The Book of Mormon teaches that there is only one true God in the heavens. How can this be when their church teaches that there are multiple Gods? See for yourself the contradiction in this book and their own doctrines. Certainly, they must hate these verses in Alma, chapter 11. It is written, “and Zeezrom said unto him: Thou sayest there is a true and living God? And Amulek said: Yea, there is a true and living God. Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God? And he answered, No. Now Zeezrom said unto him again: How knowest thou these things? And he said: An angel hath made them known unto me.” (Alma 11:26-31) Therefore, there is only one true God. This collides with what Joseph Smith taught. “You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves; to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done; by going from a small degree to another, from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you are able to sit in glory as doth those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.” (Discourse, 7 April 1844, as Reported by Times and Seasons) Did the author of the Book of Mormon just declare that we got to learn to be Gods as other Gods have done before us? Not at all, but it's author did. This is complete heresy and a contradiction to his own book, which is crazy.
Joseph Smith didn't just write the Book of Mormon, he had help from friends and family. They all believed in the one true God, and Him alone. However, this changed shortly after starting the Mormon church. The truth is, there is only one true God, and the Bible teaches this. As Christians, we teach from the Bible, whereas Mormons teach from other books more often. God’s Word says, “ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” (Isaiah 43:10) “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19) Therefore, if Mormons ever tell you that we can be exalted to Godhood, then they don't understand the Bible. Explain to them that the Bible tells a different story. For example, in Isaiah, chapter 43, and James, chapter 2, there is only one true God. This is important to know when talking to cult members. They people are lost but cannot see this. Only when we step out in faith and share the truth of God with them, things change. This takes courage, but with God on our side, there is boldness. He gives us words to speak.
Book Of Mormon Teachings On God:
Only one true God.
“And Zeezrom said unto him: Thou sayest there is a true and living God? And Amulek said: Yea, there is a true and living God. Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God? And he answered, No. Now Zeezrom said unto him again: How knowest thou these things? And he said: An angel hath made them known unto me.” (Alma 11:26-31)
One God in multiple persons, the Trinity.
"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:21)
"Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil." (Alma 11:44)
"And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end." (Mormon 7:7)
Mormon Church “False Teachings” On God:
Many gods in the heavens.
“You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves; to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done; by going from a small degree to another, from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you are able to sit in glory as doth those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.” (Discourse, 7 April 1844, as Reported by Times and Seasons)
“In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people it,” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 5)
"And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God." (Doctrine And Covenants 132:18)
Exaltation to Godhood.
"And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them." (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19,20)
"Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children; and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law; as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded; and because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods." (Doctrine and Covenants 132:37)
Bible Teachings On God:
One God in multiple persons, the Trinity.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." (John 1;1,2)
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." (1 John 5:7,8)
There is only one true God.
"Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside him. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else." (Deuteronomy 4:35,39)
"Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, Lord, art become their God." (2 Samuel 7:22-24)
"And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day." (1 Kings 8:59-61)
"And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God." (2 Kings 19:15,16)
"O Lord, for thy servant’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt? For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, Lord, becamest their God." (1 Chronicles 17:19-22)
"O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear; open thine eyes, O Lord, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, and have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even thou only." (Isaiah 37:16-20)
"Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God." (Isaiah 43:10-12)
"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:6-8)
"I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:5,6)
"Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:20-22)
"And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2:26,27)
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
If anyone says there are other true Gods out there, or that they can become one, they do not understand the Bible. These teachings are false and are not found in the Word of God. These ideas are man-made and are blasphemy to God’s words. Do we strive to know God’s words and live by them? Or do we live by man-made ideas that lead to death and separation from God? Tear down all false teachings in your lives and come to know the one true God that saves. Test your faith with what the Bible says and you will know the truth of God. Those that are in the faith have God in their lives. All other gods, and ideas of gods, are cast down. The God of Israel is lifted up instead in worship. They live for Him and in His holiness, they are made righteous. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help me and others in the faith to be an even better witness to the Mormons. Not only do I live in a state where Mormonism is prevalent, but LDS missionaries message me often. I once thought that this was a wonderful thing, although it can be hard to get the truth across. There are many opportunities to share the gospel with them, although it is difficult. God, I did not realize how blind these people really are to the truth. What they do is share their false teachings with us, but when we tell them what the Bible says, they are often done. These individuals close up inside, and the conversation goes south. Therefore, may we have more fruitful opportunities with these cult members. If people I converse with will not hear Your truth, then I will move on to talk to other Mormons who are searching for truth. I am asking that You put people on my path who are seeking the truth. Those who want to learn. I love to speak Your truth to different crowds, but especially love to do one-on-one conversations with people. Wherever You will lead me, I will go. Open my mouth and I will speak. I am Your willing servant. Lead me this day and forever. I will do what You say. I love You, Lord. I give You praise and all the glory. You deserve it. Amen.
This is Part 20 of 29 | Only One God
There’s a few different ways to look at this, I think I’ll do it this way.
Your issue is that the Book of Mormon taught that there was only one God, whereas Joseph Smith taught there was not. But consider the context in which these statements were each made.
