Contradictions?
The following so-called contradictions in L.D.S. scriptures and doctrine are often used as
"witnessing aids" for helping non-LDS Christians show their Mormon friends how wrong the
LDS Church is. In many cases, to make it seem like a contradiction, only partial scriptures
are used, or scriptures are taken out of context. In other cases the scriptures compared
are talking about two separate things.
Interesting to note that, as soon as I posted this document on my web site, a non-LDS web site
that presented the list of contradictions, removed it from their site.
I will present each "contradiction" and then follow it with my "RESPONSE".
Joel Hardy
8/28/02
UPDATED: 3/4/03
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1. The Book of Mormon Teaches. . . believers are rescued from the fire:
Mosiah 27: 28 says "the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an
everlasting burning, and I am born of God."
Joseph Smith Contradicts ... teaching the righteous dwell in the fire:
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 347 says that when you attain to the
resurrection of the dead, the righteous "are able to dwell in everlasting
burnings..."
RESPONSE - The Mosiah scripture reference is taken out of context. If you read the entire scripture along with those before and after, it is clearly talking about the painful condition of a person's soul associated with living an unrighteous life filled with sin.
Joseph Smith's reference to "everlasting burnings" in this context refers to a place; namely the Celestial kingdom in heaven. They just happen to use the same words, but they are talking about two different things.
2. The Book of Mormon Teaches. . . believers are born again by faith on his
name:
Mosiah 5: 7 says, "...he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your
hearts are changed through faith on his name, therefore ye are born of him and
have become his sons and daughters."
Doctrine and Covenants 6: 59 says "... even so ye must be born again into the
kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by the blood."
Joseph Smith Contradicts ... teaching those who attain ordinances are born again:
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (History of the Church 2: 393) says:
"Being born again, comes by the Spirit of God through ordinances." (See D and C
52: 16)
RESPONSE - Born of God or "born again" refers to the personal spiritual experience in which
repentant individuals receive a forgiveness of sins and a witness from God; that
if they continue to live the commandments and endure to the end, they will
inherit eternal life. The scriptures teach that just as each individual is "born
into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit," so must one be "born again"
of water and the Spirit and be cleansed by the blood of Christ (John 3:5; Moses
6:59). To be born of God implies a sanctifying process by which the old or
natural man is supplanted by the new spiritual man who enjoys the companionship
of the Holy Ghost and hence is no longer disposed to commit sin (Col. 3:9-10;
Mosiah 3:19; Tpjs, p. 51). When individuals are born again they are spiritually
begotten sons and daughters of God and more specifically of Jesus Christ (Mosiah
5:7; 27:25).
Being "born again" of water refers to the ordinance of baptism. All three
quotes are refering to the same thing. The ordinance of baptism is a physical
representation of the spiritual rebirth of our souls. Both faith and the ordinance
of baptism are required to be "born again".
3. The Book of Mormon Teaches. . . there was never a total apostasy:
2 Nephi 8: 5, 6 (Jesus) says the heavens will vanish, "But my salvation shall be
forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished."
Joseph Smith Contradicts ... teaching there was a total apostasy:
In 1966 President Joseph Fielding Smith said, in 1820, "there was not one
fundamental truth belonging to the plan of salvation" that was recognizable.
Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, p. 283
RESPONSE - The 2 Nephi scripture has nothing to do with the apostasy. It is quoting
from Isaiah 51 which describes the conditions at a time after the apostasy has already happened. Isaiah is prophesying about the last days after the gospel has been restored to the earth.
Also, God's salvation and righteousness are forever principles. However, because of sin and disobedience man may not always be allowed to have access to them, as was the case during the apostasy.
4. The Book of Mormon Teaches. . . Jesus has always been the Supreme Divinity:
Mosiah 5: 15 says: "...Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, ... who created all
things in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." This was written in
B.C. 124 making Christ fully God before he comes to earth.
Mosiah 7: 27 says "Christ ... the God, the Father of all things, should take
upon him the image of man."
Other LDS Scriptures Contradict ... teaching that Jesus had to earn his divinity:
Doctrine and Covenants 93: 13 says: "...he (Christ) received not of the fulness
at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness
(sic.)."
