THE wisdom of the statement found in Evangelism, page 484, has been proved repeatedly while working with the Mormon people:
Christ drew the hearts of His hearers to Him by the manifestation of His love, and then, little by little, as they were able to bear it, He unfolded to them the great truths of the kingdom. We also must learn to adapt our labors to the condition of the people to meet men where they are. If we hope to work successfully with the Mormon people, we must understand them and the faith that makes them what they are. There is no foolproof or easy way to reach the Mormons. We must be co-workers with God, guided by the Holy Spirit, knowing enough about their attitudes and beliefs so that we can place our strokes where they will count.
The attitude of the Mormons to the Bible is perhaps the first problem that con fronts us. They believe that the Bible is the Word of God only as far as it is translated correctly. They have been taught that the Bible is true only where it agrees with the teaching of their own books and their prophets. The writings of the Mormon prophets are used to test the Bible, not the Bible to test the prophet. They consider as scripture the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. If there is a variance between the Bible and these books, they are instructed to give preference to the latter.
On September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith, a young boy, was sleeping in an upper room in a little village of Manchester, New York, when an angel appeared to him. This angel claimed to be Moroni, a man who had lived in America many centuries be fore. This being told him that if he would go to the west side of the hill Cumorah, not far from Manchester, he would find a stone box. Inside this box was a book made of golden plates fastened together with links and with it, two sacred stones called the Urim and Thummim, through which he could translate the writings of the golden plates. Joseph found the stone box and was about to take the golden plates when the angel Moroni appeared again and told him not to take them, but to come back every year for four years. He did this until 1827, when the angel came and brought him the golden plates and the stones. The angel told him to write and instructed him that his writings would be a new Bible.
The Most Correct Book on Earth
The Book of Mormon, this new Bible, cornerstone of the Mormon faith, is considered by them to be the most correct book on earth. "In council with the twelve apostles," Joseph Smith wrote, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book." A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, p. 273.
The Book of Mormon, "the most correct book on earth," reveals a god of confusion and contradiction. God forbids Adam and Eve to eat the fruit, but hopes they will; the entire plan of peopling the earth and redeeming man from the fall will fail unless they disobey His command (see 2 Nephi 2:22, 25). It reveals a god who curses the hard of heart and all of their posterity with dark skins and blesses the righteous with white skins (see 2 Nephi 5:21; 3 Nephi 2:15). He speaks strongly against concubines, plural wives, adulterers, secret combinations, and oaths, yet all of these sins are condoned and taught in later revelations from the same god.
The most serious charge that can be brought against the three sacred books of the Mormon faith is the fact that they undermine faith in the integrity of the Bible, while professing to teach that it is the Word of God.
A Schism Forms
There was a schism in the church after the death of Joseph Smith; it seemed that the church would disintegrate. Two main groups arose from this schism: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with its headquarters in Independence, Missouri.
These two groups differ in their theology. If we are to work successfully with these people, we must be familiar with their backgrounds and how they differ.
Shortly after the death of Joseph Smith, June 27, 1844, Sidney Rigdon claimed divine revelation had shown that he was to be the new president. As president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Brigham Young had the practical foresight and judgment to argue that only the Quorum had the divine authority to decide the successor. Since he was the president of the twelve, it was obvious who the successor should be. The Smith family refused to accept Brigham Young. William Smith claimed the leadership for himself until his nephew, young Joseph, the son of the prophet, would be of age.
Sidney Rigdon lost out and went to Pennsylvania and soon after was excommunicated. The main body turned to Young and under his leadership in 1846, began its tedious journey to Salt Lake. Over the years, since its establishment in Utah, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become wealthy and influential and has experienced a phenomenal growth.
Of all the offshoots, only the one connected with Joseph Smith's son has had any measure of success. In 1860, Joseph Smith, III, was established as the president of the new organization of the church known today as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints head quartered in Independence, Missouri.
