Jefferson Tells the Truth

[_Drifting]

The word cult has several meanings to me. Non Christians could refer to a Christian sect as a cult or sect of Christianity. However, the main meaning in which it is commonly used is a derogatory term about a Christian faith which does not measure up to one's personal opinion of what a Christian faith should teach or believe. However, in my view, when someone refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a cult, then it rings of shallow ignorance to me sense a much deeper look, as I have pointed out, clearly shows that the LDS beliefs are very much in harmony with the beliefs espoused in the New Testament.

Hi gdemetz, can you point me to the part of the New Testament (or Old Testament) where it teaches that secret handshakes and passwords are required, as part of Christian ordinances, to gain entry into the Celestial Kingdom?

[_Albion]

I think you are off the mark, gdemetz, in your main description of the term cult. You are right in that almost anything can be termed "a cult". One definition, offered by Dr. Charles Braden, emeritus professor at Northwestern University, might fit that description. He says: "A cult, as I define it, is any religious group which differs significantly in some one, or more aspects as to belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture." Oxford defines the term, among others, as: "a relatively small religious group regarded by others as strange or as imposing excessive control over members." Other definitions talk of a system of belief based around the ideas and thinking of a particular individual. Mormonism does appear to fit the bill. As a top down authoritative system that dictates what its members should eat and drink, demands a lock-step obedience to church rulings, even down to how they should or should not dress, Mormonism presents that image to those outside. If it looks like a duck, etc.........

[_madeleine]

Here's an interesting quote from Thomas Jefferson:

He stated that he looked forward to "the prospect of a restoration of primitive Christianity. I must leave it to younger athletes to encounter and lop off the false branches which have been engrafted into it by the mythologies of the middle and modern ages."

Could be he meant the Churches of Christ, Christadelphians, Mormons (LDS, RLDS, Community of Christ, etc.), Adventists (Advent Christian Church, Seventh-day Adventist, Branch Davidians, Church of God etc.), Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals or Iglesia ni Cristo.

Seventh-day Adventists and Iglesia ni Cristo are very similar to Mormons in how they arose (charismatic-prophetic leader) and in their views (restorationist).

[_gdemetz]

You're wrong Madelene, none of those other false religions make anywhere near the same claims that Mormonism makes. The Seventh Day "Inventests" don't even claim the Ellen White is a prophet, or prophetess.

[_madeleine]

You're wrong Madelene, none of those other false religions make anywhere near the same claims that Mormonism makes. The Seventh Day "Inventests" don't even claim the Ellen White is a prophet, or prophetess.

In the life and ministry of Ellen G White (1827-1915), we see God's promise fulfilled to provide the remnant church with the "spirit of prophecy." Although Ellen G White did not claim the title "prophet," we believe she did the work of a prophet, and more. She said: "My commission embraces the work of a prophet, but it does not end there" (Selected Messages, Book One, p 36); "If others call me by that name [prophetess], I have no controversy with them" (ibid., p 34); "My work includes much more than this name signifies. I regard myself as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with messages for His people" (ibid., p 36).

[....]

we also believe, as did Ellen G White's contemporaries, that her writings carry divine authority, both for godly living and for doctrine. Therefore, we recommend:

1) That as a church we seek the power of the Holy Spirit to apply to our lives more fully the inspired counsel contained in the writings of Ellen G White, and

2) That we make increased efforts to publish and circulate these writings throughout the world.

http://adventist.org/beliefs/statements ... tat24.html

[_gdemetz]

You stated it. She knew better than to claim that title! Although some women have been prophetesses, meaning that they have the testimony of Christ which is the spirit of prophesy, the have never held the priesthood, or the authority to act in the name of God, in ancient times or in modern times.

[_Albion]

And you don't hold any priesthood either, gdemetz.....certainly not the Melchizadek priesthood which only Christ holds. Traditionally within Jewish custom there was one high priest at a time (two are mentioned in the New Testament but only one serving in that office, the other being called high priest in much the same way that we still refer to George W. Bush as Mr. President even though he is not in office). Christ fills the office of high priest forever and is the only one we need having entered the "holy of holies" once and "for all" destroying the veil of the temple which symbolizes the separation between God and man. You usurp an honor and a priesthood reserved only for Jesus by claiming it.

[_Drifting]

And you don't hold any priesthood either, gdemetz.....certainly not the Melchizadek priesthood which only Christ holds. Traditionally within Jewish custom there was one high priest at a time (two are mentioned in the New Testament but only one serving in that office, the other being called high priest in much the same way that we still refer to George W. Bush as Mr. President even though he is not in office). Christ fills the office of high priest forever and is the only one we need having entered the "holy of holies" once and "for all" destroying the veil of the temple which symbolizes the separation between God and man. You usurp an honor and a priesthood reserved only for Jesus by claiming it.

This is an interesting post.
Please can you reference why Jesus can be the only High Priest?

[_Albion]

The Book of Hebrews gives a clear understanding of this. Prior to the atonement there was only one high priest who once per year entered into the "holy of holies" to make supplication for atonenment of the sins of the people, He along went behind the veil of the temple wearing small bells on the bottom of his robe so those outside could hear him moving about and know that God had not struck him down. He also had a cord attached to his person so that if he were struck dead those outside could pull him out without entering themselves. This atonement ceremony/rite was done once each and every year. When Christ died the veil of the temple was ripped, from top to bottom, opening the way for man to be fully in the presence of God. Through his atonement, Christ entered the "holy of holies" as our hight priest ending forever the need for annual atonement. He atoned "once and for all" for the sins of mankind and sat down at the right hand of God signifying the finality of his atonement. Christ is the only high priest that we need.

[_gdemetz]

Drifting, don't listen to Albion's evangelical ignorance! If what he were true, then the Bible (unless it is his dumb twisting interpretation of it) is not true!

"And (Jesus Christ) hath made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on earth." (Rev. 5:10, see also Rev.1:6, and Rev. 20:6)

The very name Melchezidek was taken from the man who held that high priesthood and was used to signify the high portion of the priesthood! Also, Paul writes to Timothy and tells him not to neglect this gift which was given by the laying on of hands for the PRESBERTY!!!