If Joseph Smith was a false prophet, and the evidence shows he clearly was, then those who promote his unbiblical doctrines must be considered false teachers. The Bible pronounces sobering words of indictment against false prophets and teachers and those who follow them. Why? Because they “defile the Word of God,” “bring the way of truth into disrepute,” and “exploit you with stories they have made up” (2 Peter 2:1-20). Consider how the following verses, also from 2 Peter 2, parallel the statements of Joseph Smith.
Bible: “But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand.”
Joseph Smith: “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man…” (Times & Seasons, Vol. 5, p. 613).
Bible: “They are bold and arrogant.”
Joseph Smith: “I know more than all the world” (Times & Seasons, Vol. 5, p. 615).
Bible: “They…destroy the public reputation of the church.”
Joseph Smith: He declared that all churches were wrong and their creeds an abomination to God (RLDS Church History, Vol. 1, p. 9).
Bible: “They slyly undermine the cardinal doctrines of the faith, leading their followers to destruction rather than salvation.”
Joseph Smith: “For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 11:44). “Therefore you are justified of Faith and works…” (Rom. 4:16, Inspired Version). “Inasmuch as they keep my commandments they shall be saved” (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 97:4b) (LDS Sec. 100:14).
Bible: “They counterfeit the Holy Spirit and lure others astray with enchanting new doctrines.”
Joseph Smith: Some of his new doctrines which have led RLDS astray are: Jesus was a “Saved Being” (Lectures on Faith p.95), a plurality of gods (Times & Seasons, Vol. 5, p. 614), men can become gods (ibid.), an unbiblical priesthood system (RLDS Church History, Vol. 1 pp. 34-36), three separate glories in heaven (Doc. & Cov. Sec. 76) (LDS Sec. 76), and Enoch’s city of Zion to come down from heaven (Genesis 7 Inspired Version).
Bible: “They promise freedom while they themselves are slaves to depravity.”
Joseph Smith: On July 12, 1843, at Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith received a “revelation” commanding the practice of polygamy, which he and other church leaders became involved in.
Bible: “For they mouth empty boastful words.”
Joseph Smith: “…I boast that no man ever did such a work as I…” (LDS History of the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 408-409).
Bible: “With eyes full of adultery they… seduce the unstable.”
Joseph Smith: His “revelation” commanding polygamy, states that a priesthood member could have as many as ten virgins without committing adultery.
Bible: “They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…”
Joseph Smith: “You have got to learn to become Gods yourselves just like all gods before you.” (Times & Seasons Vol. 5, p. 614)
Listen to what God says will be the fate of false prophets and teachers in 2 Peter 2:1-20:
- “They will bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
- “They shall perish in their own corruption.”
- “They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.”
Are you following modern day prophets and teachers, who present a “different gospel?” The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely, Persevere in them, because if you do you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:16). The contradictory doctrines taught in the three standard books are not sound doctrines. As former members of the RLDS church, we invite you to reject these false doctrines and turn to the Jesus of the Bible who freely offers forgiveness of sin and eternal life.
Friends, do you really want to continue to follow the teachings of a false prophet whose doctrines lead away from the true significance of Jesus’ death on the cross and the salvation only He provides? Our testimony is that the truth is available to all who will receive it, and as we have found, the truth really does set you free.