Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Words of Jesus: Death and Resurrection (REAL LDS / Mormon)
LDS.org ^ | Walter F. González

Posted on 02/27/2011 2:46:13 PM PST by Paragon Defender

Words of Jesus: Death and Resurrection

 

 

 

By Elder Walter F. González

Of the Seventy

Walter F. González, "Words of Jesus: Death and Resurrection", Ensign, Apr. 2003, 22

 

 

 

“I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25).

 

 

About 2,000 years ago in a small village outside Jerusalem, two sisters saw their brother become ill and die. Mary and Martha dearly loved their brother Lazarus, so their anguish was great. Their friends and neighbors tried to comfort them but failed. Their sorrow was so great that upon seeing them Jesus was filled with compassion and wept (see John 11:30–35). We can perhaps imagine how Martha felt when the Savior told her, “Thy brother shall rise again” (John 11:23). Her response reflected a certain understanding of the plan of salvation: “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24). The Lord’s answer to Martha emphatically reassured her: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25–26).

Martha then bore solemn testimony of Him: “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:27).

Martha’s faith was soon fulfilled as she and Mary were comforted by the power of God made manifest in the raising of their brother from the dead.

Sorrow and Joy

On many occasions during His mortal ministry, our Savior took the opportunity to teach about death and resurrection, particularly His own. His words can help us, much as they helped Martha, to cope with the sorrow that comes when a loved one dies. An understanding that the gospel is taught and practiced among our dead, that they too will be resurrected, and that they and we may achieve exaltation can deepen our gratitude for the Savior.

The passing away of someone we love brings sorrow to our souls. We can understand why Martha and Mary wept and lamented the passing of Lazarus. On another occasion, the Savior’s disciples were similarly concerned and wondered what He had meant when He said to them, “A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me … , Because I go to the Father” (John 16:17). The Lord explained that although they would “weep and lament” at His death, their “sorrow [would] be turned into joy” (John 16:20).

The Savior then gave a helpful example of contrasting feelings of sorrow and joy: “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world” (John 16:21). His disciples, like Mary and Martha, found comfort in the Savior’s words about death and resurrection. We may also find comfort and eventually joy when we understand that death is a necessary step leading to resurrection and eternal life.

A sound knowledge of the great plan of salvation helps mitigate our sorrow. An understanding of immortality and eternal life strengthens our hope in things to come. Martha knew that Lazarus would be resurrected at the last day. This knowledge gave her hope.

But even with this knowledge, we miss our loved ones. The pain is better dealt with when we understand that our Savior has atoned for our sins and was resurrected, that all people will also be resurrected, and that all have the opportunity to attain eternal life.

The Savior’s Death and Resurrection

On one occasion, a Pharisee named Nicodemus approached the Savior at night. Impressed by His miracles, Nicodemus sought words of counsel. Jesus taught the Pharisee that we must be born again. The Savior then prophesied, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14; see also Moses 7:55).

Nicodemus was not the only one to hear the Redeemer repeat such prophecy. Jesus taught His disciples, “The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day” (Mark 9:31).

During the last week of the Lord’s ministry, He continued to talk about what was about to happen to Him. When Andrew and Philip approached Him concerning some Greeks who wished to see Him, Jesus took the opportunity to teach: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:23–24).

The Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi similarly taught: “The grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death” (Mosiah 16:8–9).

Our Resurrection and Exaltation

Because of the Savior, we can look forward to a reunion with those who have passed away. We are blessed with the certainty that we will again see them, embrace them, and express to them our love.

The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “Would you think it strange if I relate what I have seen in vision in relation to this interesting theme? … So plain was the vision, that I actually saw men, before they had ascended from the tomb, as though they were getting up slowly. They took each other by the hand and said to each other, ‘My father, my son, my mother, my daughter, my brother, my sister.’ And when the voice calls for the dead to arise, suppose I am laid by the side of my father, what would be the first joy of my heart? To meet my father, my mother, my brother, my sister; and when they are by my side, I embrace them and they me.” 1

The reality of a universal resurrection along with the possibility of exaltation because of our Redeemer’s supernal sacrifice are reason enough to merit our everlasting gratitude. He is the Resurrection and the Life, and we so testify to the world.

