The recent events involving Israel and Hamas have ignited some wild speculation among
believers and unbelievers concerning Jesus’ return.
Mormonism in particular has historically been rife with so-called prophets making predictions
and date setting for the Second Coming. Joseph Smith predicted Jesus would return by 1891,
many polygamous leaders have taught that the end is at the door-so the people better get
their lives and wives together and be ready. Warren Jeffs predicted the end was coming the
same year that Utah hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. None of their predictions came
to pass. They
obviously don’t go to the Bible for guidance in their predictions.
Of course, Biblical Christians know that it's useless to set dates because even when Jesus
was here in the flesh, He said that He did not know the time of His return.
Mormonism and Mormon polygamists believe they are God’s modern day Israel meaning
they are the main focus of end times events. They believe the Garden of Eden was in Missouri
which is where Jesus’ return will take place.
Historically, date setting has been a favorite pastime for some people, and whenever tension
in the Middle East heats up, so do more false predictions.
Christians look forward to the blessed hope of the return of our Savior when our
redemption will be completed. But the longer Jesus waits, the more opportunity we have to
witness to more people of the free gift of salvation. Jesus is not tarrying—He will return at the
time set by the Father. In the meantime, we go about our Father’s business as mandated by
Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.
We thank you for your support and prayers that enable us to bring Biblical truths to polygamists.
MORMON POLYGAMY HISTORY
~ It all began with Joseph Smith ~
Isaiah 2:2-5 is a passage from the Bible that both Mormons and Polygamists believe is a prophecy of the Mormon’s when they migrated West to the Utah Territory, settled in the Wasatch Mountains and built their Salt Lake City temple.
Below are excerpts about polygamy from a publication entitled THE MOST HOLY PRINCIPLE, Volume 3, A HISTORY PROBLEM, 23 Dec. 1805 to Jun. 1970, by Gems Publishing Company, Murray, Utah.
BRIGHAM YOUNG SAID:
“The principle spoken upon by Brother Pratt, this morning, we believe in. And I tell you, for I know it, it will sail over, and ride triumphantly above all the prejudice and priestcraft of
the day; it will be fostered and believed in by the more intelligent portions of the world, as one of the best doctrines ever proclaimed to any people.”
“In this volume will be found many interesting and curious documents. They have been included because they have attracted the attention of many people who have delved into the history of plural, celestial marriage. They are items which were major issues either at the time of their presentation or have becomes such since that time.”
Jan-Sep 1832, Brigham Young:
“I never preached to the world but what the cry was. "That damned old Joe Smith has done thus and so." I would tell the people that they did not know him, and I did, and that I knew him to be a good man; and that when they spoke against him, they spoke against as good a man as ever lived. I recollect a conversation I had with a priest who was an old friend of ours, before I was personally acquainted with the Prophet Joseph. I clipped every argument he advanced, until at last he came out and began to rail against "Joe Smith, " saying, "that he was a mean man, a liar, moneydigger, gambler, and a whoremaster;" and he charged him with everything bad, that he could find language to utter. I said, hold on, brother Gillmore, here is the doctrine, here is the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the revelations that have come through Joseph Smith the Prophet. I have never seen him, and do not know his private character. The doctrine he teaches is all I know about the matter, bring anything against that if you can. As to anything else I do not care. If he acts like a devil, he has brought forth a doctrine that will save us, if we will abide it. He may get drunk every day of his life, sleep with his neighbor's wife every night, run horses and gamble, I do not care anything about that, for I never embrace any man in my faith. But the doctrine he has produced will save you and me, and the whole world; and if you can find fault with that, find it. He said, "I have done."
POLYGAMY IN THE NEWS - in 1887. From a publication presenting reasons Utah should not be granted Statehood.
“That the dominant majority in Utah, having persistently disregarded and opposed ths laws of the land, by prostituting the powers of a Territorial government and otherwise, cannot safely be trusted with the powers of a State government.
"That the proposed State Constitution is a device of the Mormon Church to enable Its priesthood to perpetuate by State control, their harsh temporal power and corrupt social system which has blighted Utah for the last thirty-live years.
"That to commit to Mormon hands the power to govern Utah as a State, with past experience of the treasonable and un-American character of that organization, would be to abandon all faithful American citizens who reside here, with all their material Interests, to the oppression and misrule of a power that has never been faithful to any patriotic duty, or obedient to any law which prohibits its crimes.” Pg 15
Proving the truth of Jesus’ words:
Matthew 7:18,20 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
We continue to share some of the sermons preached by polygamy group found/leader Rulon C. Allred, helping to give a better understanding of the relentless grip he has had and continues to have on polygamists through the decades. Allred taught this:
"Justice demands death as the penalty [for sin]. Therefore, death comes upon all men because of the violation of the law. Nevertheless, it was Christ's higher law wherein the demands of justice were met by a Lamb without blemish ... The demands of justice were satisfied, and mercy could lay claim upon those who died because of the fall of Adam. Nevertheless, we cannot be redeemed in our own sins by the atonement of Christ, we must forsake our sins, that the atonement of Christ might be efficacious in our behalf..." Pg 277- Treasures of Knowledge, Rulon C. Allred
NOTE: Allred said we had to forsake our sins before we can enjoy Christ's atonement. That isn't true. There's not a soul on this planet who has ever or can ever completely forsake all their sins.
Its impossible, Mormonism has an impossible salvation plan. But as Hebrews says, when Jesus came, He gave us a better hope. A better hope than the keeping of religious law can ever give us. Forsaking our sins does not bring us the blessings of the atonement - no one can ever forsake all their sins. But God is merciful and Jesus is the fullness of grace and truth. JESUS is our Better Hope.
LDS—GOSPEL OF ABRAHAM:
“The gospel dispensation of Abraham includes the patriarchal order of the priesthood and the eternal marriage covenant ...by which the Abrahamic Covenant is perpetuated from generation to generation among the faithful. Abraham was given a promise of innumerable posterity both in the world and out of the world. This promise is renewed for all who obey the gospel of Jesus Christ and receive the priesthood covenant of celestial marriage, "and by this law is the continuation of the works of [the] Father" among mankind both in time and eternity. The restoration of all things included the restoration of the keys to Joseph Smith to make it possible in modern times for all who do the works of Abraham to inherit the covenant and blessings of Abraham.” Copied from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism.
BIBLE-GOSPEL OF ABRAHAM:
Genesis 12:2-3 ... I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who
dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” ESV
“I think the evangelicals have engendered a suspicion about Mormonism. They sincerely believe we’re wrong, just as we sincerely believe they’re wrong” (LDS Elder, Jim McConkie, PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, April 22, 2007).
On Friday, November 24th 2023, Mormonism Research Ministry officially opened the Utah Christian Resource Center dedicated to equipping Christians with the knowledge and skills needed to defend their faith and to better understand the theology and history of Christianity and the culture in which we live.
The Resource Center includes works of Jerald and Sandra Tanner’s research, resources and their study of Mormonism and Mormon theology including Mormon polygamy.
The center exhibits archaeological and biblical artifacts and old biblical manuscripts. Courses, workshops, and seminars will be offered to deepen the understanding of issues facing Christians in today’s environment, with emphasis on how to respond to these challenges in a Christ-honoring manner.
We thank God for a Christian bookstore presence again in our deeply entrenched Mormon culture.
UTAH CHRISTIAN RESEARCH CENTER
579 Galena Park Pl.
Draper, UT 84020-4701
(385) 237-3649
https://utahchristianresearchcenter.com/
www.mrm.org
“The LDS Mormon church never defines what abuse is. They believe that Joseph Smith’s behavior was not abusive."--CR
“I love you & this show. Straight to the point with care & truth! I am an evangelical Christian & my husband is Mormon. I appreciate all your information in helping me trying to clearly explain the Bible to him & not the Doctrine & Covenants or the Book of Mormon. Thank you again!! Praying for all the LDS members! Such loving an amazing people! Hate how they have been soooo deceived!" --PT
“I’m a never Mormon, and find this podcast a heartfelt and historical rendering of Mormon history and present issues. PWLIT speaks to the soul." --HF
“It's good to know polygamy and adultery are forgivable. Are there any unforgivable crimes against God?" --EH
ANSWER: The only unforgiveable sin that Jesus pointed out is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, meaning, the Holy Spirit brings
us the truth of redemption through Jesus through His love, grace and mercy. Rejecting the FREE gift of eternal life is the
unforgiveable sin. Rejecting our own good works and trusting Jesus ALONE is the only way into His Heaven.
- Praises for an ex-plural wife who left polygamy but joined the LDS church. We prayed for her and explained the true Biblical Gospel. It took a long time, but she has left Mormonism and become a Christian.
- Pray for “K and “J” a couple who left polygamy and are now Christians but are experiencing shunning by their families and financial difficulties.
Just call Doris: 801-649-3103, or Email: doris@shieldandrefuge.org |
