TGOC Evangelistic Handbook: REACH OUT to The Latter-Day Saints

TGOC Evangelistic Handbook: REACH OUT to The Latter-Day Saints
Shane Fisher
R – Realize The Situation
a. Latter-Day Saints (hereafter LDS) have zeal, but they do not have the proper knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
b. Christians typically have the knowledge of the truth, but they do not have the evangelistic zeal.
c. We must realize that we need to have a balance of both zeal and knowledge (Romans 10:1-3).
 
E – Examine Your Own Heart
a. Ask yourself this question: “Why am I evangelizing LDS?”
b. Is your main motivation to win a soul or win an argument? (Matthew 22:28-32; Luke 19:10)
 
A – Ask Good Questions (“The Columbo Tactic”)
a. It is taken from Lieutenant Columbo, a detective on an old TV show (Koukl, Loc. 616-21).
(1) Purposes of asking good questions: Invite them to talk about what they think (Loc. 596-602).
(2) It takes the pressure off you and allows you not to distort the meaning (Loc. 596-602).
(3) The questions give enough of a challenge to give thought to what the speaker just said (Loc. 603-8).
(4) Reasons to ask good questions: (i) Friendly (Loc. 642-48); (ii) Get an education (Loc. 649-55); (iii) Make progress (Loc. 649-55)
(5) Examples: (1) Why do you believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet? (2) Why do you believe the Book of Mormon (hereafter BOM) is true? (3) Why do you not believe that Muhammed (Ellen G. White, etc.) is a prophet? (4) Why do you believe that the Qur'an is not true? (5) Why do you believe that the Bible has been corrupted? (6) Can you show me in history or in transmission where the Bible has been corrupted?
C – Contradictions Between The LDS System and The Christian System
(1) The progressive nature of revelation – God's way of revealing Himself over time - (a) Patriarchal age (4,000 B.C. - 1500 B.C.) - “starlight age”; (b) Mosaic age (1500 B.C. - A.D. 30) - “moonlight age”; (c) Christian age (A.D. 30 until 2nd coming) - “sunlight age” because the Father revealed Jesus the Son (Hebrews 1:1-4). The New Testament speaks of the mystery of Christ (Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Romans11:25; 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:1; Ephesians 1:9; 3:1-5; 5:32; 6:19; Colossians 1:26,27; 2:2; 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 10:7). The mystery is described as revelation previously hidden, then revealed through the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit in the first century A.D. In the BOM, the “cat is out of the bag” (already hundreds of years even before Christ comes to the earth) in that it fully reveals almost everything before the 1st century A.D. (see for example, 2 Nephi 25:19; 26:12; 30:2; 31:17; Alma 7; Helaman 10-12)
(2) The passing away of the old covenant – the old covenant was established with Israel at Mount Sinai (Nehemiah 9:13; Exodus 24:1-8). It was temporary (Galatians 3:19); a “shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1); written for the Christian's learning, example, and instruction in righteousness (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). Jeremiah prophesied that this covenant with Israel would pass away and be replaced by a better covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Jesus came to fulfill the Law of Moses; He nailed it to the cross (Matthew 5:17,18; Colossians 2:14-17). Therefore, nobody is bound under the old covenant today. Why would you want to restore doctrines that were under the old covenant, such as the Levitical priesthood? (Hebrews 7,8)
(3) The preparation of John the Immerser - For almost 400 years (after Malachi), Israel had been without direct written revelation from God. God closed the door of revelation until John the Immerser arrived on the scene to prepare the way of the Messiah (prophesied in Isaiah 40:1,2; Malachi 3:1; 4:5,6; Matthew 11:10-15 in 27 A.D). This was the “Elijah” of whom Malachi spoke (Matthew 17:9-13).During the four hundred years of silence, some of the books in the Book of Mormon were alleged to be written (between 400 B.C. – 27 A.D., the time the door of revelation closed until it was reopened again, such BOM books as Jarom, Mosiah, Alma, and part of 3rd Nephi).
 
1. Moroni stated that Elijah (prophet of Malachi chapter 4) had not come yet (History of the Church 1:2-79; D & C 110). But the “Elijah” of whom Malachi spoke was John the Immerser (Matthew 11:1-14; 17:10-13).
2. Moroni stated that Joel 2:28-32 had not occurred yet, but Peter said it was being fulfilled (History of the Church 1:2-79; Acts 2:16).
3. Smith's sins were forgiven by God in one of the early appearances, but he was not baptized until six years later (Acts 2:38; 22:16). (Orson Pratt, A Series of Pamphlets, First Series, No. 6, 2-3; Letters of Oliver Cowdery, 14).
 
Major Premise: Messengers and their messages claiming the authority of God, must agree with other recognized messengers and messages of God. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22)
Minor Premise: But the messenger who visited Joseph Smith, Jr., did not agree with the certified messages of God, namely, Christ, Peter, and Paul. (Matthew 11:1-14; 17:10-13; Luke 1:17; Acts 2:16; 2:38; 22:16; Galatians 1:6-9; D & C 2; 138:46; Joseph Smith – History 1:2-79)
Conclusion: Therefore, the messenger who visited Joseph Smith, Jr., was not of God (Free 21).
 
