THE REPENTANCE OF SIN and
SANCTIFICATION
-
What Does The Mormon Church Teach?
by John Farkas
SUMMARY
I will show below that while both the Bible and the Mormon
church teach that a person cannot persistently sin and sin and sin, that is
chronically and willfully sin, and still remain in God's grace, the Mormon
church by its unique Scriptures (Doctrine & Covenants, Book of Mormon, Pearl
of Great Price), by its top leaders and by its teaching manuals give a very
confusing message. Yes, Doctrine & Covenants 45:57 does say people can have
the Holy Spirit for their guide. And Alma 34:23 in the Book of Mormon does
teach to pray against the devil. We also reviewed two Book of Mormon verses
(Alma 13:12; 3 Nephi 27:20) that say that sanctification comes by the Holy
Ghost. But these verses are clearly contradicted by the Doctrine &
Covenants very clear and repeated, "sanctify yourselves," Spencer W.
Kimball's "people can perfect themselves and become pure" and in the
Book of Mormon, "deny yourselves of all ungodliness."(Moroni 10:32).
They are also contradicted in the Mormon church's teaching manuals and
contradicted by what top leaders in the Mormon church have taught. The Mormon
church also teaches that a person can repent of their sins after they die, but
then they will not reach exaltation, but go to a lower level in heaven. This
idea is not found in the Bible nor the Book of Mormon. Mormons should be very
confused about how they repent, how they stay away from sin and how they are
sanctified, made pure and holy before God.
INTRODUCTION
In this article I will discuss what the Mormon church, The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City,
UT, teaches about repentance and sanctification. I will use several
sources - 1) Scriptures of the Mormon church, 2) Official teaching
manuals of the Mormon church and 3) Teachings by top leaders of the Mormon
church, the general authorities. I will not use any so called anti-Mormon
authors or speculations by Mormon at any level.
For the most part bolded and underlined words in the quotes
are by me to emphasize what is said and to make key phrases easier to
find. Words in bracket [ ] are by me, except in bible verses..
BACKGROUND:
Mormon Word Definitions:
The first five word definitions just below are from a Mormon
church teaching manual, Gospel Principles. The definitions are found in
the Glossary near the end of the book, starting on page 376 in the 1997
edition. This book is still an official major teaching manual of the Mormon
church and has been in use since at least 1978. The title page says,
"Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt
Lake City, UT" The Introduction on page 1 says, "Gospel
Principles was written both as a personal study guide and a teacher's
manual...It can help you - Build your knowledge and testimony of the
gospel." A copy of this teaching book can be found on a web page
by the Mormon church at http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,11-1-13-1,00.html
If this link does not work then try http://www.lds.org/library/gos_pri/gos_pri.html
As this web page does not use page numbers you must use the chapter number. At
the very least I recommend that you read the first two paragraphs of chapter 2
and all of chapter 47. In chapter 2 note that there is a Mother in heaven, the
wife of God the Father and note that at one time the spirit of Jesus Christ did
not exist. Note in chapter 47 how those now living can also become
"gods" and near the end of the chapter note what is said about how
the Mormon God the Father became God.
Now to the definitions.
Repentance: [bolding is in the quote] Turning from sin and changing the course of one's life to follow the Savior's teachings. (the Glossary, page 381, Gospel Principles, 1997 edition.)
Salvation: Inseparable connection of body and spirit brought about through the Savior's atonement and resurrection; eternal life. (Gospel Principles, page 381.)
Sanctify: To make clean, pure and spotless; to make free from the blood and sins of this world. (Gospel Principles, page 381); There will more on this subject near the end of this article)
Sin: Breaking the laws of God. (Gospel Principles, page 382.)
Under "Salvation" we see the term, "eternal life." What does it mean?
Eternal: Everlasting, without beginning or end. (Gospel Principles, page 378)
The term "eternal life" is not defined in the Gospel Principles Glossary, so I used "Eternal." This definition gives a hint of the meaning, but more is needed. We must look to other Mormon sources.
EXALTATION ....Latter-day Saints believe that all mankind (except the sons of perdition) will receive varying degrees of glory in the afterlife. Exaltation is the greatest of all the gifts and attainments possible. It is available only in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom and is reserved for members of the Church of the Firstborn. This exalted status, called eternal life, is available to be received by a man and wife. (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 2, page 479. Edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, under the supervision of the Mormon church, New York: Macmillan, 1992).
