The Differences Between FLDS vs. LDS

28 July

Just in Case You Didn’t Know…

After watching various news reports about Warren Jeffs over the past few months we felt it might help the casual visitor to understand the differences between the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) in Eldorado, Texas (also in various towns throughout Utah) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Contrary to reports on cable news channels like Fox News, the FLDS is indeed a breakaway branch of the mainstream Mormon Church.  I would imagine the Church tries its hardest to make sure they tell everyone they’re not affiliated with the FLDS and technically speaking they do not control the FLDS.  However, with that being said, it has to be noted where the ideas of the FLDS originated.

Joseph Smith founded the Mormon Church in April of 1830.  With the advent of his death in June of 1844, the Mormons packed their wagons and headed west in the late summer of 1846.  The first settlement in Utah took place on July 24, 1847 under the leadership of Brigham Young.  Just as Smith practiced polygamy, so did ol’ Brigham.

Fast forward another fifty-seven years and the mainstream Mormon Church was still practicing polygamy with the last Mormon prophet of the polygamy age, Heber J. Grant, having no less than three wives. http://lifeafter.org/polygamy-and-mormon-church-leaders-7/

Now when the mainstream Mormon Church denounced polygamy so they could obtain statehood status, not everyone was thrilled about the situation.  Needless to say the divisions became many and the true Mormons became the rebellious breakaway clans who settled in southern Utah.  The leaders of these clans have varied over the years and have become the public thorn in the side of Salt Lake City.

Today, the FLDS is run by a notorious prophet by the name of Warren Jeffs who is on trial right now in Texas for having sex with two underage girls whom he married by revelation of their god.  UPDATE: Jeffs was found guilty and is serving life + 20 yrs for his conviction of selling girls into pre-arranged marriages and child endangerment. 

The residual fruit of Mormonism just keeps on giving with no end in sight.  Jeffs has a following of at least 10,000 adherents.  When you talk to any of the people who’ve escaped this horrible scenario the numbers are vastly different; 30,000-50,000.  Not all of those belong to Jeffs’ group, but most of them do.

While the FLDS Church doesn’t acknowledge many of the scriptures the mainstream Church does, it’s interesting to note they do believe in the Book of Mormon, some of the Doctrine and Covenants (formerly known as Book of Commandments) and some of the sermons by a few of the earlier prophets.  And even more curious indeed is how the mainstream Mormon Church still has the commandment of polygamy needed for salvation in their Church authorized canon.  My, what a tangled web we weave.

Up until about five years ago, the legal marrying age in Utah was 14 years.  Now they’ve pushed it all the way up to 16…

Ironically enough, if Joseph Smith or Brigham Young were alive today neither would be worthy enough to enter the Mormon Temple because of polygamy.

Michelle Grim

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109 Responses to “The Differences Between FLDS vs. LDS”

  1. exmorman July 28, 2011 at 1:01 pm #

    the flds church is the true church that joe smith started,.the lds church of today is about money in the pocket of the prophet tom monsen..but they are both false churches..get out and jion a christian church

    • John July 12, 2013 at 1:29 pm #

      wish you knew how wrong you are.

    • jseph February 20, 2014 at 9:20 pm #

      The Mormon faith began in the 1800’s, almost two thousand years after Jesus was crucified. It is a made-up faith that abuses women and children. Secrecy is always essential to abuse. Crazy people hurting children have no place claiming to be disciples of God.

    • shannon December 16, 2013 at 3:29 am #

      Attually its not the true church bc it was a break away branch. And it not about money bc if you werent taking notice that the mormon church donates thousand of blankets,food,clothes, etc… but of course you wouldnt know bc your not an memeber (btw the blankets,food,clothes, and etc… are also for non memebers who NEED help)

    • John March 11, 2014 at 4:07 pm #

      LDS is the way to go, go Mormons !

    • John March 11, 2014 at 4:11 pm #

      LDS rules!!!

    • - julene March 23, 2014 at 3:57 pm #

      .. my friend I encourage you to find out for yourself that The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints is the only true church in earth today … I also encourage you to read the book of mormon , ponder it . ask the Lord and pray for it and I know that It will surely be answered. visit : http://www.lds.org

    • Desi August 3, 2015 at 2:23 am #

      You’re an ex-Mormon but you can’t even spell “Mormon”? Really?

    • Kyle October 23, 2015 at 11:08 pm #

      He did not even spell Mormon right.

    • Blake March 24, 2016 at 7:15 am #

      Wow just want to let you all know that if you want to know truth you go looking for it by:
      1. Looking at good sources. I don’t know about you but I’d rather go to the horses mouth than hear from the rear end of a horse. If you really want to know please visit mormon.org and read from the Book of Mormon.
      2. Pray and ask God. If he loves you like I know he does he will answer you.
      I’m sure admin will be fast to delete my post but I know that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is amazing in the fact that it brings families closer together and that it is a perfect church with a perfect leader at the head of it Jesus himself. Really why would God not allow us the blessings of prophets in a day that is so evil and wicked. God has always called prophets! Thomas Monson is a true prophet today study his life because it’s by their fruits ye shall know them. Please give heed and you’ll find peace.

    • Derrick April 4, 2016 at 7:36 pm #

      Lds is an abbreviation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is a Christian church. The prophet Thomas S. Monson, doesn’t receive any of the money. The money from tithing goes to fund church buildings and programs. NOT THE PROPHET!

    • tajan May 16, 2016 at 6:49 am #

      brother and sister i am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints o were knowing as mormon well i like to share my testimony that this is the true church and i know that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ live today and i came to know these things by prayer so i am asking u to pray and ask with a real intent and a willing hart to know that true of mormon church is true please pray about it and they will give u the answer like they give it to me..it will take time but have faith that u will receive the true of the things that i am telling u…i know it is true and i know we have a living prophet and the priesthood that we have…

    • ericnsabrina May 20, 2016 at 6:58 pm #

      Dear exmormon, the only word that comes to mind is “Delusional” I am a convert and we are Christian. I was a Christian before I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS and I’m still a Christian. I feel so very sorry and sad for you. Good luck. You sound like a confused angry person. Satan is the father of all confusion and anger. Something to think about.

    • ericnsabrina May 20, 2016 at 7:00 pm #

      Dear exmormon, the only word that comes to mind is “Delusional” I am a convert and we are Christian. I was a Christian before I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS and I’m still a Christian. I feel so very sorry and sad for you. Good luck. You sound like a confused angry person. Satan is the father of all confusion and anger. Something to think about.

    • Shar July 21, 2016 at 9:09 am #

      Michelle Grim, your article is incorrect. The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints has nothing to do with the FLDS Church. The only affiliation is that the people in the FLDS Church used to be members of The LDS Church (Mormon church). But they were excommunicated by the Mormon church for not stopping the practice of polygamy. Once plural marriages were made illegal is when the LDS Church quit practicing polygamy cuz it was unlawful. The LDS Church members do not practice polygamy. We are totally against it since it became a law. Even Joseph Smith & Brigham Young and any other LDS Church members would be worthy to enter the temple because they would have stopped practicing polygamy and obeyed the law.

