Doctrines of Salvation

Commentary on volume 1 is now complete.

In this series, I discuss key portions of an authoritative work called Doctrines of Salvation (3
volume set), by former President and Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith.

Chapter 1 - Character, Attributes, and Perfections of God

HOW GOD IS FROM ALL ETERNITY TO ALL ETERNITY

According to him, God (Heavenly Father) is God from all eternity to all eternity in the sense that 
"eternity to eternity" begins from your spirit existence (i.e. you being born as a spirit child of 
His) through the mortal probation and then continuing to the eternal existence which follows
the resurrection (page 12).

He says that those who become Gods will also be from all eternity to eternity.

He does not consider that when he [Fielding] becomes a God (as he goes on to say on page 
69), while he may have existed from all eternity to all eternity, he has not been a God from all 
eternity to all eternity.

This would be consistent with Joseph Smith's teaching that Heavenly Father became a God 
through eternal progression if you consider that eternity goes even further back than the 
context of Mr. Fielding Smith).

Chapter 4 - Our First and Second Estates

WE LIVED AS SPIRIT BEINGS

"There is not a soul who has not seen both the Father and the Son, and in the spirit world we were 
in their presence" (page 56).

What is not mentioned is whether they ever saw the third member of the Godhead.

WE HAVE SEEN GOD / COUNCILS WERE HELD IN PRE-EXISTENCE

"He was a glorious personage ... shining ... beyond the brightness of the sun. We saw him in his 
majesty ... We were made to realize, in the presence of our glorious Father, who had a tangible 
body ... which shone like the sun, that we were, as spirits far inferior to him" (page 57).

Apparently, these were the less developed or dumb spirits who were not able to figure it out
for themselves even when they beheld his glorious majesty - so they were made to realize
this.

SPIRITS WERE TAUGHT ABOUT MORTALITY

"We were duly informed that in this mortal life we would have to walk by faith. Previously we 
had walked by sight, but now was to come a period of trial to see if by faith we would be true to
every covenant and commandment our Father required at our hands" (pages 57-58). "In this
mortal life, or second estate, the Lord willed that we should walk by faith and not by sight" 
(page 60).

Earlier, Doctrines of Salvation mentioned that Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and 
others are said to have seen and heard Jesus Christ.  In fact, one of the last testimonies they 
gave was that he lives (page 36 - footnote to Doctrines and Covenants 76:22-24).

My first testimony (not last) is that he lives.  This is based on faith, not sight.  How about you?

AGENCY AND PROGRESSION IN PRE-EXISTENCE / SOME SPIRITS GREATER THAN OTHERS

"God gave his children their free agency even in the spirit world, by which the individual spirits had 
the privilege, just as men have here, of choosing the good and rejecting the evil, or partaking of the 
evil to suffer the consequences of their sins" (page 58).  "... but the right of free agency which was 
given to them enabled some to outstrip others, and thus through the eons of immortal existence, 
to become more intelligent, more faithful, for they were free to act for themselves" (page 59).

I wanted to focus on the word "eons".  This pre-mortal life progression apparently lasted not for 
thousands and thousands of years, but rather for eons.  This is also repeated in Religion 234-235 - 
Eternal Marriage Student Manual (page 167) and Religion 430-431 - Doctrines of the Gospel 
Student Manual (chapter 7).

So for all these eons of time, there was presumably massive amounts of evil in the celestial
home of the spirits when they supposedly lived with Heavenly Father. Can you speculate on
what all these different types of evil are (considering you still have spirits waiting to come to
earth) and what consequences they suffer in the celestial home for breaking the
commandments of the Lord while there? And is Lucifer the same personage tempting them
there to disobey God or if there is another evil entity or entities?

CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FOREKNOWN

The nation of Israel existed as spirit people in the first estate. They were apparently sent to the 
Israel on planet Earth (page 59). On page 62 we learn that many other earth type planets are 
inhabited by our brothers and sisters. I wonder if they also have a country called Israel?  And do 
they find it difficult to put their faith in an extraterrestrial Jesus who did not atone for their sins 
in a crucifixion in their own world?

A few questions come to mind.

