Mormonism teaches that Jesus failed during His mortal ministry in His attempt to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
Mormonism claims that a great apostacy took place soon after Jesus and his disciples were killed.
At that time, the power of God was taken from men for 1800 years. Until it was restored to the earth through Joseph Smith in 1829.
Is that true? Was Jesus Christ a complete failure? That’s what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants you to believe.
They give credit to their prophet Joseph Smith for bringing the ancient church back to earth, along with the power to act in the name of God.
Joseph Smith was so proud of his accomplishments that he announced himself to have outdone Christ, “I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet…When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go” (History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 408).
Joseph Smith—a self-proclaimed prophet, who said that he was “greater” than Jesus. Why? Because he held the whole church together, when Jesus could not.
The Bible has a lot to say about the pride of individuals. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
God “opposes” the proud – meaning, God opposes Joseph Smith. God is Joseph’s enemy (because of his pride). The Bible also teaches:
“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate” (Proverbs 8:13).
This is what is instore for Joseph Smith, “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5).
Look at how a true Apostle - Paul spoke about boasting, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The difference between Paul and Joseph is striking.
Reject Joseph Smith and Believe Word of God. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…’” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
It is evident that Jesus Christ during his mortal ministry promised success in establishing His kingdom and that it would never be taken away.
Matthew 16:15-18 “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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.”
Jesus promised His disciples that because His church (the body of believers) was built upon “this rock” – meaning Himself – He assured them that the “gates of hell” would not prevail against it.
Following His Resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples for some final instructions. Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Who has the power to act in the name of God? Jesus Christ said, “All power” is given unto Him in heaven and in earth. He authorizes men and women to carry out His work here on earth through the Holy Spirit and the power of His word.
Finally, He promises that He would be with those who believe on Him, “even unto the end of the world.” Did He do that? Yes, He did?
Was there a great apostacy? No! That is a lie manufactured by the LDS Church. Did Jesus fail? Absolutely Not - He was God in flesh! He cannot fail.
Something to consider! Please share with family and friends. And check out more episodes like this at Talking to Mormons. com. God Bless!