“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV
One of the earliest memories I have of my grandpa is him teaching me a jingle that went like this:
I’m a Mormon
He’s a Mormon
She’s a Mormon
We’re all Mormons
Wouldn’t you like to be a Mormon too?
Be a Mormon
Read The Book of Mormon
I grew up listening to The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and in 2014 when the movie “Meet the Mormons” came out, I was thrilled. To me, the nickname Mormon evoked a sense of pride. It was synonymous with virtue and godliness. The Mormon church was the proverbial city on a hill.
Former LDS prophet, Thomas S. Monson unabashedly used the term Mormon in a poem he shared in his General Conference talk “Dare to Stand Alone.”
Dare to be a Mormon;
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm;
Dare to make it known.
(Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone”, October 2011 General Conference)
Gordon B. Hinkley, another LDS prophet, defended the nickname when he quoted a friend as saying, “Look, if there is any name that is totally honorable in its derivation, it is the name Mormon.” He went on to say,
“Anyone who comes to know the man Mormon, through the reading and pondering of his words, anyone who reads this precious trove of history which was assembled and preserved in large measure by him, will come to know that Mormon is not a word of disrepute, but that it represents the greatest good—that good which is of God.”
(Gordon B. Hinkley, “Mormon Should Mean ‘More Good’”, October 1990 General Conference)
I even used the “M-word” in my book, “A Biblical Defense of Mormonism.” I didn’t just like the name because of what it represented: the priesthood, new scripture, and temples. I loved it because it was honest. If I told someone I was Mormon, they knew exactly what I believed. I knew the nickname Mormon wasn’t official. It was important to acknowledge Christ in the name of our church to prove we were His followers. But the term Mormon differentiated us from other Christians.
Why would I want to be associated with them anyway? We had the restored gospel. We had eternal marriage and living prophets and apostles. If an organization that was the byproduct of the great apostasy could bear the title Christian, then that designation wasn’t good enough.
Sudden Shift
Things took a drastic turn in 2018 when President Nelson spoke out against and disavowed the word Mormon. He said:
“What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the ‘LDS Church,’ the ‘Mormon Church,’ or the ‘Church of the Latter-day Saints,’ the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan. When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement.”
(President Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church”, October 2018 General Conference)
The church immediately rebranded and the name Mormon went down the sinkhole. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir changed its name to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Websites like Mormon.org and LDS.org were updated to comeuntochrist.org and churchofjesuschrist.org. The longstanding symbol of the church changed from Moroni holding a trumpet to the Christus statue.
When referring to Latter-day Saints as Mormons online, I’m frequently asked what that is, like they’ve never heard that word in their lives. Not long ago, I might have been called “ex-Mormon” or “anti-Mormon”. Now I guess I’m an antichrist, which is weird since I absolutely love Jesus.
Actually, let’s get to the heart of the matter. It’s not so much that things are weird, but that this whole metamorphosis reeks of dishonesty. Let me explain. Before when I said I was Mormon, all the cards were on the table. Yes, there were negative perceptions that went along with that, but it provided a starting place. There was nothing stopping me from explaining that I believed in Christ and then talking over any questions people had. It was honest, and it differentiated me from apostate Christianity.
With the erasure of the name Mormon, no cards go on the table. This is understandable since negative associations with Mormonism exist. But things are actually a lot worse than that. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn’t just clearing the table, they’re putting out Protestant cards when they define themselves.
For example, let’s look at the new website domains, starting with churchofjesuschrist.org. Do you realize that all Christians think they form Christ’s church? Then there’s comeuntochrist.org. Again, coming to Christ is the goal of all Christians everywhere. There is absolutely nothing to indicate that the church is anything but a typical Protestant denomination.
Another example is the change from “home teaching” to “ministering”, which is a very Protestant word. What was so wrong with Home and Visiting Teaching that a name change was necessary? As an outsider looking in, the game plan is obvious. By putting down Protestant cards, the LDS church is able to trick unsuspecting victims into dropping their guard so they can manipulate them into joining the church with greater ease.