Do these other planets also have their own country called Israel? And do they find it difficult
to put their faith in an extraterrestrial Jesus who did not atone for their sins in a crucifixion
in their own world?

WHY MEN ARE BORN TO DIFFERENT RACES

"There is a reason why one man is born black and with other disadvantages, while another is born 
white with great advantages. The reason is that we once had an estate before we came here, and 
were obedient, more or less, to the laws that were given us there. Those who were faithful in all 
things there received greater blessings here, and those who were not faithful received less." 
(page 61).

The book did not mention these other advantages.

THE WAR IN HEAVEN / NO NEUTRALS IN HEAVEN

"There were no neutrals in the war in heaven. All took sides either with Christ or with Satan. Every 
man had his agency there, and men receive rewards here based upon their actions there just as they 
will receive rewards hereafter for deeds done in the body. The Negro, evidently, is receiving the reward 
he merits" (page 66).

Doctrines of Salvation, in volume 1, does not elaborate further on the status of the Negro race. 
For me, you have to read Joseph Fielding Smith's other book (The Way to Perfection). I'll scan 
some images here (pages 101, 102, 103, 107, and 111).

FREE AGENCY IN PRE-EXISTENCE

"If there had been no free agency, there could have been no rebellion in heaven ... He would be no 
better than a mechanical contrivance ... He would have been an automaton; could have no happiness 
nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility, and under such could hardly be called existence" (pages
64 and 65).

This is a rather odd statement to make because this is partially the way Nephi talks about the 
existence of Adam and Eve before the Fall:

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, 
righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither 
good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one 
body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, 
happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility" (2 Nephi 2:11). "And they would have had no 
children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no 
misery" (v. 23).

Do you see the similarities?  No misery/no happiness; neither sense/nor insensibility.  

Adam and Eve seemed to be what Fielding would consider as automatons, without existence.

THE STRAITNESS OF THE WAY

"Mortality is the testing or proving ground for exaltation to find out who among the children of God are 
worthy to become Gods themselves, and the Lord has informed us that few there be that find it" 
(page 69).

It seems that the LDS Church of today places less emphasis on exaltation or changes "Gods" to 
"gods" in her teaching manuals.  Paragraph 1 of page 58 refers to those who are not exalted as 
"those who rebelled."

FREE AGENCY IN BOTH ESTATES

"The Lord has given to man his agency. We have it because the Lord gave it to us in the spirit world"
(page 70).

I found this a little odd because intelligences (who are believed by Mormons to have been
organized into spirit children of their Heavenly Parents) were able to act for themselves (they 
had agency) always and eternally even before Lucifer was formed as their spirit brother. 
Intelligences would have no existence if this was not the case according to Joseph Smith 
(Doctrines and Covenants 93:30).

Chapter 5 - The Earth: Its Creation and Destiny

HOW EARTHS PASS AWAY

"This earth is a living body. It was created to to become a celestial body and the abode for celestial 
beings. Other earths, no doubt, are being prepared as habitations for terrestrial and telestial beings, 
for there must be places for those who fail to obtain celestial glory, who receive immortality but not 
eternal life" (page 72).

It seems like Earth has preference over other earths because Jesus was crucified on our planet. 

I found the latter part of this statement odd because page 85 says that those who lived a 
telestial law will be eliminated from their earth. I'll include the quote later.

LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF THE EARTH

"This earth is living and must die ... through the resurrection by which it shall be become celestialized 
and the abode of celestial beings" (page 73).

THE LORD'S BLUEPRINT OF CREATION

"Christ created many worlds.  No doubt others helped him ..."

ADAM AND OTHERS HELPED IN CREATION

"It is true that Adam helped to form this earth ... I have a strong view or conviction that there were 
others who assisted them. Perhaps Noah and Enoch; and why not Joseph Smith" (pages 74 and 75).

SPIRITUAL OR PHYSICAL, AND SPIRIT CREATIONS

"Adam's body was created from the dust of the earth, but at that time it was a spiritual earth. Adam 
had spiritual body until mortality came upon him through the violation of the law under which he was 
living, but he also had a physical body of flesh and bones." (page 76).