This group rejected polygamy and the doctrine of plural gods. They do not accept the teaching that temple ordinances are essential before one may obtain exaltation, or the highest degree of glory. They do not accept the later changes and additions found in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.
To work successfully with this group, it is important, if using their three books of scripture, to quote only from the early editions that they accept as valid. You will find, when working with either one of these groups, that a simple study of the Bible showing how to compare text with text, how one Bible text becomes the key to unlock the meaning of another so that the Bible interprets itself, is the best approach. Presenting prophecy in a simple and effective manner does much to convince them that the Bible is true and speaks with divine authority. Keep ever before them the wonderful harmony of the Bible teaching throughout the whole book on any one subject.
The Mormons and the Second Advent
The Mormon people believe as we do that we are living in the last days, and they are interested in the prophecies. The prophecies of the second chapter of Daniel and Matthew 24 are excellent ones to be gin with. These prophecies not only prove that we are living in the time of the end, but they can be presented to Mormons in such a way as to arouse them to the preparation necessary in order to meet Jesus when He returns. This is important and needed. Teach them how and why Jesus will come. Emphasize that every eye will see Christ at His coming, that He will appear to all men not just a little, select group. Help them to see that only those who live for and love the Lord and obey Him will be ready for His coming.
The Mormons believe that the second coming of Christ will follow the Gathering of Adam-ondi-Ahman. Daniel 7:9, "I be held till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, . . ." is used along with their own revelations found in Doctrine and Covenants to teach this doctrine of Adam-ondi-Ahman. Sections 29:26 and 27:11 of Doctrine and Covenants state that the Ancient of Days, our ancient father, is none other than Adam—and that Adam also is Michael, the Archangel. This gathering at Adam-ondi-Ahman, as they call it, prepares the way for the second coming of Christ. At this gathering, the keys of authority, dominion, and power are handed down from the acting Mormon prophet at the time to each prophet of the Mormon church and finally to Adam who returns the keys to Christ.
At this time the judgment will begin; Adam will direct the judgment. He will also sound the trumpet calling all dead to awake. Adam is the father of all, the prince of all, and holds the keys of salvation for this earth (see Doctrine and Covenant, Sec. 27:11 and 78:16). The world will not know of this grand council; only those who are called to it will be aware of it. This gathering at Adam-ondi-Ahman shall precede the coming of Jesus as a thief in the night.
When the coming of Christ takes place, the bodies of the saints will be resurrected and a new earth will be created for them. They will receive that degree of glory they have earned here in this present world, and they will live with their families forever. Men who have been sealed to wife or wives in the temple can then progress until they attain to the position of gods, with the power of a god to create new worlds and people them throughout eternity. All who are not sealed will be angels, who will serve the gods (see Doctrine and Covenant 132:15-21).
When working with the Utah Mormons, one of the first questions asked is "Where do you get your authority?" And "Do you believe in vicarious works for the dead?" In connection with this, they will ask if we believe in "celestial marriage" and "eternal progression to godhood." These questions must be answered and explained in terms Mormons understand. Much is involved in answering their questions. Our answers cannot be understood unless the proper foundation is laid from the Bible. I have found it most effective to let them write down the questions they would like explained, and to build answers around their questions. This provides an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with their thinking and doctrinal needs.
The Mormon people do not understand the problem of sin or the atonement. They believe that all things are to be restored again in these latter-days, or as they would say, "In this last dispensation." With the restoration of the Aaronic priesthood their doctrines even go so far as to state that animal sacrifices will again be offered.
The Priesthood and the Temple
They say that they have the authority of laying on of hands. This authority was given on May 15, 1829, to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by the hand of John the Baptist, who came in his immortalized state and conferred upon them the lesser of Aaronic priesthood. Shortly after this event, Peter, James, and John supposedly appeared to Joseph and Oliver and ordained the two to the higher, or Melchizedek, priesthood. This order of priesthood holds all authority and power necessary to restore to the earth the true church. They teach that only the Mormon priesthood has the power to bestow the Holy Spirit upon believers by the laying on of hands. With out this priesthood there is no authority to preach. Even baptism avails nothing unless it is performed by one who has been authorized by the Deity by the laying on of hands to officiate in the holy name.