This should be alarming since it’s the same way the devil operates. According to 2 Nephi 26:22 he leads people with flaxen cords before binding them with strong cords forever. Chapter 31 of the Gospel Principles manual has this to say about honesty:
“When we speak untruths, we are guilty of lying. We can also intentionally deceive others by a gesture or a look, by silence, or by telling only part of the truth. Whenever we lead people in any way to believe something that is not true, we are not being honest.”
(LDS Church, “Honesty”, Gospel Principles, Chapter 31)
My friends, truth doesn’t operate from the shadows. If you begin a theological discussion and feel the need to hide your views, withhold sensitive information, or mimic someone’s beliefs and engage in spiritual guerrilla warfare, then you need to reconsider whether your religion is true.
Although I’m no longer LDS, I think discarding the name Mormon was a mistake. According to President Nelson if you don’t emphasize Christ you disregard the atonement. But there’s another side to the coin. When your website, logo, and language change to match Protestantism, the most important thing is the absence of revelation and priesthood authority. When you hide or delay what differentiates you from other Christians, you subtly disregard everything Joseph Smith did for you, including the restoration.
To my LDS readers I ask, do you worship a God of confusion? Did everyone who embraced the word Mormon, including Gordon B. Hinkley and Thomas S. Monson disregard the atonement? Were your former prophets deceived into handing victory over to Satan? Certainly, that position is untenable, but so is the alternative. President Nelson has transformed the church into a pseudo-Protestant look-alike and embraced the great apostasy.
If this is where continuing revelation leads, then count me out. I already belong to a real Protestant church and have no need for a knockoff brand. The LDS church is either a restoration of original Christianity, in which case having it stoop to the level of apostate churches is a sin against God, or it’s a parasite that feeds off Christian culture and language.
Which do you think it is?
Beggar's Bread 
For sure someone’s going to bring up point #3 from the infamous Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet, without following the logic that this leaves the church open to ANYTHING, to the point where the church’s identity has no actual meaning over time. Nelson has declared every prophet before him to be in the wrong by his criticism of the term Mormon, including Joseph Smith. Hard to believe the members aren’t appalled by this, but it’s like they don’t even notice what’s been done.
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Is it a reflection of the mental state of critics of the church to think that Pres. Nelson’s goal is to fool those outside the Church into thinking we are just another Christian denomination? Biblically, the role of a prophet is to reveal the will of the Lord, not fit the current Zeitgeist. The focus from the old accepted name of “Mormon” to calling the church by its proper name to honor that name is a step in that process. It came at a time the Lord deemed fit. We “minister” (‘attend to the needs of someone’) over “home teaching” or “visiting teaching” because the emphasis is on their needs. These changes were confirmed to me by the Spirit as being right when they were announced. They have helped me focus more on my relationship with Jesus Christ and how to love and serve others better. The biggest strawman argument is to think we dishonor Joseph Smith and the restoration by focusing more on Jesus Christ and what he wants of us. Wasn’t that the whole purpose of that young prophet-to-be when he walked into that grove of trees in 1820? Mr. Flournoy, no offense to you, but you have stepped outside the Church and have that view now. That is your right and choice. Moving forward in your own path and letting us know what is true and better in your life as a Christian seems a better use of your time than worrying about what the “Mormons” are doing. As Gamaliel said, if this be the work of men, it will fail. But if it is the work of God, fighting against it is not the best idea. Either way, religious intolerance and the constant negativity about the Church on this site (and others) serves no positive purpose.
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Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Is it a reflection of the mental state of critics of the church to think that Pres. Nelson’s goal is to fool those outside the Church into thinking we are just another Christian denomination?”
No, it’s a reflection of the state of the members inside the LdS Church that they no longer want to be recognized as unique and proud Mormons and are content to be just another Christian denomination instead.
It’s sad.
I remember a day when Mormons were proud to be Mormons. Now they try to hide it.
Sad.
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Biblically, the role of a prophet is to reveal the will of the Lord, not fit the current Zeitgeist.”
OK, fair enough, then why is President Nelson trying to fit the current Zeitgeist by trying to rebrand the LdS Church into just another Christian denomination?