NATURE OF A SPIRITUAL BODY

"Now what is a spiritual body. It is one that is quickened by spirit and not by blood. Our Father in 
heaven and our Saviour and all those who have passed through the resurrection have physical 
bodies of flesh and bones, but their bodies are quickened by spirit and not by blood, hence they are 
spiritual bodies and not blood bodies. The immortal body is quickened by spirit, but the mortal body 
is quickened by blood." (pages 76 and 77). 

So Adam had a physical body and a spiritual body but not a blood body before the Fall.

"Now when Adam was in the Garden of Eden, he was not subject to death. There was no blood in his 
body and he could have remained there forever. This is true of all the other creations" (page 77).

ADAM: FIRST MAN AND FIRST FLESH

"After the fall ... the forbidden fruit had the power to create blood and change his nature and mortality 
took the place of immortality, and all things, partaking of the change, became mortal." (page 77).

AGE OF THE EARTH

"This earth was created on the Lord's time, which is celestial time ... Kolob ... that one revolution was a 
day unto the Lord ... it being one thousand years ... and thus shall be the reckoning of the time of one 
planet above another, until thou come nigh unto Kolob ..." (page 78).

It appears the earth existed for about 7,000 years in a spiritual state. When Adam fell, the spiritual 
earth and everything on it became temporal, or mortal (page 77).

Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden for one thousand years at least in their unfallen state.

AGE OF THE EARTH SINCE ADAM

"We have evidence beyond dispute that Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden about 6,000 years
ago ...In the Book of Revelation, chapters 5 to 10, we have the story of the opening of the seven seals 
by the Lamb, each seal representing 1,000 years of the temporal existence of this earth. In the 
Doctrines and Covenants, section 88:92-116, we have the confirmation of this ... in section 77:6-15, 
we have more information in relation to the opening of these seals" (page 79).

Joseph Fielding Smith unfortunately cannot identify the great earthquake which supposedly 
occurred one thousand years ago.

TEMPORAL EXISTENCE OF EARTH

"Here is a definite statement by revelation to us that this earth will go through 7,000 years of temporal
existence" (page 80).

MEANING OF THE MERIDIAN OF TIME

"Moreover, our Saviour came in the meridian of time. That dispensation is called the dispensation of the
meridian of time. This means that it was about half way from the beginning of time to the end of time.
Anyone who desires can figure it for himself that the Lord came about 4,000 years from the time of the
fall. The millennium is to come some time following the 2,000 years after his coming. Then there is to 
be the millennium for 1,000 years, and following that a little season, the length of time of which is not
revealed, but which may bring time to its end about 8,000 years from the beginning" (page 81).

FOUR STAGES OF EARTH'S EXISTENCE

"1. the creation, 2. the telestial condition, 3. the terrestrial condition, 4. the celestial" (page 82).

WICKED WILL BURN AS STUBBLE

"When Christ comes, the earth will be changed and so will all upon its face. It will become a terrestrial 
world then and will so remain for 1,000 years; and all those who have lived a telestial law will be
eliminated" (page 85).

Latter-day Saints are running out of time to build their temple in New Jerusalem in Independence, 
Missouri. It is here that they are taught that Jesus will make his first appearance at the Second
Coming (Religion 430-431 – Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual, page 101).

CELESTIAL DESTINY OF THE EARTH

"At the end of the world the earth will die ... it will be renewed, or raised with a resurrection. When this
time comes the terrestrial inhabitants will also be taken away and be consigned to another sphere 
suited to their condition" (pages 87 and 88).

Presumably those of other earths who lived a celestial law will be taken away from their earths
and brought to our planet Earth.

EARTH TO BE A CELESTIAL SUN

"Who, but the most abandoned, does not desire to be counted worthy to associate with those higher
orders of beings who have been redeemed, exalted, and glorified together with the worlds they inhabit,
ages before the foundations of our earth were laid?" (page 89).

This seems to mean that some brothers and sisters (of Mormons living on planet Earth) became 
Gods and Goddesses on some other earths even before their brothers and sisters came down to 
our planet Earth in mortal bodies.  I wonder who atoned for these people when Jesus provided 
the atonement about 2,000 years ago.

