Detractors of the LDS faith have always attacked the first vision of Joseph Smith. One such question asked is "How can Latter-day Saints accept Joseph Smith as a prophet when he received the Book of Mormon from an unknown and possibly false spirit?
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 states: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." Some have asked if Satan can appear as an angel of light, couldn't hehave cecieved Joseph Smith by claiming to be Moroni or any of the other messengers who appeared to him?
This is cerainly a possibility that should be considered seriously, since the Book of Mormon describes two instances where this occurred. [2 Nephi 9:9; Alma 30:53] Joseph Smith also briefly described several incidents of this nature associated with the restoration. [D&C 128:20; Teachings p. 214] Nevertheless, it appears that Joseph Smith was well aware of this tactic and taught the Saints how to recognize this ruse. [Teachings pp. 202, 204, 214, 227; See also Bruce R McConkie's Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, vol 2, pp 440-41]
The Bible also contains a test to enable us to judge, or as John says to "try spirits whether they are of God." [1 John 4:1-3] If Moroni or any of the other messengers who appeared to Joseph Smith failed this test we would know he was a minister of Satan.
John states: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God. Joseph Smith likewise taught, If I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness....any man who says he is a teacher or preacher of righteousness and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this key false teachers and impostors may be detected. [Teachings p. 269]
Moroni not only confirmed that Jesus Christ was "come in the flesh," but quoted Old and New Testament scriptures which were fulfilled with his coming. [JS-H 1:40] Moroni also stated that his purpose was to reveal a book "giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent" and containing the "everlasting Gospel...as delivered by the Savior" [JS-H 1:34] following his mortal ministry. That stated purpose of the Book of Mormon is in fact to convince both "Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ." As such, it is subtittled "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." We believe it to be a second witness, after the Bible, of Jesus Christ's devine mission. If Moroni were Satan or one of Satan's ministers acting as an instrument of evil, he surely would not have done so much to convince mankind to believe in Christ - it goes counter to Satans's purpose. [Matt 12:25]
The Book of Mormon was written to bring us to Christ as was staed in 2 Nephi 33:10-11: "and now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye - for Christ will show unto you with power and great glory, that they are his words, as the last day; and you and I sahll stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I ave been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness"
The Book of Mormon contains an account of Christ's visit to those upon the continent wherein he allows them to "feel the prints of the nails" in his flesh [3 Nephi 11:14] that they might understand that he died for them also. Thus Moroni and the book which he brought both testify that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and was come in the flesh "manifesting himself unto all nations." [Book of Mormon title page; 1 Nephi 104-11; 11:18-21, 27-33; 15:13; Mosiah 7:27;
15:1-2; Ether 3:6, 9, 16-17; Moroni 9:25]
None of the messengers which appeared to Joseph Smith ever denied that Jesus Christ was the Messiah come in the flesh [D & C 13:1; 18:11-12, 19:16; 20:1; 110:4]; to the contrary, they all testified of him and his divinity. 2 Corinthians 11:15 contains a final key to detection of false messengers. It states that their "end shall be according to their works" If their works be evil or unrighteous we will know they are not from God. "By their fruits ye shall know them" [Matt 7:20]
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"None of the messengers which appeared to Joseph Smith ever denied that Jesus Christ was the Messiah come in the flesh to the contrary, they all testified of him and his divinity"
If the demons of the past were able to make this same declaration does that make their message a revelation from God, like these messengers that visited Joseph Smith, JR.?
Read the following narrative found in the Bible about the words made by a possessed man. Paying close attention to how the demons addressed Jesus in verse 7. They declare Him the Son of God. To acknowledge the divinity of Jesus does not mean to accept Him or even to follow Him, or even to do His will regardless of whether you are a fallen angel-Moroni or a false prophet-Joseph Smith,JR.
Mark 6:1-13[New King James Version]
1) Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2) And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3) who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4) because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5) And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.
6) When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7) And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.”
8) For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” 9) Then He asked him, “What is your name?”
And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10) Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.
11) Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12) So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” 13) And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.
Apologies. The bottom of my post got cut off here is the rest.
Here one tactic of fallen angles is exposed. After professing Jesus as the Son of God, begging not to be tormented and pleading to continue their works of destruction, they continue in their works of darkness. Instead of injuring one man they devise to kill a herd of 2000 swine leading them tumbling to their deaths within depths the sea. Why not devise even more destructive plans? Test them to see if they work. Even the prophet Muhammed spoke with "angels" and recieved the Koran and does that make it a divine work...Now to Joseph Smith, JR.
Why not follow the same tactic again? Plead and beg to continue their works of destruction by have another Demon convince a young man to write a book that preaches a different Christ, and a different Gospel to lead 12 million people to their eternal deaths.
Some things never change do they.
