Excerpts

Excerpt 1

This book is not a prosecution of Mormonism.  This is not my attempt to disprove the Book of Mormon or the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith.  We are not going to talk about priesthood authority, temple work, polygamy, or the need for a prophet “to guide us in these latter days.”  But just as the artist needs a canvas on which to create his painting, I need to brush up against the doctrines of Mormonism as I paint for you the biblical rendition of the gospel of grace.

This book, then, is very simply a defense of that gospel:  Christ on the cross, suffering and paying the penalty for our sins, and us, trusting in His sacrifice and His sacrifice alone as our salvation — as proclaimed in the New Testament of the Bible.

It is axiomatic in football circles that defense wins championships.  I agree.  If you consider my defense of the cross of Jesus to be an indictment of LDS theology, as I do, then so be it.  I believe the supporting evidence is overwhelming.

(From Chapter 1: Introduction; p.6)

 

Excerpt 2

It is certainly easy to see why the Bible could never be the keystone of the Mormon religion, not with all the “deletions” and “corruptions” it has endured.  In the final analysis, Latter-day Saints believe the Bible to be unreliable, incomplete, insufficient, corrupted, and ultimately inferior (to the Book of Mormon).  Gee, with friends like the Bible, who needs enemies?

And yet, the last time I checked, The Holy Bible (King James Version), is still canonized LDS scripture, still one of the four standard works!  Can someone please help me understand this?  Am I missing something?  Is the Bible the Word of God or an instrument of Satan?  Or is it both, as the Latter-day Saints seem to be implying?  And if both, how might I ferret out the good stuff and dance around the mine fields of Satan-tampered stuff?  And how can the LDS church, or any church for that matter, teach from a book that they believe was altered by the devil in order to lead them astray?

(From Chapter 2, p. 16)

 

Excerpt 3

The Bible teaches that we never really can produce a righteousness of our own through obedience to the law.  But remember, God is righteous and holy, and He requires that same righteousness and holiness from anyone who desires to be in His presence.  In Philippians 3, we read that the only righteousness that fits that bill is the imputed righteousness of Christ.  We are clothed in the robes of His righteousness and thus are made worthy to abide in God’s holy presence.  In simplest terms, Christ’s righteousness is what it is:  perfect, whole, and complete.  And He imparts it to all who believe and receive in equal portion.  He imparts it fully.  Therefore, all those who come to saving faith in the blood of Jesus Christ are made equally righteous.  Everyone is fitted with the same robe!  The imputed righteousness of Christ is the great equalizer.

(From Chapter 14, p. 131)