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Below you will find the exact text as provided in bold type. For each of these 17 points we have given the Biblical text here in this format for your convenience. A very good commentary following each point has been provided by a very good friend of mine, Kimberly Bell. Thank you Kim! |
1.) Christ organized the church. Eph 4:11-14 (And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to an fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.)
It is true that Christ organized the church in that he appointed some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, etc. He certainly has ordained and called his children for ministry to believers and unbelievers. I find it interesting that this text says that the end result of this ministry would be that we would not be carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness. There are several points below that would fall into the category of "sleight of men".
2.) The true church must bear the name of Jesus Christ. Eph 5:23 (For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.)
This is one of those "sleight of men" things. This text is in reference to the chain of command in the home, not what your denomination should be named. If you want to find out what the bible says about bearing the name of Christ, look at Rev 14:1 (And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.) Here are some of the people of God, and where is the name written? On the building? On the Articles of Incorporation? It’s on each individual’s forehead. Each PERSON of God bears the name of God. It is stamped on their character, not on their denomination.
But what exactly does God's Word say about what His house should be called? What we have found that is the most accurate name for God's house is listed below.
Isaiah 56:7
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.Matthew 21:13
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.Mark 11:17
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.Luke 19:46
Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.The "church" exists in many denominations, and is not made by the hands of men, but by the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of a sinner and the redeemed as well. This re-birth brings you into the body of Christ, and you are then a member of THAT church.
3.) The true church must have a foundation of Apostles and Prophets. Eph 2:19-20 (Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone;)
It’s funny how a tiny little word can make a world of difference. Notice the bible says "THE foundation OF THE apostles and prophets" not "A foundation OF Apostles and Prophets". What is the foundation of the apostles and prophets? Or rather, Who is the foundation of the apostles and prophets? Look at 1Cor 3:11 (For other foundation can NO MAN LAY than that IS LAID, which is Jesus Christ.) Jesus Himself is the cornerstone and the foundation. The ministers who build on this foundation (apostles and prophets) are nothing, according to scripture. (1 Cor 3:5-11, especially verse 7) Paul states that he has "laid the foundation" (verse 10) and that the foundation is Jesus Christ (verse 11), so it is very clear that "THE foundation OF THE apostles and prophets" is Jesus Christ.
4.) The true church must have the same organization as Christ’s Church. Eph 4:11-14 (And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to an fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.)
Indeed, the true church will have the same organization as Christ’s church because the true church IS Christ’s church, and this text clearly state that Christ has given these appointments to His people. The problem is that the TRUE CHURCH does not reside under one denomination. John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Jesus called people from everywhere into His fold. They come to HIM, not to a particular denomination. For example, the Pharisees and Sadducees were "members of the church" but Jesus said to them, "But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep…" (John 10:26) He then continues to say where His sheep come to, in the very next verse: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow ME". Regardless of what church one belongs to, one may or may not be a member of the True Church – the determining factor is whether you hear Jesus’ voice and follow HIM, not a denomination.
5.) The true church must claim divine authority. Heb 5:4-10 (And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.)
There is not a thing in this text that tells believers that THEY must claim divine authority as priests in the order of Aaron or Melchisedec. This is explaining to believers that Christ ALONE is "a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec". Hebrews goes on to explain that the old order of the priesthood is done away with BECAUSE Christ came and became our High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Heb 7:11-19 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical (Aaronic) priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.) The point being that the human (carnal) priesthood was useless in regard to salvation, but Jesus had something that no man had – the power of an endless life. (Hence the comparison to Melchisedec: Melchisedec had no parents & no descendants (verse 3) – no beginning and no end, get it?) Therefore, there was no need of an earthly priesthood, because it was all taken care of by Jesus Christ once and for all. (verse 27)
6.) The true church must have no paid ministry. Isa 45:13; 1 Peter 5:2 (I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of Hosts. (Isaiah) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. (1Peter)
If you read the whole chapter in Isaiah, you’ll see he was talking about when the Medes and Persians (Darius of the Medes & Cyrus of the Persians) overthrew Babylon, which paved the way for the end of Israel’s captivity there. (Compare Is 45:1 with Daniel 5:6, 28, 30, 31) (By the way, history even says that the way Darius got into the city that night was by diverting the Euphrates river and going in under the gates of the city and opening them for his army, as stated in Is 45:1) As far as 1Peter is concerned, there’s a big difference between "filthy lucre" and well-earned wages. Look at 2Thess 3:7-9 "For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us." The word "power" in this text means "privilege" (Strong’s Concordance #1849). So, Paul stated that he HAD the privilege to receive charity from the believers; but so as to set an example for them not to be "moochers" (see verses 10-12), he made his own money and paid for the food he received. In fact, "paid ministry" was the whole concept behind tithing! The priests had no inheritance like the rest of the tribes – no way to grow their own food, etc – so GOD was the one who established the paid clergy through tithing! The priests were to eat the tithes of the people as a reward for their ministry. (Num 18:20-21, 31)
7.) The true church must baptize by immersion. Matt 3:13-16 (Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:)
No problem here: the bible certainly does teach baptism by immersion (simply by definition of the word – baptizo (Strong’s #907) means to make whelmed or fully wet, coming from a derivation of #911 bapto, which means to whelm, that is to cover wholly with a fluid.).
