THE CROSS
Newsletter
May 2025
THEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES
THE BIBLE vs. MORMONISM (LDS-thought)
The first portion of this article is a copy from last month’s newsletter. I am reemphasizing the theological differences. This month we will look at theological concepts numbered 8. THE CROSS, 9. PLACE IN HEAVEN, 10. BAPTISM.
The January and February Newsletters (2025) compared LDS-thought regarding ‘GOD’ and ‘JESUS’, respectively, with the Bible. The differences between the two are obvious. The LDS-God and the LDS-Jesus ARE NOT equivalent to the creator God of the universe and his son Jesus.
When Joseph Smith presented the Book of Mormon to the world in 1830, it was supposed to supersede all that was in the Bible. But it was not enough. Later in 1833 Doctrine and Covenants (D and C) was presented as a new revelation. D and C became an official part of Mormonism in August 1835. After Joseph Smith’s death in 1844 a new revelation named The Pearl of Great Price was canonized in the 1880 General Conference. It purports to be further new revelations of Joseph Smith dated 1838, later published in 1842.
The purpose of this demonstrates the developmental nature of Mormon theology. It is continuing revelation which is a fundamental LDS concept.
The Bible stands in stark comparison. The God of the Bible, being omniscient, never had to update any of His revelation. It is ‘one and done’.
As the comparisons are done between LDS and Biblical teachings one will observe most support does not come from The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, or The Pearl of Great Price, but from future church leaders after the Utah migration.
I am restating again; Christian denominations unite on basic Bible truths. The LDS organization is currently claiming to be a Christian denomination. The LDS theology is NOT the same as the Bible. The LDS Corporation is not a denomination!
Only the differences will be listed. For documentation of the Bible and Mormon literature you will need to contact Concerned Christians to order your copies of NO COMPARISON. Please state the quantity you need, your name, mailing address and email address. Your telephone number is also helpful.
NO COMPARISON is considered the best tool for educating Christians and Mormons about differences in theology!
THE CROSS
The Bible
- Christ died on the cross to bear our sin. Therefore, it is a reminder of redemption by the blood of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:17-24, Galatians 6:12-15)
Mormon (LDS teaching)
The cross is somehow related to pagan beliefs and so is not displayed anywhere in ward buildings or temples nor are they worn.
PLACE IN HEAVEN
The Bible
- A place in heaven is being prepared for us by Christ (John 14:1-3) who gave us the way by dying on the cross in our place for our sins. We could never be rewarded with a place in heaven by being “good” by our own efforts. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah64:6). When we recognize our helplessness to save ourselves by living righteous lives, we can only look up and say, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:10-14) and then thank him for his merciful act of sending His Son to die in our place. (Titus 3:4-7, Galatians 3, Galatians 5:4, Philippians 3:3-9)
Mormon (LDS teaching)
- Place is in one of three heavens, earned by good works.
BAPTISM
The Bible
- Baptism is in Jesus Christ, not membership into a Church. (Galatians 3:27) Our old sinful self is crucified with Him. “Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4-5)
- There is not a second chance for salvation after death. (Ecclesiastes 9:10, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 6:2)
Mormon (LDS teaching)
- To become a member of the Mormon Church and may be performed only by one having authority of the priesthood.
- Baptism by proxy is performed in the temple for those already dead.
Remember, contact us immediately to receive your copies of NO COMPARISON. There are no charges for materials or shipping costs. Donations are appreciated.
Look forward to meeting new Mormon missionaries or Mormon neighbors knowing you have something positive to offer them.
Gary Keating
Podcasts – A Monthly Focus
At Concerned Christians, we are committed to sharing stories of those who are seeking truth. As we leave the LDS organization, many of us struggle to make sense out of our purpose, who God is, and our identity in Christ.
Below is Sandra Tanner’s story shared in September 2007 of leaving the LDS faith and coming to know Christ with her husband, Jerald. Thank you, Sandra Tanner, for your legacy in Christ and Utah Lighthouse Ministry.
(credit to Kauai Christian Fellowship)
From Mormonism to Christ – An Evening with Sandra Tanner
As always, you may visit our website for our own stories of leaving the LDS church and finding the Biblical Jesus Christ.
LDS CARE AND SOCIAL GROUP
Our hope at this ministry is to love and support all who have ties to the LDS church. Many of our loved ones attend the LDS church, are raising children in that faith, or we ourselves grew up in the LDS religion and culture. We may have questions about the ever-changing policies and doctrine of the church. We might have friends and neighbors who are LDS and have questions about the information and changes that have recently occurred in the LDS church.
We are rekindling a group that we held regularly in the early 2000s but with renewed focus and leadership. The LDS Care Group is a safe space for both former and current LDS Church members to share, encourage, wrestle, and grow in their Christian faith journeys with others who have similar life experiences, challenges, and culture. Currently, we meet near Dobson & Ray in Chandler. Please email Kristine Nelson at [email protected] if interested. Or call: 480-833-2537
If we have faith then why do we need to know all the rest of the stuff in the Bible? The Bible is God’s story of himself to us. He has told us everything we need to know in this life about himself. The more we learn and understand the more we love him and want to be in his will. Read your Bible every day!
Lord’s Blessings,
Paulette
If you are changing your email address in the future, please do not forget to make those changes in the preferences link at the bottom of the page. If you ever have questions, please call Concerned Christians at 480-833-2537 or email us at
If you prefer to pen a check please mail it to:
PO BOX 18, Mesa, AZ 85211
Concerned Christians is a Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. We thank you for your support.
| We at Concerned Christians do meet every week. If you are not local, please set that time aside to voice your concerns from your prayer space. If you are local and would like to attend, we ask you to call 480-833-2537 for time, day and directions. We truly look forward to meeting and praying with you in the War Room. We ask that you add Concerned Christians to your prayer list along with any other Mormon witnessing group you are familiar. The importance of intercessory prayer cannot be stressed enough. We have seen God grant many blessings to us over the years. If you have a ministry related request please send us a short email. [email protected] “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” I Thessalonians 1:2 We pray for opportunities to speak with Christians because we firmly believe “It is easier to keep them out than to get them out.”If you would be interested in sharing your testimony of being delivered from the LDS Corporation into the family of the triune God, please send it to [email protected] Please include contact information. |
|---|
