In the tapestry of Christian outreach, engaging with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, presents a unique challenge. One of the major hurdles in effectively sharing the Gospel with them lies not just in theological differences, but in a fundamental aspect of communication: language.
Mormons, through their doctrinal teachings, have developed what can be termed “Mormonese” – a lexicon where familiar biblical terms are imbued with distinct meanings, and where new terms have been introduced, creating a significant barrier to mutual understanding. At first glance, these linguistic nuances might seem minor, but they are, in fact, profound and consequential.
This blog post aims to delve into the intricacies of “Mormonese,” highlighting how these linguistic differences affect dialogue and witnessing. By understanding this language, Christians can more effectively communicate their faith, ensuring that the message intended is the message received, thus fostering a clearer, more loving, and truthful discourse. Join us as we explore this essential aspect of engaging with our Mormon friends, armed with knowledge, compassion, and the truth of the Gospel.
The following study is taken exclusively from Truth in Love Ministry … Proclaiming Christ to Mormons and Empowering Christians to Witness.
Start Here: Dictionary of “Mormonese”
A Brief Reference Guide to Common Terms of the LDS Church
One of the major difficulties in witnessing to Mormons is that they speak a unique language. Not only have they coined numerous words and expressions which are unique to Mormonism; they have also given unique definitions to biblical words. At first-glance, the differences might appear subtle. But they aren’t. They are drastic—and deadly.
We call this language “Mormonese.” It is important for you to know, not only to understand Mormonism, but also so you can clearly speak the truth in love to them.
This short dictionary of Mormonism will help you understand “Mormonese”. It focuses not only on words which are common in their usage but also on ones which are helpful in speaking God’s truth to them. The definitions are intentionally brief and meant to be user-friendly. Quotes and references come from well-known LDS sources. For many of the words, we have also included a brief Christian definition.
You can also order a free version of the “Mormonese” booklet here: Receive Your Free Booklet.
The Mormon Testimony
One of the most common things Mormons do is “bear their testimony.” It is a short statement stating they know certain things are true. The usual things emphasized are that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, the Book of Mormon is true, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.
There are a number of different reasons why Mormons bear their testimony:
- They believe it is the most important and most powerful thing they can share.
- They believe the way to “build a testimony” is to “bear a testimony.” In other words, they believe the more they give it, the stronger their faith will become.
- Because many Mormons don’t know Mormonism very well, they fall back on their testimonies when they don’t know what to say.
- Sometimes they bear it when you have made them think. They view it as a defense helping them to ward off doubts, etc.
Christians also have a “Testimony.”
Because testimonies are so important to Mormons, it is good for Christians to also bear their testimonies. A personal statement of faith is more impactful to a Mormon than an objective statement like “the Bible teaches.” We speak their language when we say, “We know.” We know because the Bible teaches us the truth, but we don’t always have to say this to a Mormon.
A Christian’s testimony should emphasize their joy and confidence because everything rests on what Jesus has done for them. Here are some suggestions to get you thinking:
- I know I am totally forgiven because Jesus paid my debt and doesn’t ask me to pay him back.
- I know I am altogether worthy in God’s sight because Jesus has already kept all the commandments for me.
- I know I will live eternally with Heavenly Father because I am perfect in his sight through Jesus.
Take some time to think about what you want to say. Your testimony should be your own. Express your joy and confidence in your own words. An added bonus of taking time to think through your testimony is the fact that sharing on a personal level is an effective way to witness to all people, and not just to Mormons. You will discover many opportunities to use it.
The Sledgehammer of a “Free Gift.”
One of the more profound insights former Mormons have is how the message of salvation as a free gift often hits Mormons like a sledge hammer when they first hear it. We naturally expect them to feel relief and joy at this great news. But all that many hear is that their entire life’s focus and work are worthless. This can be devastating.
So, what should we do? Should we not talk about our free salvation? This obviously is not the solution. Refraining from talking about it destroys our entire message.
This is what we need to do. A gentle approach is called for. We need to be aware there is a good chance the true gospel will, at first, be devastating to them. Just acknowledging the fact with them will go a long way. Probably the worst mistake we can make is acting shocked they don’t immediately rejoice when they hear the gospel.
