Who Do the LDS Celebrate Today?

As a Church we have critics, many of them. They say we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity. There is some substance to what they say. Our faith, our knowledge is not based on ancient tradition, the creeds which came of a finite understanding and out of the almost infinite discussions of men trying to arrive at a definition of the risen Christ. Our faith, our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet in this dispensation….

Gordon Hinckley, 2002 LDS General Conference

Hinckley, as well as other LDS teachers, is correct that the LDS Jesus is NOT the Christian Jesus.

While the Christian Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit so that Mary was pregnant while a virgin, the LDS Jesus was conceived by their man-god having sex with Mary.

While the Christian Jesus suffered the punishment of the Cross for our salvation through our faith, the LDS Jesus suffered in the garden of Gethsemane (just how did he suffer other than emotionally?) and only provides salvation through our works.

While the Christian Jesus never married, the Mormon Jesus was a married and probably a polygamist. Although this isn’t the current official view of the Church, under their doctrine of eternal progression Jesus had to be married:

Joseph Fielding Smith stated, in response to the question In the Temple ceremony we are told that only through Temple marriage can we receive the highest degree of exaltation and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Christ came here to set us the example and, therefore, we believe that he must have been married. Are we right? Yes! But do not preach it! The Lord advised us not to cast pearls before swine!  (Letter to J. Ricks Smith, 3/17/1963)

Apostle Orson Hyde stated the following:

She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.' Is there not here manifested the affections of a wife. These words speak the kindred ties and sympathies that are common to that relation of husband and wife … Now there was actually a marriage; and if Jesus was not the bridegroom on that occasion, please tell who was. If any man can show this, and prove that it was not the Savior of the world, then I will acknowledge I am in error. We say it was Jesus Christ who was married, to be brought into the relation whereby he could see his seed, before he was crucified.  (Journal of Discourses  2:81-82).

…I said, in my lecture on Marriage, at our last Conference, that Jesus Christ was married at Cana of Galilee, that Mary, Martha, and others were his wives, and that he begat children”(Journal of Discourses 2:210).

We have now clearly shown that God, the Father had a plurality of wives, one or more being in eternity, by whom He begat our spirits as well as the spirit of Jesus His First Born… We have also proved most clearly that the Son followed the example of his Father, and became the great Bridegroom to whom kings' daughters and many honorable Wives to be married. (The Seer, 172)

Brigham Young stated: The Scripture says that He, the Lord, came walking in the Temple, with "HIS TRAIN; I do not know who they were, unless his wives and children; (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13:309)

Apostle Orson Pratt also taught that Jesus was a polygamist: ...it will be seen that the GREAT MESSIAH who was the founder of the Christian religion, WAS A POLYGAMIST, . . .the MESSIAH chose. . .by marrying honorable wives himself, show to all future generations that HE approbated the plurality of wives under the Christian dispensation, as well as under the dispensation in which His polygamist ancestors lived. . . .We have now clearly shown that God the Father had a plurality of wives. . . (The Seer, page 172)

More of the early LDS apostles also taught the practice of polygamy by Jesus. Now, these Apostles claimed that what they taught came from God, so for the current Church to deny this teaching they have to denounce Brigham Young as a prophet as well as state uncategorically that their Apostles were false teachers.

So, for celebrating Christmas, remember that Mormons don’t celebrate the birth of the same person as do Christians.

Two Angels, Two Messages: Moroni v. Gabriel 2020

12/25/2020 by Life after Ministry

We originally posted this a few years ago, but have updated it with more info for the reader. …

Message from the angel Gabriel told Joseph of the Bible:

Matthew 1:21; “Call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins…” 

Message from the angel of light Moroni told Joseph Smith:

Joseph Smith History 1:33; “…my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues…”

The one sure thing that hasn’t changed since Matthew put ink to papyri is the message he recorded that came from God’s angel, Gabriel. The story hasn’t changed. You won’t find a reputable source divulging any information outside what we read in God’s word. While it sounds simplistic, it had to be one of the most profound messages known to mankind.

’Call His name Jesus’…it’s the segue to discovering how God intervened on man’s behalf through the soon-to-be-born child, Jesus, the one and only Savior of the world.

