As you probably well have noticed, there have been a rash of commercials on TV, inviting lost souls to "come home" to the Catholic Church, or wandering souls to find their sense of purpose in the Church of Scientology, and now, as I have just seen, an invitation for souls who feel bad about what they've done (their words, not mine) to join the Mormom Church a.k.a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Many people simply write these religions off as just another branch, or sect of Christianity. After-all, the Mormon Church and the Catholic Church use key "Christian" words and phrases. You have prominent Mormon figures, namely Glenn Beck, who have a multitude of ears tuned in each day as he speaks of the need to go back to the Bible, go back to God, and that Jesus died for our sins. And undiscerning multitudes are swallowing it hook, line, and sinker.
Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The group being spoken of are the Bereans, being preached to by the Apostle Paul. Paul is not just a "character" common to every "holy" book, nor is he a mythological creature. He was a real man. He was a Jew, "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee." Phil 3:5. He was a persecutor of believers in Jesus Christ, holding firm to the very Jewish law he was raised in, to the utter rejection of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. But that all changed one day in what we call the "Demascus Conversion." He was in route to persecute more Christians and was suddenly stopped by a loud voice from Heaven, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." And the Lord sent Ananias to explain to Saul/Paul was he was to do, "But the Lord said unto him <Ananias>, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."
Why do I mention this story from the Book of Acts? It is necessary to establish Paul, as first, a persecutor of Christians, and eventually, one who was personally spoken to by Jesus Christ, quickly repented, and was saved of His blood.
Now, if Paul was personally granted the Gospel, not through the words of any man, but by Christ Himself, then he is someone with great legitimacy, and someone whose words were to be regarded. Nevertheless, the Bereans he preached to STILL searched the Scriptures for themselves to prove that which Paul was teaching to make sure it was in alignment and not to the contrary! And did Paul become upset, were his feelings hurt because they didn't just take his word for it? On the contrary, he praised them, calling them noble, and rejoicing in the Lord for the practice of their faith!
Where are all the Bereans?
Why do people not look deeper into what they are hearing, rather than take people's word for it? If Paul could not escape the close scrutiny of Scripture, then why do we accept anything less from any other who claims they have the "truth"?
The cult of Scientology (Popular adherents include Greta Van Susteren of Fox News, Tom Cruise, and John Travolta) can quickly be disregarded on one verse alone: Jesus says of Himself, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." Jn 14:6 Any religion that does not claim Christ should be avoided. Scientology teaches that one can attain god-hood through enlightenment…and enough money. Scientology is an expensive belief system, which is why it is largely only followed by the wealthy. They believe in extra-terrestrials and believe in a super ET that provided enlightenment for man. No- I'm not kidding.
Mormons, Catholics, and Jehovah's Witnesses require more insight as they claim a base knowledge of Scripture and contain a "Christ" figure. Jesus warns that in the last days just prior to His return there would arise many false christs that would lead the multitudes astray. One must examine the christ they claim to worship to see if his qualities match up to Scripture.
Catholics worship one of the many false christs. I realize I am stepping on toes, but Hebrews tells us, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" and it is "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." 1 Peter 2:8. I do not seek to placate, but to tell Truth! Jesus says of Himself, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." Lk 12:51. Galatians 4:16, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"
The Catholic "christ" readily climbs into a piece of bread and glass of wine once a week, or more often if you are so inclined, for, what they call, the "bloodless sacrifice" for the remission of sins. Hebrews tells us, "…and without shedding of blood is no remission." Further, we are told, "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10:10-14. "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." Romans 6:10. 1 Peter 3:18, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…"
Hebrews 7:27, "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself." Hebrews 9:26-28, "For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
Once! Are you getting the message? Christ sits at the right hand of God after having offered Himself ONCE for the remission of sins. It is blasphemy to say He regularly indwells a mere piece of bread to be worshiped, adored, and ingested. Further, the Catholic Church advocates for the worship of Biblical and non-Biblical saints alike, the Pope, and the Queen of Heaven, a.k.a Mary. Of course, this Mary they worship is not the Biblical Mary, mother of Jesus, as she was just a woman, obeying the Lord, but, rather, the Queen of Heaven mentioned in the book of Jeremiah. When one researches the characteristics of both, you will see they are eerily familiar- both claiming to have enlightened knowledge and, the current "Mary" claims to be a "co-redemptress" with Christ. Why, Christ being God, having given Himself once for all sins, would a "co-redemptress" be necessary?