Joseph Fielding Smith said, "...there were some things lacking which he did not
receive until after his resurrection..." Doctrines of Salvation Vol 1, p. 33
RESPONSE - Jesus was fully God at all times, even though He lacked some of the attributes of His Father. There came a time when Jesus left the glory he had as a God in
heaven to come down to earth (called the condescension of God). While on earth
Jesus refers to this when He said,
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self
with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:5)
The D&C 93 scripture is refering to Christ as He began his earthly ministry. Verses 11 and 12 explain this:
11 "And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
12 And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;"
As a man on earth He had to continue from grace to grace as he grew from a child to a man.
The Bible explains this as well:
"Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
(Luke 2:52)
But this does not mean that He had to earn His divinity. He was simply experiencing life and growing as any other mortal would.
One of the things He was lacking (as mentioned by Joseph Fielding Smith) was a body of flesh and bone. Through His life, death and resurrection He obtained the immortal body He needed to become more like His Father. However, His lack of having a body does not mean that He was any less of a God. It was necesary for us that He do this so He could suffer for our sins and bring about the atonement and resurrection.
5. The Book of Mormon Teaches. . . Jesus is the way:
2 Nephi 25: 20 says, Jesus Christ is the only name whereby men might be saved.
(Doctrine and Covenants 6: 31 and Moses 6: 52 agree.
Alma 11: 40 and Mosiah 5: 15 say, "...those who believe on his name, these are
they that shall have eternal life."
Other LDS Scriptures Contradict ... teaching the priesthood is the way:
Doctrine and Covenants 128: 11 says, "Now the great and grand secret of the
whole matter... consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him
to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of
facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men...."
Doctrine and Covenants 84: 35-41; 131: 2 claims access to Christ is through the
laws and ordinances of the Mormon Priesthood culminating in obedience to the
temple ordinances.
RESPONSE - Jesus is the only way that men might be saved (2 Ne 25:20). That is
why all LDS priesthood ordinances are performed in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Alma and Mosiah scriptures do not say that believing on his name are the only
things required to be saved, although they are an important part of it. The Mosiah scripture
also says that "ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works,".
The D&C scriptures do not teach that the priesthood is the only way to eternal life.
They teach that the priesthood is a means by which man can obtain a knowledge about
how to obtain eternal life. Also, that in order to obtain the highest degree in
heaven one must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage (which
requires the priesthood ordinance of temple marriage). Jesus is the way. The priesthood
is a tool that is used to help us along the way.
6. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . we cannot enter the kingdom by the law:
2 Nephi 25: 27 says the law is dead and done away.
3 Nephi 15: 5, 8 say the law "hath an end."
Alma 33: 19; 34: 4 says we must plant the words (of salvation in Jesus) in our
hearts.
3 Nephi 28: 34 says "whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus... he (Jesus) will
not receive at the last day."
Other LDS Scriptures Contradict ... teaching we enter the kingdom by following the
law:
Doctrine and Covenants 132: 12, 32 says, "no man shall come unto the Father but
by me or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord. ... Enter ye into my law and
ye shall be saved." D and C 132: 24 and 18: 46 confirms- reject it and be damned.
Book of Mormon contradicts itself: 2 Nephi 8: 4 says a law (which judges) "shall
proceed from me."
RESPONSE - The 2 Ne and 3 Ne scriptures are talking about the Laws of Moses that
were done away with or that were fulfilled when Christ came to earth (See 2 Ne 25:30,
and 3 Ne 15:4). The D&C and 2 Ne 8:4 scriptures are talking about the laws of Christ.
Two completely different sets of laws. We cannot enter the kingdom by the laws of Moses,
but we can enter by the laws of Christ.
7. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . forgive your enemies:
3 Nephi 12: 44 says, "But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them
that curse you...."
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching curse your enemies:
Doctrine and Covenants 103: 24, 25 says: "And inasmuch as mine enemies come
against you, ... ye shall curse them; And whomsoever ye shall curse, I will
curse...."
RESPONSE - It is possible to love and forgive someone and by using the priesthood curse them at the same time. God loves and offers forgiveness to everyone on this
earth, yet there were many time when He cursed the inhabitants also:
Genesis 12:3
"And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in
thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
Proverbs 3:33
"The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the
habitation of the just."
Malachi 3:9
"Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation."
Malachi 4:6
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
But Jesus also said in the Bible:
Matt. 5: 44
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you;"
and:
Romans 12:14
"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."