The living and dead have the opportunity to hear His voice and live. Those on both sides of the veil must, however, abide by certain conditions to receive all gospel blessings. The Savior explained to Martha one of these conditions: “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25–26). Having faith in Him is the first principle of the gospel. Such faith moves us to repent and to make and keep covenants with God so that eventually we may have eternal life.

Inasmuch as we obey His commandments and are faithful to our covenants, we are blessed to expect a joyful family reunited and crowned with eternal life. In the words of Jesus Christ: “[The dead] shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). Regarding this verse, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Some shall rise to the everlasting burnings of God; … and some shall rise to the damnation of their own filthiness, which is as exquisite a torment as the lake of fire and brimstone.” 2

Repentance is the key to avoiding the “resurrection of damnation.” Sincere repentance activates the great plan of salvation for our good. Our “Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance” (D&C 18:11–12).

The Lamanite prophet Samuel fully understood the relationship between repentance and a joyful resurrection. Boldly standing upon the wall, he taught:

“The resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.

“Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire” (Hel. 14:17–18).

As we learn the promises regarding resurrection and exaltation, our belief in the Savior and our desire to repent and return to Him grow deeper and stronger.

Engraved upon Our Hearts

After the Savior told Martha that He is the Resurrection and the Life, He asked her, “Believeth thou this?” Martha’s response showed great faith: “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:26–27).

We may also ask ourselves: Do I believe Jesus’ words about immortality and eternal life? Do I believe in a happy reunion with my loved ones who have passed away? To the extent that we allow these truths to permeate our lives, we will also respond with great faith and a fortified testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

His teachings regarding His own and our death and Resurrection should be engraved upon our hearts. On a certain occasion when His disciples wondered at the mighty power of God found in Him, the Savior said, “Let these sayings sink down into your [hearts]: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men” (Luke 9:44; see also Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 9:44).

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “God has revealed His Son from the heavens and the doctrine of the resurrection also; and we have a knowledge that those we bury here God will bring up again, clothed upon and quickened by the Spirit of the great God. … Let these truths sink down in our hearts, that we may even here begin to enjoy that which shall be in full hereafter.” 3

A search of the teachings of our Savior about death and resurrection strengthens our hope in immortality and eternal life. This hope can fill our very hearts with the joy Martha and Mary must have experienced. For the promise of the Savior is: “Thy [loved ones] shall rise again” (John 11:23).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


TOPICS: Other Christian; Theology; Worship
KEYWORDS: ctr; jesus; lds; mormon

1 posted on 02/27/2011 2:46:17 PM PST by Paragon Defender
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Paragon Defender
 
- Warning -
 
This post has been flagged as Cultic Mormon Spam
by Christians on FreeRepublic.com
 
Let the reader beware!

2 posted on 02/27/2011 3:27:04 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion (.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Paragon Defender
Mormonism is not Christianity.
3 posted on 02/27/2011 3:29:22 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion (.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Paragon Defender; Colofornian; Elsie; FastCoyote; svcw; Zakeet; SkyPilot; rightazrain; ...

The Redemption of the Dead

Sunday afternoon session, October 5, 1975

Boyd K. Packer, “The Redemption of the Dead,” Ensign, Nov. 1975, 97


I have reason, my brother and sisters, to feel very deeply about the subject that I have chosen for today, and to feel more than the usual need for your sustaining prayers, because of its very sacred nature.

When the Lord was upon the earth He made it very clear that there was one way, and one way only, by which man may be saved. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6.) To proceed on that way, these two things emerge as being very fixed. First, in His name rests the authority to secure the salvation of mankind. “For there is none other name under heaven given … whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12.) And next, there is an essential ordinance—baptism—standing as a gate through which every soul must pass to obtain eternal life.

The Lord was neither hesitant nor was He apologetic in proclaiming exclusive authority over those processes, all of them in total, by which we may return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. This ideal was clear in the minds of His apostles also, and their preaching provided for one way, and one way only, for men to save themselves.

Over the centuries men saw that many, indeed most, never found that way. This became very hard to explain. Perhaps they thought it to be generous to admit that there are other ways. So they tempered or tampered with the doctrine.

