Super Duper Importance

Biblical Distinctions

Okay, along the road of showing New Ways to understand traditional biblical interpretations I realized (by way of our verse by verse study of Romans) that there is a super-duper important area of study and knowledge that many believers today do not realize. Understanding it is KEY to understanding the faith today. So, let me build my case and I sincerely pray this information will seep in and help you trust in what the Bible actually says and “not” what men say it says.

The Bible is not composed of an Old Testament and a New Testament. The Bible consists of the Tanakh (or what Christians call the Old Testament) and what should be seen as the apostolic record (which is what Tertullian decided to name the New Testament). Why is this distinction important? Because God describes His New Testament as the time when He would write his laws on the hearts and minds of those who are his, and not as a set of gospels, letters and revelations gathered up into a collection of written demands.

The New Covenant

Speaking directly to this, God said through Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Paul even said the following which supports this view (if you will let it) and speaking of God said in 2nd Corinthians 3:6:

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

Tonight, I want to fortify this position by detailing, in brief, the differences between the Old Testament and the Apostolic writings that we use to instruct us, inform us and lead us when we read the words by the Spirit. In Romans chapter 3:1 Paul writes: Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? And in verse 2 he responds, saying 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them (the Jews) were committed the oracles of God.

The Oracles of God

Above anything and everything else, Paul says the principal benefit of being a Jew is they produced, processed and possessed the sacred Scriptures, or what Paul calls the “Oracles of God.” The word translated to oracles here is log-ee-on in the Greek and it means that they were entrusted with the “utterances” of God.

Now, when it comes to manuscript evidence, the Apostolic Record has hundreds of times more evidence than the Old. This is something to talk about in a minute. But there is a reason for this. Critics (who like to challenge the reliability of the Bible) have pointed out that the oldest version of the Old Testament is less than 1,500 years old. That’s not too old when we consider the story goes back some 4500 years. The critics point is that after centuries of copies upon copies, errors HAD to have crept in, right? But Israel's profound reverence of God's utterances brought about the creation of a copying system which is nothing short of astounding!

The Copying System

The Levites created the system of making new copies (of the Old Covenant) as old copies wore out and (listen) once they were worn out, they were destroyed which is why there is so little mss evidence for the Old Testament around today. This is one significant difference between the transmission of the Old Testament and the Apostolic record. Also, knowing it would be easy for men to make a mistake in copying a new transcript, the Nation of Israel developed what I see as a very tedious process. For example, when a person was making a new text, he had to copy the original page with such exactness that the number of words on the copy page could not be changed. If the original page had 288 words, then the page being copied had to have the same 288 words. Each line on a new page had to be exactly the same.

Preservation of the Old Testament Scriptures

Scribes did their job not by paragraph, not by sentences, not even by words, but letter by letter. According to Davidson in his book, The Hebrew Text of the Old Testament, we read: "A synagogue roll [remember that they did not have paper as we do today] must be written on the skins of clean animals, the length of each column must not extend less than 48 or more than 80 lines; the breadth must consist of 30 letters. No word or letter, not even a yod, must be written from memory… Between every consonant the space of a hair or thread must intervene, between every book three lines. Besides this, the copyist must sit in full Jewish dress, and wash his whole body" (The Hebrew text of the Old Testament, Davidson). Additionally, the sinews connecting the pages had to be of clean animals too. When each page of the whole book was finished, a separate person would count the number of phrases in the entire book and compare it to the new version. If ANY of these were off, any, the whole new version was tossed . . . and the scribe started over. These are just a few examples of the great detail that went into ensuring the accuracy of the Scriptures of the Tanakh, or the totality of what we call the Old Testament.

