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LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
THE CULTS

Introductory Comment by Rev Andy Kelso

The Cults

When looking at other faiths or in this case the cults, it's easy for people to say that I'm being judgmental or pointing the finger. But the fact is that christians are called to discern between what is right and wrong. There is an absolute Truth and that is only found in Jesus Christ. John 14:6. So I will continue to expose errors and the deception in other faiths and in cults because they are leading millions of people into error and to eternal damnation.

In this part of Reverend Kelso's series, "Learning to Share Your Faith", he talks about Cults, what defines them and ways to engage with their members and share the Gospel with them. This part of the course will span several weeks, takng one cultic religion per week.

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE TALK ON MORMONISM

We are called to give answers and to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints.

Jude 3

The cults are cults because:

  • They deny the true God
  • Add works to salvation
  • Corrupt a multitude of Biblical truths.

Mormonism

Name: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Founder: Joseph Smith

Membership: Over 10 Million

Major Beliefs:

* One True Church
The Mormon Church claims to be the only true church. Mormons teach that after the New Testament age all churches became heretical and no true saints existed until the church of the Latter-day Saints. True and full salvation is found only in the latter-day Saints Church.
* Biblical Response
The true church of Jesus has had an ongoing presence and witness since Pentecost. Jesus promised that His true church would not fail. Matthew 16:17-18. The marks of a true Church include faithfulness to the teaching of the first apostles. Acts 2:42 not the creation of new doctrines.

* Authority of the Prophet
The President or Prophet of the Church is thought to be the only spokesman of God. All such revelations are made scripture and no Mormon can attain godhood without accepting Joseph Smith as a true prophet.
* Biblical Response
Old Testament and New Testament prophets were God's spokesmen. Their words were consistent with the Bible and pointed to Jesus Christ. Any predication they proclaimed would come true. Deuteronomy 18:20-22

* Mormon Scripture
Mormons accept four books as the Word of God. One is the King James Bible, but only as it is translated correctly. Joseph Smith made over 600 corrections to its text. Other books: The Book of Mormon Doctrine and Covenants. The Pearl of Great Price.
* Biblical Response
The Bible warns against adding to, or detracting from its teaching. Revelation 22:18, Deuteronomy 4:2. The Bible alone claims to be fully inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21.

* Establishment of Temples
First Mormon Temple: 1836 The purpose includes baptism for the dead and celestial marriages. The dead are often baptised by proxy, allowing them to become Mormons. Celestial marriage for all eternity is necessary for godhood.
* Biblical Response
The Temple of the Old Testament was a place of symbolic sacrifice of Christ. Never was the Temple used for the baptism of the dead or other secret ceremonies. Today the believer in Christ is God's dwelling place and not a physical building. 1 Corinthians 3:16

* God is an exalted man
The god of the universe was previously a man in a prior existence. Having kept the requirements of Mormonism he was exalted to godhood and inherited his known universe. All humans, as well as Jesus and Lucifer, are God's heavenly children.
* Biblical Response
God is spirit, not confined to a physical body. John 4:24. Jesus Christ's incarnation was through a miraculous and non-physical conception through Mary. He was fully God from the beginning. John 1:1. Together with the person of the Holy Spirit they form God. One in three and three in One.

* Jesus is God's Son
Jesus was begotten by God through Mary in a literal, full and complete sense. In Gethsemane and on the cross, Jesus atoned for Adam's sin and guaranteed all mankind resurrection and immortality.
* Biblical Response
Jesus is God. His designation, Son of God, points to His role. He lived a perfect life, died on the Cross for the sins of the world and rose from the dead. He will come again and reign as Lord!

* Humans are Gods in embryo
Humans from a prior spirit existence in Heaven are good, but will be punished for their sin. By keeping Mormon teaching and obeying the church and the prophet, Mormon males will enter Heaven with their wives and achieve godhood.
* Biblical Response
There is no evidence of pre-existence. We were formed by God in our mother's womb. Isaiah 44:2, Psalm 139:13. Sinful nature is part of our experience since the Fall. Freedom from the power of sin and its penalty is experienced only as a result of repentance and faith in Christ. Although every Christian is being transformed into the likeness of Christ, the Bible doesn't teach literal godhood. Romans 8:29, Revelation 1:5-6.

* Salvation
All people have eternal life, but only the most faithful Mormons have godhood. Mormons must do good works.
* Biblical Response
Salvation is due to God's grace and love. Jesus alone is the sacrifice for the sins of the world. It is through faith in Jesus and His finished work that we may be saved and not through works. John 3:16, Romans 10:9-13, Ephesians 2:8-9.

Reaching Mormons

  • Be clear about the Christian faith and the Gospel. Mormons use Christian vocabulary.
  • Define clearly what you mean.
  • Share your testimony. Show the Mormon that salvation is through Christ alone.
  • Keep the central doctrines of the faith as the focus of your discussion: John 3:16, Romans 10:4, 10-13, Ephesians 2:8-9. Emphasise salvation is a gift to be received, not a merit to be earned.
  • Don't let them take Bible verses out of context.
  • Keep the central doctrines of the faith as a focus of your discussion.
  • Pray, trust the Holy Spirit; ask Him to pierce their spiritual darkness.

Mormons are constantly striving for perfection. This is where we need to bring the Ten Commandments to bear, to show them their real state. It is only as they truly repent and turn to Christ that they receive not only forgiveness but also Christ's righteousness.

Next week: Jehovah's Witnesses

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