(4) The placement of the new covenant - Jesus established a better covenant with His precious blood) in A.D 30 (Matthew 26:28). It went into force after His death on the cross (Hebrews 9:15-17). Therefore, the whole world is subject to the law of Christ (Romans 4:15; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2). Those who have been added to the Lord's church partake of the benefits and blessings found in the new covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13). The BOM is “called” another testament of Jesus Christ. A testament would have involved the death of a testator (Heb. 9:15-17). The Bible teaches that Jesus only had to die once for all time (Hebrews 7:27). How can the BOM be another testament when Jesus did not die again? The new covenant is also to be an everlasting covenant (Hebrews 13:20).
 
Major Premise: The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth (John 16:13).
Minor Premise: But the Holy Spirit never guided the apostles into Joseph Smith's new and everlasting covenant. (Journal of Discourses II, 217; D&C 132)
Conclusion: Therefore, Smith's new and everlasting covenant is not part of “all truth.” (Free 279)
 
(5) The purpose of miraculous gifts – To reveal and confirm the completed word of God (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:17-20; Acts 8:14-24). That purpose was certainly completed by the end of the 1st century A.D. (Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13). The miraculous gifts have ceased. In the BOM, Moroni wrote the opposite of what the Bible teaches by stating in Moroni 7:2: “And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.” (supposedly written in 400s A.D.)
 
Major Premise: If the Bible gives us evidence of its sufficiency and reliability, then there is no further need for further revelations.
Minor Premise: The Bible does give us evidence of its sufficiency and reliability. (John 20:30,31; Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:7-16; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,17)
Conclusion: Therefore, there is no need for further revelation. (Free 38)
 
H - “Heart of the Matter” - The Prayer (Moroni 10)
a. LDS missionaries use Moroni 10:4-5 to claim they have truth.
b. Moroni 10:4-5: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
c. (1) Complete reliance on emotion. How can one know for certain that those emotions came directly from the Holy Spirit? (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12)
d. Don't rely on your own personal, subjective feelings. Place your faith and obedience in religious truth that is objective and verifiable by evidence.
e. Examples of those who relied on personal feelings: (1) Jacob thought his son, Joseph, was dead. (2) Saul of Tarsus thought he was doing the right thing by persecuting Christians (John 16:2).
f. God always gives evidence so that we might have faith. Example: Peter appeals to four types of evidence: (1) the miracles of Jesus (Acts 2:22); (2) prophecy (Acts 2:25-28), (3) resurrection (Acts 2:27-32); (4) the events of the day (Acts 2:33).
g. The fallacy of circular reasoning: Question: “How do you know the BOM is true?”
LDS Response: “The BOM is true because of the feelings I have received in my prayer.”
Question: “How do you know those warm, fuzzy feelings came from the Holy Spirit?”
LDS Response: “I am having these warm fuzzy feelings because the BOM is true.”
h. What about the previous testimony of those who have left the LDS denomination?
i. Examine the testimonies of the three “witnesses” of the BOM – Martin Harris, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery. (Recommend resources: Youtube - “Eyewitness Testimony – Shane Fisher”)
 
Major Premise: People who are dishonest and who knowingly circulate false and slanderous reports, cannot be accepted as trustworthy and reliable witnesses.
Minor Premise: But Harris, Whitmer, and Cowdery circulated false and slanderous reports. (D&C 3; Elders' Journal, I., 59; Millenial Star, VIII, 124,128; David Whitmer, An Address To All Believers In Christ, 31; Times and Seasons I, 81, 22-23; II, 482).
Conclusion: Therefore, Harris, Whitmer, and Cowdery cannot be accepted as trustworthy and reliable witnesses. (Free 78)
j. Examine whether Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.
Major Premise: Joseph Smith, Jr.'s reputation as a true or false prophet rests upon the truth of his doctrine of the gathering of the saints in Independence, MO. (D&C 84; Journal of Discourses 3:18).
Minor Premise: But Joseph Smith, Jr.'s prophecy of the gathering of the saints in Independence, MO is proven false by the evidence of historical records and the testimony of the LDS such as Orson Pratt. (Orson Pratt, A Series of Pamphlets, First Series, No. 6, 2-3; No. 7, 18-20) [https://archive.org/details/cu31924029474685]
Conclusion: Therefore, Joseph Smith Jr. is proven to be a false prophet because the prophecy did not come to pass. (Free 30-31).
 
Major Premise: History proves the truth or error of prophecy.
Minor Premise: History proves that Christ fulfilled the prophecies made by prophets of God concerning Him (Isaiah 2,11,53; Zech. 9; Daniel 2,7,9; Ezek. 34)
Conclusion: Therefore the prophets who spoke concerning the fulfillment of the prophecies of Christ are true. (Acts 2,8,15)
 
