President Nelson’s Visit to Chile

04 December

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” – John 17:3

In a recent visit to Chile for a temple dedication, President Russell M. Nelson and other church leaders took the time to speak to the youth.

As I read over some of the things, my heart broke for the youth in the audience who were listening to what they said. Below are a few quotes from their visit.

Nelson told the youth – “We cannot reach God’s eternal celestial glory without the ordinances of the temple,” …. “Obedience to sacred temple covenants qualifies us for eternal life — the greatest of all of God’s gifts to His children.”

As a side note you may recall from our other articles, or from personal knowledge, Mormons believe there are three levels/kingdoms of heaven (Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial). In Mormon language, when Nelson speaks of ‘eternal celestial glory’ he’s speaking of exaltation, and becoming a god.

As we compare what Nelson said to biblical truth, we learn there is nothing we can do to ‘qualify’ for the gift of eternal life God graciously wants to give us. Our good works, and personal righteousness are filthy rags to Him (Isaiah 64:6). The only way that we can be cleansed of our sin is the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7), and righteousness is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. (Romans 3:21-22).

As a Mormon I spent so much of my time worrying if I was doing all I should and if I would qualify, as Nelson said for celestial glory. The first step to qualifying is making sure you are worthy to attend the temple. This is something that is ingrained in Mormons from a very young age. When they reach the age of 12, and begin attending their youth classes this indoctrination goes into overdrive, because they are now are able to attend the temple and do baptisms for the dead.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, who accompanied Nelson on his visit, and participated in the devotional told the youth –

“…you are never lost if you can see the temple in your lives. If you are worthy to hold a recommend, you can see the temple.”

It’s really sad how Mormons spend so much of their time thinking of the temple, and what they believe it means for their salvation but rarely consider the cross, and what Jesus did for us there.

Colossians 2:14 tells us all of the works and ordinances of the Old Testament were nailed to the cross. In trying to qualify for the temple they have committed themselves to a lifetime of works and devotion to a false religion that holds no hope for them.

In his visit to Chile Nelson also spoke about covenants. After becoming a Christian, I realized Mormons don’t have a grasp on what a covenant really means. When I was a new Christian, Michelle encouraged me to do a bible study on covenant. I learned covenant means to cut, and there is always blood involved in making a covenant.

God has made a covenant with us, but it has nothing to do with Mormon temple ceremonies. The New Covenant is a promise God will forgive our sin, and bring us into a relationship with Him. This covenant comes through Jesus Christ, because He was the sacrifice for our sin, and it was His blood that was shed on the cross for us (Luke 22:20).

Where is the blood for the covenants Mormons make to their god in the temple?

I wonder why Mormons have such a disinterest for the cross? It’s what can, and will free them from the bondage they’re in. When I read what Mormons say about the temple, I can’t help but think about a quote I heard when I first became a Christian by Amy Carmichael. She said –

“If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”

As always, I pray Mormons will turn to the cross and away from temple convents that have no power to save them.

In Christ,

Melissa Grimes

References:

Nelson visits Chile

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