After broaching the subject of Christ’s doing everything for us, we need to gently but firmly keep the focus on it. Most Mormons will need time—a lot of time—to overcome their first reaction of flatly rejecting our message. Then they will need time to discuss and process it. This gives us ample opportunities to repeatedly bring them into contact with God’s powerful word. As they wrestle with various Bible passages, the Holy Spirit has more and more opportunities to work on them. This is vitally important because, as Paul wrote, faith comes from hearing the message (Romans 10:17).
Speaking the truth in love takes on many forms. Being aware of the likely impact our message has on Mormons and then expressing our awareness to them is a loving thing to do.
Talk More About “Keeping the Commandments” than About Sin
Mormons are much more accustomed to talking about keeping the commandments than talking about sin. We, therefore, encourage you to focus the discussion on the commandments—especially our inability to keep them. This jives with one of the main reasons God gave the commandments (the law), namely, to make us aware of our sinfulness.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
This passage shows that God’s commandments are not rungs on a ladder helping us get to heaven, as Joseph Smith explained them. (This is also what all people, by nature, think.) Rather, they make us conscious of our sinfulness. As we come face to face with the commandments’ high standards, we realize we have fallen far short of keeping them. Rather than being rungs on a ladder, they are like mirrors that help us see our sinfulness.
It is vitally important to keep this purpose clearly in mind. When people don’t, they have the tendency to water the commandments down. “God doesn’t really mean all worry is a sin.” “God wasn’t really serious when he commanded us to be perfect.” Such attempts are not only untrue; they also dull the commandments’ effectiveness. Keep them sharp. Let them cut sharply.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
This applies to all of God’s commands, not just the Ten Commandments. Every single divine command is a tool the Holy Spirit uses to convict people of their sins. Especially devastating are the commands demanding positive actions like loving everybody, including our enemies, being content in all situations, or blessing those who curse us.
Hold up God’s commands as mirrors. Don’t let Mormons brush the commandments off as unimportant. Don’t let them weaken their message. Use the commandments to show them how sinful they are and the deep trouble they are in because of their sin. It is the loving thing to do.
This approach dovetails with the Way of the Master, “Are You A Good Person?”
Emphasize Sin’s Eternal Consequences
God has affixed deadly consequences to the breaking of any of his commands, regardless of how minor we might view them.
Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Galatians 3:10
Note how all-inclusive it is. It applies to everyone who does not continue to do all of the commandments. It also shows that trying is not good enough. People not only have to do them, or do them once in a while; they have to continue to do them.
Since Mormonism teaches that nearly everybody goes to one of the three kingdoms of heaven, most Mormons have never entertained the thought they might not go to heaven. Therefore, you need to show them the dire straits Mormonism has put them in, namely, that they are on the road to hell.
Mormons don’t talk much about hell, and when they do, many times, they use it to describe the temporary suffering people experience in spirit prison in the spirit world.
The closest thing in Mormonism to the biblical concept of a permanent hell is outer darkness. In Mormonism, however, outer darkness is reserved for only those who leave Mormonism and speak against it. Therefore, most Mormons never give a second thought to going there. Your task is to tell them this is exactly where Mormonism is leading them.
That they are on the road to outer darkness is one of the hardest but also one of the most important topics you need to discuss with them. Most Mormons won’t view anything you say as seriously as you take it until they understand the eternal stakes involved. This is only natural. People first have to know they are in trouble before they become serious about finding help. Out of love, we have to show them the deep trouble they are in.
The Seriousness of Sin
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend (NIV—“stumble”) in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10
Begin by exploring the word “guilty” with them. Since the passage talks about the law, it is natural to think of how “guilty” is used in a courtroom setting. Have them imagine being on trial for even a relatively minor offense—one that might result in a couple hundred-dollar fine. Ask them how they might feel in the days before their court date. Even though it is a minor offense, they will probably be nervous and anxious. Then, discuss how they might feel as the judge’s gavel comes crashing down as he pronounces the verdict, “Guilty.” You want to make the point that, even regarding minor offenses, guilty verdicts can cause much discomfort.
