Love Your Mormon Neighbors

The Gospel Coalition.org ^ | Feb. 4, 2013 | John Divito

[Colofornian]

I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as Mormonism. Since my parents were active members of the LDS Church, I went to church every Sunday. And like many of those raised in the church, I had a testimony, was baptized when I turned 8, received the Aaronic priesthood at 12, and had a temple recommend. But as I grew older, I became less interested in my Mormon faith. So at age 18, instead of serving my two-year mission as I had been raised to do, I decided to go to college.

While I was pursuing my bachelor's degree, I came to trust in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation. Through my own study and hearing the Word taught at a campus ministry, I knew that I deserved God's punishment for my sins. I also knew that Mormonism did not have the answer, because I could never be good enough to gain eternal life. I came to faith in Christ, resting solely in what he had done for me—he fully paid for my sins on the cross, and in him I received his perfection and righteousness. Because of Christ, I have been reconciled to God and adopted as his son. Praise God for his free gift of salvation!

Continuing to Love Mormons

Now that I have been saved, I continue to have a deep love for Mormons and a strong desire for them to know hope and rest in Christ. Over the years, I have found that if they were not raised in the LDS Church then they generally became interested because of the care and love they received from Mormons. I also know that some became attracted to Mormonism because of their high moral standards and devotion to family. But however one becomes a Latter-day Saint, I am convinced that the teaching of the LDS Church does not provide true hope or security for eternal life. With millions of Mormons worldwide and their aggressive plan for expansion, I pray that all genuine believers will recognize that God has called us to reach out to Mormons with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Will you join with me? Then let me provide you with some counsel.

Love Your Mormon Neighbors

Yes, I am stating the obvious, but is it really so easy? We slam the door in the faces of Mormon missionaries. We tend to avoid our Mormon coworkers because of their weird beliefs and practices (don't they wear holy underwear?). We may even mock Mormons on our blogs, Facebook, Twitter, or other public forums. Maybe we should stop and ask ourselves why we act this way, repenting if necessary. We should love our Mormon neighbors, getting to know them and developing relationships with them as friends. Here's an idea: The next time we see Mormon missionaries, let us invite them over for dinner, enjoying their company.

Recognize Their Need for Christ

Scripture shows us why there are other religions in the world. According to the apostle Paul, unbelievers suppress the truth by their unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). So other religions are essentially counterfeit worldviews created by men who desire to keep living in sin and rebellion against God. We see this in religions that corrupt God's general revelation in creation (Romans 1:19ff), and we also see this in religions that corrupt God's special revelation in Scripture. The apostle Paul warns us against those who come and proclaim another Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel (Galatians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 11:4). So not everyone who claims to believe in Jesus Christ is a genuine believer. When you compare what Mormons teach with God's revelation in the Bible, you will quickly see that their teaching is not the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). They need to believe in the true gospel of the true Christ with the true Spirit. Will you love them enough to share this gospel of hope with them?

Study Their Religion

If you were going to be a missionary in the Middle East, you would obviously have to understand the beliefs of Islam in order to effectively communicate the gospel to Muslims. It is no different when seeking to evangelize Mormons. You must recognize the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. Thankfully, there are many resources easily available today to help you. I would suggest Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson as a worthwhile comparison between Mormonism and evangelical Christianity. I also highly recommend Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons by Mark J. Cares. This book may be harder to find, but its "Dictionary of Mormonese" alone is worth the price. Since Mormons often "use the same language as Christians but with a different dictionary," you must understand how they use words to effectively share the gospel with them.

Learn Their Culture

Because of the LDS Church's history and unique identity, Mormonism is not merely a set of religious beliefs—it is also a culture. You should learn how Mormons live, what they value, and other important aspects of their culture. While I sometimes disagree with David Rowe and think he is too critical of traditional countercult apologetic efforts, I still recommend his book I Love Mormons because he insightfully explains and interacts with Mormon culture.

Treat Them Individually

When evangelizing Mormons, we should not debate Mormonism as an abstract system. We should be lovingly engaging with a real, living Mormon person. Most Mormons are not theological scholars. They are usually more interested in living a good and moral life. As a result of the LDS Church's emphasis on morality and family and a general lack of doctrinal understanding among its members, many Mormons today are unfamiliar with historic and even contemporary LDS Church teaching. We cannot assume that just because the church has taught something, an individual Mormon believes it. You need to take the time to know what your Latter-day Saint friend believes and then respond to his or her faith in light of the truth of God's Word.