Is God contradicting Himself in the Bible? No. He alone is the only one who can judge who should be cursed. The circumstances surrounding the D&C scriptures represented not just enemies
against an individual man, but an even more important threat against the
restoration of God's gospel to the earth. Because of this, God Himself gave Joseph Smith
the permission and power to curse those who violently fought against the Kingdom
of God so that it might be preserved.
8. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . we must not make oaths and covenants:
Helaman 6: 22, 30 says, "But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more
part of the Nephites, insomuch that they ...did enter into their covenants and
their oaths... And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And behold, he
doth... hand down their ...oaths, and their covenants ..."
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching oaths and covenants are necessary
for salvation:
Doctrine and Covenants 84: 38-39 says, "...all that my Father hath shall be
given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth
to the priesthood....."
RESPONSE - The Book of Mormon is teaching that we must not make oaths and covenants with
Satan (See Hel 6:21). There's nothing wrong with making oaths and covenants with God (as in the D&C 84 scripture).
The scriptures are full of oaths and covenants people made with God:
Matthew 5:33
"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not
forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: "
Genesis 26:28
"And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let
there be now an oath betwixt us, [even] betwixt us and thee, and let us make a
covenant with thee;"
Acts 2:30
"Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him,
that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ
to sit on his throne;"
Acts 3:25
"Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our
fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the
earth be blessed."
9. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . mysteries are equated with evil:
Alma 37: 21 talks about, "the mysteries and the works of darkness".
Helaman 16: 21 warns about the "...mysterious arts of the evil one."
According to the Bible, hidden mysteries (plural) are of the evil one. All
mystery is revealed in Jesus Christ: Eph 3: 5, 1 Cor 4: 5, Luke 8: 17, Mark 4:
22
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching God will reveal mysteries to those
who are worthy:
Doctrine and Covenants 76: 7 says, "And to them will I reveal all mysteries,
yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, ..."
D & C 6: 11 "And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries .... therefore
.. exercise thy gift.".
RESPONSE - Those Book of Mormon and Bible scriptures are talking about the mysteries of
Satan. The D&C scriptures are talking about the mysteries of God. If all
mysteries are equated with evil then what about these Bible scriptures?
Matthew 13:11
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the
mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Luke 8:10
"And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:
but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they
might not understand."
1 Corinthians 13:2
"And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all
knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and
have not charity, I am nothing."
1 Corinthians 4:1
"LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the
mysteries of God."
10. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . there are none dead who need baptism:
Moroni 8: 8 says, "...little children are ...not capable of committing sin...."
Moroni 8: 22 says, "...baptism availeth nothing" to those who have no law.
3 Nephi 28: 34 says, ...there is no forgiveness for those who "receiveth not the
words of Jesus...."
Alma 34: 31-34 says "...now is the time and day of your salvation... this life
is the time".
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching the dead must be baptized:
Doctrine and Covenants 138: 58, 59 says, "The dead who repent will be redeemed,
through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God (Mormon temple). And
after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean
by baptism shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs
of salvation."
RESPONSE - The Book of Mormon Scriptures are not saying the dead don't need baptism.
They are saying that innocent children don't need baptism, and that baptism will do
nothing for those who do not obey the laws of God or do not recieve the words of
Jesus. Baptisms for the dead are for those who never had a real chance to hear
and receive the gospel in this life. Alma is talking to people who already had
the chance to hear and receive the gospel in this life:
Alma 34:33
"And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses,"
11. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . God does not change his mind:
Alma 29: 4 in the original text read, "...yea, decreath (sic.) unto them decrees
which are unalterable..." this phrase has been deleted to fit current doctrine.
But Alma 41: 8 still says, the decrees of God are unalterable.
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching the Lord (speaking through Joseph
Smith) changes His mind:
Doctrine and Covenants 56: 4, 5 says, "Wherefore I, the Lord command and revoke,
as it seemeth me good... I revoke the commandment given ..."
RESPONSE - Unalterable means unchangeable. The commands or decrees will not change
in their deffinition. Revoking means that God does not always require man to follow the
commandment in question. Such was the case with polygamy. It is an eternal
unchangeable law and doctrine, but God can command us to live it or to not live
it as He decides.
12. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . an indwelling of the Spirit:
Alma 34: 36 says: "The Lord dwelleth... in the hearts of the righteous."