As used in the scriptures, eternal life is the name given to the kind of life that our Eternal Father lives.....Those who gain eternal life (exaltation) also gain eternal lives, meaning that in the resurrection they have eternal "increase," "a continuation of the seeds," a "continuation of the lives." Their spirit progeny will "continue as innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them." (D. & C. 131:1-4; 132:19-25, 30, 55.) (Mormon Doctrine, by Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, p.237-238, under the headings Eternal Life and Eternal Lives.)
Salvation, eternal life, exaltation-these three are all one. In the true sense they are identically the same thing and consist of an inheritance in the highest heaven of the celestial world where alone the family unit continues. Those who so obtain gain the fulness of the glory of the Father and become like him in all things. The whole purpose and end of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to enable men to gain this exalted state in which they will be as their God is. (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, by Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, p.312)
One last definition to close in on the term "eternal life" and a new word "exaltation," which are terms that mean the same thing.
We can become like our Heavenly Father. This is exaltation.
2. They [people] will become gods
3. ... and will be able to have spirit children also. These spirit children
will have the same relationship to them as we do to our Heavenly Father.
They will be an eternal family.
...
5 ...They will have everything that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
have, all power, glory, dominion, and knowledge. (Gospel
Principals, page 302, chapter 47)
You should now have a better understanding of what
"eternal life" means to the Mormon church. In summary it is, "They
will have everything that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have, all power,
glory, dominion, and knowledge." You should also now understand what
"sin," "repentance," "sanctify" and
"salvation" mean. Will all Mormons know this? Not likely,
probably roughly only 20% will. This is why I have been so careful with
my sources and identified them. This is what the Mormon church teaches in its
scriptures, teaching manuals and by its top leaders.
Understanding these
definitions is important for understanding what follows.
MORMON CHURCH SCRIPTURES, ARE THEY RELIABLE? (according to Mormons)
What does the Mormon church and its leaders claim about the
reliability of its scriptures? How reliable is the Bible, Book of Mormon,
Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price? In speaking about the
Book of Mormon Joseph Smith, the founder and first prophet of the Mormon church
wrote in his journal:
I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book. (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 461)
In the Ensign, published monthly by the Mormon Church, then apostle, later President and Prophet Ezra T. Benson, quotes Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie as follows:
Men can get nearer to the Lord, can have more of the spirit of conversion and conformity in their hearts...can gain a better understanding of the doctrines of salvation through the Book of Mormon than they can through the Bible...there will be more people saved in the kingdom of God - ten thousand times over - because of the Book of Mormon than there will be because of the Bible. (Ensign, November 1984, page 7)
At another time President Benson, the top leader of the Mormon church, said:
Unlike the Bible, which passed through generations of copyists, translators, and corrupt religionists who tampered with the text, the Book of Mormon came from writer to reader in just one inspired step of translation. (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, January, 1992, page 5).
Joseph Smith allegedly received by the
power of God over 95% of the present day Mormon scriptures (except for the
Bible). Smith on one occasion said: "Now taking it for granted that the
scriptures say what they mean and mean what they say...." (Teachings
of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 264). Alma 13:20 in the Book of Mormon
says, "...if ye will wrest them [the scriptures] it shall be to your own
destruction." Think about this. In other word we should not force
Scriptures into saying something other than what is there.
What else did Joseph Smith say on this subject? Note in the
following how he said in May 1834, "there is no error in the revelations
which I have taught". In other words, this man who was responsible for
most of the Mormon scriptures (except the Bible) claims they have no errors.
When did I ever teach anything wrong from this stand? When was I ever confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence and am no more seen. I never told you I was perfect but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught. Must I, then, be thrown away as a thing of naught? (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, page 368; History of the Church, 6:366)
With these ideas in mind now let us see
what Mormon scriptures say.
MORMON CHURCH SCRIPTURES ON REPENTANCE
The following five items are from the Mormon church's
scripture, Doctrine & Covenants
By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his
sins-behold, he will forsake them. (Doctrine & Covenants 58:43)
And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your
charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the
former sins return, saith the Lord your God. (Doctrine &
Covenants 82:7)
Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be
forgiven; (Doctrine & Covenants 1:32)
The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the
ordinances of the house of God, (Doctrine & Covenants 138:58)
Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the
Lord, remember them no more. (Doctrine & Covenants
58:42)
This last verse is similar to Hebrew 8:12 shown below under
"Biblical Sources." In addition, this last verse is very
interesting seeing that the second verse given in this series seems to say that
God does remember former sins.
