One of the most ridiculous teachings in Mormonism is their belief in New Jerusalem being built in America, namely Independence, Missouri. What they don’t realize is that the New Jerusalem will come down from the heavens, not built by man. There has also been a prophecy by Joseph Smith that was been considered false about it being built while he was alive. And still, we see this article of faith that reads, “we believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.” (Articles Of Faith) Notice that everything mentioned here relies upon New Jerusalem being built in America, namely Independence, Missouri. Does the Bible teach This? No. And not even Joseph Smith thought that Jesus would return in our time, but in his. It was on September 22 and 23, 1832, that Joseph Smith prophesied of a temple in Missouri, which would be built in his generation and dedicated by him also. This, he called the New Jerusalem. We will read this supposed revelation but first read about New Jerusalem coming down from heaven as John saw in Revelation. This is contained in Revelation, chapter 21.
“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. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. e 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.” (Revelation 21:1-8)
Joseph Smith recorded, “a revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased. Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.” (Doctrines and Covenants 84:2-4) Did this happen? No. The truth of the matter is that the location is not to be speculated when the Bible is silent on this topic. This is why Mormons get so much wrong about this city, not a temple. Unfortunately, they continue to teach that New Jerusalem will be built by man, which is false. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help break free the Mormon people from their false teachings. It is so clear how crazy their beliefs are when reading the Bible. Especially when I read the Book of Revelations, namely, chapter 21. I see two things in this chapter that they don’t believe in. #1, how New Jerusalem will not be built, but come down from heaven after judgment has been set. #2, how wicked people are judged and also cast into the lake of fire, giving them no second chances. Lord, how is it that they still believe in a man-made temple construction when it comes to New Jerusalem? Especially, when Your Word is so clear that this will never happen. How is it that they continue doing baptisms for dead people when they have no second chances after death to be saved? God, just trying to reason with Mormons is like hitting my head against a wall. These people are hard-hearted and would rather believe in what they have been taught then to hear a Christian witness to them Your truths from the Bible. Lord, I only wish to see Mormons come off the path of destruction and onto Your narrow path that leads to eternal life. Help me in these evangelistic efforts to reach them for Your sake. I love You, Jesus. I trust in You, God. Amen.
