WHAT IS A MORMON?

A true Mormon is a devout and true Christian. They believe their lives should perfectly conform to the will of God. The term Mormon when properly translated means more good. It has been used in derision against the latter day followers of Jesus; even as the name Christian was used against the followers of Jesus under Peter. Christian is defined as a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ. Joseph Smith taught, We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Mormonism is a term applied to the collective beliefs of the latter day saints. What is a Mormon is demonstrated in their unique beliefs, demonstrated by their devout life style, and evidenced by their persecutions. The term Mormon originated with the Book of Mormon published by Joseph Smith in 1830. Joseph Smith claimed that through angelic calling and revelation he was given by an angel of God a record of the ancient inhabitants of the AmericasNative Americans. The record was published as the Book of Mormon. The latter day saints believe in the authenticity of this record. There is nothing in this book that is contrary to the Bible. They do not believe that it replaces the Bible; but that it adds an additional testimony of Jesus and therefore lends support to the Bible. It is the record of a people whom Jesus identified as other sheep that are of the house of Israel (John 10:16). A Jewish Prophet by the name of Lehi was commanded of God to lead his family out of Jerusalem in 600 BC. The Book of Mormon tells of this people who lived in Central and North America, of their cities, and of their temples. Knowledge of such a people was never known in America until the work Antiquarians, in Central America by Stephens and Catherwood published in 1843thirteen years later. Like Adam and Noah in other ages, the people divided into those who followed the laws of God and those who sought their own pleasures. The evil part of these people was constantly at war with the righteous. In about 400 AD the righteous turned, like their enemies, to evil; and they were completely destroyed by them. The last Prophet took all of the records and hid them on a hill in New York, where, an angel of God directed Joseph Smith to recover and translate an abridged record of this peoplethe Book of Mormon. The term Mormon is not a proper term because they are not followers of Mormon; but, of Jesus Christ. The most proper name for the true followers of Jesus under Joseph Smith and James J. Strang is latter day saints; even as the followers of Jesus in all ages of the world have been called saints. The term saint is used 97 times in the Bible to describe the followers of Jesus. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Rev. 14:12) The popularized term Mormon will be used in this flyer. The term Mormon is not a homogeneous term. After the murder of Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844, the church split into three groups called the Strangites, Rigdonites, and Twelvites (later Brighamites). These are not appropriate terms; but, have been popularly used and form a means of distinguishing the different groups. Joseph Smith had left four revelations from God that in the event of his impending death that he would appoint his successor; and that his successor must be ordained under the hands of angels the same as Joseph. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead. And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments; And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me. For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed. (Doctrine and Covenants, 43:4-7, Utah edition) The same hour that Joseph was martyred, James J. Strang (some 400 miles away) claimed to have been ordained under the hands of angels to succeed him. This meant Joseph had to be dead; as only one can hold this office on the earth at the same time. It was not until July 9 th, that official word of Josephs death was received in the Letter of Appointment from Joseph to James. I am among the followers of James. Sidney Rigdon made a claim to stand at the head; but, was not appointed by Joseph; and James had already been ordained to a superior office above Sidney. His followers soon abandoned him. Two and half months later, Brigham Young rejected the Prophet whom God had called and claimed the twelve Apostles were to stand at the head; although the law specifically denied them such power. They

were known as the Twelvites until on December 25, 1847. Since God had not given them a Prophet, they elected Brigham Young a prophet by the voice of man. Brigham later wrote on numerous occasions that he was neither a Prophet nor the son of a Prophet. There have been many others who organized churches claiming to be latter day saints. They differ in beliefs nearly as much as Catholics and Protestants. Brigham Young actually claimed that Adam was the eternal heavenly Father who brought Eve from another planet to populate the earth. An examination of these beliefs can be studied on www.MormonBeliefs.com. The beliefs of the followers of James J. Strang are the only ones addressed in this flyer. A fundamental belief of Mormons is in the necessity of a ministry that is called of God. Joseph wrote, We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. Jesus and the Apostles taught this same rule almost 2,000 years earlier. Jesus could not take the priesthood upon Himself. He was called and ordained under the hands of the Father as an Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver like Moses (Acts 3:22) and therefore held all offices of the Melchisedec and Levitical Priesthoods; including that of High Priest. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [Ex. 28:1; 29:7]. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Heb. 5) Jesus was ordained to the Melchisedec Priesthood before he could legally preach the gospel and baptize with the Spirit. He went to John the Baptist because John was a Priest of the Levitical Priesthood and held divine authority to baptize with water. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. (Matt. 3:11) After being tempted of Satan, 4 ...angels came and ministered unto him [ordained Him]. ...17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand. (Matt. 4:11)