Another Mormon scripture, the Book of Mormon has the
following:
Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside
every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to
destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are
willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his
commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of
baptism. (Alma 7:15)
And now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words unto them, he
stretched forth his hand unto them and cried with a mighty voice, saying: Now
is the time to repent, for the day of salvation draweth nigh; (Alma
13:21)
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 34:35)
These last two verses seems to contradict a Mormon teaching shown near the end of this article that repentance after death is possible for some. This next verse is very interesting.
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. (Moroni 10:32)
While this verse does not use the word "repent"
the term "deny yourselves of all ungodliness" means the same
thing, turning from sin. But in this case it says, "deny yourselves."
This is really a salvation by works, of doing it yourself, and is consistent
with the verses given just below. This verse from the Book of Mormon is
consistent with Doctrine & Covenants 58:43 above, the abandonment of sin..
HOW IS A PERSON SAVED ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF MORMON? (a Mormon
scripture)
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25:23)
Another Mormon Scripture Expresses a Similar Idea.
3 We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (The Articles of Faith, number 3; at the end of the Pearl of Great Price, a Mormon church scripture)
In other words, salvation according to these Mormon church
scriptures, is by doing, by obedience. Another name for this is
"works." But we know from the biblical verses that follow below
that we are saved only by our faith in Jesus Christ and not of works. Our works
are a result of our salvation and our desire to please our Savior Jesus
Christ. And - our works and staying away from sin come about because of
His help. There is more on this below.
BIBLICAL SOURCES:.
What does the Bible say how we are saved?
The Philippians jailer asks of Paul and Silas,
"...Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
(Acts 16:30)
Their answer:
"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will
be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31).
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation....13 For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10: 9-10, 13)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
[it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph
2:8-9)
What is common in these three verses? It is faith in Jesus Christ and only by faith in Him are we saved. Not by works in any way. In the following verses we learn that we all have sinned and we are liars and deceive ourselves if we say we have not sinned.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his
Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he
is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:7-10)
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans
3:10)
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
(Romans 3:23)
But we also learn that if we confess our sins God will "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" and we learn in Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; Ps 103:12 and Jer 31:34 that God will not remember our sins.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,
and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. (Heb 8:12)
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Heb 10:17)
12 As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our
transgressions from us. (Ps 103:12)
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man
his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least
of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their
iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jer 31:34)
HOW DOES GOD RESPOND TO OUR SINS?
Does He leave us alone when we sin? Does He work in us
to turn us from sin? The Bible will answer these questions.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them. (Eph 2:10)
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Eph
3:20)
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work
in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians
1:6)
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good
pleasure. (Philippians 2:13
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make
you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is
wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever
and ever. Amen. (Heb 13:20-21)
Much has been said by Mormon leadership
about seeking God for help with needs, presumably also to conquer sin. The
Mormon church's scripture, except for the Bible, don't say much about God
helping a person to become sinless. In fact, as shown below, many verses in the
Doctrine & Covenants places the total burden on the sinner. The same can be
said for many of the teaching manuals of the Mormon church These scriptures and
manuals speak about repentance and avoiding sin. But, with a few exceptions,
they are strangely silent about how to do it except to just do it by yourself.
The silence of all these sources is why I say that for the
most part it seems to be left to a Mormon to avoid sin on their own. As you
read more below note the major contradiction found in the Mormon church's
scriptures.
But we also know from the Bible that God will not tolerate
us living in our sin and time and again and again and again ignoring Him and
just chronically and willfully living in sin. While He will try and try and try
to turn us from our sin there could be an end to His attempts to reach us, an
end to His try to bring us back to Him. He does not want any to perish (John
3:15-16; 2 Peter 3:9), but at some point, and I don't know where it is, He will
let us have our way. Chronic and willful sinners ignore Him at their peril.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we
have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice
for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised
Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much
sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden
under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:26-29)
4 For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put
[him] to an open shame. (Heb 6:4-6)
These last two verses are supported by the ideas expressed
in Heb 3:6, 12, 14, 19. In verses 6 and 14 note the "if we hold...unto
the end."
Now with the above as a foundation let us look at what the
Mormon church says about repentance.
NOW LET US LOOK AT WHAT MORMON CHURCH TEACHING MANUALS SAY ABOUT REPENTANCE.
As you read what these manuals say please keep in mind what
the above Bible verses say. The following is from a 1945 Mormon church
teaching manual.