Major Premise: History proves the truth or error of prophecy.
Minor Premise: History proves that Joseph Smith Jr.'s prophecies were not fulfilled.
Conclusion: Therefore Joseph Smith is in error. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22)
O – Origin of the Book of Mormon
a. The BOM originated from a historical novel by Solomon Spalding that was named Manuscript Found. It was suspected of being stolen by Sidney Rigdon.
b. Recommended Resources: Youtube: (1) “The Human Origin of the Book of Mormon – Shane Fisher” (9-part series); (2) “The Latter-Day Saint Denomination – Shane Fisher” (7-part series)
U – Understanding Their Past and Present Doctrines
a. Blood atonement – (1) There are sins for which Christ's blood cannot atone; (2) the only way to atone for those sins is the shedding of the sinner's blood; (3) if individuals are caught in the act of sin and slain while committing that sin, their blood would atone for their sin (even without repentance); (4) the LDS church has authority to exact such a penalty if the laws of the land permit. (Free 334) [NOTE: This is no longer taught in the LDS church, but it originated from their “inspired” prophets.]
(http://www.utlm.org/newsletters/pdfnewsletters/27saltlakecitymessenger.pdf)
Major Premise: A doctrine which denies the efficacy of Christ's blood is not of God (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-4; 1 John 1:7-9).
Minor Premise: But the LDS doctrine of blood atonement denies the efficacy of Christ's blood (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, 247; Vol. 4, 53-54; C.W. Penrose, Blood Atonement).
Conclusion: Therefore, the LDS doctrine of blood atonement is not of God. (Free 334)
b. Baptism for the dead – if someone died not ever hearing the gospel, then an authorized member of the LDS church will be baptized on behalf of that individual so that they can be saved (this false doctrine is based on a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 15:29)
aa. The remote context is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the general resurrection of the dead.
bb. The relationship between water baptism and the general resurrection of the dead
cc. LDS view contradicts the Bible's view of personal accountability and responsibility (2 Corinthians 5:10; Luke 16:19–31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 9:27)
dd. “Otherwise, what will they (those that deny the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead) do who are baptized for (on behalf of) the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for (on behalf of) the dead?” (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12)
ee. “All who are buried with Christ in baptism declare by that act that they believe that he was buried and rose again; and in believing that he rose, we at the same time believe and by our action declare our faith in a resurrection of all the dead. In our immersion, therefore, we declare by that action that we believe in the resurrection of all the dead...If Christ did not rise from the dead, burial with Him in baptism would be meaningless”(Lipscomb and Sewell, 165).
Paul is teaching that baptism for the dead is personal (baptized for one self). Smith taught that baptism for the dead is being baptized for someone else.
The baptism for the dead taught by Paul did NOT require genealogical data; Smith's doctrine does require genealogical data.
The baptism taught by Paul could be performed wherever there was sufficient water to immerse a person, but the doctrine taught by Smith can only be administered in special places. (Free 336)
Major Premise: The baptism for the dead taught by Smith, to be the same as the baptism for the dead taught by Paul, must have the same general characteristics, requirements, and conditions.
Minor Premise: But the baptism for the dead doctrine taught by Smith differs in general characteristics, requirements, and conditions from that taught by Paul.
Conclusion: Therefore, the baptism for the dead doctrine taught by Smith is not the same as that taught by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29. (Free 336)
c. The organization of the church – the organization of the LDS church differs significantly from the organization of the New Testament pattern – elders and deacons who are qualified in every congregation along with evangelists and teachers (Acts 14:23; 20:1-38; Ephesians 4:7-16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-11; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14,15; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Major Premise: The true New Testament church must conform to the organization found in the New Testament.
Minor Premise: But the organization of the LDS church does not conform to that of the NT.
Conclusion: Therefore, the LDS church is not the New Testament church restored. (Free 195)
Major Premise: An organization that never existed cannot be restored.
Minor Premise: But the organization of the LDS church never existed before the days of Joseph Smith.
Conclusion: Therefore, the organization of the LDS church was not restored by Joseph Smith. (Free 195)
Major Premise: All high priests ordained of God must have a sacrifice to offer for sin (Heb. 5:1; 7-10).
Minor Premise: But LDS high priests do not have a sacrifice to offer for sin.
Conclusion: Therefore, LDS high priests are not ordained of God. (Free 234)
There are many other doctrines that could be discussed: (a) apostles, (b) miracles, (c) the worship of the church, (d) the plan of salvation, (e) pre-existence, (f) polytheism, (g) the view of the three kingdoms, (h) the priesthoods, etc.
T – Transmission of the Bible: “Has The Bible Been Corrupted?”
a. 1 Nephi 13:26
b. Question: “When and where were these “precious truths” removed from the manuscripts?”
c. Over 25,000 New Testament manuscripts; the “church fathers” quote the New Testament (all the verses are found in them except 11 verses)
d. The Old Testament has been preserved through the Dead Sea Scrolls.
e. Uncontrollable process – “What areas did Peter send his first letter?” (1 Peter 1:1); “Would they have made copies of copies?” - Yes! “How could all these copies have been corrupted over the centuries?”
f. Recommended Resources: The Identity of the New Testament IV – Dr. Wilbur N. Pickering (http://www.walkinhiscommandments.com/pickering3b.htm).
g. God Has Preserved His Text – Dr. Wilbur N. Pickering (http://www.walkinhiscommandments.com/Pickering/Miscellaneous/God%20Has%20Preserved%20His%20Text.pdf)
Major Premise: The Book of Mormon claims as the truth that the Bible has been corrupted (1 Nephi 13:26).
Minor Premise: But the evidence of the transmission process shows a faithful transmission.
Conclusion: Therefore, the Book of Mormon's claim that the Bible has been corrupted is false.
 