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “The focus from the old accepted name of “Mormon” to calling the church by its proper name to honor that name is a step in that process.”
So let me guess this straight… it was God’s will that President Nelson throw 180+ years of proud Mormon history and all of his predecessors under the bus? Am I getting this right?
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “It came at a time the Lord deemed fit. We “minister” (‘attend to the needs of someone’) over “home teaching” or “visiting teaching” because the emphasis is on their needs. These changes were confirmed to me by the Spirit as being right when they were announced. They have helped me focus more on my relationship with Jesus Christ and how to love and serve others better.”
Not quite seeing your point here. How is this relevant?
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “The biggest strawman argument is to think we dishonor Joseph Smith and the restoration by focusing more on Jesus Christ and what he wants of us.
Well for a start, I could care less if the LdS Church honors Joseph Smith and/or the Restoration at all. In fact, I wish that it would stop honoring both. Honoring Christ alone would be a nice start.
So the only strawman here is yours.
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Wasn’t that the whole purpose of that young prophet-to-be when he walked into that grove of trees in 1820?”
No, the whole purpose was to find out which of the churches were right – just as it says. And NONE of them, according to the First Vision were, were they? In fact, they were abominable and corrupt, weren’t they?
Joseph Smith History 1
18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.
(see https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1 )
Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Mr. Flournoy, no offense to you, but you have stepped outside the Church and have that view now.”
What “view” is that, you didn’t really say.
Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “That is your right and choice. Moving forward in your own path and letting us know what is true and better in your life as a Christian seems a better use of your time than worrying about what the “Mormons” are doing.”
From what I know of Mr. Flournoy’s personal life, he spends little to no time worrying about what “the Mormons” are doing. He’s too busy elsehwhere.
Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “As Gamaliel said, if this be the work of men, it will fail. But if it is the work of God, fighting against it is not the best idea.”
Which presumes that this “work” is a work of God. The Branch Davidians, People’s Temple, and Rainbow Bridge all thought that theirs was a work of God too, didn’t they? So, tell me, was fighting against them fighting against God’ work? Or was fighting against them, God’s work?
Furthermore, Gamaliel’s advice was unbiblical. Consider this (caps added for emphasis):
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly CONTEND for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
— Jude 1:3 (KJV)
“…we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God WITH MUCH CONTENTION.
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”
— I Thessalonians 2:2-4 (KJV)
“Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am BOLD TOWARD YOU:
But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be BOLD AGAINST SOME, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, when your obedience is fulfilled.
— 2 Corinthians 10:1-5 (KJV)
Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Either way, religious intolerance and the constant negativity about the Church on this site (and others) serves no positive purpose.”
Really? Then I guess the constant “intolerance” and “negativity” toward the FLDS Mormons on the official LdS Church website serves no positive purpose either does it? I guess, they’d better starting heeding Gamaliel’s advice, eh?
Ditto for the attacks on mainstream Christianity that we find on the official LdS Church website, eh? As Bill McKeever of Mormonism Research Ministry (aka “MRM”) noted well:
“May I conclude by saying that even though many Mormons have often cited Gamaliel as “proof” that Christians should not critique the LDS faith, the fact is that several Mormon leaders have had no problem criticizing historic Christian positions. If they wish to interpret Gamaliel’s comment in such a manner, they need to recognize that it goes both ways.”
(see https://www.mrm.org/gamaliel)
Thank you for your time and effort in commenting Ms. Ballard Jeppesen. Though we may disagree, I appreciate both.
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For eleven years you (collectively) and scores of others like you have spun out the monthly Mormon vitriol. Like the Pharisees you follow us and watch for the slightest perceived flaw and words that can be used for attack.
Your use of scripture to support your unfailingly negative diatribe is ludicrous. Just ignore verses like Col 3:12; 1 Pet 3:4; Gal 5:22 and 6:1; Eph 4:2; 2 Cor 10:1, 1 Tim 6:11, James 1:4; 2 Tim 2:24; and the winner, Matt 5:9. What does “contending” for the faith actually mean?: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g73/kjv/tr/0-1/ Believers are to be the candle on the candlestick, not the one trying to spit on someone else’s candle.
