Monday, November 27, 2017

The Verse That Refutes Mormonism

Actually the entire Bible refutes Mormonism, but it can be refuted by just one verse from the Bible.  

(Isaiah 43:10) "You are my witnesses, declares the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.  Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." (ESV)

Mormonism is perhaps the most polytheistic religion in the world.  The Mormons believe in an infinite or unlimited number of gods. They believe that individuals can become gods through obedience.  They also believe humans can become gods of their own planets.  Mormons believe that God was once a man who became a god.  They believe that God had a father and a mother, and that he has a wife. The Mormons do not believe that God is eternal, but they do believe that matter is eternal.  

When we look at the last part of Isaiah 43:10, "Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me", it is quite obvious that Mormonism is in direct contradiction with the Word of God.  The Bible teaches that there is one God and besides him there is no other. There were no gods before the LORD and there will be no gods after him.  There is one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the Trinity.  They are not three different gods as the Mormons teach.  

Mormons are told that they can become like God.  Where have we heard this before?  In Genesis 3:5 the serpent (that is the devil) told Adam and Eve, "you will become like God."  Of course the devil deceived Adam and Eve with the ultimate lie.  They did not become like God but plunged the whole human race under the sin curse.  Desiring to be a god is not a good desire at all, it is actually outright rebellion against the one, true God.  

Mormonism is not Christianity at all.  In fact Christian apologist James White even says that Islam is closer to Christianity than Mormonism is.  Mormonism is a false religion founded by a false prophet named Joseph Smith (see Deuteronomy 13:1-7).  Christians should not consider Mormons to be fellow Christians.  Mormons are terribly deceived and in rebellion against the one, true God.  Isaiah 43:10 clearly exposes Mormonism as a heresy.      

Monday, November 20, 2017

God Of Salvation

(Psalm 68:19-20) "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.  Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death." (ESV)

In their immediate context these verses refer to God's preservation and protection of Israel.  He daily bears Israel up.  He saves them from their adversaries and gives them victory over their enemies.  At the same time these verses also point to an even greater salvation accomplished by the Lord.  God will save his people from their sins.  

(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (ESV) 

The words "For God so loved the world" would have been a shocking statement at this time. God chose to save a people for himself composed not only of Jews but also of Gentiles.  God's people is no longer just Israel but his people are from all nations now. God sent his only, unique Son (Jesus) to save his people from their sins.  Whoever believes in him (trusts in him alone) for salvation will have eternal life, that is eternal blessing.  Whoever rejects Jesus will perish, that is suffer eternal judgement.  

All humans have sinned against a holy God and have therefore incurred the wrath of God.  God sent Jesus to save us from the wrath to come.  Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of his people and provided them with his perfect righteousness.  Christ was raised from the dead victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  

This salvation is completely the work of God. We contribute nothing to the accomplishment of our salvation.  It is totally by grace, our works cannot merit salvation.  One must realize he is a sinner, he must repent of his sins and trust in Christ alone.  Jesus is the only way to heaven, all other paths lead to hell.