Works Cited
Koukl, Gregory. Tactics. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009). Kindle edition.
Free, Jack. Mormonism and Inspiration. (Concord, CA: Pacific Publishing Company, 1962)
Lipscomb, David and Jesse Sewell,Questions Answered By Lipscomb and Sewell, ed. by M.C. Kurfees (Nashville, TN: McQuiddy Printing Co., 1921)
 
 

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Article - Saved Christians Can Lose Their Salvation

John Calvin’s doctrine of perseverance of the saints (a form of which is also known as once saved, always saved; eternal security; unconditional assurance) teaches that once a person is truly saved, he cannot lose his salvation. The Bible teaches the contrary: (1) A Christian who commits unrighteous acts without repenting of such will “not inherit” the Lord’s everlasting kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 5:11-13; Ephesians 5:3-5; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Peter 1:10-11); (2) A Christian can be “cut off” from Jesus the Vine IF he does not bear fruit/continue in God’s goodness (John 15:1-6; Romans 11:19-22); (3) A Christian can be “estranged” from Christ and “fall” from God’s grace (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-8; 12:14-17; 1 Corinthians 10:12); (4) A Christian who continues to sin willfully/walk in darkness ceases to benefit from the blood (forgiveness) and fellowship of Jesus (Hebrews 10:26; 1 John 1:7, 9); (5) A Christian can be “disqualified” or “defrauded” of his eternal reward (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 3:11); (6) A Christian can “depart, stray, wander” from the faith and the living God (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 6:10; 1:19; 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:18; Hebrews 3:12; James 5:19-21; for a reference to “death,” see Revelation 20:14); (7) For a Christian to remain part of Christ’s house, a partaker of Christ and one whom Christ presents holy to God, he must follow the “conditions” of continuing in the faith and holding fast the confidence firm to the end (Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:5-6, 12-14); (8) A Christian who transgresses and no longer abides in the doctrine of Christ no longer has the Father and Son (2 John 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 4:16). In fact, the condition of his soul is worse off than an unbeliever’s who is hell bound (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 21:8); (9) A Christian who does not overcome temptation or who takes away from God’s word is “blotted out from” the Book of Life and from the Holy City/Heaven (Revelation 3:4-5; 22:19).

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Article - There is Only One Side to Truth (part 1)

One of the widely accepted axioms of our society today is that there are two sides to every story. Such would be worthy of consideration if all things were subjective and based merely on pragmatism. However, when it comes to truth, there is only one right side to truth – and if you are not on the side of truth, you are on the wrong side. Truth is objective or real, not subjective or opinionated. For instance, it is written in 1 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”. There are not two sides or interpretations of the inspiration of God’s holy word, because God’s word consists of objective truth (Psalm 119:142, 151, 160; Ecclesiastes 12:10; John 17:17, 19; Romans 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). The inspired men of God were led by God’s Spirit to accurately write God’s word as the very utterances of God Himself (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 5:6; Revelation 22:18-19). As a result of living in a post modernistic society where truth is seen as subjective, it has become convenient for so many who claim to be Christian to explain away clear truths of God’s word by simply saying “that’s your interpretation”. When you point out to them that we are commanded to speak the same thing and have the same mind and judgment according to 1 Corinthians 1:10, they will say “that only applied to the first century” or “it is impossible to have the same judgment” or “name me one group that speaks the same thing perfectly”, etc. Does such subjective reasoning resolve the pleading of 1 Corinthians 1:10? Is it not the case that we are to “Test all things; hold fast what is good”, “finding out what is the acceptable to the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ephesians 5:10; Romans 12:2)? If such illogical reasoning is now the accepted norm, then eventually “Christian” proponents of subjective truth will eventually conclude that it is just one’s interpretation that Jesus saves – and some, by the way, are already doing so (pluralism).

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Article - ABC’s of the Gospel

In an article produced by LifeWay, a Baptist publishing house, it was stated that to be saved one simply needs to obey the ABC’s of the Gospel1. While it is true that the gospel plan of salvation is simple (Ephesians 3:4), some are distorting the simplicity of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3). For example, LifeWay stated that the ABC’s of the Gospel are: Admit your sin (Romans 3:23), Believe in Christ (Romans 10:9), & Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10). While these three steps are indeed necessary in the plan of salvation, to say they are the gospel plan of salvation in full is like saying the first three letters of the alphabet are the full alphabet. So much is left out with this plan of salvation that it is indeed a false gospel. Allow me to explain from Scripture.

One of the key letters in the gospel alphabet that has been left out is the letter “R” for repentance. Jesus teaches us that we must not only acknowledge our sin but repent of it to be saved. When asked about certain people who seemed to be receiving the vengeance of God for their sins Jesus said, “Unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Peter told first century Christians to “repent and be converted…” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is an essential letter in the ABC’s of the gospel that is left out by many.

Another importance letter in the ABC’s of the gospel that is left our by so many in our religious world today is the letter “B” for baptism. All of us agree that belief is an important step in the plan of salvation. However, the Lord made it very clear that baptism was just as essential to salvation as belief. Jesus Himself said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). When asked how to relieve themselves of the sin of crucifying Christ, Peter told the crowd at Pentecost to “repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of your sin…” (Acts 2:38). Peter later emphasized the essentiality of baptism when he said, “…baptism does now also save us” (1 Peter 3:21). As we noted earlier one of the ABC’s of the gospel that has been purported among us is the letter “C” for call on Jesus. We need to ask the question, “How does one call on Jesus biblically?” The answer is very clearly found in Acts 22:16. Ananias told Paul to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord.” How does one call on the name of the Lord biblically? One calls on the Lord’s name by submitting to His will in baptism. Many miss the ABC’s of the gospel and salvation itself because the leave out the essentiality of baptism.

