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Utah Lighthouse Ministries
1350 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
(801)-485-8894
The 1990 revised version of the Temple ceremony
Introduction
(by the Tanners)
INTRODUCTORY ANNOUNCEMENT: Before beginning the Endowment service, we present the following statement from the First Presidency.
FIRST PRESIDENCY'S STATEMENT: Since the temple Endowment was first administered in this dispensation, minor changes have been made from time to time by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, acting unitedly in their capacity as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
FIRST LECTURER: Brethren and sisters, we welcome you to the temple, and hope you will find joy in serving in the house of the Lord this day. Those of you who are here to receive your own Endowments should have been washed, anointed, and clothed in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood. For those who are representing deceased persons, the ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood, together with the ordaining in behalf of the deceased brethren were preformed previously. Each of you should have received a New Name in connection with this company. If any of you have forgotten the New Name, or have not received these ordinances as explained, please stand. (pause)
(The lights are dimmed at this point).
SECOND LECTURER: Brethren, you have been washed and pronounced clean, or that through your faithfulness, you may become clean from the blood and sins of this generation. You have been anointed to become hereafter Kings and Priests unto the Most High God, to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever.
(The lights are now turned down completely and the curtains at the front of the endowment room are drawn open, revealing a wall onto which the film is projected. The filmed presentation commences with the scene of several asteroids drifting in black space amidst the stars. Women's and then men's voices are heard singing, as if part of an angelic choir. As the Gods speak their voices are sonorous and reverberating.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, see: yonder is matter unorganized, go ye down and organize it into a world like unto the other worlds we have hereunto formed. Call your labors the First Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, see: here is matter unorganized. We will organize it into a world like unto other worlds we have heretofore formed. We will call our labors the First Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the First Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have called our labors the First Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, go down again. Gather the waters together and cause the dry land to appear. The great waters call ye seas, and the dry land call ye earth. Form mountains and hills, great rivers and small streams, to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. Call your labors the Second Day, bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will gather the waters together and cause the dry land to appear. The great waters we will call seas, and the dry land we will call earth. We will form mountains and hills, great rivers and small streams to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. We will call our labors the Second Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Second Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have called our labors the Second Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth that you have organized. Divide the light from the darkness. Call the light "day," and the darkness "night." Cause the lights on the firmament to appear; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. Cause the stars also to appear and give light to the earth, the same as with other worlds heretofore created. Call your labors the Third Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us return again to the earth that we have organized.
MICHAEL: We will return, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness, and call the light "day," and the darkness "night." We will cause the lights in the firmament to appear, the greater to rule the day, and the lesser to rule the night. We will cause the stars also to appear and give light to the earth; the same as with other worlds heretofore created. We will call our labors the Third Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Third Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have called our labors the Third Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return and place seeds of all kinds in the earth that they may spring forth as grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself after its own kind. Call your labors the Fourth day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will place seeds of all kinds in the earth that they may spring forth as grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation. We will call our labors the Fourth Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Fourth Day, Jehovah.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon, return and place all manner of life upon the earth. Command the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things, and other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in its sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and have joy therein. Call your labors the Fifth Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon, we will place beasts upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear, the horse, and all other kinds of animals; fowls in the air in all their varieties, fishes of all kinds, in the waters, and insects and all manner of animal life upon the earth. We will command the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things, and other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in its sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and have joy therein. We will call our labors the Fifth Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: It is well, Jehovah. Now that the earth is formed with vegetation growing thereon, and provided with all manner of life, it is glorious and beautiful.
JEHOVAH: It is, Michael.
MICHAEL: Let us return and report our labors of the Fifth Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have called our labors the Fifth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, is man found upon the earth?
JEHOVAH : Man is not found on the earth, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, then let us go down and form man in our own likeness and in our own image, male and female, and put into them their spirits, and let us give them dominion over all things on the face of the earth. We will plant for them a garden, eastward in Eden, and place them in it to tend and cultivate it, that they may be happy, and have joy therein. We will command them to multiply and replenish the earth, that they may have joy in their prosperity. We will place before them the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and we will allow Lucifer, our common enemy, whom we have thrust out to tempt them, and to try them, that they may know by their own experience the good from the evil. If they yield to temptation we will give unto them The Law of Sacrifice, and we will provide a savior for them, as we counseled in the beginning, that they may be brought forth by the power of the redemption and the resurrection, and come again into our presence, and with us partake of Eternal Life and exultation. We will call this the sixth day, and we will rest from our labors for a season. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
(The film now shows a scene of a lush, tropical area.) ELOHIM: Jehovah, see the earth that we have formed. There is no man to till and take care of it. We are here to form man in our own likeness and in our own image.