This rigid emphasis on “one Lord and one baptism,” was thought to be too restrictive, and too exclusive, even though the Lord Himself had described it as being narrow, for, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.” (Matt. 7:14.)

Since baptism is essential there must be an urgent concern to carry the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. That came as a commandment from Him.

His true servants will be out to convert all who will hear to the principles of the gospel and they will offer them that one baptism which He proclaimed as essential. The preaching of the gospel is evident to one degree or another in most Christian churches. Most, however, are content to enjoy whatever they can gain from membership in their church without any real effort to see that others hear about it.

The powerful missionary spirit and the vigorous missionary activity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints becomes a very significant witness that the true gospel and that the authority are possessed here in the Church. We accept the responsibility to preach the gospel to every person on earth. And if the question is asked, “You mean you are out to convert the entire world?” the answer is, “Yes. We will try to reach every living soul.”

Some who measure that challenge quickly say, “Why, that’s impossible! It cannot be done!”

To that we simply say, “Perhaps, but we shall do it anyway.”

Against the insinuation that it cannot be done, we are willing to commit every resource that can be righteously accumulated to this work. Now, while our effort may seem modest when measured against the challenge, it is hard to ignore when measured against what is being accomplished, or even what is being attempted, elsewhere.

Presently we have over 21,000 missionaries serving in the field—and paying for the privilege. And that’s only part of the effort. Now I do not suggest that the number should be impressive, for we do not feel we are doing nearly as well as we should be. And more important than that, any one of them would be evidence enough if we knew the source of the individual conviction that each carries.

We ask no relief of the assignment to seek out every living soul, teach them the gospel, and offer them baptism. And we’re not discouraged, for there is a great power in this work and that can be verified by anyone who is sincerely inquiring.

Now there is another characteristic that identifies His Church and also has to do with baptism. There is a very provoking and a very disturbing question about those who died without baptism. What about them? If there is none other name given under heaven whereby man must be saved (and that is true), and they have lived and died without even hearing that name, and if baptism is essential (and it is), and they died without even the invitation to accept it, where are they now?

That is hard to explain. It describes most of the human family.

There are several religions larger than most Christian denominations, and together they are larger than all of them combined. Their adherents for centuries have lived and died and never heard the word baptism. What is the answer for them?

That is a most disturbing question. What power would establish one Lord and one baptism, and then allow it to be that most of the human family never comes within its influence? With that question unanswered, the vast majority of the human family must be admitted to be lost, and against any reasonable application of the law of justice or of mercy, either. How could Christianity itself be sustained?

When you find the true church you will find the answer to that disturbing question.

If a church has no answer for that, how can it lay claim to be His Church? He is not willing to write off the majority of the human family who were never baptized.

Those who admit in puzzled frustration that they have no answer to this cannot lay claim to authority to administer to the affairs of the Lord on the earth, or to oversee the work by which all mankind must be saved.

Since they had no answer concerning the fate of those who had not been baptized, Christians came to believe that baptism itself was not critical in importance, and that the name of Christ may not be all that essential. There must, they supposed, be other names whereby man could be saved.

The answer to that puzzling challenge could not be invented by men, but was revealed. I underline the word revealed. Revelation too is an essential characteristic of His Church. Communication with Him through revelation was established when the Church was established. It has not ceased and it is constant in the Church today.

As I address myself to the question of those who died without baptism, I do so with the deepest reverence, for it touches on a sacred work. Little known to the world, we move obediently forward in a work that is so marvelous in its prospects, transcendent above what man might have dreamed of, supernal, inspired, and true. In it lies the answer.

In the earliest days of the Church the Prophet was given direction through revelation that work should commence on the building of a temple, akin to the temples that had been constructed anciently. There was revealed ordinance work to be performed there for the salvation of mankind.

Then another ancient scripture, ignored or overlooked by the Christian world in general, was understood and moved into significant prominence: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Cor. 15:29.)

Here then, was the answer. With proper authority an individual could be baptized for and in behalf of someone who had never had the opportunity. That individual would then accept or reject the baptism, according to his own desire.