A sampling of your methods: Mocking our Articles of Faith by altering the words- a Bible-sanctioned practice? (March 2022).
Pres. Nelson preaches the law of tithing to “poor Africans” as way to end poverty and you call him out? Haven’t you checked your Bible lately? Mal 3:-10 promises God will open the windows of heaven and POUR OUT BLESSINGS on those who tithe. See also Heb 7:6 (May 2021). I have tested that promise many times and it works. Others I know have done the same and have testified that it is a true principle and blessings follow those who live it. Yes, our Church is rich in many ways. We not only feed the hungry beggars physical bread, but offer spiritual bread along with shelter, education and work programs to help all those in need. We give it to those who throw this kind of hatred in our faces while accepting our help.
You can’t seem to handle that we are the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. Yes, we will throw out all the history of being called Mormon. This is a living Church with a prophet who seeks the will of the Cornerstone. That is a biblical principle as well (Eph 2:20). All you see is a “major victory for Satan” (June 2021).
As you say in your about statement on this site, we are all sinners and flawed, trying to be saved by grace. But not for “Mormons.”
I stand with what Joseph Smith said as the example of boldness in the declaring the gospel: “The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
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Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “For eleven years you (collectively) and scores of others like you have spun out the monthly Mormon vitriol. Like the Pharisees you follow us and watch for the slightest perceived flaw and words that can be used for attack.”
And for 180+ years your church has spun out vitriol like this sample from the current Investigator Lessons in the Missionary Manual “Preach My Gospel”:
“In this vision God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph not to join any of the churches, for they “were all wrong” and “all their creeds were an abomination.” He stated, “They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof” (Joseph Smith—History 1:19). Even though many good people believed in Christ and tried to understand and teach His gospel, they did not have the fulness of truth or the priesthood authority to baptize and perform other saving ordinances. They had inherited a state of apostasy as each generation was influenced by what the previous one passed on, including changes in the doctrine and in ordinances such as baptism. As God had done with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and other prophets, He called Joseph Smith to be a prophet through whom the fulness of the gospel was restored to the earth.”
(LdS Church, “Preach My Gospel”, Lesson 1: The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-1-the-message-of-the-restoration-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng )
So about that beam in your eye, Ms. Jeppesen…
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Your use of scripture to support your unfailingly negative diatribe is ludicrous. Just ignore verses like Col 3:12; 1 Pet 3:4; Gal 5:22 and 6:1; Eph 4:2; 2 Cor 10:1, 1 Tim 6:11, James 1:4; 2 Tim 2:24; and the winner, Matt 5:9. What does “contending” for the faith actually mean? https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g73/kjv/tr/0-1/”
These passages when read in context are referring to contending against false doctrine and heresies – you know like the stuff that Mormonism teaches, like that.
Thanks for asking.
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “Believers are to be the candle on the candlestick, not the one trying to spit on someone else’s candle.”
Thus saith the member of the church whose Missionary manual spits on the candle of other churches. In addition to what I’ve already cited, we find this on page 44:
“Restoration: To restore means to return to a former condition, or to bring back.
The Restoration, as used by Latter-day Saints, means that the true Church of Jesus Christ, which was lost through apostasy, was brought back as it originally existed when organized by Jesus Christ. Unlike the Reformation, the Restoration was accomplished by divine authority through revelation.”
And turning to page 35 does it says:
“Without the Apostles, over time the doctrines were corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in Church organization and priesthood ordinances, such as baptism and conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost. Without revelation and priesthood authority, people relied on human wisdom to interpret the scriptures and the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
False ideas were taught as truth. Much of the knowledge of the true character and nature of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was lost. The doctrines of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost became distorted or forgotten. The priesthood authority given to Christ’s Apostles was no longer present on the earth. This apostasy eventually led to the emergence of many churches.”
Finally, on page 37 it says:
“In this vision God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph not to join any of the churches, for they “were all wrong” and “all their creeds were an abomination.” He stated, “They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof”
(Joseph Smith – History 1:19).”
