The Center for
Messianic Learning 

Unapologetically Pro-Torah
Unashamedly Pro-Israel
Irrevocably Zionist
ב״ה
“… out of Tziyon will go forth Torah, the word of ADONAI from Yerushalayim.”
(Isaiah 2:3)

If your life is not in jeopardy for what you believe, you’re probably on the wrong side!
“Indeed, all who want to live a godly life united with the Messiah Yeshua will be persecuted.” (2Tim 3:12)
It is what you actually believe that determines how you walk out your faith, “but avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, quarrels and fights about the Torah; because they are worthless and futile.” (Titus 3:9)

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Please Note: Nothing on this website should be taken as anti-Church. I am not anti-anything or anyone. I am only pro-Torah and pro-Truth. Sometimes the Truth upsets our long-held beliefs. Why isn’t my theology consistent throughout this website?

Cults and World Religions

Please Note Well — It is not my intent to belittle, unduly criticize, or “bash” anyone who may hold religious persuasions or opinions other than my own. Even though I may absolutely and totally disagree with your opinion, I will defend to the death your God-given right to hold it. Since this website was originally launched in 1995, I have continually held the position that I am not “anti-”anybody; I am only pro-Truth [click here for the definition of “Truth”].
   I firmly believe that it can be proven with absolute certainty that the Bible, and the Bible only, is the revealed Word of God, and is the standard by which all knowledge and opinion must be judged. Information on this website that concerns non-Biblical religious beliefs is provided for the sole purpose of comparing those beliefs with the Revealed Truth of the Bible. I also attempt to demonstrate how far the Body of Messiah has drifted from its Jewish origins. We earnestly await the return of Messiah and the “Restoration of All Things” as promised by the prophets. If you disagree with my position, please click this link before emailing me.


The Mormon church claims to be “Christian” because they use a lot of
Christian words, but they assign radically different meanings to those words.


Terminology Differences

By Sandra Tanner, Utah Lighthouse Ministry

Term LDS Definition The Bible Teaches
Pre-Existence Everyone pre-existed; we all exist eternally. Only Christ pre-existed, not man. (John 8:58; Col. 1:17) We didn't have a spiritual existence prior to earth. (1 Cor. 15:46)
Fall Brought mortality and physical death, not a fallen nature. God gave Adam two conflicting commandments and doomed him to fall. Adam’s fall was a noble choice, not sin. He “fell upward” making it possible for him to be glorified to godhood. God tempts no one. (James 1:13-14).
Man is basically sinful (Rom. 8:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:14)
Sin A specific act of disobedience, not man’s basic nature We are in spiritual rebellion until conversion. (Eph. 2:3; Rom. 5:6). We do not become sinful because we sin, we sin because we are basically sinful. (Matt. 1:21)
Repentance Need to repent of individual sinful acts, not related to a sinful nature. Must repent of basic rebellion that is part of our sinful nature. (Jer. 17:9; Luke 5:32)
Atonement/Salvation
by Grace
Christ’s death brought release from the grave and provided for universal resurrection. Salvation by grace is universal resurrection; beyond this resurrection, man must earn his place in heaven. Salvation is not universal, but is based on the faith of each individual. (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 9:28; Eph. 2:8-9)
Redeemed Christ redeemed all people from mortal death only; not from sinful rebellion or spiritual death. Christ redeems the elect from both physical and spiritual death. (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1)
Gospel Mormon Church system and doctrines. Message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as atonement for our sin.
(1 Cor. 15:1:4; Gal. 1:8)
Born Again Baptism into LDS Church. We are spiritually dead until our spiritual rebirth, (1 Pet. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:17)
True Church Only the Mormon Church. The true church was taken from earth until Joseph Smith restored it. As a born-again Christian we are part of God’s Church (His “elect” or “called-out ones.” (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 18:19-20; Matt. 16:18)
Authority and
Priesthood
Only LDS have authority to baptize, ordain, etc. They have a two-part system of priesthood: Melchizedek and Aaronic. Christ brought and end to the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood and is the ONLY High Priest after the manner of Meichizedek; i.e., a Priest forever. (Heb. 5:9; 2 Tim. 2:2)
Baptism Must be performed by a member of the LDS priesthood. Emphasis is on the believer and his relationship to God, not on the authority of any priesthood except Christ’s. (Mark 16:15-16)
Sons of God We are all literal spirit children of God. We become a child of God at conversion. (John 1:12)
Eternal Life Exaltation in Celestial Kingdom and elevation to deity, with the ability to bear children in heaven and reign over a world of his own; Must have a temple marriage to qualify. The gift of God given freely to all His elect; not limited to certain individuals in heaven. There is no mention of parenthood or temple marriage. In fact, there is no marriage in heaven. (1 John 5:12-13)
Immortality Universal gift to all, the ability to live forever. But different from “Eternal Life.” All men are “immortal” in the sense that they will live forever; the justified will live in eternal bliss in the presence of God; the lost will live in eternal torment separated from the presence of God. (2 Tim. 1:10)
Heaven Divided into three kingdoms: Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial. There is a place for almost everyone (they misuse 1 Cor. 15:40-41) Only mentions two conditions: life eternal in heaven or everlasting punishment in hell. (Matt. 25: 31-46)
Kingdom of God The Celestial Kingdom: only those in the Celestial Kingdom are in God's presence. Those in Terrestrial or Telestial Kingdoms aren’t in the presence of “The Heavenly Father.” All redeemed will be in God’s presence. (Rev. 21:1-3). All believers are part of Kingdom. (Matt. 13: 4143)
Hell Hell as an institution is eternal; inmates come and go as in jail; don't spend eternity there; stay until one has paid debt to God. No mention of people getting out of Hell. (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 13:24-43 and 47-50; Luke 16:26)

Godhead Father God is a resurrected man with physical body, Christ is a separate resurrected man with physical body, Holy Ghost is a separate man with a spiritual body — Three totally separate Gods. God not a man. (Num. 23:19). Only one God. (Isa. 43:10-11; 44:6; 45:21-22). Father is Spirit and Invisible. (John 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17)
Holy Ghost Is a separate God from Father and Son; different from Holy Spirit. Holy Ghost is a person; Holy Spirit is influence from Father and not personal. Same Greek word used for Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16 and 6:19)
Virgin Birth God, as a resurrected, physical man, is literal Father of Jesus in the same manner in which men are conceived on earth; believe Matt. 1:18 in error Says Mary was “with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:18;).

 

Without exaggeration, the best place to get accurate information about the Mormon Church is:
     Utah Lighthouse Ministry
     PO Box 1884
     Salt Lake City, UT 84110
Utah Lighthouse Ministry Bookstore
1358 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Page last updated on Wednesday, 22 March 2023 07:30 PM
(Updates are generally minor formatting or editorial changes.
Major content changes are identified as "Revisions”)

Anxiously awaiting Mashiach’s return
ANXIOUSLY WATCHING FOR MASHIACH’S RETURN,
SPEEDILY AND IN OUR DAY. MARANA, TA!