Joseph Smith’s Principles

29 November

Joseph Smith 8History of the Church 6:223; “It mattereth not whether the principle of the gospel is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone on it”

 

 

Proverbs 18:1-2Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But that his heart may discover itself.”

Today we’re comparing what Mr. Smith said to God’s word!

One thing’s for certain, Smith did indeed remain true to the principle of the Mormon gospel. Unfortunately though, he didn’t stand alone in his convictions.

Because of terminology differences the Church has encumbered itself with, it’s important to look up the definition of key words they use in a sentence.

Today that word is ‘gospel’. As we all know, the Mormon gospel is vastly different from the word gospel in the Bible.  You can find Smith’s definition for this in The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 354-355 –

“The first principles of man are self-existent with God. God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself.

The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge…This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them.”

Translation: The Mormon gospel entails a godhood status for mankind, and man was with God before He created (organized) elements of the earth; aka pre-existence.

From God’s word we know gospel means, ‘good news’! It’s a relatively simple explanation of Jesus’ message to mankind . The good news is that God’s promise of a Messiah for His people had arrived! Salvation for all mankind was available because of Him!

The transliteration for gospel is ‘euangelion’ which is a derivative of ‘euangelizō’.  The meanings for both words are very similar, and carries the following definitions: good message, glad tidings, good news, declare, preach, evangelize, et al. Collectively speaking, they’re in the Bible 132 times.

Interestingly, our bible verse today also gives us imperative instructions on the ‘principles’ of men. Check this out!

The transliteration of intermeddle is gālaʿ, which means to be obstinate, or to meddle (with). This fits Joe Smith to a ‘t’! He was always in everyone’s business but his own…

Additionally, Matthew Henry’s Commentary provided two opinions for the passage in Proverbs, which we agree with Henry, could be taken in one of two ways. One of the insights he provided was as follows –

“When men take a pride in separating themselves from the sentiments and society of others, in contradicting all that has been said before them and advancing new notions of their own, which, though ever so absurd, they are wedded to, it is to gratify a desire or lust of vain-glory, and they are seekers and meddlers with that which does not belong to them.

He seeks according to his desire, and intermeddles with every business, pretends to pass a judgment upon every man’s matter. He is morose and supercilious. Those generally are so that are opinionative and conceited, and they thus make themselves ridiculous, and are vexatious to others.”

Again, the analysis of Smith’s demeanor was spot on, just as the word ‘intermeddle’, and causes us to stop and think about Joe Smith’s gospel. Does it align itself with God’s word?

If it doesn’t whose gospel are you going to stand upon? Joe Smith’s gospel, or Jesus’ gospel?

If it’s Smith’s gospel, how is being separated from Jesus for all eternity good news? Is this what you envision when  you think upon eternity?

Is an eternity of more work like we see here on earth what you’re looking forward to?

What about eternal pregnancies. or eternal polygamy?

Why are these topics the utmost of importance, and spending time worshiping Jesus the King of heaven, not on the radar for most Mormons?

Where does Jesus fit in with the Mormon gospel?

Does He have a place in the Mormon gospel?

If so, what does Jesus do in the hereafter when a Mormon is supposedly spending eternity on their own planet after earning godhood status?

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