Fast forward 33+ years…after Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected, we find the Apostle Peter telling us how Jesus ‘went about doing good’. Acts 10:38.

Just as scripture tells us no one would give Him a good report, neither is there a report of anyone stating His name was known for both good, and evil. People accused Him of using the powers of Beelzebub, however, Jesus shot their accusations down by pointing out nothing can stand when it’s divided.

Jesus’ reputation was solid, and never changed.

Now, let’s examine the message coming from the angel of light, Moroni. We have three items of consideration –

#1. Brought message that Smith’s name would be known for good and evil

Joe Smith was only too eager in sharing Moroni’s message that Smith’s name would be known for both good, and evil. It’s as if he proudly wore it as a badge of honor…yikes!

Joseph Smith History 1:33  “…my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues…”

#2. Moroni, the shape shifting angel of light

On p.24 of Mark Ashurst-McGee’s report, ‘Moroni: Angel, or Treasure Guardian’, you can read several different accounts of the attributes of this so called angel Moroni. Some described  him to be a Spanish conquistador type of fellow, with a slit throat, and blood draining from the gaping wound. Still others, reported Smith told them Moroni was originally a toad who morphed itself into a salamander which eventually ended up as the angel of light Moroni. This report, while lengthy, is well worth the read.

Be sure not to overlook Janis Hutchinson’s article on our site ‘Joseph Smith, Magic, Masonry & the Occult’. Excellent, excellent investigative piece!

#3. Moroni, an Angel of Light

Several years ago I wrote an article (see link below) about Smith’s experience with Moroni on the autumn Equinox. Warning bells should start ringing about now…Moroni, Who was he?

Here’s a synopsis of the rest of that article –

After Moroni’s 3rd visit with Joe Smith, he leaves, and immediately, a cock crowed. Think Luke 22:31-34, where Peter denied Jesus for the 3rd time.

Then we see in Mormon canon (2 Nephi 9:8-9), declaring Satan as an angel of light. The next thing we read is the 3rd paragraph of the introductory page to Doctrine and Covenants (1976 ed., and earlier) which used to say, Moroni, an angel of light, appeared to Joseph Smith.

Now that we’re armed with all the information, which angel do you believe was sent from God?

Surely, it can’t be both, because as Jesus said, a house divided cannot stand.

Lastly beloved, would a true angel of God turn attention away from Him?

If you’re LDS, whom do you believe?

The God of the Bible wouldn’t take people on a rabbit trail, as Moroni has done. The God of the Bible never masquerades as an angel of light – only Satan does this.

Please know that if you’re LDS, we’re praying diligently for you dear one. We mean this with all that we are. If you have questions, never hesitate to let us know!

With love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor 1:18

Mormons —Think About this at Christmas!

The following article is posted by permission.

=========================

LDS Leaders Disagree on Jesus’ Conception

12/16/2019 by lifeafterministry

Alma 7:10 “And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the

land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.”[emp. added]

Journal of Discourses 1:51 “I have given you a few leading items upon this subject, but a great deal more remains to be told. Now remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. I will repeat a little anecdote. I was in conversation with a certain learned professor upon this subject, when I replied, to this idea—“if the Son was begotten by the Holy Ghost, it would be very dangerous to baptize and confirm females, and give the Holy Ghost to them, lest he should beget children, to be palmed upon the Elders by the people, bringing the Elders into great difficulties.”” — Brigham Young, Great Salt Lake City, April 9, 1852 [emp. added]

Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

Foregoing the obvious problems in the passage from Alma, we’re looking at just one topic today, and that’s what Mormons think of Jesus’ conception.

Yesterday the verse in Alma reminded me of the day I discovered Brigham’s speech in the Journal of Discourses. I was newly out of the Church, and Ed Decker sent me home with a set of the Journals. As I was thumbing through the first volume, I came across the infamous quote above that marked the first of my shocking discoveries.

Gut-wrenching doesn’t do justice to what I felt that day. I sobbed for hours even though I had left the Church several months beforehand. My dismay was rooted in the sadness in my heart for the Lord, and my people. I had no idea they had said things like the example above – and very sadly, most Mormons aren’t aware of the garbage in the Church’s history either.