Additional Safeguards

Bible scholar Bullinger described the additional safeguards this way: “The scribes would "fence” the Scriptures because it locked all words and letters in their places… They would then record the number of times several letters would reoccur in the books; the number of words, the middle word; the number of verses, and the middle verse; the number of expressions and combinations of words, etc… All this (Bullard says) for the set purpose of safeguarding the Sacred Text, and preventing the loss or misplacement of a single letter or word" (Bullinger's Companion Bible). Because of all of this these men had no worry whatsoever that there might have been an error. It was Ezra, assisted by the priests and Levites of the Great Assembly or Synagogue, who completed the final editing and canonization of the Old Testament Scriptures in the late fifth century B.C. (or about 400 to 500 years before Christ). By the time Jesus was born, the content of the Old Testament had been established for some four to five hundred years.

Accuracy of the Old Testament

Has the Old Testament been accurately preserved for us today? ABSOLUTELY! Noted Bible scholar Jack Finegan said, "It has been… estimated that there are …variations in hardly more than a 1000th part, of the text." This means the Old Testament is at least 99.9% true to the original! And the challenges against it have proven faulty over the years. The Dead Sea Scrolls have supported this. For the most part, when the Apostles refer to the scriptures or to the Word of God, they are speaking almost entirely of the Old Testament or Tanakh. When Paul says that Timothy in 2nd Timothy 3:15 “that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” He was speaking only of and specifically of the Old Testament. So, take all of that in. Let it germinate in your mind.

The true Old Testament was preserved and presented through an elaborate system of transcription. God led the Nation to copy his words this way and through it they produced what Paul calls the scripture, and which Timothy, from a youth, knew, and this knowledge of those scriptures, Paul said, made Timothy “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” We also know that God himself referred to His New Covenant or Testament as being the time when He would directly WRITE His laws on believers' hearts and minds. Finally, we realize that it is a misnomer to refer to the Apostolic Writings as the New Testament – and this is supported by the fact.

The Apostolic Record and the Spirit

That even Paul said, referring to God, that he had made them: “able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Now, to fortify what I am saying even more, ask yourself – “what method did God institute for the transmission of the Apostolic record’s contents?” Was there a gaggle of scribes especially “anointed” to copy those gospels and letters? Did they have the safeguards in place to avoid error and/or manipulations like the Jews had in place? Did they toss the old copies away like the Jews did when they made new ones? What does it say about the purpose and place of the Apostolic Record if the response to all of those questions is no, no, no, no? It tells us several super-duper important things – if you are willing to hear them.

Post Pentecost and the Spirit's Role

First, it tells us that post Pentecost, the Spirit was moving on and upon individual believers as God was writing on their hearts and minds. This appears to have led him to allow men to write and copy and do as they wanted and wished with the inspired words the Apostles penned – which is why we have so many copies, variants within the copies, and pseudepigraphal submissions too. The words and letters were NEVER supposed to become a new lawful canon. They were to be used to teach and instruct, but the ways of the Spirit were to override when differences cropped up. This is so contrary to the idea of sola scriptora that was concocted by men in the sixteenth century. Another difference is that unlike the Old Testament, which was composed when the Holy Spirit rested upon a writer, the New Testament Gospels were composed after the fact – decades later – which I do not mention to denigrate their trustworthiness, but to show that the import of word perfectness was not absolutely necessary (since God writes His laws on our hearts and minds in His real New Testament).

You ought to know by now that I adore the Apostolic writings, and trust that they are able to correct, guide, lead and instruct. But only by the Spirit. And they are NOT our Law as believers. His words written in our minds and hearts are our law. And those words ALWAYS lead to agape love.

The New Covenant and Its Implications

In the Former Old Covenant, which was by the letter of the Law, it was imperative for the transmission of the text to be exact and protected. In the New Covenant, where (AGAIN) God writes his laws on the hearts and minds of believers, and where the letter kills, the Apostolic Record is a gift, and a historical tool, that based on the way it came about (as compared to the Old) ought to seen as such, and NOT a New Testament of Letters to obey or a compilation of demanded practices. The Record is a collection of writings, inspired and not, that assist all seekers of the Living God and His Son, in knowing them and their ways more deeply. The writings become a personal map for all who are led by the Spirit, and are absolutely in an entirely different category of Holy Writ from its predecessor, the Tanakh.

