THE MORMON TEMPLE : GATEWAY TO HEAVEN, ...OR HELL ? (Copied from Trust The Truth Association) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 THE MORMON TEMPLE : GATEWAY TO HEAVEN, ...OR HELL ? (story inside) Note: .All Mormon quotes are marked: . . . .All Bible quotes are marked: . . THE TRUTH Preface: Before Christs atonement, man was separated from God by sin. At that time, the Law and the Temple were mans only hope of obtaining salvation. However, man was unable to meet the requirements placed upon him by the Law, and so he remained a sinner. The sacrifices which he offered up within the Temple could not reconcile him to God. The ordinances he performed there could not erase his sins. Man remained alienated from God. But when Christ came and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, mans hope of reconciliation with God was finally realized. No longer was man forced to rely upon imperfect sacrifices or symbolic ordinances which can never take away sins. No longer was man required to rely upon his own works, in a useless and vain attempt to earn salvation. No longer was man held prisoner by the law, locked up until FAITH should be revealed. No longer was man separated from God by sin. Yet Mormonism still relies upon the legalistic approach of the Old Covenant (rituals, offerings, sacrifices, works), signifying its lack of confidence in Christs atonement and the New Covenant. QUOTE OF THE MONTH ...[I]t is our duty to rise up and build these Temples. I look upon this portion of our ministry as a mission of as much importance as preaching to the living; the dead will hear the voice of the servants of God in the spirit-world, and they cannot come forth in the morning of the resurrection, UNLESS CERTAIN ORDINANCES ARE PERFORMED, for and in their behalf, IN TEMPLES built to the name of God. ...Somebody has got to redeem them, by performing such ORDINANCES for them in the flesh as they cannot attend to themselves in the spirit, and in order that this work may be done, WE MUST HAVE TEMPLES in which to do it.... LDS Prophet Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 19, pp. 228-229, 1877. [ VIEW THE SOURCE DOCUMENT ] Note: Mormonism also teaches that temple ceremonies are essential for ones own salvation, as well as for the alleged redemption of the dead. For more information on temple works, see THE TRUTH, Vol. 2, No. 3. THE TRUTH: First he [Christ] said, `Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did NOT desire, NOR were you pleased with them (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, `Here I am, I have come to do your will. He SETS ASIDE the first [covenant] to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:8-14, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! Galatians 2:21. SECRETS, OATHS, HANDSHAKES, & PENALTIES ? Preface: After Joseph Smith became involved with Masonry, with its secret handshakes, signs, oaths, rituals and temple, these concepts were incorporated into Mormonism. Even now Mormonism teaches that gaining access to the Celestial Kingdom requires learning a series of secret passwords, handshakes and body positions, with accompanying oaths of secrecy. The following section includes excerpts from the Mormon temple ceremony, as recorded by Larry Cozad Jr., in the Provo, Utah, temple in February, 1984. The present version (revised in 1990) deletes certain of the Masonic derived portions, such as the penalties and blood oaths (which are detailed in this section). For more on Smiths involvement in Masonry, and his incorporation of Masonic ideas, themes, and symbols into Mormonism, see Joseph Smith and Masonry: No Help For The Widows Son, Jack Adamson and Reed Durham, Jr. A printed, bound copy of both the pre- and post-1990 versions of the Mormon temple ceremony entitled: Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990, can be ordered from Jerald and Sandra Tanner at: Utah Lighthouse Ministries 1350 South West Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 (801) 485-8894 E-mail: [email protected] [Character portraying Elohim speaks:] We will now give unto you the FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. ...They are most sacred, and are guarded by SOLEMN COVENANTS and OBLIGATIONS OF SECRECY to the effect that under no condition, EVEN AT THE PERIL OF YOUR LIFE, will you ever divulge them, except at a certain place that will be shown you hereafter. The representation of the execution of the penalties indicates DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH LIFE MAY BE TAKEN [as a penalty for breaking the oaths of secrecy]. The First TOKEN [secret handshake] of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the first knuckle of the hand, in this manner. ...The SIGN is made by bringing the right arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. ...The execution of the PENALTY is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side [as if slitting the throat]. I will now explain the COVENANT AND OBLIGATION OF SECRECY which are associated with this token, its name, sign, and penalty, and which you will be REQUIRED to take upon yourselves. ...All arise. (All participants stand.) Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.... Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty. I, [participants name], covenant that I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken. Excerpt from the Mormon temple ceremony (previous to the 1990 revision), as recorded by Larry Cozad Jr., in the Provo, Utah, temple in February, 1984, emphasis added. See Jerald and Sandra Tanners book entitled Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990. [Character portraying Peter speaks:] We will now give unto you the SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This TOKEN is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand, in this manner. ...The SIGN is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. ...The Execution of the PENALTY is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides [as if slitting open the chest]. I will now explain the COVENANT AND OBLIGATION OF SECRECY which are associated with this token, its name, sign, and penalty, and which you will be REQUIRED to take upon yourselves. ...All arise. (All participants stand.) Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.... Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the Executing of the Penalty. I, [participants name], covenant, that I will never reveal the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken. Excerpt from the Mormon temple ceremony (previous to the 1990 revision), as recorded by Larry Cozad Jr., in the Provo, Utah, temple in February, 1984, emphasis added. See Jerald and Sandra Tanners book entitled Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990. [Character portraying Peter speaks:] We will now give unto you the FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, or the sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This TOKEN is received by bringing the right hand into this position: the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended; and the person giving the token placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of the hand of the one receiving it, in this manner. ...The SIGN is made by bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square; the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip. ...The PENALTY is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the sides [as if disemboweling ones self]. I will now explain the COVENANT AND OBLIGATION OF SECRECY which are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and which you will be REQUIRED to take upon yourselves. ...All arise (all participants stand.) Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail.... Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the Execution of the Penalty: I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken. Excerpt from the Mormon temple ceremony (previous to the 1990 revision), as recorded by Larry Cozad Jr., in the Provo, Utah, temple in February, 1984, emphasis added. See Jerald and Sandra Tanners book entitled Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990. THE TRUTH: [Jesus said] Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. But I tell you, DO NOT SWEAR AT ALL.... Simply let your `Yes be `Yes and your `No, `No; ANYTHING BEYOND THIS COMES FROM THE EVIL ONE. Matthew 5:33-37, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead mens bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Matthew 23:27-28. THE TRUTH: Therefore, since through Gods mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced SECRET and SHAMEFUL ways.... On the contrary, by SETTING FORTH THE TRUTH PLAINLY we commend ourselves to EVERY mans conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: `I have spoken OPENLY to the world, Jesus replied, `I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said NOTHING IN SECRET. John 18:20, emphasis added. Note: Christ declared that his public message was his ONLY message. He said nothing in secret, at the temple or anywhere else. THE TRUTH: Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things Gods wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. ...Have nothing to do with the FRUITLESS DEEDS OF DARKNESS, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do IN SECRET. Ephesians 5:6-12, emphasis added. THE TEMPLE VEIL: ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN ? Preface: This section includes excerpts from Mormonisms Ceremony at the Veil, a key part of its temple ordinances. The veil in the Temple of the Old Covenant was a barrier which represented mans separation from God (because of sin). When Christ sacrificed Himself for our sins we were reconciled to God, and the veil itself was torn from top to bottom signifying a permanent end to mans alienation from God. Because of Christs atonement on the cross, man can now go directly into the presence of God. Mormonisms continued use of a veil in temple ceremonies demonstrates its lack of confidence in Christs sacrifice and atonement. - (At this point, a temple worker motions to the participants, row by row, directing them to the various Veil segments. A worker stands at each segment to introduce the participant to the Lord who is on the other side of the Veil. The worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet.) Lord: What is wanted? Temple Worker: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through the Veil. Lord: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted. (The Lord gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood through the opening in the Veil.) Lord: What is that? Participant: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. Lord: Has it a name? Participant: It has. Lord: Will you give it to me? Participant: I will, through the Veil. (The participant gives the New Name). (The Lord gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.) [This ceremony is repeated for the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood and for the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, with their names, tokens, and signs.] ...