As Mr. Nelson tours the world with his message to read the Book of Mormon, we’re praying Mormons will discover their own shocking news. It’s not meant to be rude, but we do pray something will jolt them into the reality of the countless lies in their church.

We can’t help but wonder how many times Mr. Nelson has had to shelve contradictions like this one. Being a prophet and all, he surely knows Brigham’s statement is blasphemous. Shame on him.

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor. 1:18

A Collection of Links to Articles Every Mormon Should Read

There are some sites which I regularly follow, and which have excellent articles exposing the fraudulent nature of the Mormon Church.  Some articles are more in-depth than others, but all of them demonstrate conclusively that the Mormon Church worships a different God and Christ than the God and Christ of the Bible, and they preach what Paul called “another Gospel”

(Galatians 1:6) — gospel which offers no salvation.  A false God, a false Christ, and a false Gospel all add up to an eternity separated from God.  

I feel these articles should be published as often as possible to give then the widest distribution for two reasons: 1) to show Mormons that their church is false and perhaps they will decide to leave it, and 2) to show everyone else the fraudulent nature of the cult of the LDS so that they will never consider joining them.  So educate yourself with these great articles.

An excellent comparison between the Mormon “Jesus” and the Jesus of the Bible.

The Book of Abraham and the discovery and naming of Egypt.  It’s not what the LDS claims.

An index for “Mormonism 101” articles exposing Mormonism for the fraud it is.

Why was Joseph Smith really murdered?

So if Mormon leaders have abused you, it is YOU who need to repent?!?!?

The New Mormon Church History: Reviewed (Excerpts). The Mormons will never tell the truth about their history.

LDS lies about Christmas.

A big part of the origins of the Mormon church was their focus on sex. Joseph Smith had a “revelation” from “God” to legitimize adultery as “polygamy” because he was having too many relations. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Mormon men took multiple wives, with some of them stealing young women from the men to whom they were engaged. Their focus on sex is demonstrated nowadays by their sexual questioning of young people in various interviews.  Take a look at these questions and then tell me that Mormons aren’t titillating themselves with the answer they get!

The Mormon ‘Mother in Heaven’ Conundrum.

The deception of the LDS knows no bounds — they intentionally hide their racism from those they hope to proselytize.

Question: "What does the Bible mean by 'you are gods' / 'ye are gods' in Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34?”  It certainly doesn’t mean you can become a god yourself!

Summary of October 2018 talk at General Conference. Some really bad and unbiblical teachings!

The lies about the name the Lord chose for the Mormon Church, and the current hubbub to drop all reference to the nicknames “Mormon” or “Mormonism.” It appears to me that the original name of the Latter-day Saints was just the “Church of Christ” in D&C 20 and 21, e.g. It was also known as the “Church of Latter-day Saints.” Seems odd that God waited 8 years (from the 1830 founding until D&C 115 on 4/26/38) to give an official name.  And the Mormons proudly accepted the nickname without any rebuke from God for many scores of years!

Russell Nelson’s Glorification of Sin

For Mormons, it’s not Jesus’ birthday

This excellent article was posted at Mormonism Research Ministry.

By Sharon Lindbloom

23 December 2016

December Christmas celebrations notwithstanding, according to LDS leaders past and present, Jesus was born on 6 April 1 B.C. This fact was pointed out recently at LDS Daily in an article titled, “Was Jesus Christ Really Born in December?” Here journalist Aleah Ingram noted that James Talmage, a now-deceased apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “believed the Savior was born on April 6, referencing the first verse in the twentieth section of the Doctrine and Covenants.” In his book, Jesus the Christ, considered by Mormons to be “the definitive work on the life of Christ” (Deseret News, 1/25/03), James Talmage wrote,

“We believe April 6^th to be the birthday of Jesus Christ as indicated in a revelation of the present dispensation already cited [D&C 2:1], in which that day is made without qualification the completion of the one thousand eight hundred and thirtieth year since the coming of the Lord in the flesh. This acceptance is admittedly based on faith in modern revelation, and is in no wise set forth as the result of chronological research or analysis. We believe that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea, April 6, B.C. 1.” (104)