I agree with Roman 10:17 regarding the import of God’s Word today when Paul wrote: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” I also attest to Ephesians 6:17 which calls the Word of God the, “Sword of the Spirit” and directly ties it to the workings of the Holy Spirit within us. I admit and trust that by the Spirit, and citing Hebrews 4:12, that “. . . the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

But we have gotten it all wrong, as believers, when we call it God’s New Testament, when we appeal to it as Law, or see it as a code of Law for doing church. Most importantly, we have made and continue to make the egregious error when we take these letters and use them to attack, divide, dismiss or pummel others to death with them. That was what the words of the former covenant did. CS Lewis said something profound which I personally see as true and in harmony with all of this.

The True Word of God

It is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with the guidance of good teachers, will bring us to Him. We must not use the Bible as a sort of encyclopedia out of which texts can be taken for use as weapons. I don’t think what I say and promote will ever be universally embraced. I am fairly certain that those zealous folks out there who insist on appealing to the Apostolic Record as Law will reject this and continue to use the sacred text to kill, maim, hate and divide. But what God writes in the hearts of those who are His stands directly opposite of such attitudes. We can only love the literalists, the dogmatists, the separatists and the attackers who use the Good book badly. I personally feel that most Reformed Theology goes a long way to push otherwise devoted people into such ways and means, which I also view as entirely unfortunate. But along the way, and in love, those with eyes to see and ears to hear will rise above the din and cacophony of religious rhetoric – and the Law written, and will choose to love, love, love.

The Importance of Spiritual Nourishment

Spiritually, both the Tanakh and the Apostolic Record is no more required to read, search, study and hear by the spirit than it is mandatory for a human to physically drink water. But lack of either will bring people to the same end – state of physical or spiritual dehydration. Show me a Christian who chooses to read and hear the Word taught and I will show you a Christian who deals with life’s trials and successes with an inner-strength not found anyplace else in this world. Conversely, show me a believer who chooses to refrain from being in or hearing the Word and I will give you a person who is constantly tossed to and fro by the trials, tests, and temptations of life. I applaud this audience for seeking Him, in spirit and truth, through a contextual study of His Word by the Spirit. I am as blessed and pleased to offer up its contents to you and see myself as a man operating an open free cool water stand in death valley. But let’s apply what is read appropriately. Which is letting the Fruit of the Spirit always take the lead – which is love. And with all of that, let’s go to your comments from our abundance of shows on YouTube!

Audience Comments

Talking to Mormons • 15 hours ago As I've gotten to know Justin, I admire his authenticity and hunger to follow the Lord and to learn truth. Great interview. I hope it inspires others who struggle with addiction to know there is peace and joy found in the liberty of Christ. Praise God!

Time with Justin Nielson

Angel Maria • 1 day ago Absolutely!

Washing of the Mind

Lori Neilson A good tool indeed.! I have skipped around the Bible the last few years. But at the beginning of this year my church came out with a chapter a day starting in Matthew for the entire year I can’t remember where it ends at. But reading a chapter or two a day has really helped me stay in the Word of God. And to remember that he wants me to know him.

Washing of the Mind

Chance Chopp • 2 days ago Maybe I'm too stupid.

[13L NBP-4] Last Day – Last Hour – At Hand – Part 4

ExJW Born-in Shawn, sorry I spelled your name wrong (Sean) on my Patreon monthly support message! Great interview with Justin! ??

Time with Justin Nielson

Robbie Carrier • 3 days ago Please start a rumble video channel

Live Spirits in the World 43b

Robbie Carrier • 3 days ago Hahaha dude! That’s awesome! The rules on a resurrected being! It’s so simple it’s hilarious yet hugely profound

Live Spirits in the World 43b

Robbie Carrier • 3 days ago My view is that if the founding of your doctrine is based on the words of a murderer then most likely your theology is majorly in error. i.e. Roman Catholicism, Luther, Calvin and pretty much every other “church father” they’re all murderers ??? if you have to kill your opponents or those you call “heretics” then your message probably sucks….love the show!

