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The only credible source of information regarding Jesus of Nazareth is the Bible. The Old Testament foretells Him approximately 300 times. The four Gospel accounts record His brief earthly life of 33 years (basically, only the last 3-1/2 years thereof). The remainder of the New Testament centers upon Him and His doctrine.
Various cults and sects foreign to the New Testament claim to “believe in Jesus.” When their doctrines are compared with the Bible, however, their “Jesus” is actually a “JINO” (“Jesus In Name Only”). A case in point is the “Jesus” of the Mormon cult (“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints”):
- Preincarnation: The Bible states that the preincarnate Jesus was the eternal Word Who possessed full Godhood, created all things, and is God’s only begotten Son (John 1: 1–4, 14; 3:16; Phi. 2:5–11; Col. 2:8–10; Heb. 1:1–3; et al.). Mormonism teaches that Jesus is the firstborn and mightiest of many “spirit children” of God Whom He physically fathered by numerous “spirit wives” (in His material planet-home, no less) (Doctrine and Covenants, Gospel Principles, et al.). The Mormon “Jesus” is therefore not eternal (i.e., without beginning), nor is he the “only begotten” son of God. Holy Writ knows nothing of the Mormon “Jesus.” Attributing physical existence and fatherhood to God the Father in an outer-space dwelling is fantasy equal to the tallest tales of “science fiction.”
- Incarnation: According to the Bible, Mary, while still a virgin, conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, rather than by normal physical impregnation (Isa. 7:14; Mat. 1:18; Luke 1:26–35). Mormonism’s “Jesus” resulted from physical sexual intercourse between God the Father and Mary (McConkie, Talmage, et al.). This revolting heresy denies the inspired record, demotes the Father to humankind, and produces a “Jesus” unknown (either to Mary and Joseph or to the New Testament!) that is both disgusting and utterly blasphemous.
- Marriage: Jesus taught that marriage between one man and one woman is an honorable (because Divinely authorized) relationship (Gen. 2:24; Mat. 19:4–9; Heb. 13:4; et al.). While no hint exists in the Gospel accounts that the Lord even thought of marrying, the Mormon “Jesus” was married at Cana (John 2:1–11), was a polygamist (with at least three wives), and produced children (Journal of Discourses). Such vile fiction appears to be a lame attempt to sanction Joseph Smith’s and Brigham Young’s unbridled sexual lusts and their resultant respective harems. Mormons must have a “Jesus” who was married since their doctrine decrees that unmarried persons cannot attain “godhood” (Doctrine and Covenants). Blasphemy is too mild a term to describe the novel creature Mormons call “Jesus.”
Mormonism contains several other errors relating to our Lord (e.g., being a “spirit- brother” of Satan, sharing “saviorhood” with Joseph Smith, denying the blood atonement, et al.). Clearly, the Mormon Church is not “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-[or earlier] Day Saints.”
[Note: I wrote this article for and it appeared in the Denton Record-Chronicle, Denton, TX, March 2, 2012.]
Attribution: From TheScripturecache.com, owned and administered by Dub McClish.