    • Shar July 21, 2016 at 9:22 am #

      And members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) ARE Christians. We study The King James version of The Bible, The Old and New Testiment, The Book Of Mormon (which are journals of prophets and bears record of when Christ came to the Americas),The Doctrine Covenants, The Pearl Of Great Price, those are our main books of study and available to anyone. You can visit http://www.lds.org to learn more about our church or attend for yourself or request the missionaries to meet you to answer all your questions and tell you the truths of our history, what we believe etc. instead of speculation and gossip from people who really dont know. I promise you will love the feeling of going to the LDS Church.

    • No no no September 2, 2016 at 7:05 pm #

      My teenage son joined LDS about 6 months ago he loved it he lived it -I supported his decision to join LDS even though I wasn’t a member- my son became a priestess – one day out of the blue he just quit- I asked him why – he wouldn’t tell me at all- something happened I fear it was something bad- when I do find out and it is what I expect – they will pay the justice system will make sure of that – don’t trust a cult who believe what they believe they are a cult and they know it

    • No no no September 2, 2016 at 7:06 pm #

      My teenage son joined LDS about 6 months ago he loved it he lived it -I supported his decision to join LDS even though I wasn’t a member- my son became a priestess – one day out of the blue he just quit- I asked him why – he wouldn’t tell me at all- something happened I fear it was something bad- when I do find out and it is what I expect – they will pay the justice system will make sure of that – don’t trust a cult who believe what they believe they are a cult and they know it

    • AL November 4, 2016 at 9:28 am #

      Joseph Smith is a dirty pervert. Just like Jeffs.

      LDS FLFS whatever the name. It’s NOT the true church. Any church founded on perverts will go to hell. Who in their right mind would follow a faith that was founded by a bunch of rapists and perverts who claim to have had revelations from God, then write ‘The pearl of great price’ by himself? No! With satan!
      The devil knows the bible inside out.

      The only bible you need is the Holy Bible! The Word Of God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

      The faith and truth of God Almighty never left the earth. God cannot be mocked. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

      Mormonism is a cult. Don’t follow the words of the prophets, only follow Jesus! The truth will set you free! There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Partake of the sacrament freely and ask for forgiveness, give your heart to Jesus and turn from the bondage of religion.

      Be set free in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

      So sad for all the lost sheep out on missions poisoned with lies and confusion.

    • Denise November 28, 2016 at 2:12 am #

      I was born and raised LDS and from N.Y.
      Exmorman wtf do you mean the flds is the true church? Are you sick in the head or just and idiot? #1 learn how to spell Mormon #2 the flds broke away from the mainstream LDS and #3 the next time you make a statement keep your thoughts to yourself.

    • Kayla November 29, 2016 at 5:06 am #

      Exmorman you didn’t spell MORMON right first of all. Second of all the fdls is NOT a church. They don’t have a church and Joesph smith did NOT practice polygamy. He was a profit of God that translated the book with a guy named Oliver! The fdls have always been fdls..they split off from the Mormon church because LDS which I’m part of IS a church, they DO NOT believe in polygamy, they ARE all about Jesus,God, heaven and hell, and the Bible while yes they do read the Book of Mormon ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST. They are big on family and the men marry ONE WOMAN and the Women marry ONE Man. They are faithful and honest. They’re actually very nice people! The fdls has NOTHING to do with Mormons. They are a cult. They don’t have a church or temple like us and the leader of the cults/group don’t believe in Christ. I’ve read all about it. Don’t act like you know anything when you don’t. You make yourself look even more stupid considering you’re an ex Morman. It’s MORMON!!! Learn your facts!

    • Kayla November 29, 2016 at 5:15 am #

      And also, exmorman ( Mr. I can’t spell), they have a bishop. He is over the church. But they don’t have a preacher that gets up there and preaches. Different people talk about how they came to know Christ. No one gets paid at the LSD churches. I’m not even a MormON ( not an) yet and I know more than you do and you say you use to be one. Not believing that mess at All

    • Kayla November 29, 2016 at 5:16 am #

      And also, exmorman ( Mr. I can’t spell), they have a bishop. He is over the church. But they don’t have a preacher that gets up there and preaches. Different people talk about how they came to know Christ. No one gets paid at the LSD churches. I’m not even a MormON ( not an) yet and I know more than you do and you say you use to be one. Not believing that mess at All

    • michael garner March 2, 2017 at 4:43 pm #

      I think everyone should examinexpensive text to see what’s true. Not pray about it. The bible always says examine text not pray about it. Also in the BOM there are many historical inaccuracies like things that somehow ended up in America before they were documented to be brought over. Which the bible has none. Also I know Mormon’s don’t believe the bible in complete thus you can’t truly believe in it. All topics that are in the BOM have already been explained in the bible with more than enough detail to be complete. Also if you want to do research your self check the part in the bible where the apostles come first then prophets and teachers. And somehow you have a prophet leading the church. That’s all I’ll go into for now.

    • Tanner Osborne July 21, 2017 at 5:08 am #

      Ok i agree that the flds church is false. But even though it follows all of what joseph smith had been insturcted to make it later own the other prophets later had been instructed by god through revelation to stop polygamy and certain ways to make it true. And btw lds is the TRUE mormon church and the true real standing church. And the lds church is very much christian but most other christians dont think it is cause they dont fully undertsand it and they dont know what we know.

    • Tanner Osborne July 21, 2017 at 5:10 am #

      Ok i agree that the flds church is false. But even though it follows all of what joseph smith had been insturcted to make it later own the other prophets later had been instructed by god through revelation to stop polygamy and certain ways to make it true. And btw lds is the TRUE mormon church and the true real standing church. And the lds church is very much christian but most other christians dont think it is cause they dont fully undertsand it and they dont know what we know.

    • Jane September 28, 2017 at 6:47 pm #

      Not that there is any God anyway….. there will be good within the FLDS, LDS, other Christian churches and amongst atheists.

    • Anonymous November 6, 2017 at 10:03 am #

      Study theology maybe you could see the truth

    • Anonymous November 6, 2017 at 10:09 am #

      Read urantia that has to do with our history and love and jeasus not killing or molestaion or inbreading

    • Ex-RLDS- Victim/Minister November 10, 2017 at 3:50 pm #

      Ex-rlds…Mormon. The teachings are all wrong. To believe in a new profit through Joseph Smith or anyone is WRONG!!! To worship ANY MAN here on earth is a Sin. Read 1 Timothy: Chpts 1-5 and 2 Timothy: Chpts 1-5… As Ministers of God’s word we are to teach God’s word. Not the word of man… I’ve seen first hand the after effects of abuses in all three profound religious orders. It promotes sextual preditorial behaviors, unjustified rituals, and abuses, secrets within the order. LDS, RLDS, FLDS…all follow a FALSE Doctrine in hopes that those false teachings insight unsavory beliefs that people will follow to suit the higher people of the order or cult. Sickening…RUN, FIND GOD, ASK FOR FORGIVENESS, and Don’t listen to man but only to the word of God…

    • Anonymous November 20, 2017 at 6:29 am #

      While some information in this article is factual much of it is not. The people who broke away or not true Mormons to Mormons follow the Commandment of God in the will of the Prophet who at the time said polygamy was not to be practice anymore and that we should follow the government as the Bible says and Obey those in authority over us. The ones who broke away disobeyed God this obey the prophet and they are living in sin to this day that’s why they are practicing the poor blacks and proving they are not true Mormons. Polygamy is not in the Mormons Cannon anymore. The One requirement to enter the Celestial Kingdom is to be married to one wife in the Eternal Marriage process in the temple.