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... saying no to an indwelling of the Spirit:
Doctrine and Covenants 130: 3 says: "the idea that the Father and the Son dwell
in a man's heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false,"
RESPONSE - If you read verse 35 of Alma 34 you will see that Alma is talking about the Spirit
of the Lord and not the Lord Himself.
Alma 34:35
"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 doth
seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and
hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the
final state of the wicked."
Alma 34:36
"And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy
temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also
said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but
their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb."
The D&C scripture is talking about the false belief that the Father and the Son
themselves can dwell in a man's heart. It is not talking about the Spirit of the
Lord. God and Jesus have resurrected bodies of flesh and bone and therefore can
not dwell in a man's heart. But the Spirit of the Lord can.
13. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . it is wrong to equate money with forgiveness:
Mormon 8: 32, 33 says: a wicked people build churches who say: "Come unto me,
and for your money you shall be forgiven your sins."
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching pay or be damned:
Doctrine and Covenants 64: 23 "...it is a day for the tithing of my people; for
he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming."
RESPONSE - The D&C scripture is not talking about payment for forgiveness of sins
as the ones in Mormon are. It is talking about the doctrine of tithing. The
payment of tithing is a commandment that we must follow as explained in these
scriptures:
Malachi 3:8
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed
thee? In tithes and offerings."
Malachi 3:10
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine
house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open
you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not
[be room] enough [to receive it]."
If we don't follow the ten commandments of God we will be damned. If we don't
pay our tithing we will also be damned. Tithing is not something we pay to receive
forgiveness of sins. It is something that we owe to the Lord whether we have
committed sins or not.
14. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . God did not preserve His word:
1 Nephi 13: 29 repeats this concept three times: "... because of the things
which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do
stumble..."
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts ... teaching God preserves His word:
Doctrine and Covenants 1: 38 says: "...though heaven and earth pass away, my
word shall not pass away..."
RESPONSE - If you read verse 28 the Book of Mormon is talking about important truths and
principles that have been lost or removed from the Bible by man.
1 Nephi 13:28
"Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of
the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things
taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God (Bible)."
The D&C scripture is not talking about the Bible. It is talking about what God
has spoken to His latter-day prophets and the eternal nature of those teachings
and doctrines.
Heres the entire verse:
D&C 1:38
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and
though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but
shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my
servants, it is the same."
There was no chance for the latter-day words of God to be altered by man over
the centuries as was the case with the Bible. The revelations in the D&C came
directly from God to one of His prophets who wrote them down as they were received
from God.
15. Book of Mormon Teaches. . . believers become sons and daughters by faith:
Mosiah 27: 24 - 28 says "I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of
the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit... becoming his sons and daughters".
Other LDS Scriptures Contradict ... teaching we are sons and daughters before
coming to earth:
Pearl of Great Price - Moses 3: 5b says, "For I, the Lord God, created all
things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were created
naturally".
Moses 6: 51 says "I made men before they were in the flesh".
RESPONSE - The Mosiah scripture talks about being born of the spirit because of
what Jesus did for us.
Verse 27 says:
"For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord;
behold I am born of the Spirit"
We figuratively become sons and daughters of Christ by being born of the Spirit.
It is talking about the Spirit of the Lord. The PofGP and Moses scriptures are
talking about the literal birth of our own spirits in the pre-existance before we
came to this earth.
16. Book of Mormon Teaches . . . there are only three Book of Mormon witnesses:
2 Nephi 27: 12-14 (& Ether 5:4) "...the eyes of none shall behold it save it be
that three witnesses shall behold it... And there is none other...."
Book of Mormon Contradicts itself . . . saying eleven Book of Mormon Witnesses:
2 Nephi 27:14 continues, "... save it be a few... Wherefore, the Lord God will
proceed to bring forth the words ... in the mouth of as many as seemeth him good
will he establish his word."
Preface includes the testimony of three as well as testimonies of an additional
eight.
RESPONSE - Here are the entire three scriptures:
2 Nephi 27:12
"Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I
have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of
none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the
power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall
testify to the truth of the book and the things therein."
2 Nephi 27:13
"And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the
will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men; for the
Lord God hath said that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were
from the dead."
2 Nephi 27:14.
"Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the
book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish
his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God!"