JEHOVAH: We will do so, Elohim.
(The youthful body of Adam who appears to be sleeping, is shown from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, man is now organized, and we will put into him his spirit, the breath of life, that he may become a living soul.
(Adam stirs, and begins to sit up.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, is it good for man to be alone?
JEHOVAH: It is not good for man to be alone, Elohim.
ELOHIM: We will cause a deep sleep to come upon this man whom we have formed, and we will take from his side a rib from which we will form a woman to be a companion and helpmeet for him.
(Adam lays his head upon the ground as he looses consciousness.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this is Michael, who helped form the earth. When he awakens from the sleep which Elohim and Jehovah have caused to come upon him, he will be known as Adam, and having forgotten all, will have become a little child. Brethren, close your eyes as if you were asleep.
(All male patrons in the room close their eyes.)
ELOHIM: Adam, awake and arise.
(Adam obeys the command, and is shown with foliage in front of him which conceals his body from view. The youthful Adam appears to be in good physical condition, and is clean shaven.)
NARRATOR: All the brethren will please arise.
(The male patrons open their eyes and rise from their seats. An attractive, youthful Eve enters the scene and stands beside Adam. They are both shown from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give unto you to be a companion and helpmeet for you. What will you call her?
ADAM: Eve.
(For the first time, the Gods, Elohim and Jehovah, are shown. They are two bearded, luminescent, glorious personages, clothed in flowing white robes. They appear standing in mid-air above and in front of Adam and Eve, and are surrounded by a radiant aura of silvery-white light.)
ELOHIM: Why will you call her Eve?
ADAM: Because she is the mother of all living.
ELOHIM: That is right, Adam; because she is the mother of all living. We have organized for you this earth, and have planted a garden, eastward in Eden. We will place you in the garden and we will there command you to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. Jehovah, introduce Adam and Eve into the garden which we have prepared for them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The brethren will now be seated.
(Adam and Eve join hands, and are introduced into the garden as the male patrons are seated.
The scene changes to the garden.)
ELOHIM: Adam, Eve, we have created this earth, and have placed upon it all kinds of vegetation and animal life. We have commanded all these to multiply in their own sphere and element. We give you dominion over all these things, and make you, Adam, Lord over the whole earth, and all things on the face thereof. We now command you to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. We have also planted for you this garden, wherein we have placed all manner of fruits, flowers, and vegetation. Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not eat; nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee. But, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
(Adam and Eve surveys the garden, examining the plant and animal life. Adam peers over a hedge of bushes and smiles as he watches a lion lazily stretching on the ground. As Lucifer introduces himself in the following scene, he stands in the shadows as he begins to speak and then steps forward into the light. Lucifer wears black and gray clothing with a cloak. He is also clean shaven.)
LUCIFER: Well, Adam, you have a new world here.
ADAM: A new world?
LUCIFER: Yes, a new world, patterned after the old one where you used to live.
ADAM: I know nothing about any other world.
LUCIFER: Oh, I see, your eyes are not yet opened. You have forgotten everything. You must eat some of the fruit of that tree.
(Lucifer plucks fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and presents it to Adam.)
LUCIFER: Adam, here is some of the fruit of this tree. It will make you wise.
ADAM: I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in the day I should partake of it I should surely die.
LUCIFER: You shall not surely die but shall be as the Gods, knowing good and evil.
ADAM: I will not partake of it.
LUCIFER: Oh you will not? Well, we shall see.
(Lucifer goes in search of Eve and hears a lamb bleating. He turns his head and finds Eve carrying a small lamb.)
LUCIFER: Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make you wise. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.
EVE: Who are you?
LUCIFER: I am your brother.
EVE: You, my brother, and come here to persuade me to disobey Father?
LUCIFER: I have said nothing about Father. I want you to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, that your eyes may be opened, for that is the way Father gained his knowledge. You must eat of this fruit so as to comprehend that everything has its opposite: good and evil, virtue and vice, light and darkness, health and sickness, pleasure and pain--thus your eyes will be opened and you will have knowledge.