Then go back to James 2:10 and show how it talks about somebody who is “guilty of all”—somebody who is guilty of breaking every law on the books! We can’t even begin to imagine such a scenario. Even the worst criminals have never been charged with breaking every law. That, however, is who the passage describes. Even though we can’t imagine it, it is easy to see that such a person would have no hope of ever being released. The feeling of hopelessness is what you want to highlight.
The final point to make is that this is what the Bible says is the situation of everybody who is not perfect right now! “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend (NIV—“stumble”) in one point.” One sin puts people in this situation.
Most Mormons will push back and say this passage can’t possibly mean what we say it means. Stick to your guns. Ask them to carefully look at the words of the verse and tell you how you misinterpreted it. Most will struggle even to do that since studying Scripture is not part of Mormon culture. Keep them on task and have them wrestle with this verse. If you get them thinking at all, you have already accomplished quite a bit.
Emphasize What Sin Does to People
Two things which always need to be emphasized to Mormons are the extent and the seriousness of sin. One way to do this is by looking at the following three passages, focusing on what they say sin has done to people.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10–12
These verses are unfamiliar to most Mormons. A search on chuchofjesuschrist.org reveals that these verses have never been used in a General Conference talk or explained in a manual. This is not surprising, seeing that one of the basic premises of Mormonism is that people, as God’s spirit children, are basically good.
The point to emphasize is how much sin has corrupted. Most Mormons won’t understand the full significance of Romans 3:10–12 so take time to explain it. Point out that it doesn’t say none are perfect; it says nobody does good. This is much stronger. Emphasize how all-encompassing the statement is: nobody does good. Sin has so corrupted mankind that all have become unprofitable (the NIV’s translation of “worthless” is even better). Sin’s corruption is not partial. It is thorough.
The false idea that people are naturally good has sunk its roots deep into Mormon hearts. Mormons will have great difficulty letting go of this thought. Therefore, be prepared for them to try and brush off the significance of this passage. Don’t let them off the hook.
Sin enslaves us
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. John 8:34
The Greek word for servant is literally slave. Talk about how slaves have no freedom; how they must do their master’s will. You could also bring in the idea of addiction—how sin addicts us. Emphasize how powerfully sin controls people.
Jesus talks generally—“whosoever.” He isn’t talking about the worst sinners or those who commit sins we consider heinous. The context also emphasizes how all-inclusive it is. Jesus says this to the Pharisees—people who were outwardly very moral and religious.
There is a sobering illustration about how all types of sin enslave. During the war in Cambodia, the Communists had a practice that kept their prisoners effectively bound. When they marched them through the jungle, they would thread a fish line through the right palms of each person. This effectively kept anybody from running away. If anybody tried to break away, it would cause excruciating pain for all. Likewise, sin doesn’t need to bind people with the large chains of adultery and murder. It can just as effectively bind them with the fish lines of greed, jealousy, or worry.
Sin makes us spiritually dead
Even though Mormonism talks about spiritual death, most Mormons have never thought through what this means. We can use their own writings to show them its seriousness. Here is a portion of the first reference that comes up on churchofjesuschrist.org for spiritually dead.
- Separation from God and his influences; to die as to things pertaining to righteousness. Lucifer and a third part of the hosts of heaven suffered a spiritual death when they were cast out of heaven (D&C 29:36–37).
- Spiritual death was introduced into the world by the fall of Adam (Moses 6:48). Mortals with evil thoughts, words, and works are spiritually dead while still alive on earth (1 Tim. 5:6).
Emphasize that, according to their own website, spiritual death means “to die as to things pertaining to righteousness.” Ask them what dying means. Can somebody who died to righteous things do anything righteous? Compare it with people who have died physically. What can a dead person do?
Then go to the second paragraph to make the point that they, according to Mormonism’s own definition, are spiritually dead. Ask them if they ever have evil thoughts or speak evil words. You could refer to Matthew 5:21–30, where Jesus talks about words that kill and thoughts that are adulterous.