The LDS Daily article also cited past LDS prophets Harold B. Lee and Spencer W. Kimball stating unambiguously that Jesus was born on April 6, as well as a more recent comment from the April 2014 General Conference when LDS apostle David A. Bednar noted,

“Today is April 6. We know by revelation that today is the actual and accurate date of the Savior’s birth.” (“Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease,” Ensign, May 2014)

Not mentioned in the LDS Daily article but equally important to the topic, is this statement included in an LDS Church manual:

Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem, April 6, 1 B.C.” (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, 22)

In Christianity, the exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown. The important fact is that Jesus was born in real time and in a real place. Therefore, Mormons believing Jesus’ birthday is on April 6 doesn’t really matter in the context of salvation.

But here’s what I find really interesting about this LDS Daily article. Though several Mormon leaders have clearly stated that the birth of Christ was on April 6, and though each of the leaders mentioned above are, according to the LDS Church, “prophets, seers, and revelators,” and though the April 6 date is included in an LDS teaching manual, and though a current apostle of the Church said in General Conference that the “actual and accurate” date of Christ’s birth is known by revelation, the LDS Daily article pointed out, “the Church has no official position” on the date of Jesus’ birth. After citing Mormon historians who disagree with LDS general authorities, the journalist wrote, “At the end of the day, there is no definitive way to prove the actual birth date of Jesus Christ.”

This leaves me scratching my head. While I do not believe LDS authorities receive their revelations directly from God, Mormons say they do. Mormonism plants its “true church” flag on the declaration that it is led by trustworthy latter-day prophets.

“By Christ’s authority, twelve Apostles were again called to lead that Church and receive direct revelation. This direct communication with the Savior continues today,… As with the early Church that we read about in the scriptures, [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] is led by a prophet who instructs God’s people under the Savior’s direction.” (“How can I know His true Church today?” at mormon.org)

“What many people do not realize is that there are again prophets on earth—speaking on behalf of God today! Through prophets, Heavenly Father continues to demonstrate His love and attention by sending us the messages we need right now. These men act as mouthpieces for God. Just as Moses spoke for God to all the Israelites, living prophets give instructions and counsel to all people today… These messages from God are available to all people: President Thomas S. Monson, his counselors, and the Twelve Apostles speak to the world twice a year during a meeting called general conference.” (“Why do we have prophets?” and “How do prophets impact society?” at mormon.org)

However, when Mormon prophets and apostles state at general conferences that it is known via revelation that Jesus was born on April 6, the Church “has no official position” on the matter and Mormons are left with the ambiguous bottom line: “there is no definitive way to prove the actual birth date of Jesus.”

Then LDS claims to the contrary, neither is there a definitive way to “prove” that Joseph Smith ever spoke with God, that the Book of Mormon came from God, or that the LDS Church is “the only true and living church upon the face of the earth.” If Latter-day Saints cannot or do not believe their prophets on inconsequential teachings like the birthday of Christ, why do they trust these men on doctrines related to salvation and exaltation? Or on the nature of God? Or on the Atonement? Indeed, what is to say that LDS prophets and apostles speak for – or hear from – God at all? The actual date of Christ’s birth doesn’t matter; but following a false prophet will matter for all of eternity.

As I wrote earlier, the important thing pertaining to Christ’s birth is not the specific date, but the fact.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Discussing the great biblical Christmas passage in Luke 2, Christian theologian John Piper summed up,

Christmas in Sum:

The Lord of never-ending, universal, sovereign governance. The Lord of all lords.

On a day— in real history. [“When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…” -Galatians 4:4]

In a city— in a real world. [“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah…from you shall come forth…one who is to be ruler in Israel…” -Micah 5:2]

The Savior— to take away all our guilt. [“You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21]

The Christ— to fulfill all our hopes. [“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” -1 Corinthians 1:20]

The Lord— to defeat all our enemies and make us safe and satisfied for ever. [“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace…” -Isaiah 9:6-7]    (John Piper, “A Savior Is Born! God Gets the Glory, You Get the Peace,” The Dawning of Indestructible Joy)

No matter the date of His birth, Jesus – God made flesh – was born to die, to save us from our sins. For this, with all the host of heaven we rejoice, “Glory to God in the Highest! And on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

What Child Is This? The LDS Christmas Story

Posted at Mormon Coffee, on December 24, 2015 by Sharon Lindbloom, but definitely needs to be posted wherever possible!

