REVERENCE FOR THE BIBLE -Mormon- (OPEN)

LDS Newsroom ^ | January, 2008

[greyfoxx39]

SALT LAKE CITY 25 January 2008 During the past several years, scholars, religious leaders, journalists and the general public have steadily shown an increased interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Much of this attention has been focused on the question of whether it is a Christian faith. Central to this inquiry is the Church’s relationship with the Bible. Many have wondered whether Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible at all. Still others have supposed that the Church uses the Bible only when convenient, while shrugging it off as an inessential part of scriptural canon. With so many conflicting voices participating in this discussion, it may seem difficult to know where the Church stands on this issue.

The truth is that the Church reveres the Bible as a sacred volume of scripture. Latter-day Saints cherish its teachings and engage in a lifelong study of its divine wisdom. Moreover, during worship and instruction services the Bible and its teachings are pondered and discussed. To increase biblical understanding, the Church provides extensive resources and tools: lesson manuals, cross-reference materials, Bible maps, a Bible dictionary, and articles in various magazines. Thus, the Bible is much more than simply a collection of antiquated writings and revelations that have only scant relevance to the modern world. On the contrary, it stands in the center of the Latter-day Saints’ spiritual lives.

In a recent sermon, Church apostle Elder M. Russell Ballard characterized the Bible as the “bedrock of all Christianity” and one of the “pillars” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Furthermore, he described the Bible as a miracle: “It is a miracle that the Bible’s 4,000 years of sacred and secular history were recorded and preserved by the prophets, apostles, and inspired churchmen. … It is a miracle that the Bible literally contains within its pages the converting, healing Spirit of Christ, which has turned men’s hearts for centuries, leading them to pray, to choose right paths, and to search to find their Savior.” It instills real, tangible power in the lives of Latter-day Saints and offers practical solutions and spiritual guidance that inspire them to overcome challenges and trials.

There is a broad range of approaches within the vast mosaic of biblical interpretation. For example, biblical inerrancy maintains that the Bible is without error and contradiction; biblical infallibility holds that the Bible is free from errors regarding faith and practice but not necessarily science or history; biblical literalism requires a literal interpretation of events and teachings in the Bible and generally discounts allegory and metaphor; and the “Bible as literature” educational approach extols the literary qualities of the Bible but disregards its miraculous elements.

The Church does not strictly subscribe to any of these interpretive approaches. Rather, in the words of Joseph Smith, it regards the Bible to be the word of God, “as far as it is translated correctly” (8^th Article of Faith). Accordingly, Church members believe that during the centuries-long process in which fallible human beings compiled, translated and transcribed the Bible, various errors entered the text. However, this does not override the overwhelming predominance of truth within the Bible. As Elder Ballard noted, “Without the Bible, we would not know of His Church then, nor would we have the fullness of His gospel now.” Part of that fullness is the Bible’s seminal instruction that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. The Bible is a living invitation to know personally the sacred revelatory experience that fills its pages.

The scriptures, or “standard works,” of the Latter-day Saints comprise the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. According to Elder Ballard, these scriptures constitute a “great, indivisible whole” of God’s revealed word that help humankind understand the past, present and future. The great gospel plan contained in these works does not apply to one generation or one people alone but to all of God’s children throughout all time. Thus, in the words of Elder Ballard, “those who think that one part is more important or more true than the other parts are missing some of the beauty and completeness of the canon of ancient scripture.”

During previous periods of time when God organized His church, He added new revelations to pre-existing scripture, forming a connection between believers of the present and believers of the past. For example, the Old Testament book of Isaiah gives shape and meaning to the Gospel of Matthew. The two revelations need not be viewed as rivals competing with each other: the existence of one does not negate the relevance or legitimacy of the other. This ongoing revelation of scripture gives uniformity and continuity to an unfolding gospel narrative and unites people under one standard of doctrine.

Of all the standard works, the Bible remains the best source for an intimate understanding of the character and personality of Jesus Christ during His mortal mission. While the Old Testament offers a prophetic foretelling of that mission, the New Testament provides an unmatched account of the events, experiences, teachings and personal interactions of Christ. The Book of Mormon strengthens and reinforces His teachings through additional witnesses and provides moving accounts of the personal experiences many individuals had with Him. According to Elder Ballard, “The Book of Mormon does not dilute nor diminish nor de-emphasize the Bible. On the contrary, it expands, extends, and exalts it.”