(all citations are from the 2003 edition)
So if what Evangelicals are doing with Mormons is “spitting on their candle” then isn’t your own church training its Missionary to spit on the candle of other churches, Ms. Jeppesen?
NOTE: For the readers unfamiliar with “Preach My Gospel” it is the training curriculum for all LdS Missionaries. You can read the current edition here: LdS Church, “Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service”; https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service?lang=eng
So again, Ms. Jeppesen, about that beam in your eye…
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “A sampling of your methods: Mocking our Articles of Faith by altering the words- a Bible-sanctioned practice? (March 2022).
Pres. Nelson preaches the law of tithing to “poor Africans” as way to end poverty and you call him out? Haven’t you checked your Bible lately? Mal 3:-10 promises God will open the windows of heaven and POUR OUT BLESSINGS on those who tithe. See also Heb 7:6 (May 2021). I have tested that promise many times and it works. Others I know have done the same and have testified that it is a true principle and blessings follow those who live it. Yes, our Church is rich in many ways. We not only feed the hungry beggars physical bread, but offer spiritual bread along with shelter, education and work programs to help all those in need. We give it to those who throw this kind of hatred in our faces while accepting our help.”
Ms. Jeppesen, the LdS Church ABUSES the Theocratic Israel Old Testament practice of tithing by not only turning it into a prosperity gospel type teaching (as other heretic churches do) but also making it a requirement for Full Salvation by making it a requirement to get a Temple Recommend.
Our criticism is of those ABUSES, not the practice itself.
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “You can’t seem to handle that we are the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. Yes, we will throw out all the history of being called Mormon. This is a living Church with a prophet who seeks the will of the Cornerstone. That is a biblical principle as well (Eph 2:20). All you see is a “major victory for Satan” (June 2021).”
No, ma’am it’s not *I* who said that use of the word “Mormon” is a major victory for Satan, it was YOUR so-called Living Prophet, wasn’t it?
‘What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the “LDS Church,” the “Mormon Church,” or the “Church of the Latter-day Saints,” the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan.’
(President Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church”, Fall General Conference, October 2018; https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/the-correct-name-of-the-church?lang=eng)
And by doing so he threw every single one of his predecessors under the bus, didn’t he? For example, here are some examples of Joseph Smith’s use of the word, “MORMON” (caps added for emphasis):
“The Saints can testify whether I am willing to lay down my life for my brethren. If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a “MORMON,” I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul – civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race.”
(Joseph Smith, “History of the Church”, 5:498-99; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on July 9, 1843, in Nauvoo, Illinois; reported by Willard Richards)
“Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we «hall not come out true “MORMONS.”‘
(Joseph Smith, “Discourse – Burden of the Prophet’s Ministry – Friendship”, “History of the Church”, 5:517); also see “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, p.316)
‘”MORMONISM” is the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ; of which I myself am not ashamed.”
(Joseph Smith, “Letter to James Arlington…”, September 8, 1842, “History of The Church”, 5:156)
“MORMONISM is truth; and every man who embraced it felt himself at liberty to embrace every truth: consequently the shackles of superstition, bigotry, ignorance, and priestcraft, falls at once from his neck; and his eyes are opened to see the truth….
MORMONISM is truth, in other words the doctrine of the Latter Day Saints, is truth…. [Y]ou may think that it is a broad assertion that it is truth; but … the first and fundamental principle of our holy religion is, that we believe that we have a right to embrace all, and every item of truth, without limitation or without being circumscribed or prohibited by the creeds or superstitious notions of men, or by the dominations of one another, when that truth is clearly demonstrated to our minds, and we have the highest degree of evidence of the same; we feel ourselves bound by the laws of God, to observe and do strictly, with all our hearts, all things whatsoever is manifest unto us by the highest degree of testimony that God has committed us, as written in the old and new Testament, or any where else, by any manifestation, whereof we know that it has come from God: and has application to us, being adapted to our situation and circumstances; age, and generation of life; and that we have a perfect, and indefeasible right, to embrace all such commandments, and do them…. And again, we believe that it is our privilege to reject all things, whatsoever is clearly manifested to us that they do not have a bearing upon us.