Two Sobering Words for Sin
The Bible uses a number of different words for sin. Although some have strong imagery in the original languages (i.e., iniquity), they lose their effectiveness in translation because they aren’t familiar English words or Mormonism has changed the meaning of words, which is the case with the word “transgression.” For these reasons, we suggest you focus on the following two:
Evil
And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Genesis 8:21This is an effective passage for a couple of reasons:
- It describes sin as evil. Many people, including most Mormons, don’t think of sin in such serious terms. You will need to spend some time exploring this thought. Before introducing the passage, ask them what type of person they envision as evil (most think of Hitler, mass murderers, or people who enjoy hurting others). What acts do they regard as evil?
In other words, get them to talk about how heinous evil is. Then look at the passage and talk about what God calls evil. It’s not actions, but “imaginations.” “Imaginations” are not fully formed and they are ones from a person’s youth. In addition, the context shows he is talking generally about all of mankind.- The Lord spoke this after the Flood, in regard to Noah and his family. It isn’t a description of the evil people before the Flood. God pronounced that verdict in Genesis 6:5. In other words, Genesis 8:21 applies to the “best” of people.
Closely connected to evil is the idea of wickedness. You could ask the same questions about it. Colossians 1:21 is one passage that describes sin as wickedness.And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works. Colossians 1:21
Rebellion
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:9–10This is part of a long prayer of Daniel. The important point is that Daniel included himself in the rebellion by saying, “We have rebelled.” This is striking because Daniel, from his youth, was faithful to God. This indicates that all sin, including those committed by a faithful prophet of God, is, in reality, rebellion.
Rebellion is a strong word. It pictures defiance against authority. Use the same approach as you did with evil. Before you share the passage with them, ask what type of people they think of when they think of rebels. You could also ask them how a rebellious child acts. Think, especially, how you feel if you are the one being rebelled against—especially if you have loved the person. Think of how you feel when a child you are responsible for defiantly disobeys you. It doesn’t matter what the specific issue is they rebel against; what quickly rises to the forefront is their rebellious attitude.
Rebellion quickly becomes the main issue. It’s like the naughty little girl who was told by her Mom to sit in her parents’ bedroom and think about what she had done. A little while later, Mom comes in and asks her if she has thought about what she has done. “No, I’ve been spitting. I’ve been spitting in your purse. I’ve been spitting in the pockets of your clothes. I’ve been spitting in your shoes. Right now, I’m waiting for more spit.” This, my friends, is rebellion.
Punching God in the Face
Sin is so serious because it is against God. After committing adultery, David cried out to the Lord: “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4). This is striking because not only had he committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he also had her husband killed. David said this, however, because every sin breaks God’s law and thus is against God. All sin is extremely serious. There are no misdemeanors when it comes to sin. In fact, sin is worse than a felony—every sin is a capital crime. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
Depending on how they react, you could continue by talking about the second half of the verse, the good news: “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Many Mormons, however, are like the rich young man Jesus encountered. They need to wrestle with the law before they are ready to hear the gospel.
Ignorance is Not Bliss
“Sin is knowingly choosing to do wrong or not to do right” (Plan of Salvation, p. 9, emphasis added. Plan of Salvation is a pamphlet often shared by LDS missionaries). Defining sin as something we knowingly do is one of the ways Mormonism waters down sin.
The Bible says differently. Most Mormons are unaware of and have not considered this, so it can be a good topic of discussion.
A good passage to share, because it will be unfamiliar to almost every Mormon, is Leviticus 5:17–18.
And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him. Leviticus 5:17–18
Even though this verse is part of the Old Testament sacrificial law, it still makes the point that we are guilty even when we sin and don’t know it. “Wist” is an old English word for “know.” Note how:
- The person’s action is labeled a sin
- It makes him guilty
- It needs atonement
- So he can be forgivenEmphasize each point. Highlight how not knowing he sinned but still being guilty is mentioned twice in the passage. This passage clearly shows that sin is not limited to “knowingly choosing” to do a sinful action.
(The LDS edition of the KJV references the subject of “accountability” in relation to this passage. There is a good chance they will see this, and it will support the point you make.)
Another passage you could use is Jesus’ prayer from the cross:
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
Ask why Jesus prayed this if sin is only something people “knowingly choose” to do.
Your goal in sharing these passages is to get them to think. The more we can show them that sin is much more common than Mormonism says, the more they will see their inability to keep the commandments and their great need for a Savior who kept them for them.
