We continue getting feedback about polygamy in the Bible. Even Christians are confused about the polygamy recorded in the Old Testament with no comment from God specifically calling polygamy a sin. We hear from Christians that polygamy is okay and even find Christians living the polygamous lifestyle. One family claiming to be Christian entered into polygamy “to teach his wife how to overcome her jealousy.” But if a Christian’s behavior is for any other reason than God’s glory—its subject to Biblical judgment:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ESV ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31
There’s not a verse in the Bible that condones polygamy. God blessed monogamy but He never pronounced a blessing on polygamous relationships. In addition, every single polygamous relationship recorded in the Bible is a negative experience for all the participants. It’s deeply concerning that there are professing Christians who are not Biblically literate enough to discern God’s perfect will for their marriages. Professing Christians who live polygamy makes it even more difficult for us to reach Mormon polygamists if they are practicing the same polygamy we point out is wrong in God’s eyes.
Anyone interested in learning more about polygamy in the Bible can ask for our Bible study, Is Polygamy Biblical? Its free for the asking.
We thank you for your prayers and support that make it possible for us to bring Biblical truths to polygamists.
“Obedience to the sacred covenants made in temples qualifies us for eternal life—the greatest gift of God to man”
--Russell M. Nelson, “Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple,” Ensign Special Issue Temples, October 2010, p. 42.
“Latter-day Saints are Abraham’s seed of the latter days. Their exaltation or eternal life depends on their obedience to the covenants they have made and kept with God”
--Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis - 2 Samuel, 2003, p. 62.
(From “In Their Own Words” compiled by Bill McKeever )
BUT THE BIBLE SAYS….
Ephesians 2:15-17 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
Titus 3:5-7 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
MORMON POLYGAMY HISTORY
~~It all began with Joseph Smith~~
Plural, Celestial marriage was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith as one of the "mysteries of godliness." He in turn taught it to others in the same manner. Those to whom it has been revealed have been taught that it is "the most holy and important principle revealed by God to man." They have been placed under severe restrictions not to reveal this principle nor teach it to others except under certain conditions. They must not betray God nor His revelations to the wicked. Because of these things much of the material found in this volume will appear of a contradictory nature.
When wicked men have come to know of these sacred principles, they have sought to use them in an attempt to justify their own wickedness in pursuing an unholy course in their lives. When their wickedness has been exposed, they have betrayed God and their brethren who trusted them. They published to the world that Joseph and his brethren were adulterers, seducers of women, wicked, lustful, etc. In this way they accused them of the very sins of which they themselves were guilty, or which they entertained in their own hearts. They twisted the words and intents of the Prophets and Apostles of God to suit their own evil designs and purposes. Often they clothed themselves with a deceiving sanctity through false affidavits, lies, etc., to the degree that, in many cases, they actually believed themselves to be correct and justified in their course and actions.
Though surrounded by false brethren and traitors, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Heber C. Kimball, and many others stood true to and kept their covenants. In the face of all their traditions, and in the face of all the apparent contradictions, they kept the whole law and maintained their integrity.
"By their fruits ye shall know them." Peruse the history of the lives of these men. Observe the fruits which flowed from their lives. The record will prove who were truly the servants of God.”
--The Most Holy Principle, Vol 3; A History Problem; 23 Dec. 1805 Jun. 1970; Gems Publishing Company
NOTE: Taking this advice to peruse the history of the lives of these men, we found that the fruits of these early Mormon polygamists are corrupt and rotten to the core. They neglected their many wives and children, they married girls young enough to be their granddaughters, they taught false doctrine, they were wolves in sheep’s clothing. Some practiced blood atonement, most of them lied for the Lord, they deceived and practiced unrighteousness. History proves them to be among the wicked, not the righteous.
Polygamy groups seem to be constantly in the news or prosecuted for breaking some law. Standard Restaurant Supply is one of dozens of businesses owned and operated by the Kingston polygamy group. They were recently found violating child labor laws. Of course, since their beginning they have violated child labor laws—why has it taken so long? Fox 13 News reported:
“The U.S. Department of Labor found a company- Standard Restaurant Supply- violating child labor laws. Investigators found 22 employees ages 14 and 15 years old were working more than 46 hours per week and were allowed to begin work after midnight. The business is affiliated with the religious and polygamous sect known as the 'Kingston Group' or 'The Order.'”
Former members of the group said they were not surprised by the investigation's findings.
"I worked at least 12-hour days," said former member Lu Ann Cooper, who said she started working when she was 5 years old, and worked overtime by age 15.”
They were penalized $16,595 but claimed they knew nothing about the minor children working in their businesses.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Warren Jeffs continues to rule from his Texas prison. He claims that because of recent revelations, parents are to bring all their children to FLDS safety. Parents who have left the FLDS report that their children are missing. Helaman Jeffs is the official “Prophet’s mouthpiece”, he is obeying Warren’s orders requiring loyal parents to return their children to the church in preparation for the end of times.
Parents who left the FLDS with their children are finding them missing or “run-a-way” and attribute the disappearances to the FLDS.
GGW wrote:
“Yes, the "revulsion" -- too bad there is not an even stronger word. Wow! Oh, how is this [program/podcast] permitted to exist!?!?”
NOTE: This person often sends messages mocking our programs. We think he/she is from a polygamy group coming up against our efforts to bring biblical truths to polygamists.”
SG wrote:
“I love the "pleasant shock" you received that salvation is not obtained by polygamy ... or any other works, I might add. Salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus is beautiful and profound and true. And free for us all. I wish with all my heart, people would not twist God's word to enslave other people!! Outer darkness waits for such people instead of those they prey upon.”
RH wrote:
“Polygamy is completely BIBLICAL. There is absolutely no verse that commands or condemns it! Please tell me the verse that calls it a SIN?”
Answer: Rape and murder is also recorded in the Bible, recording it in the Bible doesn’t equal the commandment. 1 Corinthians 7:2 is just one verse that commands monogamy. Anything outside of God’s will for marriage, is wrong, therefore a sin. The New Testaments tells us Esau was sexually immoral, and he was a polygamist.
Sin:
Mormonism designates sin as only specific acts, we are not basically sinful. In order for the conduct to be sinful, the person must know and realize that it is actually a sin to do it.
Sin is the transgression of divine law... A man sins when he does the opposite of what he knows is right. Up to that point he only blunders. God does not hold one responsible for wrong done in ignorance or unintentionally harm, because such actions do not constitute sin.
--Encyclopedia of Mormonism.
The BIBLE explains that all humans are sinful by nature, we are born with a sinful nature and are in spiritual rebellion against God - we are enemies of God until we are born again. Romans 5:6 and 10; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 58:3 explains we are sinful from birth.
We were invited to share A Shield and Refuge Ministry with a church group in Gering, Nebraska as well as receiving a 2nd invitation to share with students
at the Frontier Bible College in LaGrange, Wyoming.
It’s always a sweet adventure to meet Christians who are totally unaware of Mormon polygamy and its dark hidden secrets. We thank God who provides us with safety, provision and Christian love and hospitality. A grateful thanks to everyone who warmly welcomed us and came to hear our story. May God accomplish His purpose in giving us these opportunities.
- A pledge to help with dental expenses for a former polygamist wife didn’t come
through. If God lays it on your heart to help with these extremely high expenses,
please mark your donation DENTAL HELP.
- Praises for a family in a polygamy group who attended a Christian church, heard
the gospel—responded to God’s call, and now his wife has also responded to
Jesus. Pray for them.
Just call Doris: 801-649-3103, or Email: doris@shieldandrefuge.org |