Another letter that is left out of the ABC’s of the gospel is the letter “F” for faithfulness. Not only must one initially become a child of God, but he must also remain faithful to be saved. Jesus said, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Jesus also said, “He that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Faithfulness is also an important step in the ABC’s of the gospel.

Dear friends, the gospel plan of salvation is not a difficult plan to understand. It is simple like the alphabet, but we must not leave any letters out of the alphabet or the plan of salvation to be correct. If you have been duped in the past by some who were not telling the full truth of the gospel, we would love to help you at THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. Please email, call us or write to us and we would love to study with you about what the Bible says about salvation.

1 http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_crd_ss_EforESpec_ABCs-of-Salvation_pdf.pdf (Retrieved 11/25/14)

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines - Lutheran

1. History of the Lutheran Religion
   1. When did this movement start? October 31, 1517
   2. Where did it start? Wittenberg, Germany
   3. Where is their official headquarters? The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois; formed in 1988 by the merging of three churches and having about 4 million members, it is the largest and most liberal of all the Lutheran denominations in the United States.123
   4. Who founded this movement? Martin Luther

   5. Origin of this movement. The history of this movement began with a reformation spirit:

      Luther observed that many people in Wittenberg were not coming to him for confession any more. They were going to towns in Brandenburg or Anhalt like Jüterbog or Zerbst to buy Indulgences (primarily the Peter’s Indulgence).

      The practice of buying indulgences, which quasi replaced confession and allowed people to buy their salvation, was completely repulsive to Luther. He strongly believed that one lived a life of humility in order to receive God’s grace.

      After 1507, trade in Indulgences took a steep climb because both the Papal Court and Bishop Albrecht von Brandenburg, Germany’s representative for the sale of indulgences were in great financial trouble.

      In addition, the Dominican monk, Johann Tetzel, sold indulgences in the region around Wittenberg in a very ostentatious manner. Many stories started poping up about him such as, that Tetzel could redeem the sins of the deceased.

      Further sayings of Tetzel, such as, "When the money clangs in the box, the souls spring up to heaven," also brought protests from Luther.4

   6. What is their authority? The Bible is claimed to be the only source. However, one must learn the creeds and catechism of Martin Luther in order to be a Lutheran.
2. Reviewing Some of Luther’s 95 Theses

   1. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own authority or that of the canons. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by God; or, to be sure, by remitting guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly remain unforgiven.5

   2. Those priests act ignorantly and wickedly who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penalties for purgatory. Those tares of changing the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory were evidently sown while the bishops slept (Matthew 13:25).6

   3. They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of purgatory. It is certain that when money clinks in the money chest, greed and avarice can be increased; but when the church intercedes, the result is in the hands of God alone.7

   4. Those who believe that they can be certain of their salvation because they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned, together with their teachers. Men must especially be on guard against those who say that the pope’s pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to him.8

   5. To say that the cross emblazoned with the papal coat of arms, and set up by the indulgence preachers, is equal in worth to the cross of Christ is blasphemy. The bishops, curates, and theologians who permit such talk to be spread among the people will have to answer for this.9

   6. Why does not the pope empty purgatory for the sake of holy love and the dire need of the souls that are there if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a church? The former reason would be most just; the latter is most trivial.10

3. False Doctrines of the Lutheran Denomination
   1. Sola Gratia – "God forgives, loves and saves us completely apart from anything we do or do not do."11
   2. The phrase grace alone never occurs in the Bible – nor does the concept of salvation by grace alone. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
   3. Sola Fide – "[T]o our ‘sola fide’ (by faith alone) Lutheran ears, the idea that our Lord would draw a line separating the damned from the saved based on works should be troubling."12
   4. The phrase faith only occurs only one time in the Bible (James 2:24), and it is the exact opposite of what Lutherans teach. Incidentally, don’t sola gratia and sola fide contradict each other? Is it possible to have both?
   5. Sola Scriptura – "The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life."13 While this certainly is a correct biblical principle (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6), it is not one that Lutherans today actually follow.
   6. Luther has a checkered history in relation to the Canon of the Bible. "Luther was also frustrated by the works-emphasis of the book of James, calling it the Epistle of Straw," and questioning its canonicity. Also irritated with the complex symbolism of the Book of Revelation, he once said that it, too, was not canon, and that it should be thrown into the river!"14 
   7. Lutherans believe in sprinkling babies�a practice that is in violation of both of the mode and meaning of baptism as found within Scripture (Mark 1:9-11; John 3:23; Romans 6:1-4; Acts 8:37ff.).
   8. Lutherans use instrumental music in their worship even though it is an unscriptural practice (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17) and one against which Martin Luther himself cautioned. Luther said, "The organ in the worship is the insignia of Baal. The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews."15
4. Reasons Why I Cannot be a Lutheran
   1. The Lutheran Church has a human founder, Martin Luther, rather than Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18).
   2. The Lutheran Church began at the wrong time and place to be the Christ’s church (Acts 2).
   3. Lutherans follow such things as the Augsburg Confession, the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, the Athanasian Creed, the Smalcald Articles of Faith, and the Formula of Concord instead of the Bible alone (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
   4. Members of the Lutheran Church refer to themselves as "Lutherans" rather than "Christians" (Acts 4:12; 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Luther himself pleaded, "I pray you leave my name alone and do not call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians" (Michelet, Life of Luther, p. 262).
   5. Lutherans also have the wrong name for the church (see Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2; John 10:30).
   6. Lutherans hold that the Ten Commandments are binding today, even though those commandments were "nailed to the cross" (Colossians 2:14-17; 2 Corinthians 3:7-11; Galatians 5:1-4; Romans 7:1-4).
   7. Lutherans teach that Sunday is the “Christian Sabbath” and observe numerous “holy days” such as “Lent,” “Easter,” “Christmas,” etc. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 22:18-19; Exodus 20:8-11).