Pray for Their Salvation

Salvation is of God, not man. Your persuasiveness or intellectual ability will not convince Mormons of the truth—only the Holy Spirit can open their hearts. As evangelical campus minister Will Metzger reminds us: "Prayer for others is the supreme God-ordained method in evangelism. Unless God changes a person's heart, nothing lasting will be achieved. Prayer is a means of raising dead sinners to life!" While we may be tempted to trust in our own abilities when evangelizing a Mormon, we must trust in God to give faith to those who hear the gospel. This critical truth must never be overlooked.

Have Confidence in Christ

I have talked to many Christians who believe that Mormons are somehow harder to win to Christ than others. While I recognize that there are challenges, all unbelievers are dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). The salvation of Mormons is no more difficult for God than that of any other unbeliever. We should faithfully proclaim the gospel to Mormons, trusting in Christ to draw them to himself. Let us rest in his strength to save Mormons for his glory!

John Divito is a former Mormon, a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv 2007), and currently serves as the administrator for the Midwest Center for Theological Studies in Owensboro, Kentucky. He also serves as a deacon at Heritage Baptist Church.

[JoeProBono]

[WKB]

Ping

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“IF, you really believe that, IF, you are strong in your conviction, you wouldn’t need to disparage other beliefs.”

It is amazing that Christ, Peter, Paul, etc. had your principle so very wrong!

[ejonesie22]

I have studied my own faith, in depth. That is why I know your interpretation of the “remove the log” comment is misplaced.

There is far more to Christianity then what is now the “all paths are equal” hippie version of the faith that is being pushed by politically correct ministers in modern America this day and age.

[Colofornian]

IF, you really believe that, [re: John 14:6] IF, you are strong in your conviction, you wouldn't need to disparage other beliefs. You, are weak, study your own FAITH, REMOVE THE LOG.

(Well, by your own conclusion, then...since you accuse me of being "weak" in my convictions and having a "LOG" in my spiritual eyes...is that not already TWO "disparagements" you've sent my way just in your one post? And, therefore, if you are disparaging my beliefs, does that not then -- by your own conclusions -- mean that you are "weak" in your convictions and need to "remove the log"???)

Ron, you've committed a classic self-refutation.

IF, what you say is so, then no Christian has any right to say ANYTHING negative 'bout any other religion (even Satanism).

Oh, and btw, by your own confession of Las Vegas standards, that includes critics like you who come on board and start disparaging others' religious expressions...

[metmom]

IF, you really believe that, IF, you are strong in your conviction, you wouldn't need to disparage other beliefs.

You, are weak, study your own FAITH, REMOVE THE LOG.

Galatians 2:11 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.

It's not a sign of weakness to confront error face to face. It's an act of love.

[JAKraig]

The salvation of Mormons is no more difficult for God than that of any other unbeliever. . . .

_____________________________________________________________

Whenever I hear this kind of remark about Mormons I no longer trust the motive of the person making such a comment. Whatever you say about Mormons, they are not unbelievers.

I know a lot about mormons, likely much more than most of you. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ. They believe in the Jesus that was born of Mary, suffered under Pilot and rose from the dead after suffering and dying on the cross.

Mormons believe that there is no way to heaven except through Jesus Christ.

The way they come unto Jesus may be different than some but I have never met a more trusting in the Savior people than the Mormons. Mormons do not believe in works except in the same way that James in the New Testament does. “Show me your works and I’ll show you your faith”. “Faith without works is dead”.

I am reminded that those that had not done the things they were supposed to were kicked out of the early church. In at least one case a husband and wife were struck down dead for not giving “all” their possessions to the church after saying they had.

The Mormons require sacrifice, is that bad?

The Mormons require proof of worthiness to go to the temple just like the Catholics (are supposed to ) require proof of worthiness to take communion. I sure wish they did, there would be a lot of Democrat politicians that would no longer be Catholic.

We are all different. I personally do not think the Apostles, or Nician Creed makes you Christian. There are many people who can and do recite the Creed but will be going straight to Hell. For the first 50 years of the creed there was not strict obedience required to it. It really took 50 years for it to become the “law of the land”.

I think there will be a lot of Mormons in Heaven. We may all have a lot of surprises on the other side.

[metmom]

The Jesus Mormons believe in is not God Incarnate or virgin born. He was born of Mary, one of God’s many wives whom he had sex with. The Mormon Jesus is Lucifer’s half-brother.

They can say they believe in Jesus all they want, but if they don’t believe in the Jesus as presented in Scripture, that Jesus is not going to be able to save them.

Do you really have any idea how many of the people on these threads are former Mormon’s?

I HIGHLY doubt that you know more about Mormonism that someone who has been in it.

[ejonesie22]

I always love how irony and hypocrisy are roommates...

[Colofornian]

I personally do not think the Apostles, or Nician Creed makes you Christian. There are many people who can and do recite the Creed but will be going straight to Hell.

What about those people who openly disparage these creeds?

It's one thing not to recite it; 'tis quite another to label them as "putrid" -- an "abomination" before God...and then to call 100% of those who "profess" Christ in non-Mormon sects as "corrupt."

You just can't get around the reality that 100% of TBMs...(true-believing Mormons) believe in the First Vision...that the above "entities" who supposedly appeared to Smith told them that these creeds were abominable and that the rest of us are "corrupt..."

The First Vision isn't wasting away in some obscure Mormon file somewhere; it's been enshrined as "Scripture" in the Pearl of Great Price ... republished literally millions of times by Lds...and translated and sent around the world.

Mormons are Christian creed-bashers, JAK...

[Colofornian]

The Mormons require sacrifice, is that bad?

(Well, we know for sure it was in the the 1850s, 1860s, etc. when Brigham Young required church members to be victimized by either agreeing to have their blood shed for perceived sins vs. "the brethren..." or, more often, when these victims themselves didn't agree with Brother Young's preachment of blood atonement...yet were imposed upon by Young's henchmen...Jesus Christ shed His blood for us, thank you; and no Mormon needed to have their blood shed as "atonement" for their own sins...How does all of this apply to contemporary Mormons??? Well, I have yet to hear of a single active temple Mormon openly condemn Brigham as a false prophet for teaching this).

[ejonesie22]

I never made that comment, and you are correct, they are not unbelievers, they very much believe in what they are told, or believe in keeping the deception going depending on their role.

Your missive misses on very salient point, no matter how many times the Mormons speak of the name Jesus, by their own scripture it is not the same as the Christ of the Christian faith. So by those standards, the ones that count they are not following Christ either by their own choice or through deception by the very faith they support. So what the believe is wrong. Rather simple really.

If you know so much about the Mormon faith and understand Christianity you would know this, for it is very clear. The one thing Las Vegas Ron got right, no one gets to Father except through him. The correct him.

Of course the most interesting thing in all of your posts over the years is that if memory serves your spouse in LDS. You speak very highly of them and seem to take issue with those who say their believes are incorrect, which of course means you think they are valid. I know I have asked this to no avail before, but why are you not LDS yourself. It would lend far more “umph” to your argument if you would put your faith where your keyboard is...

[ejonesie22]

I never made that comment, and you are correct, they are not unbelievers, they very much believe in what they are told, or believe in keeping the deception going depending on their role.

Your missive misses on very salient point, no matter how many times the Mormons speak of the name Jesus, by their own scripture it is not the same as the Christ of the Christian faith. So by those standards, the ones that count they are not following Christ either by their own choice or through deception by the very faith they support. So what the believe is wrong. Rather simple really.

If you know so much about the Mormon faith and understand Christianity you would know this, for it is very clear. The one thing Las Vegas Ron got right, no one gets to Father except through him. The correct him.

Of course the most interesting thing in all of your posts over the years is that if memory serves your spouse in LDS. You speak very highly of them and seem to take issue with those who say their believes are incorrect, which of course means you think they are valid. I know I have asked this to no avail before, but why are you not LDS yourself. It would lend far more “umph” to your argument if you would put your faith where your keyboard is...