This work came as a great reaffirmation of something very basic that the Christian world now only partly believes: and that is that there is life after death. Mortal death is no more an ending than birth was a beginning. The great work of redemption goes on beyond the veil as well as here in mortality.

The Lord said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25.)

On October 3, 1918, President Joseph F. Smith was pondering on the scriptures, including this one from Peter: “For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Pet. 4:6.)

There was opened to him a marvelous vision. In it he saw the concourses of the righteous. And he saw Christ ministering among them. Then he saw those who had not had the opportunity, and those who had not been valiant. And he saw the work for their redemption. And I quote his record of this vision:

“I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them; but behold, from among the righteous he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men. And thus was the gospel preached to the dead.” (“Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Jan. 1919, p. 3.) http://books.google.com/books?id=u78UAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA5&ots=3gm4eYOMw4&dq=Vision+of+the+Redemption+of+the+Dead+1919&output=html

We have been authorized to perform baptisms vicariously so that when they hear the gospel preached and desire to accept it, that essential ordinance will have been performed. They need not ask for any exemption from that essential ordinance. Indeed, the Lord Himself was not exempted from it.

Here and now then, we move to accomplish the work to which we are assigned. We are busily engaged in that kind of baptism. We gather the records of our kindred dead, indeed, the records of the entire human family; and in sacred temples in baptismal fonts designed as those were anciently, we perform these sacred ordinances.

“Strange,” one may say. It is passing strange. It is transcendent and supernal. The very nature of the work testifies that He is our Lord, that baptism is essential, that He taught the truth.

And so the question may be asked, “You mean you are out to provide baptism for all who have ever lived?”

And the answer is simply, “Yes.” For we have been commanded to do so.

“You mean for the entire human family? Why, that is impossible. If the preaching of the gospel to all who are living is a formidable challenge, then the vicarious work for all who have ever lived is impossible indeed.”

To that we say, “Perhaps, but we shall do it anyway.”

And once again we certify that we are not discouraged. We ask no relief of the assignment, no excuse from fulfilling it. Our effort today is modest indeed when viewed against the challenge. But since nothing is being done for them elsewhere, our accomplishments, we have come to know, have been pleasing to the Lord.

Already we have collected hundreds of millions of names, and the work goes forward in the temples and will go on in other temples that will be built. The size of the effort we do not suggest should be impressive, for we are not doing nearly as well as we should be.

Those who thoughtfully consider the work inquire about those names that cannot be collected. “What about those for whom no record was ever kept? Surely you will fail there. There is no way you can search out those names.”

To this I simply observe, “You have forgotten revelation.” Already we have been directed to many records through that process. Revelation comes to individual members as they are led to discover their family records in ways that are miraculous indeed. And there is a feeling of inspiration attending this work that can be found in no other. When we have done all that we can do, we shall be given the rest. The way will be opened up.

Every Latter-day Saint is responsible for this work. Without this work, the saving ordinances of the gospel would apply to so few who have ever lived that it could not be claimed to be true.

There is another benefit from this work that relates to the living. It has to do with family life and the eternal preservation of it. It has to do with that which we hold most sacred and dear—the association with our loved ones in our own family circle.

Something of the spirit of this can be sensed as I quote from a letter from my own family records. I quote a letter dated January the 17th, 1889, Safford, Graham County, in Arizona. It concerns my great-grandfather, who was the first of our line in the Church, and who died a few days later, Jonathan Taylor Packer. This letter was written by a daughter-in-law to the family.

After describing the distress and difficulty he had suffered for several weeks, she wrote:

“But I will do all I can for him for I consider it my duty. I will do for him as I would like someone to do for my dear mother, for I am afraid I shall never see her again in this world.”

And then she wrote this: “Your father says for you all to be faithful to the principles of the gospel and asks the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob upon you all, and bids you all goodbye until he meets you in the morning of the resurrection.

“Well, Martha, I can’t hardly see the lines for tears, so I will stop writing. From your loving sister, Mary Ann Packer.”

I know that I shall see this great-grandfather beyond the veil, and my grandfather, and my father. And I know that I shall there also meet those of my ancestors who lived when the fulness of the gospel was not upon the earth; those who lived and died without ever hearing His name, nor having the invitation to be baptized.