Study Questions

1. Who founded the Lutheran church? What is wrong with Martin Luther founding a church?
2. When was the Lutheran church started? Is that when the New Testament church started?
3. Where was the Lutheran church started? Where was the New Testament church started?
4. Did Martin Luther have good motives in his reformation movement? Did he go far enough?
5. Is salvation available by grace alone (See Titus 2:11-13)? Is salvation attainable by grace alone (see Ephesians 2:8-9)?
6. The phrase faith only occurs one time in the Bible. Where is that phrase located in Scripture, and what does the passage actually teach?
7. Incidentally, can one have sola gratia (saved by grace alone) and sola fide (saved by faith alone) at the same time? Aren’t these two ideas in conflict?
8. How did Martin Luther view the books of James and Revelation? Why did he view them this way?
9. Is sprinkling an acceptable mode of baptism? Support your answer from Scripture.
10. Did Martin Luther approve of instrumental music?
11. Did Martin Luther want people to be called "Lutherans" today?

References

1. 1Online: (http://www.elca.org/About/History), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
2. 2Online: (http://www.elca.org/en/About/Churchwide), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
3. 3Online: (http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/ELCA-Facts), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
4. 4Online: (http://www.luther.de/en/anschlag.html).
5. 5Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, (Wittenberg, Germany, 1517), theses 5 and 6.
6. 6Ibid., theses 10 and 11.
7. 7Ibid., theses 27 and 28.
8. 8Ibid., theses 32 and 33.
9. 9Ibid., theses 79 and 80.
10. 10Ibid., thesis 82.
11. 11Online: (http://www.elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Ask-a-Pastor/2013/07/~/link.aspx?_id=48C112411847489194AB6ADA0C845F78&_z=z), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
12. 12Online: (http://www.elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Ask-a-Pastor/2013/11/~/link.aspx?_id=72E3B65A516F4CB89627FE7BEBC56F57&_z=z), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
13. 13Online: (http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Confessing_Our_Faith_Together_A_Proposal.pdf.pdf), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
14. 14Online: (http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/martin-luther.html), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
15. 15Martin Luther, McClintock and Strong’s Encyclopedia, Volume VI, p. 762. 