(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood.) ...(The Lord and the participant, still holding the grip, place their left arms through the marks of the compass and square, which are cut through the Veil. The participants left arm goes through the mark of the compass, and the Lords left arm goes through the mark of the square. They rest their left hands on each others right shoulders.) ...Lord: What is that? Participant: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail. Lord: Has it a name? Participant: It has. Lord: Will you give it to me? Participant: I will, through the Veil--Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of time, and throughout all eternity. Lord: That is correct. (The Lord and participant break the ceremonial embrace, and the temple worker gives three taps with the mallet.) Lord: What is wanted? Temple Worker: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil, desires now to enter his presence. Lord: Let him enter. (The Veil is now parted and the Lord takes the participant by the right hand, and pulls him gently through the Veil into the Celestial Room.) Excerpt from the Mormon temple ceremony, taken from a tape recording made in a Mormon temple in July, 1990. See Jerald and Sandra Tanners book entitled Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990. Note: Mormonism portrays the veil as the entrance to heaven, which one may pass through only if he knows the secret handshake, passwords, etc. But the Scriptures clearly indicate that the veil represents an IMPASSIBLE BARRIER between God and man. And Christians know that mans ticket to heaven is NOT purchased by means of secret handshakes or ceremonies (or even full tithing). It is bought by the atoning blood of our Savior, and by FAITH in Him. Question: Why does Mormonism seek to re-establish the impassible barrier between God and man (which Christ destroyed), and thereby again thrust man into the futility and hopelessness of the law of sin and death? THE TRUTH: And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment THE CURTAIN OF THE TEMPLE WAS TORN IN TWO from top to bottom. Matthew 27:50-51, emphasis added. Note: The NIV footnote says that the tearing of the curtain signified Christs making it possible for believers to go DIRECTLY into Gods presence. See also Mark 15:38. THE TRUTH: Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, by a new and living way opened for us THROUGH THE CURTAIN, that is his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of FAITH.... Hebrews 10:19-22, emphasis added. MORMONISM: IGNORING THE NEW COVENANT ? Preface: Mormonism has long demonstrated its lack of confidence in Christs sacrifice and the New Covenant. For example, Mormonisms blood atonement doctrine relies upon its teaching that Christs blood was inadequate to atone for all sins (see THE TRUTH, Vol. 1, No. 5). Mormonism teaches that remission of sins requires baptism, not merely repentance and faith in Christ (see THE TRUTH, Vol. 2, No. 3). Mormonism teaches that salvation depends upon ones works (as in the Old Covenant) when the Scriptures clearly indicate that only faith is required (see THE TRUTH, Vol. 2, No. 3). It teaches that full tithing (a form of sacrifice) is required to gain salvation, when the Scriptures teach us that we are saved by the grace of God (see THE TRUTH, Vol. 2, No. 7). And both Joseph Smith, Jr., and Joseph Fielding Smith, taught that ANIMAL SACRIFICES (as in the Old Covenant) were STILL REQUIRED even after Christs atonement (see The Changing World of Mormonism, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, pp. 488-489. THE TRUTH: Now the FIRST COVENANT had REGULATIONS FOR WORSHIP and also an EARTHLY SANCTUARY. A TABERNACLE was set up. In the first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.... ...[T]he priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that THE WAY INTO THE MOST HOLY PLACE HAD NOT YET BEEN DISCLOSED.... This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were NOT able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings - EXTERNAL REGULATIONS APPLYING UNTIL THE TIME OF THE NEW ORDER. When Christ came as high priest..., he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is NOT MAN-MADE.... He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL BY HIS OWN BLOOD, having obtained eternal redemption. ...For this reason Christ is the mediator of a NEW COVENANT, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:1-15, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: By calling this covenant `new, he has made the first one OBSOLETE; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:13, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: [Jesus said] I tell you that ONE GREATER THAN THE TEMPLE is here. Matthew 12:6, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: ...[T]he ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. Hebrews 8:6-7. THE TRUTH: You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by OBSERVING THE LAW, or by BELIEVING what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal BY HUMAN EFFORT? Have you suffered so much for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you OBSERVE THE LAW, or because you BELIEVE what you heard? ...All who rely on observing the law are under a curse.... Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, `The righteous will live by faith. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written; `Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. Galatians 3:1-13, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgression UNTIL THE SEED TO WHOM THE PROMISE REFERRED HAD COME. ...For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ, might be given to those WHO BELIEVE. BEFORE this faith came, we were HELD PRISONERS BY THE LAW, locked up UNTIL FAITH SHOULD BE REVEALED. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. Now that faith has come, we are NO LONGER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE LAW. Galatians 19-25, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming - not the realities themselves. For this reason it can NEVER, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Hebrews 10:1, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: But now, by dying to what once bound us [sin], we have been RELEASED FROM THE LAW so that we SERVE IN THE NEW WAY of the Spirit, and NOT in the old way of the written code. Romans 7:6, emphasis added THE TRUTH: ...[B]ecause through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life SET ME FREE from THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. For what the law was POWERLESS to do ...God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. Romans 8:2-3, emphasis added. CONCLUSION Preface: Mormonism has misplaced its trust in human works performed in extravagant temples allegedly built in the name of God. Mormonism uses its temples to create a holy facade, while behind closed doors it conducts its secret ceremonies for the living and the dead. Mormonism insists that such temple work is essential to salvation. But the Scriptures are clear that only through Christs atonement, and faith in Him, can mankind gain access to Gods true plan of redemption. THE TRUTH: `Sir, the woman said [to Jesus], `I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem [the Temple]. Jesus declared, `Believe me woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain, NOR IN JERUSALEM. ...Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:19-24. Note: The NIV footnote says THE PLACE OF WORSHIP IS IRRELEVANT, because true worship must be in keeping with Gods nature, which is spirit. THE TRUTH: The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and DOES NOT LIVE IN TEMPLES built by hands. And he is NOT SERVED BY HUMAN HANDS, AS IF HE NEEDED ANYTHING, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:24-25, emphasis added. Note: Our omnipotent God does NOT require the assistance of human hands to accomplish His great plan of salvation. Question: Since God is not served by human hands, why does Mormonism claim that the ordinances performed in its temples are essential to ones salvation? THE TRUTH: Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. ...Do NOT trust in DECEPTIVE WORDS and say, `This is THE TEMPLE of the Lord, THE TEMPLE of the Lord, THE TEMPLE of the Lord! If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly,... and if you DO NOT FOLLOW OTHER GODS to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. But look, YOU ARE TRUSTING IN DECEPTIVE WORDS that are worthless. Will you ... FOLLOW OTHER GODS you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, `We are safe - safe to do all these detestable things? ...But I have been watching! Declares the Lord. Jeremiah 7:1-11, emphasis added. Note: The NIV footnote says the straightforward narrative of this section asserts that Solomons temple in Jerusalem will not escape the fate of the earlier sanctuary at Shiloh [which was abandoned by God] if the people of Judah persist in worshiping FALSE GODS. The footnote further explains the phrase deceptive words as those spoken by FALSE PROPHETS. THE TRUTH: Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. ...Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, THE TEMPLE YOU TRUST IN.... So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. ...They pour out drink offerings to OTHER GODS to provoke me to anger. But am I the one they are provoking? Declares the Lord. ARE THEY NOT RATHER HARMING THEMSELVES, TO THEIR OWN SHAME? Jeremiah 7:12-19, emphasis added. THE TRUTH: If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has TRAMPLED THE SON OF GOD under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT that sanctified him, and who has INSULTED THE SPIRIT OF GRACE? Hebrews 10:28-29, emphasis added. COMMENTS Dont rely upon our words, or upon the words of any other men. We believe that the only infallible standard of truth is Gods Word, the Holy Bible. TRUST IT! Become knowledgeable about both sides of this crucial issue. Then compare all that you have learned to the Holy Bible. After reading Gods Word, decide the truth for yourselves! We remind our readers that we do NOT seek to spread hatred or intolerance. We urge our readers to SHOW COMPASSION, and to PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE LDS CHURCH. Trust The Truth Association does NOT solicit (or accept) donations. If you want to assist us in this endeavor, please copy and distribute THE TRUTH to anyone you believe may benefit from it, or forward it to others, via e-mail. Peter Elias
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 21:54:04 +0000
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