Posts
Sorry it's been so long since my last post! I just moved recently, then realized I had not posted in some time!
Anyway, I have been going back and forth recently with some folks on my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/M424Filmcast and I have decided to post some stuff here that hs been brought up in those "conversations".
I remind all of my readers that I am very straightforward, and that I am a staunch defender of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So here goes....
One of the most recent attacks on the church (or more directly on my faith in the church) had to do with our belief in the Godhead. Many churches teach that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Ghost exist as one entity called "the Trinity". We, as members of the LDS church believe that each member of the Godhead is a seperate, distinct being. I will use the proof texts used by our detractors, and then rebut them with further scriptural evidence.
Q: How can the Mormons believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are seperate when John 10:30 says: "I and my Father are one."?
A: This is a great proof text for the trinity doctrine when it stands alone. However, no scripture stands alone. There is a reason why scriptures are available in huge quantity. Scripture testifies of scripture, and helps keep things in context. So in response, I would say to read the entire chapter of John 17. It puts into context the "oneness" that is spoken of. Jesus is praying to His Father that we would all be unified as they are unified. It is not saying (for example in verses 11-22) that we would all become integrated into one being. It is talking about the unity that we would have as the Father and Son are unified. Nowhere does it testify of the trinity doctrine.
Additionally, just to provide more study material, I would add that Jesus did not pray to himself in the Garden of Gethsemene (Matt. 26:29 and others). And how could he commend his spirit to himself when he died on the cross (Luke 23:46)? And why, if he is also God the Father, would he say that "I go unto the Father: For my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) How could he go unto himself and be greater than himself? Just asking....
Q: How can you believe that works are necessary when salvation is given by faith alone?
A: Boy, I could spend an hour on this one easily. However, in the interest of space here, I will just say that James chapter 2 is a perfect example of how faith is wrought by works. Faith alone is not enough. Anyone can just believe. But true faith is brought on by doing what we are asked. There are plenty of scriptures that tell us what we must do. For example, we are told to love one another (John 13:34). We are told to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, minister to the sick, and visit those in prison (Matt. 25:35-45). We are even warned very specifically in James 2:14-17 when the example is given by Paul that we cannot just let someone who is in need, continue to be in need. What good does it do? Does it show our faith and our belief? No. Our belief and our faith are proven by our works. The works are necessary. And what of baptism? Jesus, who was sinless still required baptism in order to "fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). How can we, being full of sin, excuse ourselves from this necessary work that Jesus himself said we could not enter heaven without (John 3:5)?
I could really go on for quite awhile on these topics, however, I will just give you these thoughts to ponder and pray about.
Please post your questions in the comments section, and I will gladly answer them with another posting. And I promise I will post a little more often.
And thanks to Peter Davidson for your comment. It is appreciated. You can check out his blog at: http://wetestifyofchrist.blogspot.com/.
Remember, though I am a longtime member of the church, I am not speaking on behalf of the General Authorities of the church. These opinions are mine alone, and I ask you to visit any of the official websites of the church to get the official doctrine. The two I recommend most are: http://www.lds.org/ and http://www.mormon.org/. You can also chat live with representatives of the church at the second website by adding /chat at the end of the url.
Thanks again, and I will post again soon. Promise! :)
Q: How can the Mormons believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are seperate when John 10:30 says: "I and my Father are one."?
A: This is a great proof text for the trinity doctrine when it stands alone. However, no scripture stands alone. There is a reason why scriptures are available in huge quantity. Scripture testifies of scripture, and helps keep things in context. So in response, I would say to read the entire chapter of John 17. It puts into context the "oneness" that is spoken of. Jesus is praying to His Father that we would all be unified as they are unified. It is not saying (for example in verses 11-22) that we would all become integrated into one being. It is talking about the unity that we would have as the Father and Son are unified. Nowhere does it testify of the trinity doctrine.
Additionally, just to provide more study material, I would add that Jesus did not pray to himself in the Garden of Gethsemene (Matt. 26:29 and others). And how could he commend his spirit to himself when he died on the cross (Luke 23:46)? And why, if he is also God the Father, would he say that "I go unto the Father: For my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) How could he go unto himself and be greater than himself? Just asking....
Q: How can you believe that works are necessary when salvation is given by faith alone?
A: Boy, I could spend an hour on this one easily. However, in the interest of space here, I will just say that James chapter 2 is a perfect example of how faith is wrought by works. Faith alone is not enough. Anyone can just believe. But true faith is brought on by doing what we are asked. There are plenty of scriptures that tell us what we must do. For example, we are told to love one another (John 13:34). We are told to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, minister to the sick, and visit those in prison (Matt. 25:35-45). We are even warned very specifically in James 2:14-17 when the example is given by Paul that we cannot just let someone who is in need, continue to be in need. What good does it do? Does it show our faith and our belief? No. Our belief and our faith are proven by our works. The works are necessary. And what of baptism? Jesus, who was sinless still required baptism in order to "fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). How can we, being full of sin, excuse ourselves from this necessary work that Jesus himself said we could not enter heaven without (John 3:5)?
I could really go on for quite awhile on these topics, however, I will just give you these thoughts to ponder and pray about.
Please post your questions in the comments section, and I will gladly answer them with another posting. And I promise I will post a little more often.
And thanks to Peter Davidson for your comment. It is appreciated. You can check out his blog at: http://wetestifyofchrist.blogspot.com/.
Remember, though I am a longtime member of the church, I am not speaking on behalf of the General Authorities of the church. These opinions are mine alone, and I ask you to visit any of the official websites of the church to get the official doctrine. The two I recommend most are: http://www.lds.org/ and http://www.mormon.org/. You can also chat live with representatives of the church at the second website by adding /chat at the end of the url.
Thanks again, and I will post again soon. Promise! :)