[greyfoxx39]

Would you please post your list, Elsie ???

Elsie may be out grooming the goats and won't be here for a little while, but..... I think elsie has an updated version, but here is one list of Christian/mormon word meanings:

Mormon versus Christian definitions

 

Word...	Mormon	Christian
Atonement	(1) Used almost exclusively as a reference to Jesus' conquering physical death for all people.  By conquering physical death, Jesus made it possible for all people to enter again into the presence of Heavenly Father - if for no other reason than to be judged by him.  In other words, they are again 'at-one' with him (atoned).  This will happen at Judgment Day.  Those who have earned it will live in the Celestial Kingdom with Heavenly Father.  Everyone else will live outside of the presence of Heavenly Father.  (2) At times atonement includes the thought of Jesus' paying for people's sins.  But underlying all such references is the thought that they have to pay him back.  For a good example of the LDS view of Jesus' atoning work, see Gospel Principles chapter 12.	Jesus' complete payment, made once, for all the sins of all the people of the entire world.  Hebrews 7:27: Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.  1 Peter 3:18:  For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  Through faith in Jesus' payment, we are given eternal life in heaven.
Bible	One of four books Mormons consider scripture. They believe it to be the Word of God "as far as it is translated correctly" (Eighth Article of Faith).  They believe many precious parts have been lost from it (1 Nephi 13:28).  Consequently they consider it the least reliable of the scriptures.  Many Mormons are not familiar with it.	The inspired, complete and inerrant Word of God.
Damnation	Mormon's Plan of Salvation outlines an intricate process of progression toward eternal life (exaltation).  Anything that stops a person in their progression, such as dying without having a celestial marriage, is considered damnation as it blocks or dams their progression.	The consequence of unbelief.  Unbelief results in damnation, that is, suffering eternal punishment in hell.
Eternal Life (Exaltation)	Living eternally as a god, synonymous with godhood and exaltation.  "Exaltation means the same thing as eternal life" (Learn of Me, p. 72).  Eternal life  is reserved for those who attain the highest level of the celestial kingdom.  Mormons must become perfect, have received their endowment, and been married in the temple (Celestial Marriage) before they can earn eternal life.  This eternal life will be lived both with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom and as god over their own world which they will populate with their own children.	By faith in Jesus' payment for our sins, we are given the gift of eternal life living with God in heaven as his children.
Faith	(1)  The belief that God exists and has given a good plan of salvation (Mormonism).  (2) The power God gives Mormons whereby they can resist sin and become perfect. "But he must believe the truth, obey the truth, and practice the truth, to obtain the power of God called faith" (Past Living Prophet and President Brigham Young quoted in Teachings of Presidents of the Church Brigham Young p. 56).  The more righteous a person is, the more power (faith) God will give him.  "To those who have not begun the quest of comprehension, the word faith appears to be only a synonym for a kind of belief or conviction....It is a principle of power" (Sharing the Gospel Manual, p. 82).	The sure hope of our deliverance from death to eternal life in heaven.  Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Forgiveness	Must be earned through what may be "weeks, years, or centuries" of effort. To be forgiven of a sin, one must meet the demands of the LDS definition of repentance for that sin. God 'remembers' the original sin and you lose your forgiveness if you recommit the sin.	The undeserved gift of having your sins separated from you "as far as the east is from the west". Because Jesus paid our penalty as our substitute, we are considered guiltless by God. God does not remember our sins.
Gift	Mormonism has expanded the definition of the term 'gift'.  The expanded definition includes as 'gifts' things which are rewarded to an individual only after first completing certain requirements or first demonstrating sufficient worthiness.  The expanded definition also includes as 'gifts' things which once received, obligate the receiver to a set of conditions; which, if broken revoke the 'gift'.  Most 'gifts' in Mormonism actually fall under the expanded part of the Mormon definition (eternal life, grace, forgiveness, the help of the Holy Ghost, most of God's many blessings).  Mormon doctrine goes so far as to say that God is 'obligated' to give a particular 'gift' once the prescribed prerequisites have been achieved by the receiver of the gift.   Most of the 'gifts' of Mormonism are not gifts but rewards, compensation, obligatory payments, and contracts.	A gift is something we receive which is undeserved, unearned, offered freely by the bestower.
Gospel	A term that refers to Mormonism in general.  Or in particular, Mormonism's intricate plan of salvation.  "Mormonism so-called - which actually is the gospel of Christ, restored anew this day" (Sharing the Gospel Manual, p. 176).	The "Good News" of free and full salvation (eternal life with God in heaven) won for mankind by Jesus Christ.
Grace	The power God gives people to save themselves, conditional on their earning it by doing all they can do on their own.  "This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts" (LDS Bible Dictionary, p. 697).  "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23).  This grace does not directly provide them with eternal life, but rather with the power to make up the difference between "all they can do" and perfection.	The unconditional, free gift of eternal life given us through faith in Jesus' saving work.  Ephesians 2:8-9:  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Heaven	Any of the three kingdoms Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial.  Life even on the lowest kingdom will be much better than earth, and even the vilest of unbelievers will receive a life in heaven.   "The book (Doctrine and Covenants) explains clearly that the lowest glory to which man is assigned is so glorious as to be beyond the understanding of man.  It is a doctrine fundamental in Mormonism that the meanest sinner, in the final judgment, will receive a glory which is beyond human understanding, which is go great that we are unable to describe it adequately." (John A. Widtsoe, quoted in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, p. 166).  Yet, even in the highest kingdom all but those who have earned exaltation will have less than complete happiness.  "How lonely and barren will be the so-called single blessedness throughout eternity!" (Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, p. 19).	God's glorious home, where all who believed in Jesus' saving work will live forever happy with him.  Revelations 21:3-4:  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.".