Jonathan:
With all due respect, I do not see the comparison. We all understand that the evil spirits know who Jesus Christ is and what he stands for. That stated: Comparing the events of evil spirits addressing Jesus Christ directly and those who are trying to decieve us (people) away from Christ is two totally separate issues. Of course and evil spirit will address Christ as the son of God there is not point in attempting to decieve Christ as to his own birthright. Joseph Smith on the other hand is NOT Christ and therefore evil spirits will not attempt to prepetuate Christ's kingdom by leading people away as with anyone who does not have a sure knowledge of Jesus Christ. (i.e. we all need faith)
Comparing the Book of Mormon to the Koran or Joseph Smith to Muhammed shows how litte you really understand and acutally are proving my point. The difference is again, that the Koran does not speak of Jesus Christ as Son of God, or Son of Man. The Book of Mormon does. Exactly as my article posted out on how to tell the spirit of God verses the Spirits of evil. Does the Koran speak of Christ as a savior? NO!!! Does the Book of Mormon? YES!!!! many more times than the Bible I might add.
Wer62
My point in including the Koran and Muhammed is that the enemy can use messangers to deceive people and get them away from the Biblical Christ.
In the 6th century AD, his tactic was to introduce Jesus as a prophet and teacher and forerunner to Muhammed; The final dispenser of God's will to man.
In the 18th century AD, his tactic was to introduce Jesus as a creation of God closely imitating the Biblical Christ but not the same; A false Christ; And using Joseph Smith, JR as the final dispenser of God's will to man.
Jonathan Stated:
My point in including the Koran and Muhammed is that the enemy can use messangers to deceive people and get them away from the Biblical Christ.
Wer62 Responds:
And I agree where the Koran is concerned. That stated I can show you in the Koran where it denies that Christ is the Son of God. Can you show that in the Book of Mormon or in the First Vision? I do not believe that is a very good comparison when you consider the scriptures. - John states: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God. Clearly the Koran falls into the category of False or evil spirits and the Book of Mormon and the First Vision falls into the category of True or good spirits based on Biblical scripture. So far your comparison doesn't hold up to the scriptures on determining evil spirits.
Jonathan Stated:
In the 18th century AD, his tactic was to introduce Jesus as a creation of God closely imitating the Biblical Christ but not the same; A false Christ; And using Joseph Smith, JR as the final dispenser of God's will to man.
Wer62 Responds:
I am sure you meant to say 19th century since Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon in the 1800's (for example year 101 would be in the "second century") That stated: Claiming Joesph Smith is creating a "false Jesus" is a good argument but not one that is sustainable. Could it be that the False Christ was the one declared in the Nicene Creed of 325AD declaring the Trinitarian all in one God. We can explore this as a false teaching and one that DENIES Christ since this doctrine melds Jesus Christ in with God the Father and does away with the individual of Christ. Talk about needing to follow Johns words. Joseph Smith in the First Vision knew more about the Nature of God then those at the Nicene Creed did when they "voted" on the nature of God.
It is going to be a difficult challenge for you to deny the First Vision based on the evil spirit approach.
Wer62
You are correct it was the 7th century and the 19th century.
Ed, I accept the challenge of showing that the first vision could be a demonic deception. Read the following explanation.
In reviewing, Joseph Smith History from the Pearl of Great Price of the official account of the first vision found around the 17th verse the only recorded words are that of "This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him"; "Don't join any of the churches, they are all wrong"; and that the creeds were an abomination to me along with other things that could not be recorded. There is never any mention of any of the Personages stating their identity as Jesus Christ. It is only assumed that the personages are stating truth and that the first is God the Father, He nevers says that He is God the Father just that Joseph should listen to his beloved son.
If the spirits were trying to decieve Joseph and hide their true identity what better way to do than to have two "angels of light" appear and have one state a lie that the other was his beloved son and to listen to him. Neither one ever states they are divine. It is only assumed by Joseph. If indeed they were demons of course they would not want Joseph to join any Bible based churches that taught of salvation by profession of faith and that had "creeds" that defined the true nature of God and explained the basics of salvation.
Here is another picture for you to consider. I could parachute out of the sky with my son and we could both land and I could say. "This is my beloved son hear him." Would that make my son Jesus Christ or me God just because I dropped out of the sky said the magic phrase and used key words like son and beloved.
Johnathan Stated:
He nevers says that He is God the Father just that Joseph should listen to his beloved son.
If the spirits were trying to decieve Joseph and hide their true identity what better way to do than to have two "angels of light" appear and have one state a lie that the other was his beloved son and to listen to him. Neither one ever states they are divine. It is only assumed by Joseph.
Wer62 Replies
Except the following fits what was the parameters for determination of God sent spirits as stated by John: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God" Moroni not only confirmed that Jesus Christ was "come in the flesh," but quoted Old and New Testament scriptures which were fulfilled with his coming. [JS-H 1:40] Moroni also stated that his purpose was to reveal a book "giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent" and containing the "everlasting Gospel...as delivered by the Savior" [JS-H 1:34] following his mortal ministry. That stated purpose of the Book of Mormon is in fact to convince both "Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ."
While it is not contained in the First Vision directly but in a subsequent visitation this is exactly opposite of your interpretation. This is within a few paragraphs of the passages you quoted.
None of the messengers which appeared to Joseph Smith ever denied that Jesus Christ was the Messiah come in the flesh [D & C 13:1; 18:11-12, 19:16; 20:1; 110:4]; to the contrary, they all testified of him and his divinity. 2 Corinthians 11:15 contains a final key to detection of false messengers It states that their "end shall be according to their works" If their works be evil or unrighteous we will know they are not from God. "By their fruits ye shall know them" [Matt 7:20]
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