There is something very common in cults today. That is if you remove their foundational teaching from their church, it will crumble. And what is that foundational teaching in Mormonism? It is their temples. This is where their marriage sealings, baptisms for the dead, endowments, and washings and anointments take place. Are these practices in the Bible? No. So where did they come from? From Joseph Smith and their living prophets. So why would a supposed restored church have temples and do things in their temples that never took place in the New Testament church? I ask this since they say that there was an apostasy and that there needed to be a restoration of the gospel. And again, what gospel is this? Nothing I’ve ever read in the Bible, that is for sure. Their restored teachings bring in these weird teachings that happen inside their temples, where only their prophets can say they have new revelations to validate them. However, does the Bible refute the very need for temple buildings anymore? Yes, it does. Stephen said, “but Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:47-51) And what happened to Stephen because he refuted the need for temple buildings? The people stoned him to death.
My friends, if temple buildings are not important in our time now, wouldn’t there be another teaching in the New Testament that agrees with Stephen? Of course, there would be. It is recorded, “then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.” (Acts 17:22-25) Wow, it seems to me that both Stephen and Paul agree that God does not dwell in temples made with hands. So if God does not dwell in temples made with hands, where does He dwell in? In us, His true believers, of course, for we are the temple of the living God now. Paul said, “know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16,17) So to recap, temple buildings are not important anymore and won’t be until God’s tabernacle comes down from heaven in the millennial reign, as John described. This means that what is taking place in the Mormon Temples is false. Their marriage sealings or baptisms for the dead will not do a person any good in this or the next life.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will begin to read the Bible daily and find Your truth for themselves. That they will no longer be influenced by the teachings of men, but come to a realization of what is true in their life. That You will be able to show them what is false and lead them into what is truth. Your ways are true and faithful, and I pray that more people will be so desirous to learn from You also. There are so many evil influences out there, and I pray that You will cast them out of every person’s lives that say they believe in You. I only wish to see more people be saved, but this is really tough when people’s eyes are wired shut. But one thing I know of that can open their eyes is the Holy Spirit. So it is my prayer that You will pour down the Spirit upon these wonderful people, who are far from You now, but think they are near. Bring them into a loving relationship with You once and for all. Then, will they begin to see and discover for themselves what is the fullness of joy. No matter the darkness that is currently in their lives, You are able to scatter it. Just one word and every evil force will be cast far from us, that Your Spirit can dwell in us instead. I believe in You, Jesus. I love You, God. Lead me and others in the ways of righteousness. Don’t allow us again to be mixed up in false religions and false beliefs. Teach us Your ways instead. We do not wish to be led astray, but be on Your path, which leads to heaven. No matter if I’ve enjoyed a false teaching, rip it from my life, that I might run from it and into Your everlasting arms. I love You, more. This I pray, God, in the Name Jesus Christ. Amen.
