Mormonism - The First Vision Pt 2

Last week we took a look at the first vision that Joseph Smith claimed to have and we compared what he saw in that vision with The Bible. This week we are going to look at what he heard in that vision.

By comparing what he saw with what The Bible says, we were able to determine that it wasn't Biblical nor did it qualify as being "Christian". And since Joseph Smith is the founder of Mormonism, and they claim to be Christians, it obviously is a case of misrepresentation, in that Mormon doctrines are neither Biblical or Christian.

One cannot believe un-Biblical and un-Christian doctrines and still be called a Christian. We will further document that in this weeks look at his first vision.

Joseph Smith was confused about the different Christian denominations and their teachings. He thought that their differences were such that they could not all be right, and he wanted to know which one was right so he could join that one.

Last week we left off with Joseph on the ground and the "two personages" floating above him. We continue with him regaining his composure enough to ask them a question.

My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)--and which I should join. - Joseph Smith

I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." - Joseph Smith

The key phrase in the answer to Joseph Smiths question is "all their creeds were an abomination in his sight".

This vision is reported to have occurred in 1820 which was right in the middle of what is called "the 2nd great awakening". This was a time of great revival in American Christianity when the major denominations (Baptists, Methodists & Presbyterians) experienced tremendous acceptance and growth.

The doctrines of each those Christian denominations were also very fundamental, very Biblical, and all very similar to the other denominations. They all agreed with the 5 tenets of Christianity with no variance or exceptions. The key differences they had were in style of worship, church government, and method of baptism.

There were differences in some doctrines such as predestination for example, but the average person wasn't aware of those doctrines and it would be surprising if Joseph Smith was aware of them.

But for the most part, they all were in agreement when it came to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

So to see that Joseph Smith claimed God said they were all an abomination means that even the core doctrines of the faith, the 5 tenets of Christianity were in error.

Since Mormons claim to "believe" in Jesus, and that he redeemed mankind, their dismissal of "all" the Christian doctrines now casts doubt on what "all" they say when they claim to be Christian.

What they need to do to prove they are Christian is answer the question that Pontius Pilate asked.

(Mark 15:12)
And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Jesus also presented the same question to his disciples.

(Matthew 16:13)
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

And the answer to those questions, who is Jesus and what we should do with him, is answered by "doubting" Thomas and Jesus himself.

(John 20:27-29)
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Jesus said that true belief in him means that you believe he is your Lord and your God, and it's THE key doctrine all the denominations were teaching that Joseph Smith claimed was an abomination.

And he isn't a separate "personage" from God, he is Lord and God incarnate.

Mormons claim all the other Christian faiths are wrong, even though they agree with The Bible. But it is Mormonism that is completely different from what The Bible teaches about Jesus. Therefore they cannot label themselves as Christian.

Mormons would then say that God has revealed new things to us through their prophets, and that their new revelations, and new testament (The Book of Mormon), carry more authoritative weight.

However, once again they contradict The Bible.

(Malachi 3:6)
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

(Luke 24:44)
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Jesus never contradicted the Old Testament, instead he challenged the Jews on the points where they contradicted it. That is my ministry here on this blog, to challenge those who's beliefs contradict The Bible.

Please pray for and reach out to your Mormon friends and teach them the true nature of Jesus without insulting their sincerity. There may be some Mormons who do not understand what their church really teaches, so be loving and gentle as Jesus himself in revealing this to them.