Moses’ Sin Shows Sin’s Seriousness
One of the more difficult aspects of witnessing is showing Mormons the seriousness and extent of their sins. From little on up, they are told they are basically good and are filled with divine potential. Any talk about how sinful all people are is foreign to them. Such talk is not part of their culture or vocabulary.
Therefore, we need to talk about it repeatedly. This is why we have given you numerous ways to talk about sin. Here’s another one. It is the story of Moses hitting the rock instead of speaking to it, with the result God told him he couldn’t enter the Promised Land. The incident is recorded in Numbers 20:1–12. We like to use it for the following reasons:
- Most people consider hitting the rock instead of speaking to it a minor offense.
- If anybody had done a lot of good, it was Moses. Not only that, he was a prophet par excellence. This is how he is described in Deuteronomy 34:10–11:
And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, In all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land. Deuteronomy 34:10–11The consequence of his sin was severe: being denied entry into the Promised Land after leading the obstinate nation of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness!
Although Moses was a prophet and did much good, God didn’t give him a pass. God didn’t say his good outweighed his bad. Moses suffered major consequences for his sinful disobedience.When you think about it, this holds true not just in God’s courtroom, but in courtrooms around the world. When a good and upstanding citizen breaks the law, he or she isn’t given a pass. They still get speeding tickets. They still receive prison sentences. The good they did doesn’t cancel or outweigh the bad.
This is the point you will want to make. Regardless of who a person is (i.e., a prophet) or what he has done (“all the signs and wonders”), their sin will still be punished. Even “small” sins committed towards the end of a productive and impressive life. None of it matters.
Sin is so serious that there is no way we can do anything to lessen its punishment. Our trying to assuage God’s anger over sin is like trying to use a water pistol to stem a raging forest fire. Not only is it totally insignificant, but it will also put us right in the path of the fire!
The only way of escape is by letting Jesus do all the work. He douses God’s anger with his blood. He carries us on his shoulders to safety. He is the one who saves us.
How Healthy Are You?
How healthy are you? Some will immediately answer they are healthy because they feel good. A doctor, however, wouldn’t base his answer on how a person felt. He would give them a check-up. And if the question was asked by a professional football team of a player they intended to sign to a multi-million-dollar contract, they wouldn’t be content with a cursory doctor’s exam. They would require that an extensive battery of tests be run before they inked the deal. The higher the stakes, the more thorough the exam.
Being physically healthy is important. Being spiritually healthy is much more important because the stakes are so much higher. It isn’t wise, therefore, to determine our spiritual health based on how we feel. What’s prudent is to thoroughly examine oneself. In Matthew chapters 5–6, Jesus gave us tools to do this. There, he expanded on some of the commandments. Let’s look at four of them.
Examine Yourself
Test 1
“Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21–22
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer” 1 John 3:15
Have you ever been unjustly angry at anybody? Some possible examples are the driver who cuts you off in traffic, taking your frustration out on the most convenient person when you are having a bad day, anger fueled by jealousy, or when you compete in sports.
Have you ever spoken an unkind word to anybody? Some possible examples are unintentionally wounding a person while kidding around, snapping at a friend, spouse, or child, or speaking disrespectfully about a politician or a superior.
Have you ever had hateful thoughts about anybody? Some possible examples are people who criticize your beliefs, enemies of your nation, or an obnoxious co-worker.
Test 2
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:27–28
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Ephesians 5:3–4
Have you ever had unclean thoughts about another person?
Have you ever caught yourself rationalizing away your lust by saying what you are doing is not really lust?
Have you ever looked at a picture or watched a movie that gave you unclean thoughts?
Have you ever told, repeated, or enjoyed an off-color joke?
Test 3
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:43–44
Here, we see we sin not only by doing what God forbids but also by not doing what he commands. God commands us to love everybody including our enemies. Being apathetic or remaining neutral about anybody is a sin because these attitudes fall short of love.
Are you apathetic towards anybody? Do you love everybody including people who hate your nation or your church? Do you love the people who make your life miserable?
Do you always put love into practice by doing good to everybody you meet? (“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink” Romans 12:20.)