The Pope is another issue. He is placed on the same level as God. He is described as the "vicar" of Christ- which either can mean "substitute for" or "anti". Scripture warns that the anti-christ will accept worship unto himself that is due only to God. Have you ever watched crowds swoon and weep when they look at the Pope, or how they faint when in his presence? Or how he holds out his hand and allows people to kiss it, as if he is Christ? In the Catholic cult, the Pope is considered infallible and the final authority on all matters, no matter that their many edicts completely contradict Scripture. In the Catholic church, "commoners" are not considered able to read and interpret Scripture for themselves, as it is best left to the priests and leaders to tell you what the Scripture says. And their Scripture is absolutely false. As in every other belief system in the world, they didn't like what God's Word had to say, so they perverted it and twisted it to accommodate what they wanted to agree with and believe. 2 Tim 4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." For example, they regularly pray to icons and statues, even though God's Word strictly forbids it in the 10 Commandments. So- what did they do? Got rid of that commandment, creating two new sub-commandments in its stead. Convenient. Also, they pray repetitive prayers over and over even though Christ warns against it, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Matt 6:7
Are you getting the point? There is absolutely nothing Biblical about the Catholic religion, save their eerie similarity to the Mystery Religions of the days of Nimrod- which, by the way, is exactly what they are- although baptized with "Christian-ese." Yeah- Christ-mass, Ishtar (Easter)- these are the very festivals celebrated in those days unto the false gods. The Catholics adapted them and now the world is swallowing eggnog and deceit- every April and December. Again, I say, be a Berean and check it out for yourself.
Both the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons (Popular adherents include Glenn Beck and Mitt Romney) claim Christ was the Son of God and that he willingly died for our sins. And now I ask, when these visitors show up at your door, can you discern the deception within these two cults and turn the tables, sharing the true message of salvation? Most shrug them off and say, "Thanks but no thanks." Although Scripture exhorts us, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Tim 4:2 And Jude 1:3, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Preach the Word. Contend. Not shut the door and throw away their papers. Or worse yet, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." Many will rejoice in their shared salvation with the deceivers at their door. The second book of John exhorts us, "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
Neither of the aforementioned cults claim that Christ IS God in the flesh, despite his repeated claims to the contrary. Christ refers to Himself as the I AM, a name saved only for God. Further, think about the story of Nathanael who prayed, all alone, underneath a tree. Later in the day, when he first met Christ, "Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." How in the world could a mere man, who was not God, see Nathanael all alone under that tree when omniscience is saved only unto God?
They both also revere an extra-Biblical book written by a mere man, whom they claim to be a prophet of God. The gift of God unto man was that he closed up extra revelation after the Apostolic period to save us from false prophets. He offered us His Holy Word to consult, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim 3:16. Done. It contains all we need. We do not need all of these self-ordained apostles and prophets of God giving us their vain philosophies. Col 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." And Scripture plainly says, "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 2 Jn 1:7. 1 John 2:18, "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time."
I got on the Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) website to examine their "fruits". Matthew 7:15-20, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." I closely read their statement of faith. I noticed huge errors right away. From their website:
God sent Jesus Christ to earth to give us a way to overcome our imperfections.
Let us, again, go to the Word.
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John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
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John 3:17, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved"
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John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
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Matthew 10:34-36, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."
In just these few examples, I do not see Him say He sent His Son to give us a way to overcome our "imperfections." Subsequently, I abhor the ear-tickling phrase "imperfections." A lovely little way to say "sin." Imperfections are moles, birthmarks, malformed body parts, a lazy eye, a hair lip- but sin? Tis not an "imperfection", but rebellion and disobedience against our Creator. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." Isaiah 59:2, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Sin is serious! Those who do not repent of their sins will not inherit eternal life, but will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
On Repentance, again from their site:
Making bad decisions causes us to feel sorrow, but Jesus Christ made a way for us to be forgiven.
Does it matter how we feel? Our society is so obsessed with ourselves and everything has to be about how we feel about it. I'm sure Christ hung, nailed to a cross, so you could feel better about yourself. His death did not pave a way for us to vindicate our guilt and to be able to look at ourselves in the mirror, but to allow us the ability to pray to God for forgiveness and to be saved. Paul says, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." He was aware of his great sin and of Christ's great gift, and it had nothing to do with his sorrow, but rather his thanksgiving to Christ for His great sacrifice. And, here we are back to "bad decisions." It is called SIN! You cannot truly repent if you are convinced that you are not a sinner, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:18
Also from their site:
Having faith in Jesus Christ makes us want to live good lives. When we make mistakes, our faith can motivate us to do better. God understood when He created the earth that we wouldn’t be perfect, so He provided a way for us to make right the things we do wrong.
God understood when He created the earth that we wouldn't be perfect? Wrong! On the contrary, God did create man sinless and in perfect harmony with Him in the beginning- it was man who chose to disobey God (sin), thereby creating the eternal separation that could NEVER be made right by man's efforts. He graciously sent His Son to live a sinless life to die the death you deserve for your sin! It is by nothing we do- but by everything He did!
To say we have to repent for our sins may sound like a punishment, but the real punishment is the disappointment we feel when we make a mistake.
Forbid we undergo punishment for our willfull sin! This is ridiculous. Repentance is a gift! How in the world can one complain about having to repent when Jesus willingly underwent the suffering of the cross- again, I say, a death you deserved to die! "For the wages of sin is death." The real punishment? Eternal separation from God in Hell. Disappointment doesn't begin to touch the punishment of Hell.
One of the followers states on the website, "I love when the Savior taught about being true to your own self." Where? Following our "self" will lead us to Hell. Following "self" is exactly the lie Satan is trying to sell to the world, well, has successfully sold. If you search their site, you see mentioned several "verses", but look closer- none of them are from the Bible, rather from the Book of Morman. That is NOT the Bible!
From their site: "Many of the things that weigh us down are not the result of sin. Death or illness of loved ones, stress at work or the difficulty of raising a family can sometimes overwhelm us. Jesus Christ said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). As soon as we are willing to turn to Him, we will feel His love." Everything that happens is the result of sin! And Christ's words remind us that, through His death on the cross, we can repent and he will give our souls eternal rest. This has nothing to do with your happiness. Again- get over yourself! Christ was not spit on, mocked, and crucified that you may be happy. No- he died that you may have life!
Also from their site: "God is our Heavenly Father, and like any parent He wants His children to be happy. In the scriptures, He says “my work and my glory [is] to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Eternal life means to live in heaven, in His presence, with our families, forever. More than anything else, God wants us to make the decisions that will allow us to return to live with Him after this life." Where at in Scripture can we find that God wants us to be happy. It's not that I think God is opposed to our happiness, but he certainly does not bite His nails figuring out how to make that happen for us. He graciously provided us with a means for salvation. Not so that we are happy little helium balloons. Second of all, their verse reference is not in the Bible. Third of all, He wants us to be in Heaven with our families forever? Jesus says Himself, "But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Our "families" are those fellow brethren saved in Christ- not necessarily our earthly families.
What you will never find in bold letters about the Mormon Church is that they profess that Jesus and Lucifer are half-brothers, born of the same spirit. They will not tell you that they believe Heaven is a planet given to each, individual male follower, populated by many women with whom they can eternally procreate with. Men rule a planet, and women give birth- for.all.eternity. They also teach that one can attain god-hood.
These cults are all the same. A belief that man can attain enlightenment beyond ourselves. Not surprising. It's the same lie Satan sold to Eve, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Gen 3:5. And man continually takes the fruit.
The very sad truth is that there are so many ecumenical accords being signed today, blurring the lines of religion, creating the perfect environment for the rise and deception of that man of perdition- the anti-christ. Scripture says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." True Christians know better. And they do not take people's word for it. Those who have their names written in the Book of Life will rejoice over this article and those who are perishing will gnash their teeth. I am not offended. My hope and salvation are secure.
Lk 18:8, "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"
