the Word of God is
Marty the Mormon
Remember
- Marty may not be aware of the Mormon church's official doctrine, so many of the above mentioned facts might come as surprise to him. If this happens, don't get distracted with trying to prove you are right unless you believe it will help get Marty closer to trusting Christ.
- Marty may use the words and phrases that sound Biblically true (Jesus Christ, Son of God, salvation by faith, etc.), but actually mean something entirely different. Because of this, it is critical that you make sure you mean the same thing. For instance, if Marty says, "I am trusting in Christ for my salvation," you can ask these questions:
- "What do you mean by salvation?"
- "How do you define Jesus?"
- "Are you trusting in Christ alone for your salvation?"
Basics
The official name of the Mormon Church today is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
Joseph Smith founded the Mormon Church when he was 24 years old, in the state of New York on April 6, 1830 . It was originally named the Church of Christ , but the name was changed in 1834 to the Church of the Latter Day Saints. In 1838 it received its current name ( Doctrine and Covenants , Sec.115:4).
The official LDS web site lists the December 31, 2004 worldwide church membership at 12,275,822. At the beginning of 2005, there were approximately 5,599,177 LDS members in the United States and approximately 6,676,645 members outside of the USA . Most of those outside of the USA are in Latin American countries.
Joseph Smith founded the Mormon Church when he was 24 years old, in the state of New York on April 6, 1830 . It was originally named the Church of Christ , but the name was changed in 1834 to the Church of the Latter Day Saints. In 1838 it received its current name ( Doctrine and Covenants , Sec.115:4).
The official LDS web site lists the December 31, 2004 worldwide church membership at 12,275,822. At the beginning of 2005, there were approximately 5,599,177 LDS members in the United States and approximately 6,676,645 members outside of the USA . Most of those outside of the USA are in Latin American countries.
Beliefs
Marty believes that the Church of Latter Day Saints is the one and only true church on earth. He believes that the church became utterly corrupt soon after the Apostles, so God decided to restore the true church through Joseph Smith. Because of this, Marty believes all other denominations (Baptist, Lutheran, etc.) are false churches (in other words, not following God).
About God
Marty believes God was once a man, but became God. God has a physical body as does His wife (Heavenly Mother).
About Jesus
Marty believes that Jesus is a separate God from the Father (Elohim). He was created as spirit by the Father and Mother in heaven, and is the 'elder brother' of all people and spirit beings. His body was created as a result of a sexual union between God the Father and Mary. Jesus was married. His death on the cross does not pay for the sins of all people, but does provide everyone with resurrection.
About trinity
Marty does not believe in the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods.
About afterlife
Marty believes that eventually nearly everyone goes to one of three levels of heaven. Only apostates and murderers go to 'outer darkness'.
About salvation
Marty believes salvation is defined as being physically resurrected and exalted to godhood (i.e. becoming a god). People are saved by trusting in Christ and doing good works.
About Scripture
Marty believes what the eighth LDS Article of Faith states: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" - which means Joseph Smith's interpretation or selected portions from the King James. The Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the teachings of Mormon Prophets are on the same level of authority as the Bible.