Do you speak well of everybody including an inconsiderate neighbor, a domineering boss, an annoying acquaintance?
Do you pray for people who are mean to you, or who criticize your church?
Test 4
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” Matthew 6:25
Do you worry about making ends meet? Do you worry about how you will provide for your family? Do you lose sleep worrying about the future?
Are you completely content with what you have? (“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” 1 Timothy 6:8 .)
Conclusion
How did you do? Do you ever fail to do what Jesus commanded? Are there any evidences of sin in your life? If so, James 2:10 applies: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”Note how this Scripture says that just one sin results in a person being “guilty of all.” Imagine how devastated you would be if you heard a judge pronounce you guilty—guilty not just of a minor infraction but of breaking every single law! You would have no hope of ever again being free.
No hope. This is what God wants us to feel when we take an honest look at God’s commandments and our failure to keep them perfectly. He wants us to have no hope in ourselves. He wants us to despair of any chance we can please him on our own.
Then we will be eager to hear about how Jesus has saved us from God’s punishment. How Jesus kept the commandments perfectly for us. How he paid our debt to God’s justice. How salvation is his gift to us.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Examining the Miracle of Forgiveness
One of our witnessing tactics is to find articles on churchofjesuschrist.org to discuss with Mormons. We encourage you to do this only after you have had a few discussions with them. Then they won’t be surprised by your going to their website. In fact, they probably will be pleasantly surprised you did. Sometimes, they will even suggest an article for you to look up.
One helpful article is chapter 4 of the Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, “The Miracle of Forgiveness.” It is available for download here.
The main reason to cite this chapter is to show the impossible demands of official Mormonism in connection with repentance and forgiveness. It will be important to highlight that these are the words of one of their prophets—words they can’t ignore. You will also need to be alert to their trying to water down these words by talking about “trying” etc. You might have to ask them repeatedly to show you where Kimball uses the word “try.” Always bring them back to what he said—not what they say.
There are a number of quotes that illustrate those impossible demands. Kimball’s entire point is that forgiveness is only achieved after a long and difficult process. He says it no more bluntly than the last paragraph in the section entitled, “Recognition of sin and feeling godly sorrow are a part of true repentance.” It says:
“To every forgiveness there is a condition. The plaster must be as wide as the sore. The fasting, the prayers, the humility must be equal to or greater than the sin. There must be a broken heart and a contrite spirit. There must be ‘sackcloth and ashes.’ There must be tears and genuine change of heart.”
Especially note the third sentence: “The fasting, the prayers, the humility must be equal to or greater than the sin.” This, however, wasn’t what the prophet Samuel told David. He simply said:
The Lord has taken away your sin. 2 Samuel 12:13
The next section of Kimball’s article, “Abandonment of sin includes building a new life” is especially helpful. There he repeatedly talks about abandoning and forsaking the sin. He also emphasizes that “effort is required, and not merely desire.” He also says: “the saving power does not extend to him who merely wants to change his life.” Both of those quotes are extremely helpful because, as stated above, most Mormons try to weaken the statements about abandoning the sin with the word “try.” They argue that we are to try to abandon the sin, but we don’t have to actually do so. Kimball, one of their prophets, disagrees. Use these sentences to hold their feet to the fire. Don’t let them off the hook with the word “try.”
Another striking sentence is the one immediately before the section, “True repentance includes a commitment to live the Lord’s commandments.” Kimball says: “The Lord will not forgive us unless our hearts are fully purged of all hate, bitterness and accusation against our fellowmen.” Note the word “fully.” What person can honestly say they are harboring no bitterness or accusation against anybody?
One final paragraph that emphasizes how strongly Kimball emphasized human effort is in the middle of the last section. There he states:
“Repentance must involve an all-out, total surrender to the program of the Lord. That transgressor is not fully repentant who neglects his tithing, misses his meetings, breaks the Sabbath, fails in his family prayers, does not sustain the authorities of the Church, breaks the Word of Wisdom, does not love the Lord nor his fellowmen. … God cannot forgive unless the transgressor shows a true repentance which spreads to all areas of his life. …”
Consider the last sentence: “God cannot forgive unless the transgressor shows a true repentance which spreads to all areas of his life.” Have them wrestle with this. Don’t overlook the thought of true repentance. True repentance is the repentance explained in the article including abandonment of sin. In other words, God doesn’t forgive somebody unless they abandon sin in all areas of their life!