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #1 - The Catholic Religion

1. Introduction
   1. Catholicism is the largest manmade religion today (claiming one billion adherents).
   2. It is my belief that Catholicism – with its ritualism, formality, and false doctrines – has done more to harm the cause of Christ than any other religion.
2. History of the Catholic Religion
   1. When did the Catholic religion begin? The Catholic religion is officially recognized as starting in A.D. 606 – not in A.D. 30 (Acts 2:47). However, one can easily see the seeds of apostasy in the New Testament that led to Catholicism.
      1. The concept of placing the teachings of men (both oral and written) above the commandments of God is found even in the times of Jesus (Matthew 15:7-9).
      2. The practice of forbidding people to marry and to eat certain foods was begun by the Gnostics in the first century (1 Timothy 4:1-4).
      3. Diotrophes started the seeds of the papacy by his thirst for power and his “chief elder” mentality (3 John 9-11). Ignatius of Antioch (A.D. 100-150) made the first known distinction between bishops and elders. This doctrine was later carried over to the papacy by Origen and others who followed.1
      4. In the first century, the apostles clearly preached against the seeds of apostasy currently found in the Catholic religion (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
   2. Where did the Catholic religion begin? Rome – not Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-4; Acts 2).
   3. Where is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic religion? Rome – not Heaven (Psalm 119: 89).
   4. Who is the head of the Catholic religion? The pope is considered the head of the Catholic Church and the “vicar of Christ.” Jesus definitely is not the Head of the Catholic Church (Ephesians 1:21-23).
   5. Who founded Catholicism? Boniface III is officially recognized as the founder, although it was a gradual process of apostasy. It is evident from history that Jesus is not the founder of this religion (1 Corinthians 3:11).
   6. What is their authority? The Bible, the Catholic Church, papal edicts, and oral tradition. It is likely that, to a devoted Catholic, none of these would outweigh the other in the importance of authority.
3. Catholic Authority Examined
   1. Catholics are told that they cannot understand the Bible by reading it (see Ephesians 3:4). Concerning this idea, Catholic writer John O’Brien says, From all of which it must be abundantly clear that the Bible alone is not a safe and competent guide because it is not now and has never been accessible to all, because it is not clear and intelligible to all, and because it does not contain all the truths of the Christian religion.2
      1. The Bible alone, however, is to serve as our sole authority in religious matters (Colossians 3:17; John 17:17; John 16:13; Acts 20:32; James 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 3:4; 2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 119:160).
      2. The Bible is a book that can be read, understood, and obeyed by all people (Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 5:17; John 8:32).
   2. The Catholic Church also is a source for authority. O’Brien illustrates this point when he says, The simple fact is that the Bible, like all dead letters, calls for a living interpreter … . Just as the Supreme Court is the authorized living interpreter of the Constitution, so the Catholic Church is the living authoritative interpreter of the Bible.3 The Pope also has authority in religious matters. Catholics believe, When the Pope in his official capacity … proclaims a doctrine on faith or morals binding on the whole Church, he is preserved from error.4
      1. The Bible, however, teaches that no man is perfect (Romans 3:23).
      2. The main answer to the false doctrine of Catholic popes being preserved from error is the Bible’s complete silence on the subject!
4. The Seven Sacraments of Catholicism
   1. What is a sacrament? Catholics define a sacrament as a visible sign instituted by Christ by which grace is conveyed to our souls. Three things are necessary to constitute a sacrament – a visible sign, invisible grace and the institution by our Lord Jesus Christ.5
   2. The first of the seven sacraments is that of baptism. Catholics teach, Baptism effects the remission of original sin and actual sins and of all punishment due to sin; it confers sanctifying grace, membership in Christ and in the Church and the obligation to obey the Church’s laws, and give an indelible character.6
      1. With part of this teaching the New Testament agrees. Baptism is for the remission of actual sins and is essential to enter the church (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
      2. The problem with the Catholic view of baptism has to do with the erroneous idea of original sin (Matthew 18:1-5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ezekiel 28:15) and the Catholic mode of baptism (Mark 1:9-11; John 3:23; Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12).
   3. The second sacrament is penance. Catholics believe The Church has the power to forgive all sins. This forgiveness of sins is a true sacrament instituted by Christ, different from baptism, particularly on account of its judicial form. Sins are forgiven only by the sacrament of penance. Sins are forgiven by absolution which can only be given by an authorized priest. It is a real judicial pardon. The Church has the power to reserve certain cases.7
      1. The problem with this sacrament is the emphasis upon whom forgives sin. Nowhere in the New Testament will you find the church forgiving anyone of sin. The church does not forgive sin; God does! The psalmist stated correctly, Against you and you only have I sinned (Psalm 51:4). God is the One Who forgives sins (Luke 23:34; Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:9).
      2. In the New Testament, you will never find a Christian confessing his or her sins to a priest (James 5:16-17).
   4. The third sacrament is confirmation. Catholic doctrine says, Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.8
      1. This sacrament often is performed with oil directly after one’s baptism as a confirming sign of membership into the Catholic community. However, the Bible teaches that if a person obeys the Gospel, then God confirms him or her as a member of the kingdom (Acts 2:47).
      2. How does the anointing with oil strengthen anyone’s faith (Romans 10:17)?
   5. The fourth sacrament is the Eucharist. The Catholic Eucharist can be understood better as we look at “The Real Presence” and “Transubstantiation.”
      1. The Real Presence declares that during the partaking of the Lord’s Supper the body and blood of Jesus are actually present. Catholic teaching says In this sacrament are present the living body and blood of Christ; therefore also his soul which gives them life, therefore also his divine nature which is indissolubly united with his sacred humanity.9
      2. To explain how Jesus is literally and physically a part of the Lord’s Supper, Catholics have developed the doctrine of Transubstantiation. The Council of Trent said, By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.10
         1. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Jesus’ death. The context of the institution of the Lord’s Supper teaches the elements are figures of the blood and body (Matthew 26: 28-29; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; John 6:63, 68).
         2. For transubstantiation to exist, we would still have to be in the age of miracles. However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 teach that we are not still in the age of miracles.
   6. The fifth sacrament is the sacrament of ordination. This is the sacrament by which men become a part of the priesthood of the Catholic religion. Concerning this sacrament Catholic author McSorley says, The hierarchal organization of the Church is in three grades – the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate – although of divine origin, is not clearly described in the New Testament. Nor does the Gospel say that our Lord indicated the precise way in which He intended His Church to be governed and administered.11
      1. The main problem with this teaching lies in a “separation of terms” that the Bible does not make. For example, all Christians have been called by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14-15). In the New Testament, there is no clergy/laity system.
      2. The episcopate comes from the Greek word episkopos, meaning overseer or bishop. This word is one of the three synonymous terms used in Acts 20:28-32 to describe the eldership.
      3. In the New Testament, every Christian is a part of the priesthood (Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9).
      4. The diaconate comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning deacon or servant. There is a clear distinction made in the New Testament between the qualifications and duties of elders and deacons.