There is no contradiction here. It is simply saying that only three plus a few (11)
others will see the record. Verse 14 is not talking about poeple who have seen the
gold plates, but about the many who will establish His word, by standing as witnesses
to the truthfulness of the word of God.
The Ether scripture mentions three, but does not say that only three will see
it.
Ether 5:2
"And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who
shall assist to bring forth this work;"
Ether 5:3
"And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall
know of a surety that these things are true."
17. Book of Mormon Teaches . . . redemption comes by faith:
Moroni 7: 41 and Doctrine and Covenants 10: 50 both say, we have life eternal
because of faith.
Helaman 5: 9 says the atoning blood of Jesus saves.
Book of Mormon Contradicts itself . . . teaching redemption by works of
righteousness:
The theme in chapter 12 of Alma says, Redemption is subject to righteousness.
-Alma 12: 14 "Our works will condemn us..."
RESPONSE - I don't see the word "only" in any of those scriptures. All these scriptures are teaching us that redemption comes by faith, and by the atoning blood of Jesus, and by works of righteousness. They are all necessary in bringing forth the redemption of man.
18. Book of Mormon Teaches . . . the greatest gift is eternal life:
Doctrine and Covenants 14: 7 says, "...ye shall have eternal life, which gift is
the greatest gift of all ..."
The D and C contradicts itself . . . teaching the greatest gift is salvation:
Doctrine and Covenants 6: 13 says, ". . .there is no gift greater than the gift
of salvation."
RESPONSE - D&C 6:13 defines the gift of salvation as being "saved in the kingdom of God"
This "gift of salvation" is synonymous with the "gift of eternal life". They both
mean the same thing. When we are saved in the kingdom of God we have eternal life.
19. Book of Mormon Teaches . . . remission of sin by faith in his blood:
Moroni 10: 33 says "the shedding of the blood of Christ, is the covenant... unto
remission of sins."
Mosiah 3: 15 says "the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the
atonement of his blood."
Book of Mormon Contradicts itself . . . teaching remission of sin by baptismal
washing:
Alma 7: 14 says "be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from you
sins"
Moroni 8: 11
"Behold, baptism is unto repentance, to the fulfilling the
commandments unto the remission of sins." Verse 25 repeats, "fulfilling the
commandments bringeth remission of sins." (If the commandment to be fulfilled
is baptism, then why does it say commandments?)
D & C 76: 51 says commandment is baptism.
Doctrine and Covenants 20: 37 adds even more confusion teaching, "(those who)
truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ
unto the remission of sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."
RESPONSE - None of these scriptures say that the one thing each one is talking about
is the only thing required for remission of sins. All of the things talked about
in these scriptures are required for remission of sins; faith, and the shedding
blood of Christ, and baptism, and living the commandments, and performing good works.
D&C 76:51 and 52 read together explains that the commandment(singular) is keeping the
commandments (plural).
20. Book of Mormon Teaches . . . reconciliation is unconditional:
2 Nephi 10: 24 says, "... and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that
it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved."
Grace is God's free gift: there is nothing we sinners can do to earn it.
Book of Mormon Contradicts itself . . . teaching reconciliation is conditional:
2 Nephi 25: 23 "..believe in Christ, and be reconciled to God; for we know that
it is by grace we are saved, after all we can do."
RESPONSE - God's grace is a free gift "after ye are reconciled unto God". We do not
earn God's grace, but we do have to earn the reconciliation by confessing and forsaking
our sins.
The 2 Nephi 25:23 scripture is not necesarily putting conditions on God's grace. The scripture could also be interpreted as saying that we are saved by grace, in spite of all we can do.
21. Mormon doctrine opposes the Holy Bible
The Holy Bible Says . we become part of the new and everlasting covenant by
faith:
Heb 9: 15 says, "And for this cause he (Jesus) is the mediator of the new
testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that
were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise
of eternal inheritance."
Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts the Holy Bible ... teaching we receive the new
and everlasting covenant by ordinance:
Book of Mormon does not use this phrase. But Doctrine and Covenants 131: 2 says
"In order to obtain the highest (glory), a man must enter into this order of the
priesthood meaning the new and everlasting covenant of (temple) marriage."
RESPONSE - Where in the Hebrews scripture does it say "new and everlasting covenant"?
The Hebrews scripture is talking in general terms about what Christ did for us so we
could go to heaven. The D&C scripture is being more specific, talking about
requirements needed to reach the highest level in heaven. "Eternal inheritance" and
"new and everlasting covenant" while related are two different things.