As stated above, the main reason to refer to Kimball’s article is to highlight how difficult LDS repentance and forgiveness are. This is what you will want to emphasize. You can also, however. contrast the wonderful forgiveness you have based not on your abandonment of sin, but on Jesus’ complete obedience to God.
What is Repentance?
Since repentance is so prominent in Scripture, many ask, “Have I repented enough?” Unfortunately, this is the wrong question to ask because it is rooted in a misunderstanding of repentance. So, what is repentance?
Repentance is a transformative change of heart gifted to us by God. It involves both sorrow over our sinfulness – 2 Corinthians 7:10 12 Corinthians 7:10 – Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. and a deep trust in God’s willingness to forgive and restore us, Psalm 51:12 (2Psalm 51:12 – Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.). This powerful shift in mindset moves us from relying on our flawed works to putting our complete trust in the saving works of Jesus. It is not merely a human endeavor but is rooted in God’s unconditional love and is intricately linked to trusting in him through faith Romans 2:4 3Romans 2:4 – Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?.
Unlike a checklist of actions or a merit-based system, repentance is a divine gift bestowed upon us, Acts 5:31 4Acts 5:31 – God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. The call to repentance and belief is not a burdensome demand but a gracious invitation, fulfilled by God’s working within us, Acts 11:18 5Acts 11:18 – When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”. Through repentance, we acknowledge our inability to attain righteousness on our own and come to rely wholly on the redemptive work of Christ.
Truth in Love Ministry provides a complete 10-lesson outline providing both the simple truths of their five pillars, as well as the detail you need to feel equipped for your next conversation. The course is available here.
Creating a quick reference guide for sharing the Christian Gospel with a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) requires sensitivity, respect, and clear communication. Here’s a structured approach:
Quick Reference Guide for Sharing the Gospel with LDS Members
Preparation
Pray: Seek guidance for the conversation.
Understand Common Ground: Both Christianity and the LDS faith share a reverence for Jesus Christ, though interpretations differ significantly.
Introduction
Greet with Respect: “Hello, I’m [Your Name], and I’ve been thinking about our shared belief in Jesus Christ.”
Ask for Permission: “Would you be open to discussing our faith in Christ together?”
Core Message
1. Shared Beliefs:
“We both believe Jesus Christ is central to salvation.”
“We agree on the importance of His life, teachings, death, and resurrection.”
2. Biblical Basis for Salvation:
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
3. Key Differences:
Grace vs. Works: “Traditional Christianity teaches salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. While good works are a result, they are not the means of salvation.”
The Role of Jesus: “We see Jesus as fully divine, not just divine but also human, co-equal with God the Father.”
4. The Cross and Resurrection:
“The cross represents Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, and His resurrection confirms His power over death and sin.”
5. Personal Testimony:
Share your personal story of faith. “I found peace knowing that my salvation is secure in Christ, not dependent on my own efforts.”
Engagement
Ask Questions: “What does Jesus’ role in salvation mean to you?” or “How do you understand grace and works in relation to salvation?”
Listen Actively: Allow them to share their beliefs. This can open doors for further conversation.
Handling Objections
Authority of Scripture: If they refer to the Book of Mormon or other LDS scriptures, gently guide back to the Bible. “While those texts are important to you, let’s focus on what the Bible, which we both consider scripture, says about salvation.”
Joseph Smith and the Restoration: “I understand the importance of Joseph Smith in your faith, but from a traditional Christian perspective, we believe the Bible provides all necessary revelation for salvation.”
Invitation
To Reflect: “Would you be willing to read [specific Bible passages] and think about what Jesus’ completed work on the cross means for our salvation?”
To Pray: “Can we pray together, asking God for clarity on these truths?”
Closing
Express Appreciation: “Thank you for this conversation. It’s always good to talk about our faith in Christ.”
Leave Open: “I hope we can discuss this more. Here’s my contact information if you’d like to continue this conversation.”