A detailed study of the sanctuary and its services offers us a wonderful opportunity to present to them the way of Christ, and the need of the atonement. Sin is then seen in its proper light, and the need for conversion is felt. We must build truth clearly so that there will be no doubt in the Mormon mind that the whole Levitical system of types and shadows met its fulfillment in Christ. They will be led to understand that it is contrary to God's great plan of salvation to have temple work and an Aaronic priesthood restored in these latter days. They will realize that Christ is the only one who could possibly hold the office of the Melchizedek high priest.
After these facts are clearly established in their minds, it is well to compare the eighty-fourth and sixty-eighth Sections of Doctrines and Covenants with chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Hebrews. Instill the thought that, without their man-made priesthood, the Mormon church has no authority. Christ gives the authority to the church that follows and teaches all of God's Word.
When the sanctuary and priesthood studies have been given, make an appeal. A decision should be made to accept Christ as the high priest. To the Mormon mind, the subject of the priesthood and authority is of the utmost importance. If you prove to them that this so-called authority or priesthood is unscriptural, then the whole system of Mormonism falls, for "all other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood." Many of them will be unacquainted with their own teachings concerning this priesthood or authority. They do not realize just how far-reaching their claims are. You must lead them gently but firmly to break away from these teachings.
Introducing the Sabbath Truth
If the right foundation has been laid, by the time the Sabbath truths are presented, the Mormon student has developed an ap preciation and respect for the Bible as the Word of God. After the true Sabbath day has been pointed out and proved from the Bible, it is sometimes advisable to read the Ten Commandments as found in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 13, and especially verses 18 and 19. Bring to their attention that the Book of Mormon also teaches them that they are to keep all of the Ten Commandments including the seventh-day Sabbath (see 3 Nephi 3:18-20), and that the people of Nephi observed and kept the Sabbath (see Jarom 1:5). If honest in heart, the Mormon student cannot help but be convinced by the clear-cut proof that God's original rest day still remains and that the true Christian is duty-bound to keep it.
The decision of changing over to an other rest day is a new and great experience. They may admit that the Bible clearly teaches this duty, but they may now lack the courage to step out. Pressure will be put upon them, and it will take a great deal of courage and faith to stand for truth. When a Mormon leaves the church, it may mean being disowned by his family and friends. He must find a whole new way of life. Here we must be understanding and patient and give the help that is needed. You cannot do this unless you have become close to him. Excuses will be made why the Sabbath cannot be kept to day. We cannot brush these aside for many of them exist as real problems. Apply Bible texts that will help them to understand the obstacle that is preventing the decision.
The Condition of Man in Death
Mormonism is a form of spiritism. As a result of this, one of the most difficult subjects to present to them is the state of the dead. The Utah Mormons teach that man was first an intelligence, The Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 3:22, 23. Then man was born into a pre-existent spirit world with a heavenly father and mother (see The Pearl of Great Price, Moses 3:27, 28). At death this immortal spirit goes to spirit prison and then to Paradise (Alma 40:11, 12). From Paradise man appears before the judgment bar (Alma 12:12, 13). Then he goes to one of the three degrees of glory (see Doctrines and Covenants, Sec. 76:51- 88).
Their belief in the nature of God and man is summed up in this well-known Mormon quotation: "As man now is, God once was: as God now is, man may become." To be permitted entrance into the highest degree in heaven, you must have gone through the temple and received your endowments. You have been married for time and eternity. They believe it is their duty to do temple work for those who have died and are waiting in spirit prison for some one to do their temple work so they can go on to progression. There can be no progression until this temple work is completed. Death is not considered an enemy but a blessing, a time of graduation when man can go on to progress into godhood.
When introducing the subject "What Happens to Man in Death?" first give a detailed study on the characteristics of God, bringing to their attention the exalted nature of our heavenly Father. Second, this lesson is followed by an explanation of Christ's relationship to His Father, proving His Deity, and agreeing with them that Christ did have a pre-earth life. Third, give a study on the nature of man and his place in God's great plan. It is important that this lesson prove to them that man did not have a pre-earth life. Fourth, now we deal with the question, "What does happen to man at death?"
It is important to reinforce our view on the state of the dead in its relationship to other doctrines. We must prove to the Mormon mind that all vicarious work for the dead will avail nothing. We must help them to understand that now is the time of salvation—not after we are dead. Emphasize that immortality will become a reality when Jesus returns, but not before.
Tact and Understanding
To work effectually with the Mormon people we must have a strong hold upon God. We will meet superstition and fear. Most of these people have had experiences with the dead coming back to them and urging them to do their temple work. We must know from personal experience what God expects of us. We must understand the power of God to save, and of Satan to destroy. We must not censure or ridicule these people who are deceived and groping their way out of error. With tenderness we must reveal the spirit of Christ in exposing error.
The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints is so named because it claims to offer the fullness of the revelation God has given to mankind through Jesus Christ—a fullness which has been reserved for these latter days. The attitudes of the Mormon people regarding Joseph Smith make it imperative for us to use tact and a great deal of wisdom when introducing the Spirit of Prophecy. It is a mistake to openly attack the character or writing of Joseph Smith. They will feel duty bound to defend him. We must help the Mormon individual to see for himself that the Spirit of Prophecy or "latter-day revelation" as they call it, is a perfect counterfeit of the true Spirit of Prophecy that the Bible states will be in God's remnant church.
Ellen G. White and Joseph Smith arose about the same time. As you read some of the early visions and instruction of Joseph Smith and compare them with the visions and instructions of Mrs. White, you cannot help but see that Mormonism is the counterfeit of the Seventh-day Advent message. Mrs. White shows us our need of being clothed in Christ's righteousness. Joseph Smith tells of man-made white garments that the "true" saints will wear.
Within the Advent message is a health reform. In the Mormon church they have a health reform, only it is called the Word of Wisdom. Mrs. White was shown the importance of the work of Christ in the heavenly temple as our high priest. Joseph Smith was shown that temples must be built upon the earth and that man is to hold this office of Melchizedek high priest and do his own temple work. We are taught that we are sealed to God by the Holy Spirit and that Christ is our mediator, while the Mormon people seal themselves and their departed loved ones.
Several weeks before I introduce the Spirit of Prophecy to the Mormon student, I have found it beneficial to loan books written by Mrs. White such as The Desire of Ages and Steps to Christ, saying nothing of the author until they have become acquainted with her through her works. The first lesson on the Spirit of Prophecy is usually a very general one showing the need for the prophetic gift within the church and how God uses it. This is fol lowed by the Bible tests for determining the true gift from the false. Apply the Bible tests to the works and life of Mrs. White and the Mormon prophets.
Use Scripture Persuasively
When the hour of decision arrives, the appeal must become the very call of God to the struggling soul. When bringing a Mormon to this decision hour, we must be sympathetic and realize the tremendous struggle that many of these dear people go through. If they have gone through the temple, they have taken death oaths and are held by fear. The Mormon missionaries keep in close touch with the members of their church that you study with, bringing confusion and controversy. Scripture, timely and pointed, must be tactfully, persuasively, and directly aimed at the soul in the balance. The claims of God on a soul are more important than any argument and are His method to bring about this most important decision. Help them to know how much God loves them and what evidences He has given of His love.
Stay close to these new converts. Make sure they are really grounded in the mes sage. Help them find their place in their new church home and become involved in the church program. Remember that they must adjust to a whole new way of life. The Mormon church supplies its members with an active social program. They have planned social activities for each age group. If we are to hold these new members and their children, we must provide them with activities to take the place of those things they no longer care to do.
There is a great and wonderful work yet to be accomplished among the Mormon people. May God help us find the honest in heart among them and lead them to Him before probation closes.
