viewpoint on life (which never bring complete satisfaction and fulfillment), Jesus Christ offers direction to your life that is enriching, enduring and joyful (Jno. 16:22; Phil. 4:4-7). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jno. 14:6).  The guidance of truth from Jesus leads to the throne of God. In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” By becoming a Christian you choose to follow the true light that gives you spiritual life (read Jno. 1:4-5, 9). You choose to no longer walk in darkness when you choose to be a Christian.

3) Present spiritual blessings are obtained by becoming a Christian. We speak of the blessings of brotherhood in the family of God. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mk. 10:29-30). Untold blessings are yours in the family of God. The blessings of encouragement, exhortation, teaching, prayer, support, rebuke, love - all these and more belong to the child of God. The Christian lives a sharing, caring life. He does not seclude himself from his brothers and sisters. Christians should have the attitude that “what is mine is yours”, gladly sharing without thought of return (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32, 34-35). Whatever you give up to become a Christian you will receive blessings many times over again (with persecution), and finally, eternal life.

4) To escape the penalty of sin. Judgment is coming (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12-15). If your deeds are evil you will be judged by God's word and condemned (Rom. 2:6-10). God commands you to repent and escape wrath (Acts 17:30-31; Rom. 2:4-5). God wants to save you. Will you obey and be saved today?