Forced Faith

Michel Chalon Chaplon scammer • 3 days ago Shawn is wrong. Mormonism is a cult. Mormons are not Christian. They do not love. They love money and themselves.

A Revised Assessment of Mormonism (14L)

Stephanie Smith • 4 days ago Thankyou for sharing Justin! So much truth.

Time with Justin Nielson

richard neumann • 4 days ago ?? Time

The Complexity of Faith and Belief Systems

Shawn needs to rethink his views of the Sacrament Baptism…where we LITERALLY invoke the Holy Trinity and God truly puts His Name on a person.

I got a sick and uneasy feeling going through the mormon temple for the first time. It didn't seem right, I had an evil feeling about all the signs and handshake crap, masonic rituals. I can't believe people, smart people don't research and don't know their religion and buy into all the b.s. Shawn should do a show on the corporation of the mormon church and the 100 billion they are worth on top of the 7-8 billion collected from members each year in tithing. Go to the article in the wall street journal if interested. He can get those records unsealed nowadays. It much easier. I am appreciative of my adoptive parents but on the other hand they were absentee parents and mormon. I didn't pick them as my parents and I could have been adopted by another couple and maybe been a better person in a home where my emotional needs were taken care of which they weren't and wouldn't have been raised in mormonism, which I terribly regret and am flushing out all that crap I was taught by that cult. My natural mother is a wonderful human being and has great attributes that I wish I had more of if I could have been raised with her. I totally understand why she gave me up, it was the best decision for her and me. She had no support and a flaky guy that didn't stay around.

Perspectives on Faith

Listened to this a while back. Excellent! 2:44 Beautiful love u Awesome! I’ll be buying Thank you! I love your show! Five or six replies. All cryptic. Why can’t Matt prove Christianity wrong So…….no hell fire preaching!? Lol What a train wreck Free agency !!! They can try to spin that one but it’s a fact !!! We are free to choose in this life! In fact Christ says – draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you !!!! The gospel of Jesus Christ is a choice !! Good video! Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it Thanks for the visit Every video I watch is more evidence that you have the mind of Christ. I stand amazed. This graph makes so much sense. You are brilliant! You get right to the "heart of the matter". I'm sending this out to a friend who is a highly influential Protestant pastor who has reached the same conclusions after starting out in Calvinism years ago.

Personal Reflections

Careful, can't talk about fraud on youtube anymore. Lol Jesus bless sean Will you accept an invitation to my house for dinner and speak with my wife? She just won’t give up her Mormonism. Thanks for putting this out there. Been following you for many many many years and yes I always found the aspect of Calvinism to be intuitively wrong. Because it gives that boasting element to people who might think that they are chosen and others are not and from there just naturally look down on others which is not the Christ likeness that I have come to understand. Of course I could be very wrong also. But under calvinism it would seem a bit of a broken idea that God essentially chose the fall of man if he would so easily remove free will from us now. Which to me sounds suspect. I think that the spirit is far more organic and understanding and willing to accept people and their choices than a more fundamental Christian type would simply because we don't have that all knowing capacity.

Forced Faith

I donno man. I tend to stay away from the types that are certain of who is going where. If it was a matter of no choice why then are we told to ask for Jesus. Seems very suspect to me is all. Yet I can pray for dreams and I get them, and healing, and even the weather on a few occasions. But who goes where and when isn't something I concern myself with, thats not even my domain nor could I ever know. It is a trap to think you can be certain of those things. I've always understood if you tell someone their going to hell you simply endanger yourself of that same fate. We do make choices all the time, but those choices have a cause, they are not uncaused choices, Shawn. And we don’t choose God, rather He chooses us. Some are chosen in this age but God will eventually choose ALL in his own time period, in accordance with Scripture (Timothy 2:4–6). John 6:44 tells us: “No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” Strong’s # G1670 Greek: to drag (literally or figuratively):- draw.

I don't know man I'm about 50/50 on it. I feel like it is two people looking at the same hill from opposite directions. I think both Calvanism and Arminianism are correct. Now what I said was either the dumbest thing you've ever heard or you just had an epiphany.