I say that no point of doctrine sets this church apart from the other claimants as this one does. Save for it, we would, with all of the others, have to accept the clarity with which the New Testament declares baptism to be essential and then admit that most of the human family could never have it.

But we have the revelations. We have those sacred ordinances. The revelation that places upon us the obligation for this baptism for the dead is section 128 in the Doctrine and Covenants. And I should like to read in closing two or three of the closing verses of that section.

“Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; …

“Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! …

“Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple … a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.” (D&C 128:22–24.)

I bear witness that this work is true, that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that there is on this earth today a prophet of God to lead modern Israel in this great obligation. I know that the Lord lives and that He broods anxiously over the work for the redemption of the dead, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

The Utah genealogical and historical magazine, Volumes 10-12

4 posted on 02/27/2011 3:44:23 PM PST by greyfoxx39 (Examples of Serious Crimes of Illegal Aliens at www.fairus.org)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: greyfoxx39

L.D.S. Doctrine Of Baptism For The Dead.
Baptism Of The Dead Vs. The Bible

by William Woodson

The present article will summarise the L.D.S. doctrine of baptism for the dead (as set forth in a standard work by James E. Talmage) and reply to it from the standpoint of Bible teaching.

I. The Doctrine in Summary

This L.D.S. doctrine may best be understood in the context of their general view of baptism. According to Talmage, one who seeks membership in the Mormon church must be one who has “obtained and professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” and “sincerely repented of his sins.” One so situated is then to “give evidence of this spiritual sanctification by some outward ordinance,” ie., “baptism by water .” (P. 120, 2 Nephi 31:17) In Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 one reads those to be baptized must humble themselves, having “truly repented” of all their sins before being baptized. Baptism is regarded as essential to salvation (P 128) and those, as the Pharisees and Lawyers (Luke 7:30), who reject baptism are thereby “forfeiting their claim to salvation .” (P. 130)

In developing the doctrine of baptism for the dead, Talmage notes that not all have heard and obeyed the gospel. (P. 145) He asks what provision has been made for those who have died having neglected and/or never having heard the gospel? (P. 146) He then argues that though these negligent or untaught ones will be punished, they will be punished only long enough to bring about their needed reformation and satisfy God’s justice. (P. 147) Thus he teaches a second chance for those who die in rebellion against God. To support this he refers to I Peter 3:18- 20; 4:6 which he alleges teach the gospel is to be preached in the spirit world now by ministers of the gospel who have died. (pp. 149, 152)

But, since one in order to be saved must be baptized, this neglected “ordinance” can be received vicariously when children are baptized on earth for their fathers and ancestors who have died without being baptized. In this way the children, who receive this baptism for others, now dead, become “vicarious saviours” and have their faith strengthened by these good works. (pp. 151 -152) Thus the one baptized on earth is “acting as proxy for the dead.” (P. 153) Of course, he alleges, those in the spirit world may reject the blessings made available by proxy, but they are not compelled or hindered from the exercise of their free moral agency. (P. 153) All this is allegedly sustained by 1 Corinthians 15:29 (P 149), by visitation of an angel to Joseph Smith in 1823 and in 1836, (pp. 150 -151), and by the teaching of Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 128:18. (P. 151 ).

II. Response to the Doctrine

A. The present work will not discuss I Peter 3:19 -20: 4:6 although these verses are alleged in support of the doctrine. Brother Guy N. Woods has discussed these verses in his commentary and in a major article in the Gospel Advocate (July 31, 1975). Suffice to say, these verses do not teach a second chance for disobedient people, after death, to hear and obey the gospel. The great gulf which could not be crossed between the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:26) and the fact that we will be judged according to deeds done in the body (2 Cor. 5:10) show there is no second chance after death.

B. Several aspects of the doctrine are not reconcilable with other aspects. For example, the idea that those, as the Pharisees and lawyers, who reject baptism and are “forfeiting their claim to salvation” clashes with the idea of “vicarious saviours” who later are baptized by proxy for them How can it be that one forfeits salvation but may later have a vicarious saviour? Since baptism, by proxy we are told, is only one of several “associated ordinances” does this mean that a “vicarious saviour” could observe the Lord’s Supper, pay tithes, etc., for the disobedient departed spirit who is not able to do so for himself?