Hell	(1) Not a place of eternal punishment but the temporary state of suffering wicked spirits experience in spirit prison before Judgment Day.  "That part of the spirit world inhabited by wicked spirits who are awaiting the eventual day of resurrection is called hell....Hell will have an end" (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, p. 165).  (2)  The regret the inhabitants of the lower kingdoms will experience as they see the glories of the celestial kingdom is described in Mormon literature as a kind of hell.  (3) Mormons call Satan's domain Outer Darkness.  Only those who leave the LDS church are sent to Outer Darkness.	Satan's domain of unending torment.  Mark 9:47-48: And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’  All unbelievers will be cast into hell.  Matthew 25:41: "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Justification	Unfamiliar term to most Mormons.  Mormonism describes it as God's strict confirmation of the merits or demerits of man's own actions.  In other words, LDS justification is God's act of rewarding people on their own actions, rewarding right and punishing wrong.	God declares us (believers) not guilty on the basis of Christ's atoning work.
Paid - As in "Jesus paid for my sins".	Mormonism uses the word 'paid' as a synonym for 'refinanced'.  When a Mormon says "Jesus paid for my sins", he does not mean that he no longer owes the debt of sin, merely that the creditor and the terms have changed.  The entire debt still remains to be paid!	When a Christian says "Jesus paid for my sins", he means that his entire payment for all his sins has been made, no more debt remains, no further payment is due or could even be made.
Repentance	"It is a long road spiked with thorns and briars and pitfalls and problems" Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness quoted in Gospel Principles, page 123. The Mormon definition includes:   1) sorrow for your sins.   2) abandoning [never again committing] each and every sin.   3) confessing each sin.   4) restitution, as far as it is possible, for every sin ever committed.   5) freely forgive anyone who ever sinned against you.   6) obedience to all of God's other commands [in essence - perfection].   7) perform works to make up for the sin.   8) there can be no repentance without punishment.   9) you will not even desire to commit the sin again! Points 1-7 referenced in Gospel Principles, pages 124-125.  Point 8 referenced in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, page 224.  Point 9 referenced in Missionary Discussions, page 2-14 / Study Guide 2, page 3. From Teachings of the Presidents of the Church Joseph F. Smith: True repentance is not only sorrow for sins, and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them, a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light.  Not only so, but to make restitution, so far as it is possible, for all the wrongs we have done, to pay our debts, and restore to God and man their rights - that which is due to them from us.	Literally, a change of mind.  A turning of one's heart from trust in yourself and your works to trust in Jesus and his work for you.  Such a change of heart will result in sorrow for one's sins and a humble attitude of following God's will.
Redemption	Synonymous with atonement.	Christ bought all mankind back (redeemed) from the wages of our sin.  See atonement.
Salvation	(1)  For most Mormons this is equivalent to physical resurrection, the reuniting of body and soul on Judgment Day.  This is the only free gift in Mormonism.  This is why many can say they believe they are saved by Jesus alone.  They mean that they believe they don't have to do anything to be resurrected.  However, this salvation does not grant eternal life (exaltation).  That is based on their successful completion of their plan of salvation.  Mormonism states that if one makes no effort and is an unbeliever he / she will still be resurrected and assigned a place in the lowest kingdom.  Therefore, a Mormon can say that a person is granted heaven solely on Jesus' atoning work.  And that person need not even believe in Jesus to attain it.  (2)  Sometimes 'salvation' is used as a synonym for exaltation, as in "Plan of Salvation" (actually the plan of exaltation).	The free gift of eternal life in heaven with God given us through faith in Jesus' saving work.
Sanctification	A term not commonly used in Mormonism.  They use it to refer to a state of saintliness which is obtained as people purify themselves by overcoming sin.	(1)  Believers in Jesus' saving work are considered saints by God (sanctified).  This refers to our status as citizens of heaven, while living on earth.  (2)  While on earth, the continuing work of the Holy Spirit resulting in the strengthening of our faith and becoming increasingly Christ-like (holy).  (3)  The final change that occurs on Judgment Day where believers are forever separated from their sinful nature and are thereby made holy.
Sin	A word not commonly used by Mormons since Mormonism has a weak view of sin.  "But all of us are guilty of sin to some degree" (Gospel Principles, p. 117).  Instead of talking about sin, they use words such as bad habits, infractions, mistakes, and poor judgments.	Any violation of God's commands, whether in thought, word, or deed.  Includes any and all trespass, transgression, iniquity, wickedness, etc.  Includes sins of omission (not doing what we are commanded) as well as commission (doing what we are commanded not to do).
Plan of Salvation	In general, Mormonism.   Specifically, an intricate plan outlining a process of progression toward eternal life (exaltation).  Steps in this process include becoming perfect, temple endowment, and celestial marriage.  All the laws and ordinances of Mormonism embody the plan.	God's plan of sacrificing his perfect son so that all who believe in him are saved (given eternal life).  John 3:14-17:  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