[P-Marlowe]

The Mormons require proof of worthiness to go to the temple just like the Catholics (are supposed to ) require proof of worthiness to take communion.

Wow that's a new one on me. The Catholic decides for himself whether or not he or she can take communion "worthily". The LDS member must submit himself to a committee who checks his membership status, checks the treasury to make sure he has been giving 10% of his income to the Church and not smoking or drinking or going out in public without putting on his magic underwear. He must submit himself to a barrage of embarrassing questions about his personal life and affirm that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God and that the LDS Church is the Only True Church on the face of the planet in order to earn the privilege of going into the temple and having his private parts washed by some Temple helper.

Obviously you don't know enough about either Catholicism or Mormonism to judge either.

Don't compare Catholicism with Mormonism. They are not merely two different churches they are two different Religions.

[Tennessee Nana]

New Agers believe in Jesus too...

Some of them have a Jesus for their spirit guide...

But they are just like the Mormons

They are not Christians...

[svcw]

Based on the first few comments you made here, I would say you know nothing of momornism or Christianity.
The mormon jesus was conceived by Mary having physical sex with a god.
The mormon jesus is a half brother of satan.
The mormon jesus is not sufficient for salvation.
The mormon jesus is second to Joseph Smith.
The mormon jesus is not pay the price on the cross but in the garden.
momornism teach that Joseph Smith is grater than their jesus.
mormonism teaches that jesus is not sufficient for salvation.
mormonism teaches salvation must be worked for.
mormonism teaches that god was once a man.
mormonism teaches multi-gods.
When mormons say jesus they are not talking about the Biblical Jesus.

[D-fendr]

This article is the best you’ve posted in my memory.

I wish that it could serve as a guide for discussion for all on FR.

[MHGinTN]

Here's something borrowed from Freeper William Clark, illustrating how one can have faith in 'a' Christ but not the true Savior Christ:

"I always like to use the analogy of Jim Caviezel [In Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of The Christ']. Like the Mormon Jesus, he dressed the part, spoke the same words (in the original language, no less), and was referred to as Jesus Christ within a specific context, but it makes all the difference in the world whether one worships and depends upon him for their salvation or the genuine article."

[hosepipe]

I do not understand what you mean by this: / But I am not smart enough to determine which is which..

---

Who will be included in salvation and who will not..
If you know... well... God Bless You.. if not... God Bless you anyway...
I like things simple.. What is... “IS” and what isn’t..... “Isn’t”..

[Elsie]

IF, you really believe that, IF, you are strong in your conviction, you wouldn't need to disparage other beliefs.

You, are weak, study your own FAITH, REMOVE THE LOG.

Oh?

IF one knows a bit more of the BIBLE other than a verse or two then...

 

Acts 17:18-19
 18.  A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
 19.  Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

 

Acts 18:11
    So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 15:4
 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

 

 

Romans 16:17
   I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

 

 

1 Corinthians 4:17
   For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

 

 

1 Corinthians 11:2
 2.  I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings,  just as I passed them on to you.

 

 

Ephesians 4:14-15
 14.  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
 15.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:15
   So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings  we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

 

 

2 Thessalonians 3:6
  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching  you received from us.

 

 

1 Timothy 1:3-4
 3.  As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer
 4.  nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith.

 

 

1 Timothy 1:7
  They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

 

 

1 Timothy 2:7
   And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

 

 

1 Timothy 4:1-2
 1.  The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
 2.  Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

 

 

1 Timothy 4:6
   If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

 

 

1 Timothy 4:11
  Command and teach these things.

 

 

1 Timothy 6:3-5
 3.  If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
 4.  he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 
 5.  and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

 

 

2 Timothy 1:13
  What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 2 Timothy 2:15-17
 15.  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
 16.  Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
 17.  Their teaching will spread like gangrene.

 

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17
 16.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
 17.  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

 

 2 Timothy 4:3-4
  3.  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
  4.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

 

 

Titus 1:11
   They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach--and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

 

 

Titus 2:1
  You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

 

 

Titus 2:15
  These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

 

 

 Hebrews 13:9
 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

 

 

 2 Peter 2:1-3
 1.  But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.
 2.  Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
 3.  In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

 

 

2 John 1:10
  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.