A Revised Assessment of Mormonism

What Joseph Smith "restored" was the Old Covenant of the law – what you can eat, wear, temple rituals, and priesthood that claims you have to go through them to be saved. Paul clearly states that the law was death. As a former Mormon, who is born again through Christ, I would never go back. To be in good standing, you give your daily life to trying to serve the church and that takes you away from serving God.

Charity and Service

You had failed to understand the gospel. Times of the Restitution of All Things. Charity is all about service to others, serving your fellowman, and ministering to their needs. trhough following the Spirit. Doing the same things Jesus himself did when he was led by the Spirit. How do you expect to live in heaven and inherit the Kingdom Where God is if you're not willing to live the laws of heaven. to live his kind of lifestyle. How can you exercise faith in the savior without keeping his Father's Commandments to show that faith? To be a doer of the word and not a hearer only. This is what God has to say to all the apostates of the Church: "Your words have been stout aganist me saith the Lord. Wherein have we ought against thee? Ye have said. ''It ia vain to serve God and what profit it us to keep these ordinances and to walk mournfully before the Lord of hosts' (Malachi 3) So the Lord God already knows the hearts and minds of those who left the LDS Church and criticize it.

God the Father knows everything going on in this world of what's going on in the hearts and minds of his own children. That's why God told us what their thoughts and intentions of their hearts are of those particular group who like to argue with God so God simply revealed their attitude through the prophet Malachi. Those who continually fight against Zion.

I don’t quite understand the current anti-church Christian movement, but each to their own. Thank you for the kind words. I attend the LDS Church for its doctrine and what I believe is true. I don’t always feel all those perks that you list, but I do appreciate things such as the approach to doctrine and the abundance of resources available. I think I disagree with your take that the Bible was all for their own day. There are some limitations and context is important. I believe that’s why we have more scripture today.

Counterfeit money can still be spent; it has no worth but it is designed to appear authentic.

The Challenges and Changes in Mormonism

Uzi Kalashnikov expressed frustration with the ongoing societal issues and how they intersect with religious discussions. He noted, "I think it's stupid to bug folks when the secular country is still having riots about racism." Meanwhile, Joan Lantis shared her personal journey with Christian radio and the changes she has witnessed in Mormonism over the years. She lamented, "I used to have Christian radio on during the day to keep me company. I can't listen to it hardly at all anymore because of their call to open churches and go maskless." Additionally, she reflected on her experiences within the Mormon church, stating, "I'm 59 yrs old, raised in Mormondome. I feel like I've seen everything change from the b o m, to who can say a prayer in sacrament…the only thing that hasn't changed is, of course, their belief in polygamy."

Belief, Knowledge, and Testimony

A conversation unfolded between 'People of the Free Gift' and Shawn McCraney regarding the nature of religious belief and knowledge. 'People of the Free Gift' questioned, "When a person says, 'know the lord,' would they be talking with a believer or unbeliever?" They further discussed the difference between belief and knowledge, emphasizing, "I have got knowledge on God. So I am beyond just believing that God lives or hoping that God exists. For I KNOW God lives." This sentiment underscores the distinction between faith, belief, and knowledge within Mormon testimony.

Obligations and Revelations

Helen Waite highlighted the serious nature of commitments made within the church. She stated, "If you choose to proceed, you will be REQUIRED to take upon yourselves, sacred OBLIGATIONS, the VIOLATION of which will bring upon yourself the JUDGEMENT of God." This reflects the weight of religious obligations and the belief in divine revelation guiding the church's teachings and practices.

In a final note, Trey Tomeny expressed love for Shawn McCraney, the LDS Church, and many churches worldwide. He shared a belief that God meets individuals where they are, emphasizing that "He cares little about what we believe, but is completely concerned with what we do."

Reflections on Faith and Belief

do, do we love one another? I can learn a lot from you, and maybe you can learn a bit from me. I live in Christ and Christ lives in me. Are you having live church services now? I can't wait to meet you in person. You are a great and beautiful light in this dark world.