The term Christ is not a proper name. Properly translated it means anointed or ordained. Mormons are true Christians because they believe that Jesus was properly called of God and anointed according to the law of God. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he [the Father] hath anointed [ordained] me to preach the gospel. (Luke 4:18) Jesus restored all of the officers of the Melchisedec Priesthood. The Apostle Paul noted that without one of these officers none can be perfected (enter the kingdom of God). And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists [high priests]; and some, pastors [elders] 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 fulness of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-13) Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. (Acts 1:22) The Bible teaches the gospel, including the Melchisedec Priesthood, would be lost for 1,260 years (Rev. 12:6, 14; 13:5, 7). Even knowledge of the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost; but, it was to be restored in the latter days. And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (Rev. 14:6) Joseph Smith restored these same officers of the kingdom in his day. Every kingdom must have laws and officers to administer those laws. Mormons believe that it is necessary to have a correct understanding of God and Jesus. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3) Mormons believe in the gospel of Christ as taught by Jesus and his disciples. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Rom. 1:16) For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power [Melchisedec Priesthood], and in the Holy Ghost. (1 Thess. 1:5) Each must have faith in God, Jesus, and the priesthood. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb. 11:6) He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. (Luke 10:16)

Gospel faith is unique, as it is received only through ministers called of God. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom. 10:15-17) Each person desiring to enter the kingdom of God must place the will of God above all else. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matt. 22:37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matt. 10:37, 38) Each person must repent and covenant to follow the will and laws of God. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38, 39) These gifts are noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Baptism of water--born again--is to cleanse one of sin and prepare the initiate for confirmation into the kingdom of God. Baptism of the Spirit confirms a person into the kingdom, bestows the Spirit of Truth, and a gift of the Holy Ghost. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19:6) Being born of water and the spirit, the initiate must share in the sacrifice made by Jesus. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:53, 54) God requires much more than simply believing that Jesus is their Savior. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19, 20) It is not enough to just talk the talk, we must walk the walk to have hope of eternal life. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6) God requires faith and obedience to His laws the rest of our lives. This was understood in the days of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus, and the Apostles. When Cain killed his brother, a terrible curse was placed on him. When men turned from God to pleasures of the flesh, they were destroyed by the great flood. When men chose a free love society in Sodom and Gomorrah, they were destroyed. Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD. (Lev. 22:31) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:10) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matt. 5:18) And ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matt. 10:22) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Rev. 21:7, 8) Joseph Smith wrote, We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of PaulWe believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Joseph Smith and James J. Strang both sealed their testimony with their own blood. The virtuous and devout life style of the Mormons conflicted with that of the ruffians of the frontier. The Governor of Illinois, who was a member of the gangs, actually issued an extermination order against the Mormons based only on their devout life style. After Josephs death, the gathering was moved to Voree in southeast Wisconsin and then to Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan. Again, the Mormons devout life style brought confrontation with the frontiersmen of that day. With the help of the U. S. Government, two apostates were able to draw James onto the dock and mortally wounded him. A terrible desolation is promised on this generation. After the six-day war, Jerusalem was no longer trodden down of the Gentiles and the final generation started. And they [the Jews] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24) For then shall be great tribulation,

such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matt. 24:11) The only escape is being gathered with the elect before the trump is sounded. The good news is that a remnant of the priesthood restored by Joseph and continued with James remains today. James was ordained under the hands of angels. He ordained L. D. Hickey one of the twelve, who ordained Samuel Martin a High Priest, who ordained Lloyd Flanders a High Priest, who ordained Samuel E. West an Elder, who has ordained other Elders. For more information contact Samuel E. West at Samuel270@aol.com or: