Jesus of Mormonism v. Jesus of Christianity

23 December

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

As we approach Christmas Day, we believe it’s important for this ministry to loudly proclaim the whole reason for the season, as the saying goes! That said, over the next few days we’re looking at the basics of both Christianity, and Mormonism. Our topic:

Who is Jesus?

We’re looking at the very basics of what God has revealed about His Son through His word, and comparing it with what Mormon leaders have always taught about Him. To be sure, the LDS references we’re looking at aren’t some obscure blips of info pulled from a dusty old shelf, rather, these are common teachings/doctrines of Mormonism all members will be able to recognize, and affirm, this is the god they worship.

Today we’re starting off with looking at Matthew 1:23 –

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

This verse is one of the fulfillments of Isaiah 7:14. For a moment, think upon the scenario Isaiah laid before the Israelites. It was 700 years before the birth of the Savior, so this verse had been well known long before you, and I, or even Joe Smith came along.

Only those who’ve doubted God would reject this awesome prophecy, and go out of their way to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the unknowing. Joseph Smith was merely one in a long list of those who’ve done the same.

You can read historical accounts from when King Jehoiakim ordered the leaves of scriptures to be burned at his summer home (Jeremiah 36:20-26), to Voltaire who surmised Christianity would become obscure within 100 yrs. (The Geneva Bible Society ended up buying his home, and printed Bibles from the very table he used to write about his hatred for God). The list is long and varied, so Smith and his ideas should just get in line with all the others.

There are a few key elements to look at in this very short text in Matthew so be sure not to overlook them! They include the following

1.A virgin

2.Jesus known as ‘Emmanuel’

3.The name Emmanuel means, ‘God with us’

The context of what we have in God’s word is pretty self-explanatory. Jesus was born of a virgin, and was known as Emmanuel. This means Jesus is God.

Now, let’s look at what Mormons believe about our Lord. The following reference can be found in our article, ‘What do Mormons Think of the Virgin Mary’.

Wilford Woodruff

Adam (God) Fathered Jesus

Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, April 9, 1852; “Who begat the Son of God? Infidels say that Jesus was a bastard, but let me tell you the truth concerning that matter. Our Father begat all the spirits that were, before any tabernacles were made. When our Father came into the garden, He came with His celestial body and brought one of His wives with Him and ate of the fruit of the garden until He could beget a tabernacle, and Adam is Michael or God and all the God that we have anything to do with. They eat of this fruit and formed the first tabernacle that was formed. And when the Virgin Mary was begotten with child, it was by the Father and in no other way, in no other way, only as we were begotten. I will tell you the truth as it is in God. The world don’t know that Jesus Christ our elder brother was begotten by our Father in Heaven. Handle it as you please, it will either seal the damnation or salvation of man. He was begotten by the Father and not by the Holy Ghost.” – Wilford Woodruff

As you can see, Mr. Woodruff’s explanation of Jesus is far different than what we read in scripture!

1.Mormon Jesus not born of a virgin

2.Mormon Jesus not God incarnate

3.Mormon Jesus not begotten by the Holy Ghost

4.Mormon god is Adam, who is also Michael, the Archangel

Bottom line: if you want to know the Jesus of the Bible, you won’t find Him in Mormonism. Regrettably, He’s not there.

Please, take the time to share the truth with a Mormon you know, and as always, don’t forget to pray!

You might also want to ask the Mormon you know why they’d sing traditional Christmas songs when they don’t actually believe in what they’re singing.

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor 1:18

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