The Book of Mormon, Alma 34:32- 36, teaches that the present life is the time to prepare to meet God and if one does not so prepare in this life “the night of the darkness” comes “wherein no labor can be performed.” How can this be made to fit with the view of a second chance after death? Also a final inconsistency to be noted in that between the prerequisites of baptism according to L.D.S. doctrine and the vicarious baptism allegedly performed If one lacks faith and repentance, as per their doctrine, his baptism is invalid. But, the dead, for whom this “proxy” baptism is allegedly performed, did not believe and repent before death.

How can the one being baptized by proxy know the act on his part is not rendered invalid because this disembodied spirit, in whose stead he is baptized, is without faith and repentance at the time of his proxy baptism? Can the one undergoing proxy baptism on earth know the intended recipient, in the spirit world, has believed and repented, though he died without belief and repentance? If he can, how does he know this? If he cannot, what is the status of this proxy act, on earth, during the interval between its performance and the proper faith and repentance on the part of the intended recipient? Does it simply float around in some ethereal storage house for proxy baptisms until the intended recipient, perhaps thousands of spirit world years later, decides to respond to the baptism of his vicarious benefactor by proxy baptism?

C. The “proxy baptism,” “vicarious saviour doctrine” of L.D.S., in order to sustain itself, must not only remove such inconsistencies as noted, but it must also show that the whole concept of proxy baptism is taught in the Bible, and that the vicarious baptism interpretation alone is the true interpretation of 1 Cor. 15:29. Instead, at least two other views of the passage are possible.

1. First, it is the case that the Greek word huper, in the expression “for the dead,” is defined by Thayer (P 639) as meaning “on account of, for the sake of” something or somebody. He explains by saying huper is used “of the impelling or moving cause” on account of which anything is done. He refers to such passages as the following to support this view: Acts 5:41, 9:16, 15:26, 2 Thess. 1:5, 2 Cor 12:10, John 6:51, John 11:4, Rom. 15:8, Phil. 2:13, 2 Cor. 1:6, Eph. 3:1, 13, 5:20, etc.

Arndt and Gingrich (P. 846) state concerning huper that it is used “to denote the moving cause or the reason because of, for the sake of,” and refers to verbs of suffering where it gives “the reason for it.” Verses cited as reflecting this meaning are: Acts 5:41, 9:16, 21:13, Phil. 1 :29, 2 Thess. 1:5, Eph. 5:20, Rom. 15:9, etc. Eminent commentators reflect this use of the term huper, as well, such as Robertson and Plummer, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, P. 359; and G. G. Findlay, Expositors Greek Testament, II, 931. Thus the verse refers to those who, out of regard for a dead Christian friend who previously taught them by word and deed, are baptized in obedience to Christ.

2. A second view, held by such men as G. R. Beasley-Murray,2 regards the verse as an ad hominem argument against an importation from possibly mystery religions or other Hellenic religions. The Corinthians were following this practice of Greek non-Christian religion and Paul refers to it to show the inconsistency of their practicing such by denying the resurrection. He thus demonstrated their inconsistency without arguing with their practice.

Thus, since no one today can believe, repent, or confess faith in Christ for another by “proxy,” we conclude for the same reason no one can today receive baptism for another. On either view set forth above, the verse, and hence the Bible does not teach the L.D.S. doctrine of baptism for the dead.

FOOTNOTES

1. James E. Talmage, A Study of the ArticIes of Faith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1964).

2. G. R. Beasley- Murray, Baptism in the New Testament (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1962), pp. 185 -192.

Baptism of the Dead vs. The Bible

Baptism of the Dead vs. The Bible-Continued

5 posted on 02/27/2011 3:49:48 PM PST by greyfoxx39 (Examples of Serious Crimes of Illegal Aliens at www.fairus.org)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: aMorePerfectUnion
Repost with updated links..

