Are You Being Lied To?

Are You Being Lied To?

By Bishop Mark Shaw

I want to write to you this time about things that we normally do not hear taught in our churches. I think it sad that it is not, for there is a drawing away of good people into abandonment of the faith (apostasy) because of a lack of knowledge.

You parents know that many of your kids are searching for their spirituality. That can be a good thing if they are guided and steered to Jesus. But what if there is an organization that wants your child spiritually? And what if this organization says that it is a Christian organization, but isn't? You would want to know this wouldn't you?

Well that is what I am going to write to you about. I want to warn you of an organization that is very effectively recruiting young and old, and doing so under the guise of Christianity. I am going to tell you of a structured organization that many of you are familiar with, but only in the sense of their name and perhaps not their doctrine. That is what I want to expose to you, their doctrine.

Before I go any further I want to express to you that my contention is not with the people that belong to organizations we see as cults. My contention is with the doctrines and the teachings of this organization and only those that are teaching this false doctrine and passing it off as Christian teaching. So I want all of you that may read this to know that I love you no matter what you belong to, and this is all the more reason to bring to light what is taught in contrast with the bible, that we may all see and believe the truth as it was delivered to us by Jesus and the Apostles.

The organization that I am speaking of is the Mormons otherwise known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or LDS.

I feel such an urgency because this organization does a magnificent job disguising itself as a Christian organization and by reason of that many are deceived.

As I have been studying many different beliefs of late, I want to share some commonality that surfaces among all organizations that most orthodox Christians would call a cult. Now I think it would behoove me to describe what most Christians would say a cult is. We know that many different denominations have different doctrines concerning baptism, eschatology, gifts of the Spirit, heaven, hell, etc., but these are secondary doctrinal issues and are not what I am speaking of.

However, what all Christian organizations do agree on, is how a person is saved. That is, they agree that Jesus was God in the flesh and that He gave up His life and on the third day took it up again, ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God. Moreover, that this was done for the salvation of man and that anyone who would believe on Jesus, receives Him into their lives, and repents of their sins, becomes a son or daughter of God.

Now any teaching that would disagree with this is a cultic teaching and this is what is meant by a cult. So any organization that would try to change the salvation message, or make God into something that He is not, or deny the deity of Jesus, or claim revelation not taught in the bible, is a cult.

Now I know that I may have left something unmentioned but I mentioned what I did only as it would concern my presentation of the Mormon organization. Now in all fairness to this organization, I only use their material to show that they are indeed a cult in my presentation with the exception of a couple instances. The reason I am so alerted by this organization is that they are recruiting so many at this time into their organization, and it has been postulated by some that 65% to 85% of their new converts have some sort of Christian background. This is alarming and a testament against the ministers in the body of Christ that have not taken the time to teach their members what these organizations stand for.

Please bear with me as I put all of this together, this is such an important issue that I need to proceed with caution. I do not want anyone to think that I am a sectarian and am just picking on someone else's denomination. First, my belief is that there is only one Church, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, and she does not have a label other then that. That she is made up of many different peoples, and that they may be in many different denominations or not in any at all. It is not the organization or denomination that saves or labels the person as saved, but rather their personal belief in the Son of God and the consequent regeneration of that person's heart. I believe that one can look in any denomination and find both saved and unsaved for it is not the denomination whereby salvation is brought to mankind, but by the agency of the Holy Spirit working through the body of Christ as He wills.

Therefore, the true Church is simply the Body and Bride of Christ. It is not Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Nazarene, Assembly of God, Church of God, Church of Christ, etc., etc.. It is simply made up of individuals who have surrendered themselves to do the will of God.

I hope that I have made this clear; the church has been mislabeled for years.

We live in a time where everyone is calling for tolerance. A time when anyone that speaks out against an organization is labeled as intolerant and heretic hunters. I would say however, tolerance or silence toward organizations that are leading people away from God is putting oneself in league with that organization. Apostle Paul constantly spoke against those individuals that would subvert the teaching that he delivered to the saints. Are we to do any less? The lack of tolerance for false teachings does not preclude a lack of love or civility. In fact it is an act of love to try to expose false teaching to spare those that would be deceived by it.