It was long ago, two thousand years, when sweet baby Jesus was born. Although every baby is cherished by his parents and grandparents and siblings and cousins, this little boy was precious to all the world. The story began in Nazareth…

The Old Testament patriarch Noah, who had died long ago and been resurrected as an angel named Gabriel,1 was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth. There he appeared to one of the noblest and greatest of all the spirit offspring of God the Father,2 a young virgin girl whose name–Mary–had been foretold in 124 B.C.3 Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.

The angel Gabriel said to Mary, “Hail, you virgin, who are highly favored of the Lord, the Lord is with you: for you are chosen and blessed among women.”4 But Mary was troubled and pondered about this salutation. Gabriel told her not to be afraid; she had found favor with God. He said, “Behold, you will conceive and bear a son,5 and shall call his name, in the ‘pure language,’ Son Ahman.6 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And you, Mary, will be the mother of God.”7

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

Gabriel answered and said, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon you and sanctify you, and make you holy, and prepare you to endure the presence of ‘the Highest.’8 Then shall your Heavenly Father, who was your literal father in the pre-existence, overshadow you. For you know that He is a Holy Man and Adam is His name. He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do. A personage of flesh and bone, He shall beget this Son in the same manner as Cain and Abel and all the other sons and daughters of Adam and Eve were begotten.9 The Christ Child shall be the result of ‘natural action’–flesh and blood, begotten of his Father as we were of our fathers.10 A miracle–though not in violation of natural law–the literal offspring of this ‘celestial Sireship’11 shall be called the ‘Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh.'”12

Mary was concerned because of her betrothal to Joseph. The angel explained, “You and the Father will associate together in the capacity of Husband and Wife; hence, you will be, for at least a time, the lawful wife of God the Father. After He is finished with you, the Father will give you to Joseph. God will be your first husband.13 Then shall it be said, ‘The man Joseph, the husband of Mary, did not, that we know of, have more than one wife, but Mary the wife of Joseph had another husband.'”14

And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Before Mary and Joseph came together Mary was found to be with child by God the Father. Joseph, not wanting Mary to be disgraced, planned to ‘divorce’ her quietly. But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a vision15 and said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which has been conceived in her, while it was not done without the aid of Man, that Man was God!16 And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will, by his perfect example, show the people how to fulfill the plan of salvation.”17 Now all this took place that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “A God with us.”18 The angel said, “Mary will still be called a virgin both before and after she gives birth19 because the Father of her child is immortal.”20 Therefore, Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

It came about in those days that Caesar Augustus required a census be taken of all the earth and everyone was proceeding to each their own city to register. Joseph and Mary journeyed together to the land of Jerusalem,21 to the city of Bethlehem, in order to fulfill the requirement.

While they were at Jerusalem, on the 6th day of April,22 it was time for Mary’s baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son, who had been her elder brother in the pre-existence,23 and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was none to give room for them in the inns.24

Now, this was the second birth of Jesus, for He was already the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Parents.25 He had attained unto the status of Godhood while yet in the premortal existence.26 Whereas, at the time of His mortal birth Jesus was no longer an infant spirit, it was necessary that His spirit be compressed, or diminished in size, so He could be enclosed in His infant body.27 As a result, Jesus forgot everything about His former life.28 Nevertheless, He was the Son of God and the sign which had been promised came to pass: the sun set in America on the night of Christ’s birth, but there was no darkness; it was light as though it was mid-day even until the rising of the sun the next morning.29

But around Jerusalem/Bethlehem it was dark and there were some shepherds out in the fields keeping night watch over their flock. An angel of the Lord appeared to them causing them to be very frightened. The shepherds desired to determine what manner of being this was, therefore they requested he shake hands. For they knew they would feel the flesh and bone of a true angel’s hand; if they could not feel it they would know he was the devil posing as an angel of light.30 Thereby detecting that this was a messenger from God, the shepherds allowed the angel to proceed.