Mormonism is not Christianity (read below)

Statement of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod
Statement of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
Statement of the Roman Catholic Church
Statement of the Southern Baptist Convention
Statement of the Assemblies of God Church

6 posted on 02/27/2011 3:52:49 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion (.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: greyfoxx39
Ezra Taft Benson was ordained and set apart as the thirteenth President of the Church on November 10, 1985.

"When I [Ezra Taft Benson]became President of the Twelve and Spencer W. Kimball became President of the Church, we met, just the two of us, every week after our Thursday meetings in the temple, just to be sure that things were properly coordinated between the Twelve and the First Presidency. After one of those first meetings, we talked about the many sacred documents in some of the older temples. St. George was mentioned in particular because St. George is our oldest temple in Utah. I had a stake conference down there about that time, and it was agreed that I would go into the archives -- the walk-in vault -- of that great temple and review the sacred documents that were there. We were planning for the remodeling and renovating of the St. George Temple and thought that the records might possibly be moved to Salt Lake for safekeeping. And there in the St. George Temple I saw what I had always hoped and prayed that someday I would see. Ever since I returned as a humble missionary and first learned that the Founding Fathers had appeared in that temple, I wanted to see the record. And I saw the record. They did appear to Wilford Woodruff twice and asked why the work hadn't been done for them. They had founded this country and the Constitution of this land, and they had been true to those principles. Later the work was done for them.

In the archives of the temple, I saw in a book, in bold handwriting, the names of the Founding Fathers and others, including Columbus and other great Americans, for whom the work had been done in the house of the Lord. This is all one great program on both sides of the veil. We are fortunate to be engaged in it on this side of the veil. I think the Lord expects us to take an active part in preserving the Constitution and our freedom.

The Founding Fathers of this nation, those great men, appeared within those sacred walls of the St. George Temple and had their vicarious work done for them. President Wilford Woodruff spoke of it in these words: "Before I left St. George, the spirits of the dead gathered around me, wanting to know why we did not redeem them. Said they, `You have had the use of the Endowment House for a number of years, and yet nothing has ever been done for us. We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God.'"

After he became President of the Church, President Wilford Woodruff declared that "those men who laid the foundation of this American government were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits [and] were inspired of the Lord."

The temple work for the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence and other Founding Fathers has been done. All these appeared to Wilford Woodruff when he was president of the St. George Temple. President George Washington was ordained a high priest at that time. You will also be interested to know that, according to Wilford Woodruff's journal, John Wesley, Benjamin Franklin, and Christopher Columbus were also ordained high priests at that time. When one casts doubt about the character of these noble sons of God, I believe he or she will have to answer to the God of heaven for it. Yes, with Lincoln I say: "To add brightness to the sun or glory to the name of Washington is . . . impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name and in its deathless splendor, leave it shining on."



Source: Benson, Ezra Taft, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988. 602 -

 

Link

7 posted on 02/27/2011 3:53:24 PM PST by greyfoxx39 (Examples of Serious Crimes of Illegal Aliens at www.fairus.org)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: greyfoxx39
The Articles of Faith
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Founder: Joseph Smith

8 posted on 02/27/2011 4:05:51 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion (.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: greyfoxx39
From the article: Inasmuch as we obey His commandments and are faithful to our covenants, we are blessed to expect a joyful family reunited and crowned with eternal life. In the words of Jesus Christ: “[The dead] shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). Regarding this verse, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Some shall rise to the everlasting burnings of God; … and some shall rise to the damnation of their own filthiness, which is as exquisite a torment as the lake of fire and brimstone.”

Joseph Smith's version of salvation:

Perdition and the Three Degrees of Glory

Doctrine and Covenants 76:30-112; 131:1-4

 

Eternal Habitation

Verse

Actions/Works

Consequences

Perdition

(no Kingdom or Glory)

31

Known & partaken of God’s power

 

31

Suffered selves to be overcome by devil

 

31

Deny the truth and defy God’s power

 

33

 

Vessels of wrath

33

 

Doomed to suffer wrath of God

34

 

No forgiveness in this world/world to come

35

Denied Holy Spirit after receiving it

 

35

Denied Only Begotten Son

 

35

Crucified Son unto themselves, to an open shame

 

36

 