    • Anonymous November 20, 2017 at 6:34 am #

      So as a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I can say it is one of the most truest churches I’ve ever been a part of I truly feel at home there the people are loving and kind no matter your background or where you come from or your ethnic Origins they will treat you like a child of God. Mormon women are some of the happiest women treated with respect their loving mother’s loving wives. Please do not compare us with the flds who are abusive and deplorable dissenters from God. As the Bible says you will know them by their fruits a good tree cannot put forth evil fruit and evil tree cannot put forth good fruit. I see nothing but good fruit from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who donates tons of money to Charities and is in debt to no one. All ties go to improve the church God’s kingdom and help missionary work and charities. The Bishop’s and staff are not paid they do it of their own voluntary time as service to God. Name me many other churches that do that I bet you can’t.

    • EX Cult December 28, 2017 at 2:46 pm #

      FLDS, LDS both a secret cult. You Mormons on this site, tell me…did you know everything you were getting yourself into before you invested your entire life, livelihood, family…everything into this belief system? Honesty with ‘self’ requires an examination of motive. Moved to SLC 3 years ago and every Mo I meet has a high degree of hypocrisy attached to everything about their lifestyle, some are obvious misogynists and over the top narcissists. They prey on those willing to ‘submit’ without a whole lot of information. It’s a very big exploitation of innocence

    • Noah February 20, 2018 at 6:31 am #

      Really, I cant believe how childish you people are acting. Attacking at someone for incorrect spelling over an opinion you disagree with, wow. Especially when Warren Jeffs is a child molester still leading the FLDS from prison as well as pre-arranging marriages between older men and underage girls, essentially premeditating future molestations to occur and you are all more worried about knocking on a mans spelling. Last i knew this was a discussion on the difference between FLDS Mormons and LDS Mormons, not a spelling bee.
      Anyway the fact and the matter is LDS Mormons are just another branch of Christ believers who have an extra testament of Jesus Christ while FLDS Mormons are the same except they have held on to the polygamist ways that the LDS Mormons had once followed. As well as the FLDS Mormons stand in defense of a well known child molester by the name of Warren Jeffs in whom which they still call a prophet and still continue to follow him and his commands which makes them all none the less child molesters as far as im concerned. Some are sadly deceived by the oppression within their polygamist community by the FLDS church due to the lack of resources that the church denies them access too and some are aware of the truth but turn their heads or just refuse to believe it, regardless the FLDS Mormons are all a bunch sex addicts justifying sexual immorality and raising innocent children to become products of that environment in which they are raised in. LDS Mormons are good people and good Christians. I’m not personally Mormon but I have friends who are, LDS Mormons that is, but FLDS Mormons are not good people or good Christians, let alone Christians for that matter. I see where “exmorman” is coming from when he says that FLDS Mormons are the true sect, he isn’t siding with them, he is stating that they have kept the original tradition of polygamy in which LDS Mormons started out with, however what he needs to be aware of is that the original LDS Mormons broke away from polygamy for a reason which means that the true Mormons are NOT the FLDS Mormons, they ARE the LDS Mormons. Anyone who molests children, advocates molesting children, or defends a child molester who is proven guilty of molesting children in the least is a cult member and any denomination that does the same is a cult.

    • Jo October 21, 2018 at 10:07 pm #

      True, its a cult.

    • Jo October 21, 2018 at 10:07 pm #

      True, its a cult.

    • Prophet Josiah April 16, 2019 at 12:38 am #

      Ex-mormon here. It has been researched and found that there is no historical evidence to support anything in “the book mormon”, but there has been countless evidence to support the Bible. Further research shows that this angel moroni is actually a demon who followed the others with Lucifer when he broke away from God and left heaven. There are more scriptures out there that should have been part of the Bible but we’re left out because they didn’t support the Catholic church when the Bible was conceived. I.e. the dead sea scrolls which holds the very first account of the ten commandments. Even these left out scriptures do not say anything about Mormons nor do they support their wrongful claims.

  2. CamdenC July 28, 2011 at 2:45 pm #

    Don’t think that the money thing hasn’t infiltrated the FLDS church as well. I have seen reports that the members of the FLDS down in Texas receive 10 million dollars (or more) in Government money. Yes folks, that is correct. Your tax dollars are going to help fund a society of egotistical pedophiles. The law there for marriage (as God ordained it in the Bible) is one wife only. So the other “wives” of the polygamist man have to file for state and federal assitance for their children. You basically have one married couple living with several “single moms”.
    Sadly there are children that are born into that society and many innocent victims left in the wake of the twisted leadership, that have basic needs.
    There are other “scams” they pull as well… different Gov. subsidies and fraud they perpetrate.

    We lived just North of their compound in Abilene, Texas when the raid went down… it broke our hearts to see those innocent children caught up in the web of lies. And the women are brought up to think that it is all normal and of God. What normal thinking woman, or man for that matter, would support their 12 year old daughter marrying and having children with a man old enough to be her grandfather???

    Tragically, a lot of the young girls are groomed growing up with the hopes of being able to marry Jeffs. They are told that they will live like princesses and will automatically get the “golden ticket” to the Celestial Kingdom by being his bride. Of course the brides parents get fringe benefits as well, so the incentive to “pimp-out” their daughters to the “prophet” is of great value to them.

    PLUS, “it is a commandment from God and the prophet”. I have heard reports from former FLDS women who say that many of them don’t like the situation, but it is God’s plan and the prophet says that they should do it or face judgement (Pretty much the same words written by Joseph Smith in D&C 132: 62 And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified.
    63But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed;)
    Break out the Kool-aid!!!

    • Mike November 3, 2017 at 3:05 pm #

      Camden, you stated ” The law there for marriage (as God ordained it in the Bible) is one wife only” Would you care to explain Abraham, Issac and Jacob, David and Soloman, etc for us please?

    • Anonymous November 20, 2017 at 6:48 am #

      That’s because the flds church is wrong they live a simple deplorable life they broke away from God’s Commandments and they live perpetually in sin. It’s not a true church they can’t be because the government won’t let any church practice polygamy so since they practice polygamy they cannot apply to be a state Church. The flds church is a cult and practice Twisted things. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church follow the prophet they raise their children and respect and love. Statistics show that our marriages are happier. Premarital sex and childbirth are less. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sons missionaries all over the world to help people and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While the flds does nothing but sit and wallow in their own sin and mire.

  3. kyle rasmussen August 3, 2011 at 8:56 pm #

    you are so right on but the thing i find interesting is the flds church is living the true church of jesus christ of latterday saints.tom and the boys have about 12 or 15 men choosen to live polygamy under cover and not known by many but a few..as john tayler said the lds church will always have polygamy..and they do but they swear that they gave it up in 1890 but that to was a lye because there were sevral marrages done up ninto the 1900 hundreds

    • lifeafterministry August 3, 2011 at 10:02 pm #

      i agree 100%. The FLDS Church is indeed living true Mormonism. My great-great grandfather traveled to England in 1904 and married two sisters and brought them back to the states to join the other 3 wives he had here already. One of those 2 sisters was my great-great grandmother. It was March of 1904 when he did this – one month before the final polygamy manifesto published by the church. Tell me that was a coincidence…hmmm…as I’ve stated many times before, if Smith or Young or any of the early “prophets” were alive today none of them would be temple worthy.
      Michelle Grim

    • lifeafterministry August 3, 2011 at 10:07 pm #

      I forgot to ask if you were Mormon?

    • Derrick April 4, 2016 at 8:11 pm #

      Abraham, and Jacob (Israel) and David had multiple wives. If you fully condemn polygamy, you are fully condemning Abraham Israel, David.

  4. CamdenC August 4, 2011 at 1:29 am #

    So true. In fact many members and heirarchy of the church were still practicing it (secretly) into the 1940’s. It took a 40 year generation to ween them off preying on little girls and “trading in” their old wives for newer models.

    Michelle – Have you heard about the audio tape they played at the Jeffs trial??
    Oh my gosh! He had quite the harem of “sex slaves” at his disposal…

    Wake up women!!! You have to know in your hearts that polygamy never was and will never be, acceptable behavior… EVER!

    Please, if you are reading this as a female member of the church, ask yourself; Do I really believe that an all Holy God would command His precious daughters to “share” their husband with other women? Could you do it? What if the prophet came out today and said that he had a revelation from God saying that polygamy was being reinstated (secretly of course)? Would you be “on board” with that prophecy?

    • lifeafterministry August 4, 2011 at 1:46 pm #

      Camden –
      Yeah unfortunately I was watching the news and heard this. It is another confirmation for me personally how wrong this is. The degrading way women and children are treated is reprehensible. You can just imagine how warped your thinking would be after 20-30 years of this nonsense.
      Be watching for our upcoming series on the side by side comparisons of mainstream Mormonism, FLDS and teachings/lifestyles of the early church. It’s a real eye opener.
      Michelle Grim

    • Truth Teller September 7, 2017 at 3:38 pm #

      Time to convert to the religion that Jesus practiced and learned from: Judaism.
      Time to re-read the old testament and wake up!
      Jews have been doing good deeds in the world for 3,000 years.
      Check out the 10 commandments. Check out the 613 laws that have been in their holy books for
      thousands of years! No brain-washing.

      Thanks for reading, now do some real research for yourself.

  5. CamdenC August 4, 2011 at 11:37 pm #

    Judgement has come down… Warren Jeffs – GUILTY!!!

    Now he gets to suck the tax dollars out of Texans while he appeals the decision…

  6. Matt November 25, 2013 at 3:34 pm #

    You forgot the largest difference. The flds size : a few thousand. LDS size : 15 million, missionaries :80,000. So the missionary size of the LDS church is several times larger than the flds church, it is a fraction group. If you ever see a mormon missionary, it is the lds church.

    • LifeAfter December 10, 2013 at 6:49 pm #

      Matt –

      I’m not clear as to what your point is. Yeah, if you see missionaries like those who showed up on my doorstep yesterday – they’re mainstream Mormons. I still maintain the biggest difference is that the FLDS Church is practicing true Mormonism and those in SLC are not.

      Michelle

    • Helen March 8, 2016 at 7:31 am #

      The FLDS is the original church. The LDS is actually the one who deviated from what Joseph Smith set up. Because FLDS has smaller numbers does not equate it with a faction group.

    • Todd Danza March 8, 2016 at 8:22 pm #

      @LIfeAfter, actually Matt’s point is very relevant. Joseph Smith declared in the spirit of prophecy that God’s church would go forth and cover the earth. The LDS church has done this. The FLDS church isn’t really even trying anymore. They prefer to isolate themselves in their hermit communities.
      God commanded that we should be in the world, but not of the world. The FLDS are great at being not OF the world, but they completely ignore the part about being IN the world.

    • T Wwd March 17, 2016 at 12:47 pm #

      You probably won’t see this as it has been several years, but you posed the question above whether ppl wd blindly follow the leaders if a “revelation” came down to reinstate polygamy. The only way I can answer this (as an ex-mormon who actually has quite a bit of knowledge of the church) is, YOU BET YOUR A$$ THEY WOULD!! Sooooo sad but true. Already they are taught that polygamy will be reinstated in the next life and that it won’t be a choice, but I’ve never been able to get even one person to say that in public even though it is taught often. Even those women know it’s cray cray & embarrassing. A few years ago they came down on piercings & tsttoos. My best friend is hard core active, though she doesn’t have the proverbial stick up the bum like most mormons. She has a couple very small hidden tattoos & had a belly button ring for YEARS. She freaking took that piercing out that day even though no one ever saw it but her husband. That is mind CONTROL. Do we really believe God cares about that belly ring? So yes, I believe whatever they tell them, they will do. Because they think Monson talks directly to God. Never ceases to amaze me how they don’t see themselves as a cult, they make fun of scientologists, yet they clearly are a cult. They fit every definition, and once you are away from it long enough and deprogrammed, you can see it so clearly.

  7. ashley December 10, 2013 at 2:45 am #

    I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and what the flds did/does is completely wrong but if it wasnt for them i wouldnt have this wonderful church i have today….so id live to thank the flds….

    • LifeAfter December 10, 2013 at 6:52 pm #

      Ashley –

      Exactly what did the FLDS do for the mainstream Mormon Church in SLC? I’m confused about your comment so could you please clarify what you meant? Thanks.

      Michelle Grim
      1 Cor 1:18

    • Melissa December 16, 2013 at 7:50 pm #

      Ashley,
      Could you actually see yourself living that life today? Can you see yourself sharing your husband with other women just because the prophet says it’s what God wants? I can’t. What Smith imposed on the early LDS was awful.
      If you think about it there really isn’t that much of a leap from the LDS to the FLDS, which is why it’s not very hard for a few ex-LDS to convert to Fundamental Mormonism. Both religions are cut from the same cloth. Sure you don’t practice plural marriage at the moment, but according to your doctrines many Mormons will practice it in the Celestial Kingdom. – Melissa Grimes

    • pat February 17, 2014 at 2:01 am #

      Very good point Melissa and I think no one has the right to force a religion on anyone . I know a few religions that say they are the true church. I feel if you like it fine if not find something you like. I know i wouldn’t want my husband having any other wife but me for one thats clearly cheating

    • Melissa February 17, 2014 at 4:20 pm #

      Pat- I don’t see how it’s not considered cheating. I feel bad for these women who are raised to think its part of God’s plan for you to share your husband, when it’s nothing than an ego trip for the man.

    • sandra January 11, 2016 at 11:49 pm #

      Who all in the bible had several wives? So it’s nothing new the bible says to obey the laws of the land so if our government says it wrong, it wrong.

  8. John March 11, 2014 at 4:12 pm #

    LDS rules!!! It’s the only way to go

    • Melissa March 18, 2014 at 9:15 pm #

      John- Wow, that statement is very telling, and quite frankly a little sad. To root for your church, your religion as you would your favorite sports team is….. surreal. Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life”, and unlike Mormonism He doesn’t need people to act as His cheerleaders. – Melissa Grimes

  9. Gabriel March 18, 2014 at 1:22 pm #

    THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS remains the most true church upon the surface of the earth…all other sects or organisations teach diluted truths and principle but the LDS church teaches pure truths and principles…I KNOW WITH ALL MY HEART that THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS remains and will continue to be the LORD’S:JESUS CHRIST:CHURCH…AMEN visit: http://www.mormon.org

    • Melissa March 18, 2014 at 8:59 pm #

      Gabriel, you remind me a lot of myself when I was a temple going, true-blue, sold out for the Church Mormon. That all changed when I met Jesus Christ, I’m not talking about the Jesus I was taught to believe in Mormonism who was my elder spirit brother. I’m referring to the real Jesus who is God incarnate, who poured out His blood on the cross for me, and paid the price for my sins. I’m so thankful for His sacrifice, and that I’m saved after nothing I do.

      As a Mormon I truly believed that things like temple works, church attendance, and tithing were all necessary “works” for my salvation. What a contrast it is for me to now have a relationship with Him versus a relationship with a religion. He didn’t come to organize a religion/church He came to form a relationship with all who will repent and put their trust in Him. – Melissa Grimes

    • - julene March 23, 2014 at 3:40 pm #

      Hey … melissa I don’t think being rude and not respecting others belief will help you have a good relationship with God 🙂

    • Melissa March 23, 2014 at 10:48 pm #

      julene – Please show me where i’m being “rude” or disrespectful. -Melissa Grimes

    • gypsy June 30, 2014 at 10:28 am #

      how do you figure she is being rude??

    • - julene March 23, 2014 at 3:50 pm #

      attending church will help you become closer with him also, as you will know him better, and as you know Him you will begin to form a relationship with him and strengthen your faith in him as you attend church as well with paying tithing and performing temple works 🙂

      I just want to let you know that I am respecting whatever you think about us 🙂

    • Melissa March 23, 2014 at 11:01 pm #

      julene – If temple works are required for not only your salvation but for the dead as well why did Jesus have to come? – Melissa Grimes

    • Kate April 9, 2014 at 5:26 am #

      Melissa, What a beautiful testimony, I have a friend who is sold out to her church and I wish she’d just meet the Jesus we know. What an amazing life altering experience it would be for her. I thank God for those of you helping with the transition from Mormon to true followers of Christ, Please pray for her with me and I will pray for your ministry to those who seek to know the real God, and his Son. God Bless!

    • Melissa April 9, 2014 at 5:39 pm #

      Thank you Kate. I definitely keep her in prayer. 🙂

    • T Wwd March 17, 2016 at 12:26 pm #

      It also shows his brainwashed state since he has typed the same thing over and over.

    • Derrick April 4, 2016 at 7:41 pm #

      Amen Gabriel, Amen

    • Tanner Osborne July 21, 2017 at 5:29 am #

      Very true its the only true church

  10. Kate April 9, 2014 at 5:51 am #

    I’ve just recently delved into the world of Mormonism as I wanted to know why they called themselves Christians when they were not Christians at all, the fundamental Doctrines could not be any more different. It made no sense to me and it bothers me because it is being deceitful.

    Needless to say I talked to a friend who is Mormon, I talked to a new friend I met that has left the Mormon church and is now a Christian and I’ve researched on my own. The amount of brainwashing that goes on is pretty ridiculous.

    The bible is THE WORD OF GOD, and yet if the book of Mormon contradicts it, then the book of Mormon is right and the bible is mistaken. The bible gives direct instruction on how to prove if a prophet of God truly is whom he claims to be and yet, they excuse, the multiple prophecies that were made and never fulfilled by Joseph Smith, away with excuse after excuse.

    Do NOT call yourselves Christians when you call the word of God flawed, or wrong, That is not Christian that is MORMON. Even demons believe in Jesus. That’s not good enough. Calling yourselves Christian because you believe in Jesus is like me saying I’m Mexican just because I can say Hola. Not Quite.

    Christians were given their name by outsiders who observed them, because they acted like Christ, their lives looked like Christ’s. They were his followers, they believed everything he said, He is God son, he makes no mistakes as he IS GOD, and God is all powerful omniscient and omnipresent. SO how can Mormons be Christians, when that’s not them at all……

    Sorry I went off on a tangent. Your last comment Melissa made me think of that whole conversation again.

    The bible states in Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. BUT in 2 Nephi 25:23 it says: We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. SO one of the many contradictions between the 2 books, but the reality is it’s either one or the other, if 2 Nephi 25:23 is right, then Jesus didn’t need to come, God just could have extended his Grace and that would have been that. It makes a complete mockery of the sacrifice that Jesus suffered through! How can you say you believe him to be The son of God but not believe what he or God clearly states?

    • Melissa April 9, 2014 at 5:48 pm #

      I know it’s unbelievable. Mormons remind me of the verse in Romans 10 that says “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.” (Romans 10:2)
      They have a lot of “zeal” for God, it’s just not the one true God. They’re very passionate about their faith, but who do they have faith in? The Jesus of Mormonism has no power to save them, because his hands are tied until they’ve “done all they can do”.

      All we can do is pray for them and share our faith with them.

    • Kyle October 24, 2015 at 12:18 am #

      Polygamy was in the bible look at the story of Jacob and Esau.

    • youwishyouknew May 6, 2016 at 2:53 am #

      If the “real” Jesus was God and came here then who was running things, while he himself was here?

  11. Katie April 20, 2014 at 3:53 am #

    Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

    James 2:26 – For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

    James 2:18 – Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

    Titus 1:16 – They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

    Here are just a few of the many BIBLE verses that talk about works. It seems as though a lot of Christians are quick to say that works don’t matter. However, the word of God clearly says that they do matter. Grace is first applied, then we must do all we can. Just a little food for thought.

    • LifeAfter April 21, 2014 at 1:59 pm #

      Hi Kate, I think it really depends upon what you mean by “works”. Are you saying works, in addition to the grace of Jesus Christ will allow you into the presence of God? Or are you saying that good works are a result of your salvation, and the grace Jesus has given to you?

      If you’ve been born again and are a follower of Jesus Christ you desire to do “good works”, these works are a manifestation of the work the Holy Spirit has inside of your heart. If you’ve given your heart and life to God you naturally want to obey Him, you want to do good things and be the light of Jesus Christ to the world.

      The link below references James 2:18.
      http://www.gotquestions.org/faith-without-works-dead.html

      We can’t make up for the grace Jesus has given us; He paid it all on the cross at Calvary. His work for our salvation was perfect and complete, and to think otherwise is to dilute the grace He’s freely given us. It would be like taking a pitcher of lemonade and throwing it into a swimming pool; you couldn’t still call it lemonade, could you?

      It’s the same with His grace, to add any work on our part takes away from it’s power on our lives. – Melissa Grimes

    • Jacob August 26, 2016 at 8:25 pm #

      I believe that a lot of you are losing focus here. With a strong foundation of faith, good works will naturally follow. By following the example of Jesus, you will be so inclined to practice good works.

  12. Katie April 24, 2014 at 3:25 am #

    Hi Melissa,

    It’s Katie, not Kate. 🙂 I never could get Kate to stick. Anyway, the reason I commented back to you is because you said that “The Jesus of Mormonism has no power to save them, because his hands are tied until they’ve “done all they can do”.”

    I disagree. 100%. No where in our doctrine is it taught or do we say that Jesus has no power to save us until we’ve done everything we can do.

    It’s disappointing that you spread extremely false information like that. Now, I can’t speak for every LDS out there but I know for myself (as a convert to the church) that Jesus Christ is my redeemer, without him, I could NEVER return to the presence of my Heavenly Father. According to scriptures (specifically the Bible), we are asked to obey Him, keep His commandments, and make sacrifices. Those are all what you would call “works” of this life. and the desire to do them is because of Jesus Christ, He did something so extraordinary for me (and everyone else) that the least I could do are the things he has asked of me. On judgement day, we will be judged according to our works though….so it’s not true to say that those things don’t matter. It’s also not true to say that LDS believe that Jesus has no power over their works. it’s the other way around, LDS believe that our works have NO power over the atonement of Jesus Christ!

    • LifeAfter April 24, 2014 at 7:10 pm #

      I’m sorry Katie, I was looking at the posts I’d written to people before yours and confused your name with Kate’s.

      You can disagree with me all you like but the Book of Mormon would say otherwise. 2 Nephi 25:23 clearly states that your religion believes you’re saved by grace after all you can do.

      “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

      So which is it, are you reconciled to God through your works or through the work Jesus did on the cross?

      If you truly believed you’re saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ why do temple works? If a non-Mormon passes away why are Mormons so quick to be baptized by proxy for them? If that individual died professing a faith and a testimony in Jesus Christ why do they need to be a baptized member of the Mormon Church? Furthermore why is membership in the Mormon Church a requirement for “full” salvation i.e. exaltation/living in the presence of God?

      Howard W. Hunter said that: “All of our efforts in proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the dead lead to the holy temple. This is because the temple ordinances are absolutely crucial; we cannot return to God’s presence without them.” (See link to video below)

      https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-070-temple-ordinances-are-crucial?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

      Clearly Mr. Hunter, a prophet of your religion believed that you needed more than Jesus to be permitted into God’s presence. If your religion truly believes Jesus holds the power to redeem you why do you need the temple? Honestly, I can’t get over it.

      It all boils down to this, either you believe Jesus paid it all for your salvation, or you believe it’s works plus grace, and your temple ordinances clearly fall into the category of “works”.

      In regards to other “good works” your religion believes you should preform, what’s the motivation behind them? What’s the attitude of your heart? Is it being to be a good example so that others might join your religion and bring glory to yourself in the next life, or is it to bring others to Jesus, that He would receive all the honor and glory? – Melissa Grimes

    • Kimberly September 6, 2015 at 7:06 pm #

      You go Katie! What a wonderful testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

  13. jo sutton June 26, 2014 at 6:10 pm #

    I was brought up a Jw until my mother converted to the LDS when I was a teenager, we were told by our bishop that we were to believe in poligamy but our law of the land out-lawed it so the law came first! When I reached 16 my bishop had arranged a marriage for me, my husbant was a 24 year old prison convert and I was told how lucky I was that my husband was so young! There were members of our church with more than one wife but they never leagaly married the second or other wife’s by law but did have a ceremony in our church. We were heavenly controlled with our money, food and what we were expected to do with our so called free time. I was abused by my husband and I later broke away from the LDS but they still persue me today, 30 years later as my name will never be removed from their members lists in Saul lake city. I’m a Christian now and have come to see that previous teaching I’ve had while growing g up was a heap of crap! The ones at the very top of the church benefits very well while the lower ranks were abused and controlled. All this happened in the UK.

    • Tanner Osborne July 21, 2017 at 5:39 am #

      Let me start by saying its not the lds church that does polygamy its the flds church maybe you should pay attention and not make up stories and its salt lake city no saul lake and the flds is almost only in texas and they are gorh very different lds is true amd flds isnt

  14. Julie June 30, 2014 at 7:51 am #

    I have sat here and read and reread. Could someone please answer the following question.

    FLDS: Plural or singular marriage
    LDS: Plural or singular marriage
    Personally, it looks like both still believe in polygamy.

  15. gypsy June 30, 2014 at 10:49 am #

    here is a subject changer, i am christian that sometimes practices pagan beliefs, but guess what GOD LOVES ME!!!! God comes to me were i can understand him and not loose sight of him. With Christ we are to love everybody, why does it matter what church is true or not? This is not a cross town football game were we pick a team and root for them. This is about having a relationship with God, Jesus, The Holy Ghost, Higherpower, Jehova, Great Spirit, Manito, Kitchi Ogiima, or Kitchi Manito and living life the way we are suppose to by being kind to one another and loving one another. When I die I know I am going to be with God in Heaven, the spirit world, the after life or the selestial kingdom whatever you want to call it. How bout I’m going to Gods house when i’m done on Earth. There is nothing wrong rooting on your religion!! This is actually pretty silly how many of you are acting. It reminds me of a first grader saying “I’m not going to be your friend if you think her doll is better than mine” seriouly!!! we are all the flesh of God! We are all wrong and we all will be judged on judgement day. so with that being said GOD BLESS YOU!!

  16. Jill December 28, 2014 at 6:36 am #

    Just something for everyone to think about while they want to sit and criticize others for their beliefs and feelings. John 13:34 ” A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”
    I love my savior and brother Jesus Christ. How can we take his name in all aspects of our lives when we can’t even love one another and respect each others beliefs as they come. If being Christian is to criticize and ridicule others for their beliefs and testimonies then why would anyone want to call themselves a Christian. We should value the name of Christ enough to love and respect all those around us.
    John 13;35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

    • Cindi August 15, 2016 at 6:33 am #

      Thanks I’ll be singing it all night!

  17. Cody May 29, 2015 at 12:37 pm #

    I testify with all my heart that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints is true. I know that as we are all seeking to do the will of God that it can be very easy to get caught up in who has the best doctrine. Rather as Jesus taught Love thy neighbor as thyself. I have come to know the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints is the true church through studying the Word of the Lord. I through prayer and acting on faith have been blessed with this knowledge. As it states in the articles of faith it is essential that members of the church allow others to believe as they wish. Missionary work is essential but our beliefs must not be forced as is the divine law of Agency. Jesus Christ who leads and guides this church would say: Let those that believe in me believe and those that don’t seek to with real to believe. Give those that believe not space to find the truth. Love them no less simply because they are not of the faith. Blessed are those that believe that have not seen for such is the kingdom of heaven. If you love me keep my commandments. Let us all strive to do a little better to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. Whether you are a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints or of another faith if you believe in Jesus Christ let us do better to follow his example. Let us uplift others, let us do better in keeping the commandments, and let us love thy neighbor as thyself. I promise as we do so we will have the spirit more abundantly in our lives. We will come closer to our savior. We shall have a desire to love each and every one of God’s children no matter their current faith. This I say, this I pray in the sacred and Holy name of Jesus Christ God’s only begotten son of the Father, our savior and redeemer. Amen.

  18. Erica November 3, 2015 at 5:16 am #

    Exaltation and salvation are different things.
    We are all saved by the grace of God. By the Atoning sacrafice that Christ made in Gesthemene (this is the place He truly paid for our sins, bleeding from every pore while calvary is where He was hung and finished His work to later break the binds of death so we all could live again). So it is true that we all will be saved because no one can ever take what Christ did away. Nor could anyone of us repay Him. No matter how hard we work this simply will not be able to repay that nor could we ever save ourselves because we have all sinned (sin is simply a way we distance ourselves from God by our actions or thoughts) and Christ who is the only perfect being to walk this earth is the only one who could be saved without grace because of His oerfection… and because of this perfection He was able to satisfy justice and mercy and Atone for all of mankind. We all are forever debtors. Yet works do matter. By simply living I can be saved. But to be exalted and to live with God again (to be in His presence) my works matter. That does not mean necessarily that I am trying to buy my way into heaven or the celestial kingdom from my works. But that I gave my best effort is what matters. That I did my best and that I repented and utilized the Atonement. I don’t think this will change your mind Melissa, since you seem rather set in your ways of thinking. And it’s hard for me to believe you were once a mamber since yiu seem to know little of what is actual doctrine yet time away and reading random materials can fade, dilute, and smudge memories and things maybe once known or heard. But I do hope what I write can clear some things up for someone else who is truly trying to understand and know what LDS believe.

    • David April 6, 2016 at 7:43 pm #

      Sorry, but you are incorrect at least according to early church teachings, conference talks, and temple ceremonies. According to Brigham Young, a person can pay for their own sins through a process called blood atonement. This is the act of giving your own blood to pay for sins instead of using christs. I know this doctrine is now disavowed by the LDS, but it was taught during conference by the prophet who said it was scripture, and it was included in the temple.

  19. sandra January 12, 2016 at 1:02 am #

    We all grown at different levels in our walk with father and Jesus. I know personally each one of us have our own walk and personal relationship with them. Through my walk I’ve experienced so many lessons one leading to another as I grow. I remember thinking I know this is right for me but had a hard time believing in the prophets. This thought was not going to make me leave the church as I really didn’t mention it to anyone but wondered why I felt that way even though I knew the spirit and the testimony I had was so strong. Then one day a lady of our ward gave a talk. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She was talking about how she knew all this was true, but also had a hard time excepting we have prophets as of today. From that day onward my dots were connected and it all fell into place. Thank god I no longer think that way because all of my studying put everything in perspective for me. So now it was time to move onto some other lesson whenever it will lead me. this is how we learn I personally think. It’s given to each one in different ways. Above all just say if the lds church came out and said today, we are wrong, wrong of what I would ask…of living Jesus of getting baptized of doing charity work of tithing of teaching about our forefathers of keeping the Sabbath holy . Teaching these is what other churches teach so we teach not only us, but others will be in the arms of our heavenly father through Jesus Christ one day. there are different levels and each one if us will inherit our own portion. May you always continue to grow in the work of Jesus so we can be with our father one day because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice to provide the way. All thanks go to him for his love he has. How beautiful he is to be here to help us even after his sacrifice was over. Still hanging around to help us. Sweet Jesus thank you. God bless all of you in your personal walk with your savior.

  20. David February 14, 2016 at 7:35 pm #

    I don’t really see a difference between FLDS and LDS and why one is a cult and the other isn’t. They have very similar if not identical theological beliefs, practices, culture, roles, etc. The only real difference I see is that one practices polygamy and the other only teaches polygamy as doctrine. They are essentially the same church except one actual practices their belief while the other capitulated to the government and only teaches about a practice.

  21. Nica February 28, 2016 at 9:00 am #

    We all have freedom of expression, I just sometimes wonder why spread bad things or news you are not so sure or even know nothing about? As I read the comments, I felt so sad that most people believe the things they only wanted to believe without searching for the real and true answers. I encourage people who want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints may talk with the missionaries, read the Book of Mormon and pray if it is true.

  22. Jacob August 26, 2016 at 8:28 pm #

    Pray on it, ladies and gentlemen. By following tbe example of Jesus, having strong faith and trying to love your fellow man, good works will naturally occur.

  23. Phil September 11, 2016 at 7:18 am #

    Melissa

    There is a difference between a true believer of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a “Mormon”. From the information you have been stating, it is obvious you didn’t know much about the church and time away has allowed false teachings to persuade you further. When you are a true believer Christ, a true believer In our Father in Heaven, you will know of the truthfulness of this church. This church is made out of people. Everyone knows that people aren’t perfect. This means that the church isn’t perfect. But the gospel behind the church? This is what’s perfect. It is the reason we are here. It’s the only way you are reading this. Heavenly Father requires us to repent to be saved. Through the atonement, we are able to repent and be forgiven. If the atonement would of never had happened it would of not only thrown the course of man kind off track, but we would not be able to repent. The atonement is used when we repent of or wrongdoings. Otherwise, we could go out and rape, murder, and steal and we wouldn’t have to do anything about it. We must work for that. Our actions have consequences here, and in the eternal perspective. We were set on this earth as a trial period to show our worthiness. We came here to learn also. Not to go around doing whatever we want and letting Jesus pay for our sins. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true and only true church on the face of the planet. It is the church that Christ founded. This church gets pounded on nonstop, and that is because with goodness must come opposition. The gospel is beyond good. It is perfection.

    Phil

  24. Melissa Grimes September 12, 2016 at 2:40 pm #

    Hello, Phil. I wanted to respond to just a few things you said in your comment.
    You started off my saying:

    “When you are a true believer Christ, a true believer In our Father in Heaven, you will know of the truthfulness of this church”.

    The truth is Phil, when you are a “true believer” in Jesus Christ you use a gift He has given you called discernment. We are to discern truth from false teaching, and not judge something as being from God based on how good it sounds, or how it makes us feel.

    On the topic of the atonement you said:

    “If the atonement would of never had happened it would of not only thrown the course of man kind off track, but we would not be able to repent.”

    Really? People weren’t able to repent of their sins before Jesus came to the earth? In the Old Testament God implores man to repent of their sins, and come to Him.

    “We must work for that.” Work for what, exactly? How do you do you work off your sin debt for rape, murder and theft? You can’t. Jesus paid the price of those sins on the cross. While the people who commit those crimes will have a debt to society they need to pay, if they repent of those sins and turn to Jesus Christ they will be forgiven,completely.

    “We were set on this earth as a trial period to show our worthiness. We came here to learn also. Not to go around doing whatever we want and letting Jesus pay for our sins.”

    Oh, yes that’s what all of us who aren’t members of the Mormon Church do! We think we can sin and sin, then sin some more because of Jesus? Is that what you think?
    I think not, followers of Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them. He guides Christians away from sin and error, and convicts us when we are in disobedience to God. We also have the Bible to show us how we should live, it provides correction and training for righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

    Furthermore, no Christian believes that because Jesus died for our sins we have a free pass to sin as we please. Paul speaks of this in Romans 6:1-2, he said: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

    In the same chapter, verse 6 he tells us “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Followers of Jesus Christ know we can’t serve to masters (Mathew 6:24), we can’t serve Jesus, but also sin.
    Romans 6:1-10 is all about the believer’s sanctification, how despite what they have done in the past they are now free from the bondage of sin.