8.) The true church must bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Acts 8:14-17 (Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.)
I have no problem with people receiving the Holy Ghost, but scripturally, there is no requirement of the laying on of hands. For instance, when Peter was called to preach to Cornelius and his family, the Holy Ghost fell upon all of them without the laying on of hands. (Acts 10:44) And, of course, right at Pentecost, the Holy Ghost came upon the believers without the laying on of hands (Acts 2:1-4).
9.) The true church must practice divine healing. Mark 3:14-15 (And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:)
I agree that the church will have the gift of healing; but again, we’re talking about the body of believers, not a particular denomination.
10.) The true church must teach that God and Jesus Christ are separate and distinct individuals. John 17:11 and John 10:17
The bible does teach that the Father and the Son are separate, but not necessarily distinct… Remember that Jesus said that they are one, and that if you’ve seen Jesus, you’ve seen the Father. (John 14:9-11) The trinity is a valid teaching of scripture.
11.) The true church must teach that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone. Luke 24:36-39 and Acts 1:9-11
So far, this shows that Jesus does indeed have a body of flesh and bones, but what about the Father? Jesus himself said, "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24) And also, Job says of God, "He is not a man, as I am…" (Job 9:32) Indeed, Jesus, The Word, "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14) But the Father never has been and never will be flesh and bone.
12.) The officers must be called by God. Heb 5:4 Exodus 28:1 Exodus 40:13-16 (And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (Heb) And take thou unto thee Aaron they brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. (Ex 28:1) And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did. (Ex 40:13-16)
I don’t imagine any believer would want a spiritual leader who was not called by God, would they? Even though the selective earthly priesthood no longer exists in God’s eyes (Heb 7:11-19) He does call his followers to different duties (1Cor 12:4-11) and has made all believers (male and female) "a royal priesthood" (1Peter 2:5, 9)
13.) The true church must claim revelation from God. Amos 3:7 (Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.)
Anyone "claiming" revelation from God is subject to deathly serious examination: "And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken hath not spoken." (Eze 22:28) "To the Law and to the testimony (the Old Testament, in this text): if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."Anyone claiming revelation from God had better know that what they are saying is in harmony with the Holy Bible. I can’t emphasize enough the gravity of claiming revelation from God… He doesn’t like it when people lie in His Name.
14.) The true church must be a missionary church. Matt 28:19-20 (Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.)
Absolutely, the church is to reach out to unbelievers. Again, it’s the duty of every individual to serve as God has called him/her. It’s not the job of an organization to coerce people into it.
15.) The true church must be a restored church. Acts 3:19-20 (Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:)
"Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." The only time of restitution that the bible speaks of is the Second Coming of Jesus. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Rev 21:1-5) The only time that all things will be made new is in the new earth. There is no biblical support for a "restored church" as taught in the LDS church.This speaks of the individuals being "restored" by repenting – there’s nothing about re-establishing lost ceremonies, or anything along those lines. In fact, the very next verse says
16.) The true church must practice baptism for the dead. 1Cor 15:16 & 29 (For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (verse 16) Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? (verse 29)
"Else what shall THEY do…" and "Why are THEY then baptized for the dead" He never says "we" or even "you". His point is that even pagans believe there is a resurrection, and since the Christians faith is based on Christ’s resurrection – how come they didn’t believe there was one? He is in no way endorsing, or indicating that he or any believers participated in the baptism for the dead.All of Chapter 15 is about whether or not there is a resurrection. Some didn’t believe that there was any resurrection at all (verse 12). Paul begins by reminding the believers of what they believe in – that Jesus himself was resurrected from the dead! To add to his case later in the chapter, he even points out that other groups believe in the resurrection, because it they didn’t, they certainly wouldn’t be baptizing themselves on behalf of dead people. But, you’ll notice he doesn’t included himself or the ones he’s speaking to in the group who practices this: he says
17.) By their fruits ye shall know them. Matt 7:20 (Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.)
My point exactly. The context of that verse is this: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matt 7:15-20) We saw already that anyone who preaches another gospel, speaks something that is not in harmony with the Bible, and especially speaks it in the name of God is a false prophet, and in regard to this text, a corrupt tree. How many points of the True Church as set forth by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do you find to be in harmony with the Law and the Testimony? How many inconsistencies does it take before someone is considered a corrupt tree?
Examining
the "17 Points of the True Church"
By Bill McKeever
Since the Mormon Church was organized in 1830, its leaders have claimed that their church alone represents true Christianity. In a pursuit to prove its legitimacy, these leaders have often formulated lists of "proofs" for this claim. This paper examine one of those lists entitled "The 17 Points of the True Church."