Perspectives on Mormonism

AJ The Oklahoma Guru
I just loved your video. I am a Latter Day Saint, and have watched you sparingly over the years. I would watch your videos when the LDS people would call in, I just could not watch them, because the ones I watched you would destroy their reasoning, and I more angered by their comments than your answers by far. I do not agree with your interpretation of the Bible when it comes to Christ reign upon the earth but you do have a great message. Here is a question? Jesus came in the flesh, then He dies then He comes to Mary and then He goes to the Father, and then He comes to the Apostles, I could go on and add to this list, but the reality is, He has returned on several occasions.

Benjamin Colson
If your only hang-up is eschatology, become a Christian, come to Christ, the only eternal God, in faith! While preterism is a good thing, this guy takes it way too far. Basically every Christian believes that Jesus is coming back bodily (Acts 1:9-11, Heb 9:24-28), even if you believe that all of Matthew 24 is fulfilled. So don't let this guy's strange eschatology hold you back from true Christianity, since the LDS teach a false gospel.

The Importance of Charity and Repentance

germanslice
Pau;l taught that without having Charity ALL YOUR FAITH AND AL YOUR "TRUTH" MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT IT. . If you don't have love for others and you are rude, and are insensitive and know the scriptures but despise and judge others. Then you have no charity. And are nothing before God but a tinking hollow cymbal. What Lack I yet? Is what all the Whites and the Aaron's should be saying to themselves…..Repentance is only acceptable before God in the Church if the walk with God causes the person to forsake their sins. That applies to the none-member who wants to join the Saints and also to the Saint in the Church. Paul didn't just teach ONLY NON-BELIEVERS about repentance, so repentance is not just a priinciple of the gospel for only the Non-Members of the Church. For Paul also taught BAPTIZED saints of the church that they still had to live the principle of repentance and keep the Commandments of God each day and endure to the end and that's exactly what Latter-day Saints do.. Because they are the Saints of Zion that God raised up in the last days to set as a standard for the world, for Zion is to stand as an Ensign to the world and as a light and beacon out to all the nations. Zion the outcast whom the Bible heathern world had rejected, God would raise up Zion as a light set upon a hill, and those that murmured shall learn doctrine (Isaiah Chapter 29). Paul even rebuked those saints who had backslidden back into their old ways of Sin and warned them if they don't keep the Commandments and learn to walk in the Spirit before God (1 John) and ENDURE TO THE END then these baptized saints would not reach their goal of becoming like Christ and become wandering stars (JUDE). or Lukewarm (Rev) As Christ rebuked these Saints for being Lukewarm and slothful in the Commandments……So you do have to continue in Faith in Dilligence in keeping the commandments to overcome sin (1 John) otherwise if you believe in God by faith and are not being dilligent in the commandments and say you love God and judge or despise your fellowmen then your faith is in vain, your religion is in vain, and you are found to be a liar before God.. And what's more, the gospel teaches to develop Faith, Hope, Charity, Benevolence, Mercy, Love, temperance, Godliness, Holiness, Righteousness, Long-Suffering, Dilligence, Paitence, Kindness, Wisdom, Knowledge, Integrity, Honesty, , a whole slew of God-like Attributes that make up the character of God. That's why because of all these attributes that must be developed is why Latter-day saints teach Í'm trying to be like Jesus'' They mean what they say and practice.

Walking in the Footsteps of the Savior

Walking in the footsteps of the Savior to learn to become more like him, they walk their talk. What many Bible believers are doing these days is just spouting all off about the Bible instead of living the principles taught in the Bible and not walking in the footsteps of the Savior, but walking instead in their own way getting too caught up in their own intellectual pursuits and judging others with the Bible instead of preparing themselves to meet the Lord when the Bridegroom comes. Isaiah also knew and talked about LDS Doctrines of the Afterlife and was speaking direct to all the latter-day saints in the last days who knew what heaven is like 'A Place of glory and fire' and also on the qualifications of heaven since Isaiah had been in heaven himself so he would know it's a place of glory and fire. Isaiah knew about the Saints of Zion and so did Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and Daniel they all spoke about them and the blessings they would receive from God in the last days. That's why God has prospered the latter-day saints for over 250 years.

The Principle of Repentance

Jude warned that Baptized Saints who turn back to sin like a dog who returns back to its own vomit and does not continue their walk in Christ are in danger of eternal judgment from God. So it's quite plain in the Church that the principle of Repentance is a daily action not a one-time event for Saints of God. Otherwise, Jude would not be warning the saints of falling away from the day of grace and going down to perdition if they backslide into sin since Jesus taught that The Father will save all with a degree of salvation 'For in my Father's house are many mansions' except for those very few who sin against the holy ghost and go down to perdition. And that is why there are different grades in the resurrection and not just only one grade.

The Kingdom of God on Earth

The Kingdom of God is already on the earth, both in spiritual and material form and that's the kingdom of Zion. And also the temple will come down out of heaven also to greet the Saints of God in the Millennium. So that's also more of God's kingdom being restored.

A Revised Assessment of Mormonism

A week ago, a conversation unfolded around the nature of Mormonism, with individuals offering varied perspectives on the faith. One view expressed was that Mormonism is a social club that one joins at the cost of their eternal destiny, suggesting it's a deal with the devil who will collect at the end of one's life. This perspective was met with disagreement, highlighting that Mormons view their covenant as made with God, emphasizing a lifestyle distinct from the world's ways.

David Bokovoy was mentioned as a noteworthy Bible scholar educated by the LDS Church, who no longer believes or is inactive in the church, having been interviewed by John Dehlin on Mormon Stories. Despite Bokovoy's change in belief, some individuals maintain that he still believes in Mormon scripture. Others, however, dismissed his scholarly credentials, attributing his departure to a lack of enduring faith.

Perspectives on the LDS Church

The conversation also touched on the structure and charitable work within Catholicism, juxtaposed with criticism of its handling of certain issues. Moreover, there was a critique of the LDS Church's selling of Godhood for financial contributions, a point that some found objectionable. In contrast, others questioned the existence of a Mormon god and speculated on Joseph Smith's intentions.

Atheism was briefly referenced as a religious belief, and the discussion moved to a critique of religious practices, specifically around the notion of being "born again" and the motivations behind religious acts. The conversation also included reflections on Christian teachings for Mormons, emphasizing the importance of understanding biblical concepts and texts like a Concordance.

Reflections on Personal Journeys

Several individuals shared their personal experiences with the LDS Church, with one person explaining their departure due to what they perceived as fallacious reasoning used by the Church to retain members. The significance of reading church fathers and scripture in context was highlighted to avoid misinterpretations, particularly regarding becoming gods.

Overall, the discussion revealed a spectrum of beliefs and attitudes towards Mormonism and religion, illustrating the complexities and nuances of faith and personal conviction.

False Prophets and Misinformation

Wait, I'm okay with everything dude said, but he ain't right for knocking the DogFather Snoop. Nah son, we here in the 313 don't play that. Detroit West Siiiieeede.

I don't want to say anything that might hurt some of my Mormons friends, but my wife and I were in the church for 16 years, and my wife was never happy. However, we left the church nearly 5 years ago, and we have never been so happier, especially when we found out that there were things which we weren't told when we joined the church. Forgive me my Mormon friends, but Joseph Smith was a false prophet. Jesus said if any prophet made a prophecy that didn't come true, then he was false, and Joseph made at least 4 prophecies which never came true, so it speaks for itself. It's not enough to say I believe in Jesus. You have to believe in the right Jesus, which is Jesus from the Bible. My Mormons friends, do what we did: throw away your Book of Mormon and feast on the Bible.

Misquoting Scripture

Hebrews 8:11, quoting the Old Testament, does not say, “nobody shall say know the Lord for all shall know him who are his” as Shawn stated. It says, “nobody shall say know the Lord, for all shall know him, from the least to the greatest.” Ask yourself if that is true. Ask yourself why Shawn is intentionally inserting “who are his” in order for it to be believable that this has already taken place.