 

[T Minus Four]

The Bible books were written long before anyone in the Old World KNEW of the existence of the Americas

What? Um, GOD wrote the bible. That's what scripture means: "God breathed", in case you didn't know that. And I'm guessing He knew all about ALL the lands which HE CREATED (not "organized").

[svcw]

Its like arguing with wind.

[T Minus Four]

I know but it’s fun :-)

[Tennessee Nana]

Thanks GF

TM4 PING to # 41 for a list of words and different meanings ...

As you can see...

Mormonism is not Christianity...

[Godzilla]

But GOD knew the Americas were here and the peoples thereof. They were as much His as of the Old World.

So where is all the evidence for these nephites and lamanites? They should by all measure of archaeology have archaeological finds all over the place, so pray, tell us where the cities of the bom lands are and have been recognized by the archaeological community?

[svcw]

Still trying to figure out where that is all mentioned in the Bible. After all you were told just today that (lds) god was coming to America in the Bible.

[Elsie]

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints revere both the Bible and the Book of Mormon as twin pillars of God's communications to His children.

Who cares?

The Restored Gospel® is NOT found in the BoM; like Headquarfters claims.

The NECESSARY Temple Rites® are Not found in the BoM or any OTHER writings considered scripture by MORMONs.

Speaking of OTHER writings; do you REVERE the BOOK of Abraham?

The D&C's?

ALL of BY's sermons?

[Elsie]

And svcw is correct, the Bible is not central to mormons, the BoM is.

Only as sucker bait.

There is NOTHING in the BoM that is central to MORMONism.

Only in the D&C's and the purloined MASONIC rituals is TRUE MORMONism to be found.

[Elsie]

Which is right?

 

Judas died how?

“And he cast down the pieces of silver into the temple and departed, and went out and hanged himself.” (Matt. 27:5)

“And falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all of his bowels gushed out.” (Acts 1:18)

 

 

Both!

 

After he'd hung there awhile, the rope (or whatever was used to hang him) either gave way or was cut.

Then his rotten body fell down the cliff, smashing into pieces.

[svcw]

Hey, I said that first. .-)

[Elsie]

You believe there are errors in the Bible, yet the Bible is at the center of your spiritual life.

Nope; Jesus is.

[TheDon]

Philip Schaff calculated that, of the 150,000 variants known in his day, only 400 altered the meaning of the passage, only 50 were of real significance, and not even one affected “an article of faith or a precept of duty which is not abundantly sustained by other and undoubted passages, or by the whole tenor of Scripture teaching.”