    In closing, no the Mormon Gospel isn’t why we’re here. All of us are here to come to know God, to worship Him, and have a relationship with Him. He created us for His pleasure and His glory. (Rev 6:11 (Colossians 1:16)

    I pray that one day you will come to know the ‘real’ Jesus Christ, Phil. I pray you will understand that it’s not about “the gospel” or “the church”, but a relationship with Jesus Christ. – Melissa Grimes

    • Tanner Osborne July 21, 2017 at 5:34 am #

      Mellissa this has gone way to far with your coments.i know the church is true . I have a testimony that the church is true and that jesus christ died for us and everyone for everyones sins and that this is the only true church and no matter what anyone says i will always believe in god and jesus christ and the scriptures are true

  25. Kayla November 29, 2016 at 5:12 am #

    Joesph smith was not a polygamist. He was a profit of Jesus Christ. Him and a guy, Oliver translated the Book of Mormon from the Plates. Just like profits translated the Bible. LDS has nothing to do with FDLS! FDLS isnt a Christian group. They don’t have a church and they don’t go by the Bible. Thy also don’t go by the Book of Mormon because they are not Mormons. They act like their Christians but no. Their not. They also don’t go by the Bible like Mormons (LDS) do. Mormons (LDS) are big on family they have one wife and one husband and that’s the only person their infasonated with. They are really nice people. People get LSD and FLSD mixed up all the time and it’s really ignorant considering how if they actually knew about the church and LDS they wouldn’t compare them in any kind of way!! Learn and educate yourself on the matter before speaking about it. K. And thank you

  26. Brigette Roberts December 12, 2016 at 10:54 pm #

    I am open to all religions and would rather not be labeled as anything. But to make it easier for everyone I guess I am a cross between an Atheist and an Agnostic who is about is go into a degree majoring in Religion. I believe religion to be very interesting and try and learn as much as I can about all religions.

    I was under the impression that there is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint (LDS), ‘Mormans’. Then there is mainstream Fundamentalist Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which either publicly or privatly practice polygamy (but don’t have to), and call themselves and live in mainstream society as Mormans (but obviously go to a different church). And then there is also the cult with Warren Jeffs as profit who call themselves the Fundementlist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) but live in a ‘cult-like’ setting, recently moved to Texas from Utah. I am also under the impression that both LDS and mainstream FLDS read both the Holy Bible and the Book of Morman.

    I am not claiming to be correct, this is just my understanding.

    • LifeAfter December 14, 2016 at 6:57 am #

      Hi there Brigette –
      Wanted to let you know we’re praying for you and hope we can clear up any confusion about the different sects within Mormonism.

      1.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is also known as mainstream Mormonism. They’re headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and are overseen by their modern day prophet who happens to be Thomas Monson right now.
      2.The Fundamental Latter-day Saints (FLDS) used to be run by Warren Jeffs who is now incarcerated for life in a federal prison, although he still gives direction from his jail cell.
      This group has members strewn throughout the US and Canada with large groups residing in southern Utah, northern Idaho, and southern Canada. Their main operation had moved to Texas which is where he was running from when he was arrested several years ago. You can find more info on the particulars by reading the articles on this site.
      3.There are offshoots of different branches of the original LDS Church headquartered in Salt Lake City that are run independently by their self-appointed prophets/leaders. These groups are too numerous to list them all here.
      4.There are individual practicing polygamists who live this lifestyle in a clandestine manner. They’re known to live in many communities throughout the Intermountain West. They hold regular jobs, kids go to public schools, etc but the husband will have at least 2 wives who may, or may not live together in the same house. This type of polygamist is found many times attending the mainstream LDS Church, headquartered in Salt Lake City.
      Brigette, we’re praying you will come to know the Lord! You mentioned that you’re open to all religions so we want to invite you to know the Jesus of the Bible.
      Being a Christian simply means having a relationship with Jesus whom you’ve accepted to be your Lord and Savior. We invite you to check out the Romans Road to Salvation!

  27. Brian January 30, 2017 at 11:24 am #

    The bible clearly states to not add or take away from his teachings. The book of mormon is a clear attempt at addiction and doesnt have any standing. Also the story of the foundation of mormon faith is insanity. Denouncing flds and polygamy publicly is great. However, I doubt you really feel that way. You cant change the moral codes of a faith. Polygamy has always been part of the false religion. The secrecy of the mormon faith is appalling. There are many things outsiders arent allowed to know. God and Christ do not need secrets. Your origin story is as believable as Scientology. With the child abuse and polygamy your no better than Muslims. They had a prophet who forcefully had relations with a 9 yo. Be truthful. God does indeed love you. He hates the sin. Not the sinner.

    • Tanner Osborne July 21, 2017 at 5:17 am #

      Outsiders arent allowed to know what are u tryin to do here. I am a mormon and i have been in this church no polygamy happens no abuse no secrecy. If u say that then your not talkin about the Lds church your thinkin about the flds church the flds church is wrong very wrong the lds church is true and btw a little knowledge here the bible is accounts of people in other parts of the world and the book of mormon is accounts in america and is not adding on

  28. Trisha July 22, 2017 at 4:32 pm #

    Joseph Smith was visited by an Angel Moroni, who brought him a different gospel. The Bible is pretty clear on this.

    Galatians 1:6-12I am astonished how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.

    8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a divine curse! 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you embraced, let him be under a divine curse!

    Paul Preaches the Gospel
    10Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not devised by man. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

    • Noah February 20, 2018 at 6:44 am #

      Im not a Mormon, im a specifically Baptist, but thats besides the point. Anyway yes Paul did state that, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a divine curse!”
      Specifically he as in Paul said “Gospel”, never once did he say “another testament of Jesus Christ”, which is what the book of Mormon is, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Gospels and testaments are NOT the same thing. So that doesn’t mean Mormons are necessarily wrong or cursed for that matter.

  29. Anonymous February 6, 2018 at 8:41 pm #

    Mormons or not they still are affiliated with the Mormon church, I’m sorry that you’ll be forever linked to those polygamist dildos

  30. Noah February 20, 2018 at 6:52 am #

    To the anonymous Moron above who commented on February 6th 2018. No they are not still affiliated just because they are Mormon, they either FLDS are or they are LDS , PERIOD. I attend a Baptist Church that has made it very clear they do not affiliate nor acknowledge any ties with Westboro Baptist, and believe me THEY DONT. Your statement alone would be the same as labeling all Baptists as that of Westboro and your attitude towards other denominations contrary to your own sounds like you would fit in well at Westboro.

  31. Chris June 22, 2018 at 3:37 pm #

    I hear about today’s Prophets and think to myself, the LAST Prophet was Jesus Christ and when he died and shed his blood so that all who believe in Him will have all past, present and future sins forgiven, no future Prophets are required but there were Apostles. In the Old Testament, there were many Prophets and it spoke to the coming of Christ. The whole point was once He came, no more Prophets would be required, no more additional good works/deeds would be required to enter the gates of Heaven; Only believing that He is our saviour and only through him will we be saved.

    King James Bible:
    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

    New International Version:
    Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

    King James Bible
    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    New Living Translation
    Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

    International Standard Version
    Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

    And the Book of Mormon and the need to have “another Testament”… I pray for those who follow it and all the ritualistic inclusions:

    King James Bible
    For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book

    New International Version
    I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.

    Look, I’m trying to understand the LDS way as I now live in UT and I will say they are a morale folk, very family orientated, very kind but they’re missing the big picture… Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation and nothing else…

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