An invitation to read “Letters To A Mormon Elder,” online by James White. James is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, an evangelical Reformed Christian apologetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the author of more than 20 books and has engaged in numerous moderated debates. White serves as an elder of the Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church.
Letters to a Mormon Elder is a series of personal letters written to a fictional Mormon missionary. Examining the teaching and theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the book brings a relational approach to material usually presented in textbook style. James White draws from his extensive apologetics ministry to thousands of Mormons in presenting the truth of Christianity. With well-defined arguments, James White provides readers with insight and understanding into: the Book of Mormon; the Prophecies, visions, and teachings of Joseph Smith; other major historical issues relevant to the claims of the LDS Church; and the theological implications of the doctrines of Mormonism. This online resource can be read in the privacy of an LDS member’s own home or on their phone.
Other posts can be searched with the “Search Posts” form on the right-hand sidebar. A simple search term of “Mormon” will reveal all posts dealing with the LDS Church.
Notes
Respect: Always show respect for their beliefs.
Humility: Recognize you’re not converting but sharing.
Follow-up: If appropriate, offer resources or further discussion points.
Remember, evangelism is about planting seeds, not necessarily harvesting on the spot. Your goal is to present the Gospel clearly and lovingly, leaving the work of transformation to the Holy Spirit.
Avoiding argumentation when sharing the Gospel with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) requires an approach centered on respect, understanding, and dialogue rather than debate. Here’s how the outlined approach aims to foster a constructive conversation:
Focusing on Common Ground
Shared Beliefs: By starting with shared beliefs, such as the centrality of Jesus Christ, you create a foundation of agreement. This helps in framing the conversation as a discussion among fellow believers, not as a confrontation.
Biblical Basis for Salvation
Scriptural Authority: By focusing on biblical passages, both parties can reference a commonly accepted text. This avoids immediate contention over the Book of Mormon or other LDS-specific scriptures, keeping the discussion within a framework both might respect.
Key Differences Explained, Not Argued
Clarity Without Confrontation: Differences are presented as points of understanding rather than points of contention. For example, explaining the concept of salvation by grace alone as a theological belief rather than declaring it as the definitive truth, invites understanding rather than defense.
Engagement Through Questions
Open-Ended Questions: Asking questions like “What does Jesus’ role in salvation mean to you?” encourages personal reflection and sharing. This method shifts the dynamic from argumentative to exploratory, allowing both parties to express their views without feeling attacked.
Active Listening
Valuing Their Perspective: By genuinely listening to their views, you acknowledge their beliefs, which reduces the likelihood of them feeling the need to defend or argue. This mutual respect can turn potential argumentative points into mere differences in interpretation.
Handling Objections Gently
Redirecting to Common Scripture: When specific LDS doctrines or scriptures are brought up, gently guiding the conversation back to the Bible does not dismiss their beliefs but focuses on a shared text. This approach minimizes argument by not directly challenging their teachings but rather focusing on what both traditions accept.
Personal Testimony
Sharing, Not Imposing: Sharing your personal story of faith shifts the narrative from doctrinal debate to personal experience. It’s harder to argue against someone’s personal journey with God, which naturally invites empathy and understanding rather than argument.
Invitation to Reflect
Encouraging Thought: Inviting them to reflect on specific Bible passages or to pray together is an inclusive invitation. It’s not demanding agreement but suggesting a mutual exploration, which is less confrontational.
Respectful Closure
Appreciation and Openness: Ending the conversation with gratitude and openness for future discussions leaves a door open for further dialogue rather than closing it with a sense of having won or lost an argument.
Key Strategies to Avoid Argumentation
Focus on Relationship: Building a rapport where both feel respected and heard.
Avoid Dichotomies: Instead of presenting choices as either-or, discuss nuances.
Use “I” Statements: Speaking from personal belief rather than universal claims minimizes contention.
Seek Understanding: Approach the conversation with the goal of understanding rather than convincing.
By employing these tactics, the approach aims to create an environment conducive to genuine inquiry and mutual respect, reducing the likelihood of argumentation and fostering a dialogue that might plant seeds of thought rather than spurring defensive reactions.