   7. The sixth sacrament of Catholicism is marriage. While marriage is indeed a God-ordained union, nowhere do we find it to be sacramental in nature. Concerning this sacrament, the Catholic Church says:

      The sacrament of matrimony consist of the marriage contract, so that for Christians the contract and the sacrament are inseparable. Therefore marriage comes into the legal competence of the Church. The Church may establish impediments, including diriment impediments which invalidate a marriage and forbidding impediments which make marriage illegal. She may determine the form and rite to be observed. Matrimonial causes fall to ecclesiastical courts.12

      1. While Catholics should be commended for their view of the sanctity of marriage, the church is not the decision-maker of whom can and cannot marry.
      2. God gave the principles of marriage in Genesis 2, and Jesus further illustrates these in Matthew 19:1-10. The church should only follow that which the Bible teaches – not make laws or impediments to annul marriages.

   8. The final sacrament is extreme unction. This sacrament is also known as the “last rites” and is performed by the anointing of oil upon sickness or death to help ensure eternal life. The proof text that Catholics use for this teaching is James 5:14-15. Concerning this rite, Catholics teach:

      Extreme Unction is a sacrament in which the sick, by the anointing with holy oil and the prayers of the Priests, receive spiritual succor and even corporal strength when such is conducive to salvation. This unction is called extreme, because it is usually the last of the holy unction administered by the Church.13

      1. There are several things that Catholics overlook in James 5:14-15. First, the elders – not priests – are to perform this action.
      2. Second, James says this is done to heal – while Catholics usually perform it right before death.
      3. Third, the emphasis in the text is placed upon the prayers of the faithful that save – not the oil.
      4. Finally, one must determine if this is a spiritual or physical sickness. Some evidence suggests that the healing is spiritual – not physical.
5. 7 Reasons Why a Christian Cannot Be a Catholic
   1. Catholics exalt people such as Mary, Peter, “Mother” Theresa, and others. The Bible, however, says that we should not worship people (Psalm 111:9; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19: 10; Acts 10:26).
   2. The Catholic hierarchy or clergy/laity system is not found within the Scriptures (Matthew 23:9; Philippians 1:1; 2:3-4; Romans 12:3-4; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
   3. Infant baptism is foreign to the teachings of the New Testament (Mark 1:9-10; John 3:23; Acts 8:38; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12).
   4. Catholicism is too complicated (Mark 12:37; John 8:32; Ephesians 4:3; 5:17).
   5. Catholics do not believe that the Bible is suitable to serve as our only guide; rather, tradition must come into play as well (Matthew 15:7-9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).
   6. Cold formalities replace heartfelt worship and fruitful service (Mark 12:32-37; Revelation 2:4).
   7. A sinner would have to seek forgiveness from men – not God (Psalm 51:4; 86:5; 1 John 1:7-10).
6. How to Convert a Catholic
   1. Help the person to understand when the church began (Acts 2:47), Who founded the church (Matthew 16:18), where the church began (Isaiah 2:1-2; Acts 2), and how the church began (Acts 20:28).
   2. Help the person to understand that God’s Word must serve as man’s sole source for religious authority (Proverbs 30:61; Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19; Leviticus 10:1-2).
   3. Help the person see the fallacious nature of such statements as We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.14 Papal edicts (e.g., papal bulls, ex cathedra statements, etc.) are nothing more than mere human assertions, and as such they are not authoritative.
   4. Help the person see how human traditions have always led to people being lost (Matthew 15:7-9; 2 Kings 5).

Study Questions

1. Discuss the “Who, When, & Where” of this denomination’s origin. Does their origin match the divine blueprint in the New Testament?
2. What seeds of apostasy were present in the New Testament era that led to the beginning of Catholicism?
3. Catholic scholar John O’Brien states that the Bible is not clear, intelligible, and sufficient to all people. What verses in the Bible prove this claim to be false?
4. How do we know that original sin is not a biblical teaching?
5. Can the church or any human being alive today forgive sins? Support your answer from Scripture.
6. How is a person “confirmed” into God’s church? (See Acts 2:38-47).
7. Catholic scholar McSorley says the hierarchal organization of the Catholic religion is of divine origin although not clearly described in the New Testament. Can a teaching or doctrine of the church be of “divine origin” and not be found in Scripture?
8. Can the church make laws prohibiting, allowing, or annulling marriage? Explain your answer.
9. Does James 5:14-15 teach extreme unction? What is wrong with this type of death bed salvation?
10. List some Scriptures that teach us not to exalt other human beings.
11. Give Scriptural proof that infant baptism is not a biblical teaching.
12. Discuss the relationship between the destructive teachings of the Pharisees in Mt. 15:7-9 and the damnable teachings of the Catholic religion today.

References

1. Ferguson, Everett, Early Christians Speak (ACU Press, Abilene, TX,) p. 168.
2. O’Brien, John, The Faith of Millions (Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington, IN, 1938), p. 148.
3. Ibid., p. 148.
4. Ibid., p. 126.
5. Gibbons, James, The Faith of Our Fathers (P.J. Kennedy & Son, New York, 1917), p. 218.
6. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=1), retrieved January 10, 2006.
7. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=4), retrieved January 10, 2006.
8. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=3), retrieved January 10, 2006.
9. The Teaching of the Catholic Church, VII, p. 843.
10. DS 1642; Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1376.
11. Quoted in D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation (Worthington, New York), p. 17.
12. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/prayers/sacrament.php?id=7), retrieved January 11, 2006.
13. Gibbons, James, History of the Christian Church (Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1913), p. 314.
14. Pope Boniface VIII, Papal Bull Unam Sanctam, 1302

The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.