EVE: Is there no other way?
LUCIFER: There is no other way.
EVE: Then I will partake.
(Eve takes the fruit from Lucifer, and bites it. Lucifer approves and places the other piece in her hand.)
LUCIFER: There, now go and get Adam to partake.
(Eve turns, and seeks Adam, fruit in hand. She finds him kneeling by a brook dipping his hand into the water. Fish are seen swimming below the surface, and white doves fly nearby. As Eve speaks to Adam, he stands and smiles as he sees her.)
EVE: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.
ADAM: Eve, do you know what fruit that is?
EVE: Yes, it is the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
ADAM: I cannot partake of it. Do you not know that Father commanded us not to partake of the fruit of that tree?
EVE: Do you intend to obey all of Father's commandments?
ADAM: Yes, all of them.
EVE: Do you not remember that Father commanded us to multiply and replenish the earth? I have partaken of this fruit and by so doing shall be cast out, and you will be left a lone man in the garden of Eden.
ADAM: Eve, I see that this must be. I will partake that man may be.
(Adam takes a bite, and Lucifer walks to their side with a look of approval.)
LUCIFER: That is right.
EVE: It is better for us to pass through sorrow that we may know the good from the evil.
EVE: I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast out of Father's presence for rebellion.
LUCIFER: Yes, you are beginning to see already.
ADAM: What is that apron you have on?
(Lucifer draws his cloak up to reveal a black apron.)
LUCIFER: It is an emblem of my power and Priesthoods.
ADAM: I am looking for Father to come down to give us further instructions.
LUCIFER: Oh, you are looking for Father to come down, are you? (The Gods' voices are suddenly heard in the garden.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, we promised Adam and Eve that we would visit them and give them further instructions. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
ADAM: I hear their voices, they are coming.
LUCIFER: See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you aprons. Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide!
ADAM: Come, let us hide.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, put on your aprons.
(The film pauses temporarily and the lights are turned up while the patrons remove their fig-leave aprons from the bundles. All patrons tie the aprons on around their waists. The lights are again turned down and the film resumes. The camera pans down and presents the Gods' perspective as they descend. Adam hides behind foliage.)
ELOHIM: Adam ... Adam! ... Adam!! Where art thou?
ADAM: I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was naked.
ELOHIM: Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou partaken of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of which we commanded thee not to partake?
ADAM: The woman thou gavest me, and commanded that she should remain with me, she gave me of the fruit of the tree, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Eve, what is this that thou hast done?
EVE: The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?
LUCIFER: I have been doing that which has been done in other worlds.
ELOHIM: What is that?
LUCIFER: I have been giving some of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to them.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, because thou hast done this, thou shalt be cursed above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life.
(As Lucifer speaks he becomes angry and a storm begins to well up and the winds blow.)
LUCIFER: If thou cursest me for doing the same thing which has been done in other worlds, I will take the spirits that follow me, and they shall possess the bodies thou createst for Adam and Eve!
ELOHIM: I will place enmity between thee and the seed of the woman. Thou mayest have power to bruise his heal, but he shall have power to crush thy head.
LUCIFER: Then with that enmity I will take the treasure of the earth, and with gold and silver I will buy up armies and navies, false priests who oppress, and tyrants who destroy, and reign with blood and horror on the earth!
ELOHIM: Depart!
(Thunder cracks and the storm ceases as Lucifer looks defiantly at Elohim; he then turns and walks away.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam and Eve put forth their hands, and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in their sins.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah commands, and light is shown shining through the tree.)
JEHOVAH: Let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam and Eve put forth their hands and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in their sins. It is done, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Adam, because thou hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, the earth shall be cursed for thy sake. Instead of producing fruits and flowers spontaneously, it shall bring forth thorns, thistles, briars, and noxious weeds to afflict and torment man. Any by the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread all the days of thy life, for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
ELOHIM: Inasmuch as Eve was the first to eat of the forbidden fruit, if she will covenant that from this time forth she will obey the Law of the Lord, and will hearken unto your counsel as you hearken unto mine, and if you will covenant that from this time forth you will obey the Law of Elohim, we will give unto you the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior for you, whereby you may come back into our presence, and with us partake of Eternal Life and exaltation.
EVE: Adam, I now covenant to obey the Law of the Lord, and to hearken to your counsel as you hearken unto Father.
ADAM: Elohim, I now covenant with thee that from this time forth I will obey thy law and keep thy commandments.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, inasmuch as Adam and Eve have discovered their nakedness, make coats of skins as a covering for them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(At this point the film pauses and the lights come on.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters the garment that was placed upon you in the washing room is to cover your nakedness and represents the coat of skins spoken of. The officiator will represent Elohim at the Altar. A couple will now come to the altar.
(A pre-selected "Witness Couple" now come forward and kneel at the altar, resting their hands upon it as they face the Officiator. The Officiator pantomimes all movements and gestures as a model for the patrons to follow when directed.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this couple represents all of you as if at the altar. You must consider yourselves as if you were respectively Adam and Eve.
ELOHIM: We will put each sister under covenant to obey the Law of the Lord, and to hearken to the counsel of her husband, as her husband hearkens unto the counsel of the Father. Sisters, arise.
(Female patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will each observe and keep the law of the Lord, and hearken to the counsel of your husband as he hearkens to the counsel of the Father. Each of you bow your head and say "Yes."
WOMEN: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(The female patrons now resume their seats.)
ELOHIM: Brethren, Arise.
(Male patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. Each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angles, and these witnesses at this altar that you will obey the law of God, and keep his commandants. Each of you will bow your head and say "yes."
Men: Yes.
Elohim: That will do.
(Male patrons resume their seats.)
ELOHIM: Brethren and sisters, we will now put you under covenant to obey and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Holy Scriptures. This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam in the garden of Eden, who, when he was driven out of the garden, built an altar on which he offered sacrifices; and after many days, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: "Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?" Adam said: "I know not, save the Lord commanded me." And then the angel spake saying: "This is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou dost in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent, and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore."
PATRONS: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(patrons resume their seats.)
ELOHIM: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name and sign. Before doing this we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred character of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its name and sign, as well as that of all the other tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their names and signs, which you will receive in the temple this day. They are most sacred, and are guarded by solemn covenants and obligations made in the presence of God, angels and these witnesses to hold them sacred and under no condition will you ever divulge them, except at a certain place in the temple that will be shown you.
(The Officiator, representing Elohim, takes the right hand of the male witness, who represents Adam at the altar, and demonstrates the token. The male witness, who remains kneeling, is obliged to raise his hand above his head while receiving the grip, thus enabling the patrons to view the manner in which the token is to be given.)
ELOHIM: Adam, we give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the patrons stand, the Witness Couple returns to their seats. The Officiator and several other temple workers circulate around the room and administer the token to the patrons as they stand at their seats. Male workers attend to the male patrons, female workers to the females. The Witness couple also receives the token at this time. Each patron sits after receiving the token.)
ELOHIM: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand.
(The Officiator, again at the altar, demonstrates the sign as the description is given.)
ELOHIM: I will now explain the covenant and obligation which are associated with this token, its name and sign which you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving my own Endowment today, and had been given the name of "John" as my New Name, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making the sign:
(The Officiator demonstrates the sign and drops his hands after the words of the covenant are completed.)
ELOHIM: All arise.
(All patrons stand.)
ELOHIM: Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, by bringing your right arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers together, and the thumb extended. This is the sign. Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant.
(As the lights are turned down the film presentation continues. Adam and Eve, both clad in animal skins, are shown hurriedly exiting the garden of Eden amidst a storm. Various animals scamper about on the ground. The lone and dreary world reveals animals in their natural habitats, and in a carnivorous state.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see that Adam and Eve are driven out of this beautiful garden into the lone and dreary world, where they may learn from their own experience to distinguish good from evil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(The scene changes to a view of Adam and Eve kneeling across from one another at an altar. The altar is made from a pile of stones with two large, flat stones making the top. Adam raises his hands above his head as he prays.)
NARRATOR: We go now with Adam and Eve into the lone and dreary world. Brethren and sisters, this represents the Telestial Kingdom, or the world in which we now live. Adam, on finding himself in the lone and dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words he uttered:
ADAM: Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
LUCIFER: I hear you; what is it you want?
(Although Adam has already encountered Lucifer in the Garden of Eden, he fails to recognize him at this appearance.)
ADAM: Who are you?
LUCIFER: I am the God of this world.
ADAM: You, the God of this world?
LUCIFER: Yes, what do you want?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers.
LUCIFER: Oh, you want someone to preach to you. You want religion, do you? There will be many willing to preach to you the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.
ADAM: But I am looking for messengers from my Father.
(Adam and Eve turn, and walk past Lucifer, who follows behind. The scene changes to a view of the Celestial Kingdom, where Elohim and Jehovah stand, conversing amid tall white pillars. They are radiant as before, and their voices resonate as they speak.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John to visit the man Adam in the Telestial World, without disclosing their identity. Have them observe conditions generally, see if Satan is there, and learn whether Adam has been true to the token and sign given him in the garden of Eden. Have them then return and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns from Elohim and walks between two pillars to the edge of the platform where meets Peter, James and John, who await His command. They are dressed as the Jews were at the time of Christ.)
JEHOVAH: Peter, James and John, go down and visit the man Adam in the Telestial World, without disclosing your identity. Observe conditions there, and learn whether Adam has been true to the token and sign given to him in the garden of Eden. Then return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
(The three turn and leave, and the scene turns to the lone and dreary world. Adam and Eve are shown walking through a forested area with Lucifer following them. Peter, followed by James and John approach Adam, Eve, and Lucifer.)
PETER: Good morning.
LUCIFER: Good morning gentlemen.
PETER: What are you doing here?
LUCIFER: Observing the teachings of these people.
PETER: What is being taught?
LUCIFER: The philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.
PETER: How is this teaching received?
LUCIFER: Very well! Except this man does not seem to believe what is being taught.
(Peter approaches Adam and shakes his hand.)
PETER: Good morning. What do you think of this teaching?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers from my Father to teach me.
PETER: That is good.
PETER: Have you any tokens or signs?
(Lucifer steps up to Peter and interjects his query.)
LUCIFER: Have you any money?
PETER: We have sufficient for our needs.
LUCIFER: You can buy anything in this world for money.
PETER: Do you sell your tokens or signs for money? You have them, I presume.
ADAM: I have them, but I do not sell them for money. I hold them sacred. I am looking for the further light and knowledge Father promised to send me.
PETER: That is right. We commend you for your integrity. Good day. We shall probably visit you again.
(Peter, James and John exit; Lucifer steps aside, and boasts aloud.)
LUCIFER: Now is the great day of my power. I reign from the rivers to the ends of the earth. There is none who dares to molest, or make afraid.
(The scene changes to the Celestial Kingdom. Peter, James, and John approach Jehovah with their report.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have visited the man Adam in the Telestial World as thou didst command us. We found Satan there, striving to lead the posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to the token and sign given him in the garden of Eden, and is waiting for the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John (Jehovah turns and approaches Elohim.) Elohim--Peter, James and John have been down to the man Adam in the Telestial World. They found Satan there, striving to lead the posterity of Adam astray with all manner of false doctrine. But Adam has been true and faithful to the token and sign given him in the garden of Eden, and he is waiting for the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is their report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James and John to go down in their true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Telestial World, and to cast Satan out of their midst. Instruct them to give unto Adam and Eve and their posterity, the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Holy Scriptures; also give unto them a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice; and cause these to be received by covenant. Instruct Peter, James, and John further to clothe Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the left shoulder, and to give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign. Then have them return and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. (Jehovah turns, and approaches Peter, James and John.) Peter, James and John, go down in your true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Telestial World. Cast Satan out of their midst. Give unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice. Cause them to receive those by covenant. Clothe them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the left shoulder, and give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign. Then return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
(The scene changes again to the lone and dreary world. The three Apostles boldly approach Lucifer.)
PETER: I am Peter.
JAMES: I am James.
JOHN: I am John.
LUCIFER: Yes, I thought I knew you. What are you going to do now?
PETER: We will dismiss you without further argument.
LUCIFER: Aah! You have looked over my kingdom, and my greatness and glory. Now you want to take possession of the whole of it. (Lucifer turns, and stares into the camera). I have a word to say concerning these people. If they do not walk up to every covenant they make at these altars in this temple this day, they will be in my power!
PETER: Satan, we command you to depart!
LUCIFER: By what authority?
PETER: (With his right arm raised to the square.) In the name of Jesus Christ, our Master. (Lucifer is visibly shaken as he turns and steps into a dark crevice. Peter waits until he has left, and then approaches Adam.) Adam, we are true messengers from the Father, and have come to give you the further light and knowledge He promised to send you.
ADAM: How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER: By our giving unto you the token and sign you received in the garden of Eden.
ADAM: (grasping Peter by the right hand.) What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
ADAM: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
ADAM: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot, for it is the New Name, and I have made a covenant not to disclose it, but this is the sign (Peter raises his right arm to square.)
ADAM: Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father. (Adam turns and looks into the camera, addressing the patrons, while Eve stands smiling at his side). These are true messengers, I exhort you to give strict heed to their counsel and teaching, and they will lead you in the way of life and salvation.
(At this point the film presentation is concluded. The remainder of the Endowment is conducted from an audio recording.)
NARRATOR: The Officiator will represent Peter at the Altar.
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness couple comes to altar as before.) Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar represents all of you as if at the altar, and you will be under the same obligations as they will be. We are required to give unto you the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Holy Scriptures; to give unto you also a charge to avoid all light mindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice, and to cause you to receive these by covenant.
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We are instructed to clothe you in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood. Place the robe on your left shoulder. Place the cap on your head with the bow over the right ear, replace the apron, tie the girdle with the bow on the right side, remove the slippers from your feet, and put them on again as part of the temple clothing. You may now proceed to clothe.
(Patrons open their clothing envelopes dress as instructed.)
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (The witness couple kneels at the altar as before.) With the robe on the left shoulder, you are prepared to officiate in the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood. We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name and sign. This Token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator and the male witness joins hands in the token, and slightly raise their hands to demonstrate it to the patrons.)
PETER: We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the Patrons stand, the witness couple returns to their seats, and various temple workers circulate about the room administering this token as they did the former.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, please raise your hand. The name of this token is your own first given name if you are going through the temple for your own Endowment, or, if you are going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating.
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Telestial World, and have cast Satan out of their midst. We have given unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice, and have caused them to receive these by covenant. We have also clothed them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and have given unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John. Elohim--Peter, James, and John have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Telestial World, have cast Satan out of their midst, and have done all else that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James, and John again to the Telestial World. Have Adam and Eve and their posterity to change their robes to their right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. Instruct Peter, James, and John further, to give unto them the Law of Chastity, and put them under covenant to obey this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual relations except with their husbands or wives to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name and sign. Have them return, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John, go down again to the Telestial World; instruct Adam and Eve and their posterity to change their robes to their right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. Give to them the Law of Chastity, and put them under covenant to obey this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual relations except with their husbands or wives to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name and sign; and return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down. We are instructed to have you remove the robe and change it to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce you into the Terrestrial World. You may now remove the robe.
(The patrons stand, and remove their robes, replacing them on their right shoulders. The male Patrons now turn their cap, so that the bow is now placed over the left ear, and the girdle is tied over the apron at the left hip. The patrons then sit.)
NARRATOR: We now enter the Terrestrial World. (Additional lights are switched on.)
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness Couple comes as before.) We are instructed to give unto you the law of Chastity; which is, that each of you shall have no sexual relations except with your husband or wife to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded.
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will Do. (All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name and sign. This token is received by bringing the right hand into this position: the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended; and the person giving the token placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of the hand of the one receiving it, in this manner. We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(After Officiator and male witness demonstrate token at the altar, temple workers circulate around room to administer this token to the patrons.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand. The name of this token is "the Son", meaning the Son of God.
(The Patrons drop their hands at their sides.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity, have placed the robe on the right shoulder and have introduced them into the Terrestrial World. We have put them under covenant to observe and keep the Law of Chastity. We have also given them the First Token of the Melchizidek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name and sign. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim--Peter, James, and John have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity, and have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John and instruct them to give to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Terrestrial world the Law of Consecration in connection with the law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to receive it by covenant; to give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign, and to teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil. Then have them report at the Veil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John, go down to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Terrestrial World, and give unto them the Law of Consecration, in connection with the Law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and cause them to receive it by covenant. Give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil. Then report at the Veil.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come, James and John, let us go down.
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar (The Witness couple comes forward, and kneels at the altar as before.) We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Consecration as contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants (The Officiator picks up a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants from the altar, and holds it up in view of all patrons.), in connection with the Law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice which you have already received. It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (all patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign.
(As the witness couple returns to their seats various temple workers administer the token as before, and each patron sits after receiving it.)
PETER: When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words that he uttered: "Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!", repeated three times.
(As the patrons make the sign they repeat words with the recording as described before.)
PETER: That will do. (all patrons sit down.) With the robe on the right shoulder you are prepared to be taught the True Order of Prayer; and to be introduced at the Veil.
PETER: A few of you, including couples, will please come forward and form a circle around the altar.
(The audio recording stops and the Officiator says in his own words a statement to the following effect.)
OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple to take their place at the head of the altar, and an equal number of brothers and sisters to join us in the circle. Any receiving their own personal Endowment, and any who are about to be married are especially invited to join us in the Prayer Circle at this time.
(The tape recording again resumes.)
NARRATOR: Only the best of feelings should exist in the Circle. If any of you have unkind feelings toward any member of this circle, you are invited to withdraw so that the Spirit of the Lord may be unrestrained.
(Patrons make each sign as they are mentioned by the Narrator.)
(The Officiator now holds a small white cloth pouch in view of the patrons, and sets it upon the altar.)
OFFICIATOR (the officiator kneels at the altar, and makes the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing his right hand forward, with the hand in cupping shape, resting it upon the altar. His left arm is raised to the square. The prayer is spoken by the Officiator, who decides its form and content. He speaks a few sentences at a time, which are repeated in unison by the patrons in the circle. After the prayer, the patrons in the circle release the grip, the Officiator rises, and the audio tape resumes.)
PETER: The sisters will unveil their faces, and the brethren and sisters in the circle will return to their seats. (All patrons sit.) We will now uncover the Veil.
(The curtain at the front of the endowment room is now drawn aside to reveal the Veil. Several segments can be seen by the patrons, and the Officiator approaches one of them with a pointer in his hand and prepares to draw attention to the marks on the veil as they are explained.)
PETER: Brethren and sisters, this is the Veil of the temple. I will now explain the marks on the Veil. These four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding marks are found in your individual garment.
(As the Officiator, who now represents Peter, steps to the front of the Veil another male worker stand behind it to represent the Lord. A mallet hangs on the metal frame which supports the Veil.)
PETER: As all of you will have to pass through the Veil, we will show you how this is to be done. The person is brought to this point, and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. (The officiator raps the mallets three times.) Whereupon, the Lord parts the Veil, and asks:
LORD: What is wanted? PETER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through the Veil.
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
PETER: The person is the brought to this point, whereupon the Lord puts forth his right hand, gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives, through the Veil, the name of this token, which is the New name received in the temple today. The Lord then gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives the name of this token, which is his first given name, if he is going through the temple for his own Endowment, or if he is going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom he is officiating. The Lord then gives the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives the name of this token, which is "the Son," meaning, the Son of God. The Lord then gives the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it through the Veil.
PETER: It is received as left arms are placed upon right shoulders through the Veil.
(The Officiator places his left arm through the mark of the compass and rests his hand on the right shoulder of the Lord, as the Lord places His left arm through the mark of the square and rests his hand on the right shoulder of the Officiator. The right hands remain clasped in the Patriarchal Grip.)
PETER: The Lord then gives the name of this token, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then repeats back to the Lord the name of this token, as he receives it, whereupon the Lord says:
LORD: That is correct.
PETER: The person is again brought to this point, and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. The Lord parts the Veil and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil, desires now to enter his presence.
PETER: The Lord puts forth his right hand, takes the person by the right hand, and says:
LORD: Let him enter.
PETER: He is admitted into the presence of the Lord. We will now report. Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have given unto them the Law of Consecration, and have caused them to receive it by covenant. We have given unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign, and have taught them the Order of Prayer. They are now ready to converse with the Lord through the Veil. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim--Peter James and John have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James, and John to introduce Adam and Eve and their posterity at the Veil, where we will give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their entering into our presence.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John, you will introduce Adam and Eve and their posterity at the Veil, where we will give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their entering into our presence.
PETER: It shall be done Jehovah. Come James and John, we will introduce them at the Veil.
(At this point, a temple worker motions to the patrons, row by row, directing them to the various Veil segments. A worker stands at each segment to introduce the patron to "the Lord" who is on the other side of the Veil. The worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through the Veil. [for and in behalf of _____, who is dead].
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood through the opening in the Veil.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil. (The patron gives the New Name).
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil (The patron gives the first given name of the person for whom the temple work is being done).
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil--the Son.
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it through the Veil.
(The Lord and the patron, still holding the grip, place their left arms through the marks of the compass and square, which are cut through the Veil. The patron's left arm goes through the mark of the compass, and the Lord's left arm goes through the mark of the square. They rest their left hands on each other's right shoulders.)
LORD: This is the name of the Token--"Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of time, and throughout all eternity."
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil--Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of time, and throughout all eternity.
LORD: That is correct.
(The Lord and patron break the ceremonial embrace, and the temple worker gives three taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil, desires now to enter his presence.
LORD: Let him enter.
(The Veil is now parted and the Lord takes the patron by the right hand, and pulls him gently through the Veil into the Celestial Room.)
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See also ARE YOU A GOOD PERSON?
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Is the Jesus of the Book of Mormon (the Jesus that Joseph Smith preached) the same Jesus of the Holy Bible? Or is the Jesus of the Book of Mormon “another Jesus?” (II Cor. 11:,4). Does the identity of God, Jesus, and the nature of the gospel of salvation differ between the Mormon scriptures and the Bible? Speaking at the April 2002 General Conference, LDS President, Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
“As a church, we have critics--many of them. They say we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity. There is some substance to what they say. Our faith, our knowledge, is not based on ancient tradition...Our faith, our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet in this dispensation.”
CLICK HERE or HERE TO LISTEN TO HINCKLEY's CONFESSION. The late prophet of the Mormon church, Gordon B. Hinckley, stated that he did not believe in the Christian Christ, he believed in the Christ that Joseph Smith taught. By his own admission, Hinckley has conceded that the “faith” and the “knowledge” of the Mormon church “is not based on ancient tradition”, and therefore his church does “not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity.” The apostle Paul commanded us to “hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle”, and to “withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh... not after the tradition which he received of us.” (II Thess. 2:15; 3:6).
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached,” exclaimed the apostle Paul, “or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel [‘another testament’], which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.... For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness” (II Cor. 11:,4,13-15). “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:6-9). “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (II Tim. 4:3,4). The apostle Peter said, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” (II Peter 2:1).
In an October 2007 interview Mormon Elder M. Russell Ballard stated that “religious truth is always confirmed by what you feel....”(Transcript of Interview). This is in direct contradiction to the scriptures. Acts chapter 17 says that when the apostle Paul came to Thessalonica he “reasoned with them out of the scriptures” (Acts 17:2). And verse 11 says that the noble Bereans “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 18:4 says, “And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” Acts 19:8 says, “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.” Acts 28:23 says, “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.” As the Ethiopian eunuch was returning home in his chariot, while reading the book of the prophet Esaias, the apostle Philip met him “and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” (Acts 8:28-37). And when Jesus Christ himself confirmed the truth of the scriptures to his disciples he reasoned with them, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27). To confirm the truth of his word God does not give his people a good feeling. God reasons with his people to confirm the truth of his word.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” the apostle Paul warned, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,... proud,... heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (II Tim. 3:1-5) (“the gospel of Christ... is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16)). Paul said that “God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” (Rom. 2:16). The Lord Jesus Christ said, “my words,.. the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48). And “this Jesus,” exclaimed Paul, “whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” (Acts 17:3). “And this is the word”, said Peter, “which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (I Pet. 1:25). And “this gospel”(Matt. 24:14), “the word which he commanded to a thousand generations”(Psa. 105:8), “the everlasting gospel”(Rev. 14:6), “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;” (Matt. 24:14).
The Jesus Christ of the Holy Bible, “the traditional Christ of Christianity”, is not the Christ in whom the Mormon church believes, as “prophet” and LDS President, Gordon B. Hinckley, stated in no uncertain terms. The apostle Paul said, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17).
Answer:
They all teach (taught) that they are (were) God's “representative” or “anointed” and that you cannot trust nor believe the Holy Bible; and that you must put your faith in their words, theologies, traditions, customs and rituals in order to please God and have everlasting life.
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