22. The Holy Bible Says the Holy Ghost was given after Christ's resurrection:
John 7: 38, 39 says "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on
him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was
not yet glorified."
The Book of Mormon Contradicts the Holy Bible ... teaching the Holy Ghost was
given before Christ:
Mosiah 25: 24 says: "And they were called the people of God. And the Lord did
pour out his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed..." (The Book of Mormon
dates this at about 120 B.C.)
RESPONSE - If the Holy Ghost came after the resurrection then how did Simeon get it when
Christ was still a child?
Luke 2:25
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the
same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the
Holy Ghost was upon him."
Luke 2:26
"And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death,
before he had seen the Lord's Christ."
And what about when Jesus himself gave it to them before He was resurrected:
John 20:22
"And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive
ye the Holy Ghost:"
Pouring out of the Spirit of the Lord(Mosiah 25:24) and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost(Acts 2:38) are two
different things. The first is a temporary condition which can happen at any time, and is initiated by God when He
wants people to feel His presence and understand His word. The second is a more permanent condition that
happened at the Day of Pentecost(Acts 2:1-17), and to us after we are baptized.
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
23. The Holy Bible Says ... God forbids necromancy:
Necromancy is communication with people who are now dead. Isaiah 8: 19 asks not
one, but two rhetorical questions: "should not a people seek unto their God?
(or) for the living to the dead?" The Israelites to whom Isaiah spoke knew
God's standard: His previously established standard said, no necromancy: Deut.
18: 11
The Book of Mormon Says seek God, for the living to hear from the dead:
2 Nephi 18: 19 misquotes Isaiah 8: 19 asking one question: "should not a people
seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?"
RESPONSE - The 2 Nephi scripture is not misquoting Isaiah, it is correcting it.
If we are not to communicate with the dead at all then how do you explain these
scriptures where Moses and Elias (who were dead) appeared to Peter, James, and
John, along with Jesus.
Matthew 17:1
"AND after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and
bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,"
Matthew 17:2
"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his
raiment was white as the light."
Matthew 17:3
"And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him."
Necromancy as mentioned in the Deut. scripture along with wizards, charmers, and
familiar spirits are tools Satan uses to communicate with man. Revelation,
visions, and communication with angels (eg. dead people like Moses and Elias),
is how God communicates with man.
24. The Holy Bible Says ... all language was confounded at Babel:
Genesis 11: 9 says: "the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth;"
The Book of Mormon Contradicts the Holy Bible ... teaching all language but
Jared's was con-founded:
Ether 1: 35 says: "...he did not confound the language of Jared."
RESPONSE - We are only talking about a few people among all the inhabitants of the world. A more complete reading of the story will explain why their language was not
confounded.
Ether 1:34
"And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored
of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will
not confound us that we may not understand our words."
Ether 1:35
"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the
Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of
Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded."
Ether 1:36
"Then Jared said unto his brother: Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he
will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not
their language."
Ether 1:37
"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the
Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families also, that they were
not confounded."
25. The Holy Bible Says ... the Lord parted the Red Sea:
Exodus 14: 21, 22 "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord
caused the sea to go back... and the waters were divided."
The Book of Mormon Contradicts the Holy Bible ... teaching Moses parted the Red
Sea:
1 Nephi 4: 2 "...for he (Moses) truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and
they divided..."
RESPONSE - If you read verses 1 and 2 of 1 Nephi 4 together, you will see that Nephi recognizes
God's power and how God is "mightier than all the earth". In verse 2 Nephi then
explains how God used this mighty power through the actions of Moses. Nephi wanted
to encourage his listeners to have faith in God's power, as strong as Moses'.
Nephi only said that Moses spoke to the waters. He did not say that it was Moses
himself that caused them to be divided.
1 Ne 4:2 "Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake
unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither,"
26. The Holy Bible Reveals ... Enoch's age at death:
Genesis 5: 23, 24 says: "And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and
five years." (Joseph Smith agreed with this number: see Teachings, p 170)
The Doctrine and Covenants Contradicts the Holy Bible ... giving a different age
for Enoch at death:
Doctrine and Covenants 107: 49 says: Enoch was four hundred and thirty years old
when he was translated.
RESPONSE - This was not a contradicion but a correction by Joseph Smith of the Genesis
scriptures.