By repentance the holy prophets meant for man to overcome all of his sins and change his life wherein it was evil to that of spiritual righteousness. Thus repentance is actually a spiritual rebirth or regeneration. Baptism, however, is the Gospel ordinance of rebirth which the man who has repented accepts as a token of his spiritual regeneration; but in order for the baptism to be effective in opening the door into the kingdom of God, it must be accompanied by true repentance...The Gospel has always required of mankind not only to accept the outward act of being baptized, but actually to cast aside all sins of the flesh and be born unto Christ into a new life of the spirit - a life of absolute righteousness. (The Gospel through the Ages, by Milton R. Hunter, 1945, Stevens & Wallis, Salt Lake City, p.215)
First note, "a life of absolute righteousness."
We learn from the title page of this reference that in 1945 this book was,
"Written and published under the direction of the General Priesthood
Committee of the Council of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of
latter-day Saints." On page v we find an introduction by George F.
Richards, President of the Council of Twelve [the twelve apostles]. At the end
of this introduction we find, " The priesthood of the Church will find
much satisfaction in studying this information...." From the Preface
on page vii we learn, "This book is designed primarily for the course of
study in the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums of the Church...A second possible
use of the book is for missionaries." In summary this book was a
major teaching manual published under the full authority of the Mormon church.
The following is from a booklet published by the Mormon church in 1984.
2 Abandonment of Sin
It is best when one stops sinning because he becomes aware of the
seriousness of his sin.
...
The forsaking of sin must be a permanent one. True repentance does not
permit making the same mistake again. (a booklet, Repentance
Brings Forgiveness, page 7, published by the Mormon church, 1984)
The following is from a teaching manual
of the Mormon church.
START OF QUOTE: from Gospel Principles, pages 125-127,
chapter 19. The bolding of words in the headings are in the quote.
We Must Keep the Commandments of God
To make our repentance complete we must keep the commandments of the Lord
(see D&C 1:32). We are not fully repentant if we do not pay tithes or keep
the Sabbath day holy or obey the Word of Wisdom. We are not repentant if we do
not sustain the authorities of the Church and do not love the Lord and our
fellowmen. If we do not pray and are unkind to others, we are surely not
repentant. When we repent, our life changes.
Elder Kimball said: "Repentance means not only to convict yourselves of
the horror of the sin, but to confess it, abandon it, and restore to all
who have been damaged to the total extent possible; then spend the balance of
your lives trying to live the commandments of the Lord so he can eventually
pardon you and cleanse you" (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p.
200).
... (many paragraphs omitted.)
When Should We Repent?
The prophets have declared that "this life is the time for men to prepare
to meet God" (Alma 34:32). We should repent now, every day. When we get up
in the morning, we should examine ourselves to see whether the Spirit of God is
with us. At night before we go to sleep, we should review our acts and words of
the day and ask the Lord to show us the things for which we need to repent. By
repenting every day and having the Lord forgive our sins, we will experience
the daily process of becoming perfect. As with Alma, our happiness and joy
can be sweet and exquisite.
END OF QUOTE from Gospel Principles,
chapter 19, pages 125-127
Note at the end of the Gospel Principles reference above,
" By repenting every day and having the Lord forgive our sins, we will
experience the daily process of becoming perfect." This idea
seems to be inconsistent with several of the references given above and below.
Additional Quotes From Mormon Sources:
To be forgiven one must repent. Repentance means not only to convict yourselves of the horror of the sin, but to confess it, abandon it, and restore to all who have been damaged to the total extent possible; then spend the balance of your lives trying to live the commandments of the Lord so he can eventually pardon you and cleanse you, (The Miracle of Forgiveness, by then Mormon Apostle Spencer W. Kimball, p. 200). Apostle Kimball in 1973 became the president and prophet of the Mormon church.
In this same book on page 360 Kimball said,
We can hardly be too forceful in reminding people that they cannot sin and be forgiven and then sin again and again and expect repeated forgiveness. The Lord anticipated the weakness of man which would return him to his transgressions, and he gave this in warning:
And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God. (Doctrine & Covenants 82:7)
(The Miracle of Forgiveness, page 360)
I submit to you, LDS, that you cannot stop your sinning
because you cannot do everything on the list in chapter 47 of Gospel
Principles, pages 303-304. And if you repeat your sins then none of them are
forgiven. They all come back on you.
Then in Gospel Principles, under the heading,
"When Should We Repent?" you will find, "By repenting every day
and having the Lord forgive our sins, we will experience the daily process of
becoming perfect." Note the "daily process of becoming
perfect." (page 127). The whole list in chapter 47, pages 303-304, must be
achieved in this life and nothing is said about continuing the effort on the
list into the next life. This tells me that perfection in this life is needed
for those that wish to reach exaltation (becoming a God), the highest level in
the Mormon heaven. Do not miss on page 303 where it says, "The
time to fulfill the requirements for exaltation [becoming a God] is now.
(see Alma 34:3234)." (page 303, chapter 47 of the 1997 edition)
REPENTANCE AFTER DEATH?
The Mormon church also teaches that repentance after death
is also possible for some. Those that do not qualify for exaltation (becoming a
God) in the top level of the Mormon Celestial Kingdom will have the
opportunity to finish the repentance of their sins, hence qualify for other
lower levels in the Mormon after life.
Now, there is a difference between this class and those
who simply repent not and reject the gospel in the flesh. Of these latter it is
written, "they shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead,
through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb," and "shall be redeemed
in the due time of the Lord after the sufferings of his wrath." But of the
others it is said, "they shall not be redeemed," for "they are
the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power." The others,
never having been redeemed from the first, cannot be doomed to the second
death, or in other words cannot be made to suffer eternally the wrath of
God, without hope of redemption through repentance, but must continue to suffer
the first death until they repent, and are redeemed therefrom through the
power of the atonement and the gospel of salvation, thereby being brought
to the possession of all the keys and blessings to which they will be capable
of attaining or to which they may be entitled, through the mercy, justice and
power of the everlasting God; or, on the other hand, forever remain bound
in the chains of spiritual darkness, bondage and banishment from his presence,
kingdom and glory. (Gospel Doctrine, Joseph F. Smith, page 16)
The Latter-day Saints believe and teach that repentance will be possible,
and indeed required to the yet unrepentant, even after death; and they
affirm that this doctrine is supported by scripture both ancient and modern. (The
House Of The Lord, James E. Talmage, pages 57)
LDS teaching is that Jesus entered the spirit world to extend his redemptive
mission to those in hell, upon conditions of their repentance (see
Salvation of the Dead). (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a Mormon
church sponsored publication, Vol.2, page 586, under HELL)
These teachings by Mormon church leaders seem to ignore what their own Book of Mormon says.
5 But remember that he that persists in his own carnal
nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in
his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore, he is
as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the
devil an enemy to God. (Mosiah 16:5)
31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any
longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and
therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the
great plan of redemption be brought about unto you. 32 For behold, this life
is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is
the day for men to perform their labors. 33 And now, as I said unto you
before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye
do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this
day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not
improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein
there can be no labor performed. 34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to
that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye
cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the
time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess
your body in that eternal world. 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 34:31-35)
Mosiah 16:11, 26:25-27 have a similar message.
SANCTIFY YOURSELVES?
The Doctrine & Covenants, a Mormon church scripture,
does speak very clearly and repetitively on "sanctify
yourselves." As you read these verses just below, keep in mind what
"sanctify" means to the Mormon church, "To make clean,
pure and spotless; to make free from the blood and sins of this world."
(Gospel Principles, page 381, in the Glossary near the end of the book.)
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of
my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall
bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me--
11 Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you; sanctify yourselves before
me;
16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye
shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.
(Doctrine & Covenants 43:9, 11, 16)
68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God,
and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his
face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and
according to his own will.
74 And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a
commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves,
and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your
hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you
clean; (Doctrine & Covenants 88:68, 74)
4 Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves;
gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you
that have not been commanded to tarry. (Doctrine & Covenants 133:4)
The meaning of these verses is not changed by their context. Many top Mormon church leaders have used these verses and expanded on the idea in them. Here is one example.
Surely this is what is meant, in part at least, by being pure in heart! And when we read in the Sermon on the Mount that the "pure in heart" shall see God, it gives meaning to the Lord's statement, made through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1832, that presently impure people can perfect themselves and become pure: ...(D&C 88:68.). (The Miracle of Forgiveness , by Spencer W. Kimball, page.355)
With these verses we see more of the "do it
yourselves" teachings of the Mormon church. "Sanctify
yourselves" is consistent with "people can perfect themselves"
and with "deny yourselves of all ungodliness" found in Moroni 10:32
in the Book of Mormon.