“In order to understand Amulek’s statement, we must look at the full context. Throughout most of their history, many Israelites (forefathers of the Nephites) were eager to accept the numerous pagan gods of the Egyptians and Canaanites. Although the Book of Mormon is silent about the specific apostate notions held by the people in Zeezrom’s city of Ammonihah, it is clear that some apostate Nephites of Alma’s time were idolatrous—as some of their Israelite fathers had been. When Alma, Amulek’s missionary companion, was chief judge as well as high priest over the Church, he helped to establish a strong and faithful body of church members. Nevertheless, ‘those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry.’ (Alma 1:32.) Apostasy was such a problem that Alma later gave up the judgment seat, ‘that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them.’ (Alma 4:19.)
“As a missionary, Alma found that many of the people were steeped in idolatry. He discovered, for example, that the people in the city of Zoram ‘were perverting the ways of the Lord, and that Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of the people to bow down to dumb idols.’ (Alma 31:1.)
“This is the context, then, of the discussion Alma and Amulek had with Zeezrom. Seen in this light, Amulek’s answer is completely understandable and, of course, correct: There is only one ‘true and living God’—who shares none of his godhood with the hosts of false gods invented by man.
“Of course Amulek knew that there are three separate personages in the Godhead and that they are one in purpose. He declared to Zeezrom that in time all will be brought before the judgment bar of ‘Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God.’ (Alma 11:44.) Since the Son and the Holy Spirit are one in purpose, mission, and glory with the ‘true and living God,’ the three are indeed ‘one Eternal God.’
“Following Amulek’s discussion with Zeezrom, Alma, ‘seeing that the words of Amulek had silenced Zeezrom, … opened his mouth and began to speak unto him, and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that which Amulek had done.’ (Alma 12:1.) In the course of explaining ‘things beyond’ to Zeezrom, Alma made the concept of Godhead even clearer:
“‘God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son;
“‘Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins.’ (Alma 12:33–34;)
“Here is clarification of the truth that God and his Only Begotten Son are separate and distinct from each other—and it is found within Alma and Amulek’s discussion with Zeezrom.
“It is interesting that Amulek’s statement about one ‘true and living God’ is similar to one given by Paul in a similar context. ‘We know that an idol is nothing in the world,’ Paul told the Corinthians, ‘and that there is none other God but one.
“‘For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,
“‘But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.’ (1 Cor. 8:4–6.) Like Amulek, Paul declared that there is only one God—the Father. But he also testified of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Elsewhere in the Book of Mormon, the distinction between the Father and the Son is clearly illustrated. For example, immediately before Christ’s appearance to the Nephites after his resurrection, the people heard the voice of the Father proclaiming: ‘Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.’ Then they ‘cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven’—the Son, Jesus Christ. (See 3 Ne. 11:7–8.) This experience is similar to the Bible’s accounts of the Savior’s baptism and transfiguration, in which the Father spoke from the heavens, acknowledging his Beloved Son who was on earth. (See Matt. 3:17; Matt. 17:5.)
“The oneness of the Godhead in purpose (the salvation of man) is also illustrated in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible. In the Book of Mormon, the resurrected Christ prayed:
“‘Father, I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them.’ (3 Ne. 19:29.)
“The Bible records a similar prayer that the Savior uttered during his ministry in Palestine. (See John 17:11, 21–22.) On both occasions Jesus was praying for a oneness in purpose for all the disciples as the Father and he were one in purpose—not in essence or substance.
“Is the Son of God the Eternal Father? Zeezrom sought to confuse the issue by asking, ‘Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?
“‘And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last;
“‘And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name.’ (Alma 11:38–40.)
“The Book of Mormon makes it clear that although Jesus Christ is the Son of God, there are some ways in which he is our Father. In one way, he is the Father of the earth, since he created it under the Father’s direction. King Benjamin declared, for example, that the Savior ‘shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning.’ (Mosiah 3:8;)
“This is not new doctrine. Biblical prophets also testified that the Son was the Creator of the heaven and earth. John bore witness that ‘all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.’ (John 1:3.) Paul declared that by the Son ‘were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.’ (Col. 1:16.) But it is also clear that the Son acted as the Father’s agent; Paul wrote to the Ephesians of ‘God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.’ (Eph. 3:9.)
“Jesus Christ is the Father in another way as well. For those who accept the gospel, he becomes their Father by adoption and covenant in their new relationship with him. Abinadi alluded to this relationship when he spoke of the seed of Jesus—the prophets and ‘those who have hearkened unto their words.’ (See Mosiah 15:10–13.) King Benjamin also made this relationship clear: ‘Because of the covenant which ye have made,’ he told a group of repentant Nephites, ‘ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.’ (Mosiah 5:7.) Thus, Jesus Christ becomes the Father of the righteous through adoption.
“Jesus Christ is also the Father because the Eternal Father gave him authority to represent him. The resurrected Christ taught the Nephites that they should pray to the Father in his name because he and the Father are one. (See 3 Ne. 20:31, 35.) Jesus had also taught his disciples in Palestine that ‘I and my Father are one’ (John 10:30); yet he declared that ‘my Father is greater than I’ (John 14:28), and that ‘I am come in my Father’s name’ (John 5:43).”
Roy W. Doxey, August 1985 Ensign