Instead of all the days of Enoch being 365 years, as stated in Genesis ... :
Genesis 5:23
"And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:"
Genesis 5:24
"And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him."
It was "all the days of Zion, in the days of Enoch", were 365 years, as stated in
the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Enoch lived 430 years.
JST Genesis 7:76
"And all the days of Zion, in the days of Enoch, were thee hundred and
sixty-five years."
JST Genesis 7:77
"And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion."
JST Genesis 7:78
"And it came to pass, that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own
bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is fled. And all the days of
Enoch were four hundred and thirty years."
Joseph Smith never agreed to the 365 year age of death. If you read in "Teachings
of the Prophet Joseph Smith"(p.170), Joseph only quoted the Genesis 5:24 scripture
to make a completely separate point about how Cain could have "walked with God" if he had "fulfilled the law of righteousness". He never made any comment of agreement about the age of Enoch at death in that reference.
27. The Holy Bible is the inspired and only infallible authoritative Word of God.
Bible references which substantiate this statement:
2 Timothy 3: 15, 16 "And from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which
are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
2 Peter 1: 21 puts it this way: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
LDS scripture says Bible is Word of God only as translated correctly (A. of F. #8).
RESPONSE - Those scriptures do say that "all scripture" is inspired. I agree completely with that. But they do not they say the Bible is the "only infallible authoritative Word of God". The Bible did not even exist at the time these scriptures were written. The problem with making this type of argument, is that you are saying that the Bible is true because the Bible says it is true. This type of circular reasoning would not hold up in any court of law.
Circular reasoning:
The Bible is the infallible Word of God.
How do you know this?
Because the Bible says it is.
How do you know the Bible is right about that.
Because the Bible is the infallible Word of God.
There are other so-called "Christian" doctrines like this that are also not found in the Bible -- for example, "the Bible is sufficient for salvation," "the Bible is inerrant," "the Bible answers all our religious questions," "the Bible gives us authority to speak and act for God," or "there will never be any more scriptures from God than the Bible." None of these are biblical, yet they are accepted as fundamental religious principles by "Christians" who claim to reject all nonbiblical religious principles.
The Bible is the word of God. But to help convince mankind of its truthfulness and to
clarify things that have been changed or misunderstood by man over the centuries, what
is needed is a second separate witness, such as the Book of Mormon. Written by a group
of people, completely separate from those in the Bible, it supports and clarifies
the things that are taught in the Bible.
28. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claim that they preach
the full gospel of Christ. However, their scriptures contradict this by telling them that
they are to withhold information from investigators. Doctrine and Covenants 19:31 instructs,
"And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance, faith on the Savior,
and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost."
RESPONSE - If you read the entire section you will see that this was a personal revelation
to Martin Harris who was about to preach to people unfamiliar with the Gospel of Christ.
Earlier in that section the Lord explained why He did not want Martin to talk about things
other than what He specified.
"And I command you that you preach naught but repentance, and show not these things unto
the world until it is wisdom in me.
For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know
these things, lest they perish." (D&C 19:21-22)
God knew that the particular people that Martin was going to talk to would not be ready for
more advanced gospel concepts ("meat"), until they understood the basics first; which are repentance,
faith, baptism, and the Holy Ghost ("milk").
This is a logical process of learning whatever the subject is. For example, how could anyone
understand the advanced concepts of physics if they have not yet even learned basic mathematics?
29. During Jesus' ministry He spoke of His church as something in the future.
Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this
rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against
it."
After Christ's resurrection and the day of Pentecost we read "And the Lord
added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47)
However, the Book of Mormon claims the Christian church was established as
early as 147 B.C.
Mosiah 18:17 "And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ,
from that time forward."
RESPONSE - The "Church" talked about in the Book of Mosiah was not established by Jesus. It was called this by prophets who by revelation, knew about the comming of the Lord in the future and some of His teachings, and they wanted to give themselves a name. This was not "His Church" yet.
30. The Bible says believers were first called Christians after Paul's ministry in
Antioch.
Acts 11:26 "And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves
with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called
Christians first in Antioch."
However, the Book of Mormon claims people were known by this title as early as
73 B.C.
Alma 46:15 "...yea, all those who were true believes in Christ took upon them,
gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of
their belief in Christ who should come."