Yes, we do see the commandment of "sanctify
yourselves" in the Old Testament. But the people then did not have Jesus
Christ and His shed blood and His death on the cross. All they had were the sin
offering and sacrifices in the temple. Today we are living under the
grace of God and we have his help with living as He wants us to.
It is interesting to note that the Book of Mormon, another
Mormon church scripture, seems to have a completely different message than the
Doctrine & Covenant and Spencer W. Kimball. In the Book of Mormon we
find:
12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost,
having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not
look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly
great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.
(Alma 13:12
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and
come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the
reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the
last day. (3 Nephi 27:20)
THE BIBLICAL MESSAGE ON SANCTIFICATION
The Bible message on sanctification is very much different
from what I showed above.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth...19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might
be sanctified through the truth. (John 17:17, 19)
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God]
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess 5:23)
12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own
blood, suffered without the gate. (Heb 13:12)
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved
of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (2 Thess
2:13)
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification
of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Pet 1:2)
SUMMARY
What we have seen is that while both the Bible and the
Mormon church teach that a person cannot persistently sin and sin and sin, that
is chronically and willfully sin, and still remain in God's grace, the Mormon
church by its unique Scriptures (Doctrine & Covenants, Book of Mormon,
Pearl of Great Price), by its top leaders and by its teaching manuals give a
very confusing message. Yes, Doctrine & Covenants 45:57 does say people can
have the Holy Spirit for their guide. And Alma 34:23 in the Book of Mormon does
teach to pray against the devil. We also showed two Book of Mormon verses (Alma
13:12; 3 Nephi 27:20) that say that sanctification comes by the Holy Ghost. But
these verses are clearly contradicted by the Doctrine & Covenants very
clear and repeated, "sanctify yourselves," Spencer W. Kimball's
"people can perfect themselves and become pure" and in the Book of
Mormon, "deny yourselves of all ungodliness."(Moroni 10:32). They are
also contradicted in the Mormon church's teaching manuals and contradicted by
what top leaders in the Mormon church have taught. The Mormon church also
teaches that a person can repent of their sins after they die, but then they
will not reach exaltation, but go to a lower level in heaven. This idea is not
found in the Bible nor in the Book of Mormon.
Mormons should be very confused about how they repent, how
they stay away from sin and how they are sanctified, made pure and holy before
God.
Here is a brief reminder about two key non-Christian Mormon
church teaching found in its scriptures.
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our
children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to
God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
(2 Nephi 25:23)
3 We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be
saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (The
Articles of Faith, number 3, in the Pearl of Great Price, a Mormon church
scripture)
10 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny
yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all
ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his
grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ;
and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the
power of God. (Moroni 10:32)
The Bible tells us that we are
only save by our faith in Jesus Christ. Then, because of our love and gratitude
for our Savior, we try to live the kind of life He wants us to - and He helps
us to do this.
REFERENCES:
1) A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, by Mormon Apostle
Bruce R. McConkie, 1985
2) Articles of Faith, (a book) by Apostle James E. Talmage. First
published by the Mormon church in 1915, 1916. I used the 1974 and 1983
editions.
3) Achieving A Celestial Marriage, a Mormon church teaching manual,
1992.
4) Book of Mormon, Student Manual Religion 121 and 122, a Mormon church
teaching manual, 1989.
5) Doctrine Of The Gospel, Student Manual, Religion 231 and 232, a
Mormon church teaching manual, 1986.
6) Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 2; Edited by Daniel H. Ludlow,
under the supervision of the Mormon church, New York: Macmillan,
1992
7) Gospel Principles, a Mormon church teaching manual, 1997. In use at
least since 1978
8) Mormon Doctrine, by Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, 1979
9) Mormon church's scriptures: The Holy Bible; Doctrine &
Covenants; Book of Mormon; Pearl of Great Price. The text of the Holy Bible
used by the Mormon church is the King James Version.
10) Repentance Brings Forgiveness, a booklet published by the Mormon
church, 1984
11) Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Compiled by Joseph Fielding
Smith, while he was the Mormon church's historian, 1976.
12) The Gospel through the Ages, by Milton R. Hunter, a Mormon church
teaching manual, 1945.
13) The Miracle of Forgiveness, by then Mormon Apostle Spencer W.
Kimball, 1969.
John Farkas; Berean Christian Ministries; P.O. Box 1091; Webster, NY 14580
E-mail: bcmmin@frontiernet.net Web page:
http://www.bcmmin.org
art/repentld 3-18-05