1. Christ Organized the Church.
This argument is purely subjective as most organizations claiming to be Christian feel Christ organized their church. This would include the Watchtower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) and others that deny sound biblical doctrine. People make the Church. Because Christ's Church is made up of many individuals who have trusted in Christ totally for their salvation, it would be erroneous to view any particular building, organization, or denomination as the "true church."
2. The true church must bear the name of Christ.
If Mormons wish to use this argument, they must answer as to why their own church was called merely "The Church of the Latter-day Saints" from 1834-1838. By their reasoning their own church must have been in apostasy for at least four years. Those who belonged to the early Christian church were known more by their geographic location rather than an "organizational" name. In I Thessalonians 1:1 Paul addresses "The church of the Thessalonians." Are we to assume that Paul was addressing a false church?
3. The true church must have a foundation of Apostles and Prophets.
The true church has as its foundation Jesus Christ. He is the Chief cornerstone and/or foundation. I Corinthians 3:11 reads, "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Deuteronomy 18:15 makes it clear that Jesus Christ Himself is "the Prophet" who guides His Church today. (See also John 5:46; 6:14; 7:40; Acts 3:22-23.)
4. The true church must have the same organization as Christ's church.
If the LDS Church follows Eph 4:11-14, why is the order of authority reversed? Paul says first in line come the apostles, next the prophets. Mormonism reverses this order. If Mormonism emulates the structure of the early church, where in the Bible is there any mention of multiple high priests, Relief Society presidents, Second Quorum of the Seventies, stake presidencies, ward bishoprics, etc.? Where are the Mormon's pastors, and evangelists?
5. The true church must claim divine authority.
Again, this is purely subjective. Any organization can claim to be authoritative. Bible-believing Christians claim the authority of God's Word, the Bible, not the words of mere men who contradict it.
6. The true church must have no paid ministry.
Mormons who believe their leaders are not paid are very misinformed. All the General Authorities in Salt Lake City receive remuneration for their services to the church and from the church. If they don't believe it, they should call the LDS Church headquarters and ask. A paid ministry is not unbiblical. The entire Old Testament speaks of a paid ministry as well as I Corinthians chapter 9.
7. The true church must baptize by immersion.
If baptism (a work) was necessary in order for a person to be saved, this could be a debatable subject. However, Ephesians 2:8,9 clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith, not works such as baptism. Baptism is merely an outside sign of an inner work of the Holy Spirit in an individual's life. Believers should be baptized as a testimony of their faith in Christ; however, baptism does not save.
8. The true church must bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
Many Christian churches do practice this. The Bible shows, however, that at times the Holy Ghost (Spirit) was received of men without mention of hands being laid on them. (See Acts 4:31; 10:44; 11:15.)
9. The true church must practice divine healing.
Again, many Christian churches do practice this and do get results.
10. The true church must teach that God and Jesus Christ are separate and distinct individuals.
The Christian church holds that Jesus Christ and God the Father are separate personages. Joseph Smith strayed from the truth when he said they were separate Gods. This conflicts with many passages such as Deut. 6:4 and Isaiah 43:10, just to name a few.
11. The true church must teach that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone.
Mormons believe this only to substantiate Joseph Smith's so-called first vision. John 4:24 claims God is a spirit (lit. God is Spirit). Even Smith at one time taught God the Father was a personage of spirit (See Lectures on Faith, Lecture Fifth). He changed his mind later on.
12. The officers must be called of God.
Another subjective point. All cultists believe they are called of God.
13. The true church must claim revelation from God.
Again, a subjective point. All cultists claim revelation from God.
14. The true church must be a missionary church.
Any Christian church that wants to see souls saved is a missionary church whether that mission field is across the ocean or across the back fence. The Mormon church holds no exclusive rights to missionary activity.
15. The true church must be a restored church.
You can't restore something that wasn't lost. Jesus Himself said the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). History proves this.
16. The true church must practice baptism for the dead.
The Christian church never condoned baptism for the dead. Paul excludes himself from such a practice when he uses a third person pronoun rather than first person ("Why do they baptize for the dead ...") (See Hebrews 9:27 and Alma 34:34,35 for that matter.)
17. By their fruits ye shall know them.
This expression is taken from Matthew 7:20, which ironically deals with judging false prophets, not churches. In examining the fruits of Joseph Smith, we find that he indeed was a false prophet. He introduced a foreign view of God, a false plan of salvation, and inaccurate predictions about future events. If we must use this verse to examine the fruits of Mormonism, we must have an answer as to why the Mormon Church must constantly reverse its position on matters that should never change (Alma 41:8). Why do their leaders contradict past leaders? Why did they change the Book of Mormon so many times when it was supposedly translated "by the gift and power of God the first time"? Why did they change their temple ceremony in 1990 when Smith claimed it came by direct revelation? And doesn't it seem suspicious that many of the changes in the ceremony were things Christians (and Mormons) had been criticizing for years? Did God mess up or did Joseph Smith (or was it their current leaders)?