RESPONSE - The Bible is the religious history of the people of the eastern continent who knew nothing about the history or the scriptures of the people of the western continent(Book of Mormon). The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch after Paul's ministry on the eastern continent, and people were called Christians first in 73 BC on the western continent.
31. The Holy Ghost was bestowed on the Christians at the time of Pentecost.
Luke 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father unto you: but tarry
ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
Acts 2:1-4 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with
one accord in one place. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,..."
Yet the Book of Mormon claims that people received the gift of the Holy Ghost
as early as 545 B.C.
2 Nephi 31:12-13 "...the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is
baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto
me... Wherefore, my beloved brethren,... by following your Lord and your
Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye
receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy
Ghost;..."
RESPONSE - Why is this a contradiction? Once again, two different places separated by thousands of miles of ocean. It's like saying it is a contradiction to say, "my brother bought a new car in Utah last week. Yet I bought a car two years ago in California".
Both statements are correct, not contradictory.
Also, the Holy Ghost did not first show Himself at the Day of Pentecost.
Luke 2:25
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him."
Luke 2:26
"And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ."
And what about when Jesus himself gave it to them before He was resurrected:
John 20:22
"And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:"
All these events happened before the day of Pentecost.
32. The Old Testament teaches that the first born of the flocks were to be given
automatically to the Lord. Sacrifices were to be made from their remaining
animals.
Exodus 13:12 "That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the
matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males
shall be the Lord's" (See also Ex. 13:2; 22:29-30; Numbers 3:13; 18:15-18; 2
Sam. 24:24).
Deuteronomy 12:6 "And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your
sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows,
and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your
flocks."
The Book of Mormon claims that the Nephites were keeping the law of Moses.
However, the Nephites broke the law of Moses by using the first of the flocks
for burnt offerings. These should have already been given to the Lord as
tithing.
Mosiah 2:3 "And they also took of the firstlings of their flocks, that they
might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings according to the law of Moses."
RESPONSE - Mosiah said they offered sacrifice AND burnt offerings. In other words they made the sacrifice by eating the firstlings of the flock as it says in Deuteronomy 15:19-21:
19All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.
20 Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.
21 And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.
Here it explains that they sanctified the firstling unto the Lord(like paying tithing) by eating it or sacrificing it(verse 21). Mosiah said they first offered sacrifice of the firstlings, which according to the Law of Moses as explained in Deuteronomy, means they ate it. Then Mosiah says AND burnt offerings. So they also gave burnt offerings using other sheep.
33. The Bible states that all of King Zedekiah's sons were killed.
Jeremiah 39:6 "Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah
before his eyes."
Contrary to the Bible, the Book of Mormon claims that one son of King Zedekiah
escaped destruction and came to the Americas.
Heleman 6:10 "the land north was called Mulek, which was after the son of
Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring Mulek into the land north" (See also Heleman
8:21).
RESPONSE - Jeremiah only says that the King slew "the" sons of Zedekiah. It does not say he slew "all" of his sons. In verse 4 of Chapter 39 we are told that when king Zedekiah saw the enemy he fled with his men out of the city onto the plains of Jericho. But the king and his men were captured and taken and brought before Nebuchadnezzar(verse 5). Whatever sons of Zedekiah were captured with him there were "the" sons who were slain. At least one of his sons could have escaped the capture out on the plains of Jericho.
It is also possible that Mulek may have been an infant son of Zedekiah, protected by the King's daughters(Jer 43:5-7). In the Hebrew culture an infant male child was not counted among the sons until he was weaned(Num 31:7-9 17, Num. 16:27, Deut 20:13-14). A similar ocurance happened with Joash about 300 years earlier. The Bible records that Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, "destroyed all the seed royal". Yet Ahaziah's sister, Jehosheba, took Joash "and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain" (2 Kings 11:1-2; 2 Chron. 22:10-12). Why would it say that all the royal seed was slain if there was still a son that was not slain? This verse indicates that even though the Bible reports that Zedekiah's sons were slain, it may not have included Mulek, if he was only an infant at the time.
Some Bible scholars feel they have identified a son of Zedekiah that was not killed. They also feel his abbreviated name could be Mulek.(Welch, Reexploring the Book of Mormon. 1992)
Helaman 8:21 says:
"And now will you dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek?
This information is not contrary to the Bible; it simply provides more detail about what happened.
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