In my study of different organized religious entities, I was surprised at first by the commonality of symbols and government. Even though these organizations may not know one another, their governmental structure and symbols are similar if not exact copies of each other. This tells me that there is more to these organizations then just the mere men start and run them. There is a force that has drawn these men away from the truth; this force is universal and uses the same structure in each cult. I would call this force demonic influence.

The late secular psychologist Carl Jung began to study different religious beliefs to get a better understanding of the human psyche. What he found was something that he built an entire philosophy of psychology on. It is what he calls the "collective unconscious". Briefly, the collective unconscious is a consciousness that is located outside of time and space and is only accessed by individuals in dreams and in times of great stress. This consciousness cannot communicate in words, but only in symbols that Jung called "archetypes." Now these archetypes were symbols that had definite meanings in a person's life and by understanding these meanings, humans could understand what it was that they were supposed to be doing. Because he saw such a commonality of symbols over the different cults that he studied, he determined that this collective unconscious was the same for everyone and that we all accessed the same thing in our dreams.

He was so taken by his findings that he went deep into astrology and alchemy, mainly because of the commonality of the symbols that he found in the different beliefs. It is said that he would work up an astrological chart on each client that he served, to better lead them to mental health.

I say all of this because I want you to see the validity of what I am saying when I talk of commonality. The devil has not changed his tactics since he has influenced humankind. He knows what works to deceive and that is what he leads men to do, thus the commonality among cults. Here are some things to look out for when determining the identity of any organization.

Infallibility-Is there an element in the organization that claims infallibility other then the Word of God, the bible? It can be an individual or a collection of individuals, or writings of individuals. Look for statements that declare that the bible cannot be understood without the help of an individual, organization, or writing.

Saved by Works or Ordinances-Is there a teaching that the work of Jesus on the cross is not enough to save an individual? Is it taught that one must do something besides believe on Christ to be saved? Is there a teaching that goes beyond the finished work of the cross? This teaching plays into the ego, so the flesh can take credit in salvation.

Secrecy-Is there an element of secret oaths or rites?

Ranks-Is there an element of degrees or ranks that are to be attained?

Forbid Members to go to Other Churches-Does the organization tell its members to not visit other churches? This is a control mechanism to keep one from discovering the truth.

Claims That They are The Only True Church-Does the organization claim that it is the only arm of salvation? Do they claim that all other denominations are wrong and that they alone have truth?

Subversion of the Bible-Does the organization hint or declare that there are errors or mistakes in the bible? Or does it teach that other writings are necessary in order to understand the bible? Often times this is done so that they may teach things that are not in the bible and declare it as gospel truth.

New Revelation-Does the organization teach that the bible is not complete and that God is revealing, through them, new revelation to be accepted as truth?

If you see even one of these elements in an organization you should be suspicious and investigate further. If you see many of these elements in an organization get out quick!

There are also symbols that are used throughout the different cults. This includes pentagrams, handshakes, signs, all seeing eye, etc.. To give a brief example one can find the pentagram in Satanism, Wiccans, Masons, and Mormonism to mention a few.

There are also similarities in rites of passage and initiations. However, I will not digress further on this as I am limited in space. Now let us begin to look at the Mormons and see if it is a cult.

In studying any organization, one should look at the roots and founder of that organization. Especially if the organization still holds them in high regard.

Joseph Smith founded Mormonism; he had a vision and/or a visitation by an angel name Moroni. This angel told him that there was a set of plates buried upon which were written records of what God had told prophets to write.

These records are the dealings of God with those on the American continent between the years of 2247 B.C. and 421 A.D.. Now Moroni was said to be a son of a man named Mormon who was a Jew. Mormon had led his family and friends to America in about 600 B.C.. Remember this is just the account of what was said was on the plates.

Now Moroni buried the plates and it was he who now in angel form appeared to Joseph Smith and led him to where the plates were buried. After Joseph Smith found the plates, he translated the writing to English in about two months. This is what has become known as the book of Mormon. But according to them, the plates were taken back by god so there is no proof of their existence today. As stated by the Mormon Church, "Almost all of the doctrines of the gospel are taught in the Book of Mormon with much greater clarity and perfection then those same doctrines are revealed in the bible." Mormon Doctrine—Brucer R. McConkie "Book of Mormon" pg. 99

That is a brief synopsis of how Mormonism got started. Now I want to show you some of the contents of the teachings of Joseph Smith and show you how they deviate from the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Primarily we must look at their definition of God. We must ask the question, is this the same God of the Old Testament and is it the same Jesus of the New Testament? Let us look at the next quote.

God

Mormon doctrine: "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by his power, was to make himself visible,--I say, if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form--like yourselves in all the person, image, and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the very fashion, image and likeness of God, and received instruction from, and walked, talked and conversed with him, as one man talks and communes with another." The Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Six 1843-44, p.345

It is their belief that God the Father used to be a man as we are. Now that immediately goes against God's own description of Himself in the bible. I ask the question, if God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, is there any way possible for God to have been a mere man as you or I?

For instance, let us take omnipotent. The word "omnipotent" means, "having unlimited or universal power, authority, or force; all-powerful." Now it stands to reason that if God is "all-powerful" then there is none other that can be called "all powerful" for then the first would not be "all-powerful." You can have only one that is omnipotent and that One is our God, and our God was not ever in a state of anything less then omnipotent for if He were then he cannot be God for someone greater then Him existed as he was a man.

Revelation 19:6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me,

Therefore, the god that the Mormons call "god the father" is not the same God of the bible. It is a false god for it does not agree with common sense or scripture. This is vitally important to understand. I can create an image of a god and say that he is the same as the God of the bible, but in reality it is simply a made up story that has no basis in fact. Therefore when or if I said "god the father", it would not really be the One in the bible for it does not agree with what the scriptures say. This is the case with the Mormon god; it cannot be the one in scripture even though they make claims of it being so. Okay let us look at the next quote.

Mormon doctrine: "In order to understand the subject of the dead, for consolation of those who mourn for the loss of their friends, it is necessary we should understand the character and being of God and how he came to be so; for I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see." The Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Six 1843-44, p.345

As you can see, they do not believe in the eternal nature of God. That there was a time when God was not God. The reason for this is that in their belief they think that they will ascend to be Gods themselves, ruling and reigning over other planets as supreme beings. So in order to foster this idea it is necessary to bring God down to nothing more then what they themselves are, in order to propose that they will be like he is. They have a proverb that they recite often that goes something like this, "As God once was, we are; and as God is, we may become."

Now we will see that since they have taken the eternal all mighty God and made Him a mere man, it is now possible to introduce mother god. This, again, is necessary to foster the doctrine of exaltation to godhood by woman as well as man. They cannot leave out the woman so they have to promise the woman that they too will be exalted to goddesses.

On a side note, the structure of a Mormon marriage is such that the man holds his wife's eternal future in his hand. In one of their temple ceremonies, the wife is given a secret name that only she and her husband knows. The purpose of this secret name is at the resurrection the husband is the only one raised and if the husband thinks the woman did a good job serving him, then he will call her secret name and then she will rise too. Can you see how this sets up a psychological edge for the man in a marriage? Can you see how this enslaves the woman to try to always be perfect for her husband for fear of missing out on the celestial kingdom?

Mormon doctrine: "Implicit in the Christian verity that all men are the spirit children of an Eternal Father is the usually unspoken truth that they are also the offspring of an Eternal Mother. An exalted and glorified Man of Holiness could not be a Father unless a Woman of like glory, perfection, and holiness was associated with him as a Mother." Mormon Doctrine—"Mother in Heaven" Pg. 516

So it is proposed that every human being that has, is, and ever will be born is nothing more that a spirit child of father and mother god having sex in heaven. This is the position that Mormons hope to ascend to. That they will be in charge of their own planet as gods.

Jesus

As I am about to show you, they believe Jesus and Satan are both spirit children of this father and mother god, thereby making them brothers.

Mormon doctrine: "As far as man is concerned all things center in Christ. He is the Firstborn of the Father. By obedience and devotion to the truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked him as a God, as the Lord Omnipotent, while yet in his pre-existent state." Mormon Doctrine—"Christ" Pg. 129

"The devil (literally meaning slanderer) is a spirit son of God who was born in the morning of pre-existence." Mormon Doctrine—"Devil" Pg. 192

"It was then explained that his spirit children would go down to earth, gain bodies of flesh and blood, be tried and tested in all things, and have opportunity by obedience to come back again to the Eternal Presence. It was then explained that one of the spirit childger of the Father would be chosen to be their Redeemer and work out the infinite and eternal atonement. And it was then that the Gather sent forth the call which said in substance and effect: Whom shall I send to be my Son in mortality? Who will go down, be born with life in himself, and work out the great atoning sacrifice by which immortality will come to all men and eternal life be assured to the obedient? Two mighty spirits answered the call and volunteered their services. Christ said, in effect: Here am I, send me; I will be thy Son; I will follow thy plan; and "thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever." But Lucifer sought to amend the plan of the Father and to change the proffered terms of salvation. "Behold, here I am, send me," he said, "I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give my thine honor." When the Father said, "I will send the first," then Lucifer was angry and kept not his first estate, rebelled and one-third of the host of heaver were cast out down to earth to become the devil and his angels." Mormon Doctrine—"Council in Heaven Pg. 164

So there it is, Jesus was born first and then Satan, both having the same mother and father. We also see a clever deception. The bad person of this drama is Satan, but notice that he says that he will redeem all, and that not one would be lost. Yet, we know that in God's plan some would be lost. This careful deception elevates Satan to the brother of Christ and seeks to make him the great benevolent redeemer. In the bible we know that Jesus is not the spirit baby of a couple in heaven. He is the Word spoken of by John in the beginning of his gospel.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

The Jesus in the bible is God. We also know that according to Isaiah, God is one.

Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me,

Therefore God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is one. Thus, we have the doctrine of the Trinity. Nevertheless, Mormons teach plurality of Gods, they believe that they themselves will have the same power as the almighty God.

So far, we have seen that this concocted story has no basis in biblical truth. It is the ramblings of a man deluded with his own desire for greatness and power. What was the sin of Satan? He wanted to be God. Has anything changed? He still fills peoples heads with the prospect of becoming Gods. Look, what he said to Eve is the same thing, "you shall be like God." It is the same lie that he told in the beginning.

Holy Spirit

Mormon doctrine: "The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a Personage of Spirit, a Spirit Person, a Spirit Man, a Spirit Entity. He can be in only one place at one time, and he does not and cannot transform himself into any other form or image then that of the Man whom he is, though his power and influence can be manifest at one and the same time through all immensity." Mormon Doctrine—"Holy Ghost" Pg. 359

Here again we see the destruction of biblical truth concerning the Holy Spirit. I will only say this, if the Holy Spirit can only be in one place at one time, how is it that the bible declares that each Christian has the Holy Spirit indwelling them?

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Many things, that I have not the space to show you, are also not biblical, but I wanted to concentrate on who they claimed God was. In doing that, I want to show you that the god in the book of Mormon is not the same God that is in the bible. Also, that the Jesus in the book of Mormon is not the same Jesus in the bible, and that they have turned the truth of God into a lie, and by reason of it, damn many to everlasting hell. By showing this, you are able to conclude, as I have and many before me, that Mormonism is a cult that masks itself as a Christian organization. Jesus warned us that many would come telling of other Christ's, but not to believe them. Paul said that if anyone, even an angel from heaven, should preach any other gospel then what he delivered to them, let them be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9

Man & Angels

As you have already seen, they believe man is a product of sex between god the father and god the mother. Also, that man is sent to earth to be tried and tested and those that pass the test are exalted to godhood. I want to also show you what they believe angels to be.

The following is a list of what an angel is according to the Doctrine of Mormon.

First, all angels are thought to be spirit children of god the father and god the mother.

Mormon doctrine:

1. Pre-existent Spirits

2. Translated Beings, as in Enoch and Elijah

3. Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect-These are the spirits of men who have worked out their salvation, but are awaiting the day of the resurrection.

4. Resurrected Personages-These are those that it is thought to have already been resurrected and have bodies of flesh, namely Peter, James, John the Baptist, Moroni, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Moses, Elijah, and Elias.

5 .Righteous Mortal Men-These are thought to be mortal men that have attained to righteousness. Mormon Doctrine—"Angels" Pg. 35-36

Now this is important to understand as the Mormons set to identify some angles spoken of in the bible with men spoken of in the bible. Let us start with Adam.

Mormon doctrine: "Our knowledge about Adam, and the exalted station held by him in the eternal providences of the Almighty, begins with an understanding of his pre-existent work and mission…He sat in the council of the gods in the planning of the creation of this earth, and then, under Christ, participated in the creative enterprise. He was foreordained to come to earth as the father of the human race, and when Lucifer and one third of the hosts of heaven rebelled, Adam (with the exalted title of Michael the Archangel) led the hosts of the righteous in the war in heaven." Mormon Doctrine—"Adam" Pg. 16-17

Now we know that there is nothing in our bibles that would suggest that Adam is Michael the archangel. This is just another myth perpetuated by Joseph Smith. We just cannot add to, or take away from the bible; it is our anchor whereby we are able to judge all doctrine. I can come to you and say that I met an alien in a space ship and that what we know of God is simply a race of beings from another planet that have greater technology then we have. What are you going to do to refute my statement if not use the bible as God's word to judge my doctrine false? It is not necessarily contradictory to the word, but simply not in the word at all. That is what makes these doctrines dangerous and easy for many to believe.

Mormon doctrine: "Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael, he will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human family, and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family." Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Four 1839-42, p.157

The term "Ancient of Days" is applied to Adam rather then to God by the Mormons. However, if one would only study the throne upon which God sits and then parallel it with other scripture one will see that it is the throne of God. Compare references to the wheels of the throne of "the Ancient of days" in Dan 7:9, and of the bases in Solomon's Temple, I Kings 7:27-30, and to the chariot in I Chronicles 28:18. Also, read of the throne in Ezekiel the first chapter.

Notice also that the Son of Man receives power from the one sitting on the throne. Thus, Adam is being elevated above Christ and is supreme to Him. Their god is subordinate to his own creation. This is another necessary doctrine to propel the idea that Mormons will be Gods.

Mormon doctrine: "…Then to Noah, who is Gabriel: he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood; he was called of God to this office, and was the father of all living in this day, and to him was given the dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven." Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Four 1839-42, p.157

Noah is associated as being angel Gabriel in the bible. Again, there is no scripture that shows this to be the case. In fact, I see no scripture that would show that man is, or was, or will be an angel. Jesus says that we will be as the angels in heaven in the sense that we will not marry nor be given in marriage. But we will not be angels.

In addition, black people are thought to be cursed. We read this in the book of Mormon.

Mormon doctrine: "And [God] had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. ...wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them." Book of Mormon—2 Nephi 5:20-21

This curse was prophesied to one day be lifted. However, the book of Mormon states that the curse will be lifted in the form of their skin turning white again.

Mormon doctrine: "Their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites; and their young men and their daughters became exceedingly fair..." Book of Mormon— 3 Nephi 2:12, 14-16

When the civil rights movement had gained a lot of momentum, the Mormon Church was faced with having to redirect this particular doctrine to not become a target of the movement. They did this in the following way.

Twenty two years ago, in June of 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church made an announcement of epic proportions: The God-imposed curse against people of African descent had been lifted. According to the Church, God had revealed through His prophets that it would henceforth be possible for "all worthy male members of the Church" to become LDS priesthood bearers.

Just one problem though, the people are still black. Their skin has not changed color, nor should it. They are created by God as much as anyone else. It is not what is outside that defiles a man, but what is in his heart. It matters not what color ones skin is, we are one race of people, the human race.

The Bible & the Book of Mormon

Now let us take a look at what the Mormon's think of the bible and their own book.

Mormon doctrine: "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 by any other book. (November 28, 1841.) DHC 4:461." Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Four 1839-42, p.194

"I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors." Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Six 1843-44, p.327

See how the book of Mormon is elevated to a higher status then the bible. Why is this so? It is necessary else they cannot perpetuate doctrines that are contrary to the bible. Any time something contradicts the bible it is easy then to say, "Oh, that is a mistranslation." This is boldly stated, as you will see in the next quote.

Mormon doctrine: "I will now turn linguist. There are many things in the Bible which do not, as they now stand, accord with the revelations of the Holy Ghost to me." Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Six 1843-44, p.310

Finally, I want to show you what they consider the way to salvation.

Salvation

The bible teaches that we are saved by grace, that salvation is the free gift of God for those that believe. We know that we do not need any other man through whom we are to receive salvation nor can we depend on another for it. Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can come to the Father except through Him.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

If salvation came to us by our own effort, then we would be able to take credit for our own salvation. However, we know that God offers us salvation, for as the word says, by the observance of the law no flesh shall be saved. The law was given to show us that we do not measure up to God's standard for our lives, nor can we; and that we are in dire need of a Savior to save us from our sin diseased selves.

Not so according to Mormon doctrine, one must work his self to the highest heaven. They believe there are three degrees to heaven and one must ascend to each one through his own works.

Mormon doctrine: "The question is frequently asked, "Can we not be saved without going through with all those ordinances? I would answer, No, not the fulness of salvation. Jesus said, There are many mansions in my Father's house, and I will go and prepare a place for you. House here named should have been translated kingdom; and any person who is exalted to the highest mansion has to abide a celestial law, and the whole law too." Teachings of Joseph Smith—Section Six 1843-44, p.331

They believe the cross was not enough, if one wants to ascend to the highest heaven, he must work himself there. This is not in line with the word of God. God pronounces us clean, justified, righteous, by and through the blood of Jesus and by our belief in Him.

Conclusion

Let us go over that list of eight qualities that make up a cult again. Measure what you have read and weigh it against the word of God, the bible. See yourself what kind of organization this is.

Infallibility- The following statement shows this element present in the organization.

Mormon doctrine: "And this is the ensample unto them, that they [the elders of the Church] shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." And further, "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken,...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same..." D&C 68:3-4; 1:38

Saved by Works or Ordinances-I have shown this element to be present.

Secrecy-I have not written on this so I offer the following evidence. "Prior to the 1990, changes in the temple Endowment Ceremony, patrons (those participating in the ritual) were admonished four times during the ceremony that the covenants they were making before God and angels put them under a sacred "obligation of secrecy" in regard to their temple experience." Sackett, What's Going On In There? pp. 32, 40, 43, 45

"These covenants were accompanied by sworn oaths to never reveal the secrets: "Rather than do so," the patron vowed, "I would suffer my life to be taken." Mormons today do not promise to forfeit their lives as they did as recently as 1990, but in the temple they are instructed in regard to the things they learn, "...under no condition will you ever divulge them,..." Tanner, Evolution of the Temple Ceremony, p. 122

Ranks-I have shown the degrees of heaven theory

Forbid Members to go to Other Churches-I have not found this element in a source that is undeniable; yet I am told that it exist.

Claims That They are The Only True Church-Look at the following quote. Someone asked, "Will everybody be damned, but Mormons?" Joseph Smith answered, "Yes, and a great portion of them, unless they repent, and work righteousness."

Subversion of the Bible-I have shown this element to be present.

New Revelation-I have shown this element to be present.

Some things that I have not the space to present is that they believe in saving those that have already died. They believe they can be baptized for the dead and save their souls from the grave. This is why they have one of the best surname databases in the world. Mormons are encouraged to look up their dead relatives and go through the ceremonies necessary to save them.

They also believe that Zion is in Missouri. They believe that the new Jerusalem that comes out of heaven as told in the book of Revelation will drop in Missouri. The reason is that they are also proponents of "replacement theology" that simply states that God no longer deals with the Jews and the so called "Christians" are the replacement nation. This is not true theology, Israel as a nation is still considered God's people. God made promises to that nation and He will keep them, for it is impossible for God to lie.

Finally, I want to say again, I am not against the Mormon person, only their teaching as it is against the truth and the Word of God. We must be diligent to make known these things to make sure that others are not led astray. I hope that you do not keep this to yourself, but share this information with others that we might save those that are being deceived by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Matthew 24:24 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Below you will find a link to another site that contains many letters from people that are ex-mormons. Their stories are heartbreaking to read. Some of them have become atheist. This cult produces a need for a person to be deprogrammed to become functional and happy people again. Please keep them in prayer.

http://www.exmormon.org/stories.htm

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