And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you the God of this world.31 He will be called ‘the Prince of Peace, who is also the Prince of Glory and the Prince of Eternal Progress.’32 He will atone for the sins of all mankind in the Garden of Gethsemane,33 and through His gift will come resurrection for the dead for all, and a greater and more enlarged opportunity for eternal life for those who will walk in obedience to His commandments.34 And no one will do a greater work than Jesus until the advent of the Prophet Joseph Smith.35 But take care that you not be led astray. For the time will come when much that is believed and taught about the cleansing power of Christ’s blood will be such utter nonsense and so palpably false that to believe it will be to lose your salvation. In that day many will believe or pretend to believe that if we confess Christ with our lips and avow that we accept Him as our personal Savior, we will thereby be saved. They will say that His blood, without any other act than mere belief, makes us clean.36 Be not deceived. Each of you will have to work very hard to qualify for your eternal potential.”37 Suddenly there appeared a heavenly host of persons who had been resurrected from the dead38 praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest.” And it came to pass when the angels had gone away that the shepherds hastily found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Christ Child as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known everything which had been revealed to them about the babe. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

Dear reader, what child is this?

The LDS Christmas Story was gathered and compiled from the teachings of Mormon Church leaders. It speaks of a Father and Son who are not found in the Biblical narrative of Christ’s birth. It brings the sad news that our salvation depends upon our own righteousness instead of the perfect righteousness of Jesus. The gift God gave that night, according to the LDS Christmas story, provided resurrection to judgement for all the world and an example to follow in order to make oneself worthy of the highest heaven.

Yet God tells a different story. He says it is impossible for us to be worthy of heaven on our own merit; all have sinned and our righteousness is as filthy rags before Him. But the blessed Gift God gave to us on that marvelous holy night was no less than His Promise fulfilled. Jesus Christ–God incarnate–had come, not to show us the way, but to be the Way. He came to a world dead in sin to give us life eternal. Let all who are alive in Christ echo Mary’s song, “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.”

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

1.  Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 157

2.  Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 471

3.  Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:8

4.  Joseph Smith Translation (hereafter JST), Luke 1:28

5.  JST, Luke 1:31-32

6.  Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses (hereafter JD), 2:342

7.  Book of Mormon, 1 Ne. 11:18, 1830 edition, 25

8.  Orson Pratt, The Seer, Washington D.C. edition, 158

9.  Brigham Young, JD, 1:50-51. Though Young taught the Adam/God doctrine, the LDS Church officially denies it. It is not currently part of LDS theology.

10.  Brigham Young, JD, 8:115

11.  James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 81

12.  Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, 12/94, 4

13.  Orson Pratt, The Seer, 158

14.  Brigham Young, JD, 11:268

15.  JST Matthew 1:20

16.  Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:18

17.  Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel, 1-6

18.  LDS Bible Dictionary, 681, “God”

19.  The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 7

20.  Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 822

21.  Book of Mormon, Alma 7:10

22.  James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 104; see JD 13:127 for Pratt’s calculated date of April 11.

23.  Victor L. Ludlow, Principles and Practices of the Restored Gospel, 43

24.  JST Luke 2:7

25.  Orson Pratt, JD, 18:290

26.  “What the Mormons Think of Christ,” Pamphlet published by the LDS Church, 1976, 25

27.  Orson Pratt, JD, 16:334

28.  Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:33

29.  Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 1:19

30.  Doctrine & Covenants 129

31.  Ezra Taft Benson, quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, 5/92, 89

32.  Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, 2/95, 77

33.  Gospel Principles, 1988, 58. Current LDS teaching suggests the atonement was accomplished in both the Garden and on Calvary.

34.  Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, 7/1/95, 4

35.  Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:408-9

36.  “What the Mormons Think of Christ,” 19-20

37.  James E. Faust, Ensign, 11/95, 46

38.  LDS Bible Dictionary, 608, “Angels.”

—

This article originally appeared in the winter 1995 edition of A Word in Season.