Chapter 6 (BOMC)

In the Book of Mormon, it describes how churches were being established in the Old Testament timeline. However, this is different than what we see in Israel around the same time period. We do not see churches in the Old Testament but synagogues. Jesus hadn't come to setup His church yet. As for Joseph's book, it speaks of churches before Jesus was born, and how the Gentiles were called apostates. They are treated as false teachers from false churches. It is written, “and it shall come to pass, that those who have dwindled in unbelief shall be smitten by the hand of the Gentiles. And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor.” (2 Nephi 26:19,20) This is how Joseph Smith saw churches in his timeframe.  Not that churches existed in the Old Testament times.

The Bible teaches that anyone who is not Jewish is a gentile. This includes people from every religion minus those in Israel, including those in Mormonism. How interesting that this book attacks churches built up by Gentiles. Do they not realize they are Gentiles as well? What they don’t realize is, millions of Gentiles have been saved in the last two thousand years because of their faith in Jesus. This teaching that Gentiles could receive Jesus and be saved was a mystery kept for centuries until the time of Paul. It is written, “how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:3-6) Therefore, every gentile who believes in Jesus is saved.

During the ministry of Jesus, He spoke about His church and how Peter would help bring it forth. Jesus is the rock on which the church stands. There was no church formed before this was mentioned. Jesus said, “and I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18). This is talking about the church forming through Christ and bringing it to pass on the day of Pentecost. The church was formed on this day just as Jesus spoke. It is written, “but Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words.” (Acts 2:14) So Jesus started His church by way of the Holy Spirit. Peter and the apostles were leading the charge. The people were baptized and added to Christ’s church on a daily basis. Speaking of those people, they were “praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47) Therefore, the church began around 33 A.D.

The Book of Mormon tells a different story of when the church began.  It says it happened around 147 B.C, not 33 A.D. as the Bible teaches. It is in this book that we learn about people who repented of their sins and came to the waters of baptism. A fictional character named Alma is seen baptizing different individuals.  When coming out of the water, they receive the Holy Spirit. This is a contradiction to the Bible, as the Holy Spirit was not poured out until the day of Pentecost.  The words of Joel were fulfilled on that special day.  It is written, “and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” (Acts 2:17) This is in stark contrast to the people being baptized in 147 B.C, supposedly on the American Continent.  It says these people were added to Christ’s church first. It is written, “and they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church.” (Mosiah 18:17) And there you have it. The Church began around 33 A.D. On the day of Pentecost, and any other stories before this are false. This includes the churches being established before Christ's birth in the Book of Mormon.

Lastly, believers in Christ were called Christians in the Book of Mormon. This was supposedly around 72 B.C. It is written, "For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church. And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come. And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored. " (Alma 46:14-16) This is in comparison to the Bible when the term Christian was first used in the times of Paul in the New Testament. It is written, "Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:25,26) The truth is, there was no church formed before Christ came to earth, and Christians are part of that church. Therefore, the storyline of the Book of Mormon doesn't make any sense.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will see the errors in their Book of Mormon, while starting to question it. Truly, Satan is the one that instigated the writing of this false book those two hundred years ago. Joseph Smith fell victim to an angel of light, and now many people are going down with the ship with this false prophet. Lord, help these people come to the truth. Many people have already died and gone to hell, but this doesn’t have to happen to people who are alive. God, lead these people to Christians who would help them know Your truths.  May they leave the cult for Your sake only. Yes, God, I love the Mormon people, but I feel the need to expose them.  Their core doctrines are of the devil, and it makes me sad to see them believe this way. Thank You for helping me come out of it.  I was raised Mormon, but my open heart helped me learn from you and unlearn what is false. I was lost until You came into my life and saved me. I would still be a Mormon today if You did not open my eyes when it came to what the Bible says. It is so clear now that Mormonism teaches another gospel that does not save. Help many of them know this also. I love You, Jesus. Amen.