(Joseph Smith, “To Isaac Galland, March 22, 1839,” Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 420-421)
“Hell may pour forth its rage like the burning lava of mount Vesuvius, or of Etna, or of the most terrible of the burning mountains; and yet shall “MORMONISM” stand. Water, fire, truth and God are all realities. Truth is “MORMONISM.” God is the author of it. He is our shield. It is by Him we received our birth.”
(Joseph Smith, “The Prophet’s Epistle to the Church, Written in Liberty Prison, Liberty Jail, Clay County, Missouri, March 25, 1839”, History of the Church, 3:297)
“Peace and prosperity attend us; and we have favor in the sight of God and virtuous men. The time was, when we were looked upon as deceivers, and that “MORMONISM” would soon pass away, come to nought, and be forgotten. But the time has gone by when it is looked upon as a transient matter, or a bubble on the wave, and it is now taking a deep hold in the hearts and affections of all those who are nobleminded enough to lay aside the prejudice of education, and investigate the subject with candor and honesty. The truth, like the sturdy oak, has stood unhurt amid the contending elements, which have beat upon it with tremendous force. The floods have rolled, wave after wave, in quick succession, and have not swallowed it up.”
(Joseph Smith, “Report of the First Presidency”, General Conference, April 7, 1841, History of the Church 4:337)
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “As you say in your about statement on this site, we are all sinners and flawed, trying to be saved by grace. But not for “Mormons.”’
Nonsense, God’s FREE gift of full salvation by faith alone through grace alone is readily available to any Mormon that will simply believe and receive it. However, since Mormonism rejects salvation by faith ALONE, through grace ALONE, it’s not possible to follow the tenets of Mormonism and receive that free gift, is it? As the Apostle Paul said so well, law keeping for full salvation negates grace:
Galatians 2:21
“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Galatians 5:4
“You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”
Romans 11:6
“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Romans 6:14
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
Galatians 3:18
“For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.”
Susan Ballard Jeppesen wrote, “I stand with what Joseph Smith said as the example of boldness in the declaring the gospel: “The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”’
Oh, I didn’t realize that we were to the Testimony Bearing portion of the program. Fair enough, now it’s my turn. I would like to bear my testimony…
I have diligently sought God regarding whether the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true or not. To that end, I have studied the Bible as well, as the Book of Mormon – I have read BOTH cover-to-cover more than once.
In addition, I have taken the “Moroni 10 Challenge” not once, not twice, but three times, after reading the Book of Mormon from cover to cover in three consecutive years with a sincere heart, with real intent, and having faith in Christ. The result was the same each and every time. Christ has manifested the truth unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost each and every time.
I praise Him for that and give Him all the glory for His goodness, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness in answering me truly again, again, and again over those 4-decades of prayer.
Further, I have felt an intense “burning in my bosom” many, many, many times in my life — in fact, I carry it with me every day of my life.
… and my testimony is this:
I am utterly convinced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a non-Christian cult, and that Joseph Smith was a false prophet, as is Russell M. Nelson. Further, I am utterly convinced that the Book of Mormon is an uninspired man-created work of 19th-century fiction.
The answer that I received via the Moroni 10 Challenge was clear and just as promised in the Book of Mormon: “These things are not true.”
Here I stand before God and before men – I can do no other.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen.
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Your choice and bully for you. I honor your right to your opinion.
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You didn’t say exactly what opinion of mine you’re referring to as having a “bully” choice and a right to. And, as you know, I said a lot.
Regardless, it’s certainly not my testimony, which is more heartfelt conviction than opinion.
After all, I said a lot in my reply, and now I have to be careful what I say going forward, in case it’s misconstrued as my opinion, when it is in fact something (my testimony) I feel in my heart and mind, and know to be true.
So, I am thankful for your guidance on this in advance. So please tell me, which “opinion” (as opposed to my testimony) are you referring to?
Thanks.
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