Thanks for helping me make my point to svcw.

svcw: Ok, how do you have reverence for the Bible when you also believe it wasn't translated correctly.

I'm still wondering how svcw reconciles this statement with a belief in the Bible. Assuming svcw also believes in the Bible inspite of the thousands of errors you have so helpfully pointed out.

Would I be correct in saying that you reverence the Bible inspite of all these well known errors?

[Elsie]

YBMTI again!

(I just HAVE to spend MORE time online!)

[Godzilla]

Still trying to figure out where that is all mentioned in the Bible. After all you were told just today that (lds) god was coming to America in the Bible.

Of course you will look until you are blind to find it in the bible. the bom is a fictional account made up in the imaginations of one joe smith.

[svcw]

Way to spin.....I’m so dizzy, my head is spinning......

[Elsie]

Sorry, I made the rash assumption that you are familiar with the thousands of variants discovered through NT textual criticism.

 

TC starts with the assumption there are ERRORs to begin with!

 

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My 11/2000 printing of the BoM, the one with © 1981 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. on the frontisplate, states, at the bottom of the BRIEF EXPLANATION page:

About this edition:  Some minor errors in the text have been perpetuated in
past editions of the Book of Mormon.  This edition contains corrections that
seem appropriate  to  bring  the  material into conformity with prepublication
manuscripts and early editions edited by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

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About this edition:  Some minor errors in the text have been perpetuated in
past editions of the Book of Mormon.  This edition contains corrections that
seem appropriate  to  bring  the  material into conformity with prepublication
manuscripts and early editions edited by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

 

 

 

 

SEEM appropriate?  Didn't the Quorum of Twelve convene to put THEIR imprimitur on the CHANGES?

 

How did GOD allow these ERRORS to even get STARTED?

If HIS purpose was to CORRECT error in the FIRST place...

[Normandy]

There are a lot of people in these Mormon-related threads who don’t believe Mormons are Christian.

Every believing Latter Day Saint I know (and I know many) has as strong belief in Christ. It really makes no difference to me what people might think I (as a Mormon) believe. I know what I believe and I certainly believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible.

[Godzilla]

Thanks for helping me make my point to svcw.

No, your point was to adhear all those variants as = false material. Scholars are able to go to the extant ms for the Bible.

Where are all the prophetic statements or announcements for the 4000+ changes to the bom - when the translation process by lds' own history was literal word-for-word and to a point letter-for-letter.

Would I be correct in saying that you reverence the Bible inspite of all these well known errors?

thousands of errors over tens of thousands of ms resulting in <1% of the bible having any question as origional text - Stack that up against your book of abraham some time.

[Elsie]

THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 110

 

Visions manifested to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, April 3, 1836. HC 2: 435–436. The occasion was that of a Sabbath day meeting. The Prophet prefaces his record of the manifestations with these words: “In the afternoon, I assisted the other Presidents in distributing the Lord’s Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us.”

 

1–10, The Lord Jehovah appears in glory and accepts the Kirtland Temple as his house; 11–12, Moses and Elias each appear and commit their keys and dispensations; 13–16, Elijah returns and commits the keys of his dispensation as promised by Malachi.

 

  1 The ^aveil was taken from our minds, and the ^beyes of our ^cunderstanding were opened.

  2 We ^asaw the Lord ^bstanding upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure ^cgold, in color like amber.

  3 His ^aeyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his ^bcountenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his ^cvoice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of ^dJehovah, saying:

  4 I am the ^afirst and the last; I am he who ^bliveth, I am he who was slain; I am your ^cadvocate with the Father.

  5 Behold, your sins are ^aforgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and ^brejoice.

  6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, ^abuilt this house to my name.

  7 For behold, I have ^aaccepted this ^bhouse, and my name shall be here; and I will ^cmanifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

  8 Yea, I will ^aappear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not ^bpollute this ^choly house.

  9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the ^ablessings which shall be poured out, and the ^bendowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.

  10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be ^apoured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen.

  11 After this ^avision closed, the heavens were again ^bopened unto us; and ^cMoses appeared before us, and committed unto us the ^dkeys of the ^egathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the ^fnorth.

  12 After this, ^aElias appeared, and committed the ^bdispensation of the ^cgospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all ^dgenerations after us should be ^eblessed.

  13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious ^avision burst upon us; for ^bElijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:

  14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—

  15 To ^aturn the ^bhearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—

  16 Therefore, the ^akeys of this ^bdispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful ^cday of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

 

 

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