Go into lake of fire/brimstone w/ devil and angels

37

 

Only ones whom second death shall have any power

38

 

Not be redeemed in due time of the Lord

48

 

The end, width, height, depth and misery none understand

 

 

 

 

Celestial Kingdom

51

Received testimony of Jesus

 

51

Believed in Christ’s name

 

51

Baptized in water in his name

 

52

Keep commandments

 

52

 

Washed and cleanses from sins

52

Receive the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands by one ordained

 

52, 53

Sealed by power of the Spirit

 

53

Overcome by faith

 

53

 

Holy Spirit shed on them

54

 

The Church of the Firstborn

55

 

Father gives all things into their hands

56

 

Are priests and kings

56

 

Received of God’s fullness and glory

57

 

Priests after the order of the Only Begotten Son

58

 

They are gods/sons of God

59

 

All things are theirs

60

 

Shall overcome all things

62

 

Shall dwell in God’s and Christ’s presence forever

63

 

Shall come with Christ to reign over the earth

64

 

Have part in the first resurrection

65

 

Come forth in resurrection of the just

66

 

Have come unto Mount Zion, city of living God, holiest of all

67

 

Come to general assembly and church of Enoch/Firstborn

68

 

Names written in heaven

69

 

Are just men made perfect through Jesus

70

 

Bodies are celestial, glory as the glory of God

131:2

Enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage

Enter into highest heaven/degree in celestial kingdom

131:3-4

Does not enter into covenant

Cannot have an increase

 

 

 

 

Terrestrial Kingdom

72

Died without the law

 

73

Spirits kept in prison

 

74

Received testimony of Christ in spirit world

 

75

Honorable men of the earth

 

75

Blinded by craftiness of men

 

76

 

Received glory but not fullness

77

Received presence of Son, but not the Father

 

78

 

Bodies are terrestrial

79

Not valiant in the testimony of Jesus

Obtain not crown over kingdom of God

 

 

 

 

Telestial Kingdom

82

Received not gospel of Christ

 

82

Received not testimony of Jesus

 

83

Deny not the Holy Spirit

 

84

 

Thrust down to hell

85

 

Not redeemed from devil till Christ has finished his work

86

Received not of Christ’ fullness in eternal world

 

86

Received Holy Spirit through ministration of the terrestrial

 

88

Receive the administering of angels

 

88

Heirs of salvation

 

89

 

Telestial surpasses all understanding

99-100

Those who are  some of one and some of another

 

102

 

Not be gathered with the saints, church of the Firstborn

103

Are liars, adulterers, whoremongers, loves and makes lies

 

104

 

Suffered wrath of God on earth

105

 

Suffer the vengeance of eternal fire

106

 

Suffer the wrath of God until fullness of times

109

 

Were as innumerable as the stars

112

 

Be servants of God

112

 

Cannot go where God and Christ dwell

 

Link

According to Joseph Smith, one must follow mormonism's rules and regulations and rituals either living or dead, or be sent to a lower kingdom..

As to exaltation, "only mormons need apply."

9 posted on 02/27/2011 4:07:19 PM PST by greyfoxx39 (Examples of Serious Crimes of Illegal Aliens at www.fairus.org)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: greyfoxx39
What really makes me sick is that the LDS wrote fake scripture which actually have made-up words that Jesus supposedly said.

Here is an example from the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 28. Jesus is supposedly somewhere in the Americas shortly after his resurrection and speaking to his OTHER gang of 12 apostles.

Words of Jesus acording to LDS scripture

He's basically asking them to make a wish. Nine were promised to live until they were at least 72 and three were were changed "in the twinkling of an eye from mortal to immortal" and allowed to remain on the earth until the second coming.

Note - it is Mormon doctrine that these thee "Nephites" are still roaming the Earth, doing what who knows.

If you call yourself a Christian and you read these words falsely attributed to your God and King, and you are not compelled to fight against it, I don't know what to say about you.

10 posted on 02/28/2011 8:06:48 AM PST by T Minus Four ("If Mormonism were a cult, I would know it and I would not be in it")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: Paragon Defender

11 posted on 02/28/2011 10:52:27 AM PST by Godzilla (3-7-77)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson