Answer to ParkerD: Part 2 of 3
The idea of the Mormon Prophets receiving “revelations” from God is at the heart of nearly every issue in the discussion regarding the changing and contradicting beliefs within Mormonism.
Yes–frustrating, I see. Here Moses was commanded to destroy people and plunder their possessions, and Joshua brought it about, and then other prophets had different messages from God that were more peaceful. Is it not clear that God gives messages based on what is needed for the time and place?
. . Just as Jesus told the Jews to listen to Him and not be so adamant about heeding Moses or having Abraham as their father (prophet). . .
I would urge you to review Scripture again. Many did not understand the identity of Christ. Jesus did not malign Abraham or Moses, but cautioned the Jews about their
presumptions regarding them, and their
lack of knowledge of Scripture.
Matthew 3 (ESV):
9
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
**Mark Chapter 12: **24 Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because
you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? . . 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
Jesus revealed his eternal nature, in saying, “before Abraham was, I am.”
**
John Chapter 8:** 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." 57So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
The N.T. quotes O.T. Prophets in multiple passages. Moses and Abraham are referred to often, but not as inconsequential dead prophets.
Luke Chapter 24 (ESV): 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Remember, Christ fulfilled the law and the prophets, according to Holy Scripture:
Matthew Chapter 5: ** 17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. **
18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
We cannot ignore the prophets of the past, and we cannot ignore the teachings of Christ. The LDS Church disregards Christian tradition, and rewrote Christian history.
Continued—Next Post