Chapter 6 - Michael our Prince

ADAM QUICKENED BY SPIRIT, NOT BY BLOOD

" ... for there was no blood in Adam's body before the fall. He was not then "flesh" as we know
it, that is in the sense of mortality" (page 92).

ADAM BROUGHT MORTALITY TO ALL THINGS

"After Adam's fall, the Lord declared that he placed a curse upon the earth, and this mortal condition 
then passed upon the earth and all upon its face. President Brigham Young in speaking of this said: 
It is very true, had not sin entered the world, and opposition been introduced, death would not 
have entered" (page 92).

"Then came the curse upon the fruit, upon the vegetables ... the fish in the sea, and upon all things 
pertaining to this earth, through man's transgression" (page 93).

A few things are taught here:

a) mortality is a curse. Even new born babies or animals have this curse.

b) Adam brought sin into the world by his sin in the Garden of Eden.

THE ADAM-GOD THEORY

"When our father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and
brought Eve, one of his wives with him" (page 96).

Joseph Fielding Smith does an excellent job at explaining the misconceptions about the Adam-God
theory, but he never corrected the teaching that Adam was a polygamist in the pre-mortal life.

"Joseph Smith taught a plurality of gods, and that man by obeying the commandments of God and
keeping the whole law will eventually reach the power and exaltation by which he also will become
a god" (page 98).

Latter-day Saints seem to use the word "god" and "God" interchangeably to refer to Deity.

"Mortality is the testing or proving ground for exaltation to find out who among the children of God are 
worthy to become Gods themselves, and the Lord has informed us that few there be that find it" 
(page 69).

"... so that undeveloped offspring of celestial parentage is capable, by experience through ages and 
aeons, of evolving into a God" (in Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 5:244 -  Religion 234-235 
- Eternal Marriage Student Manual, page 167). This is also repeated in Messages of the First 
Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4:205-206, referenced in Religion 
430-431 - Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual (chapter 7).

"All good things come from God. Everything that he does is to help his children become like him–a 
god. He has said, Behold, this is my work and my glory–to bring to pass the immortality and eternal 
life of man" (Gospel Principles, 1997, chapter 1, page 9).

BRIGHAM YOUNG'S TEACHING ABOUT ADAM

"How did Adam and Eve sin? Did they come out in direct opposition to God and his government? No. 
But they transgressed a command of the Lord, and through that transgression sin came into the 
world" (page 104).

"Then Satan steps in and overcomes them through the weakness there was in the children of the 
Father when they were sent to the earth, and sin was brought in, and thus we are subject to sin" 
(page 104).

A few things are taught here:

a) It seems Adam and Eve were not perfect in the Garden of Eden. They could not have children 
and then had some weakness  in them that Satan could exploit..

b) Even before babies commit their first sin, they are subject to sin.

"He has tasted death for every man, and has paid the debt contracted by our first parents [that is
Adam and Eve] ... Jesus Christ ... suffered the penalty and paid the debt of man's original sin by
offering up himself" (pages 104-105).

Even new born babies contract this debt.

I will keep adding to the section of Original Sin in the Basic Beliefs section.  It seems Latter-day
Saints refer to original sin but they are not united on what the first sin was.

ADAM NOT FATHER OF CHRIST

"Adam died ... Adam's spirit and body were separated, and he did not get the resurrection until after
the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Adam, when a spirit without the body, could not beget a body of 
flesh and bones, therefore he could not be the Father of Jesus Christ in the flesh" (page 105).

In LDS theology, Heavenly Father was able to beget Jesus Christ in the flesh because he has a
body of flesh and bones.  But interestingly, Heavenly Father was able to beget spirits in spirit
bodies, which are not considered flesh. Adam is taught to have become the first flesh upon the 
earth when he fell (page 92).

Chapter 7 - The Fall of Adam

DEATH FOR ALL LIFE CAME BY FALL

"President Brigham Young has said: Some may regret that our first parents sinned. This is nonsense.
If we had been there, and they had not sinned, we would have sinned. I will not blame Adam or Eve.
Why? Because it was necessary for sin should enter into the world; no man could ever understand
the principle of exaltation without its opposite; no one could ever receive an exaltation without being
acquainted with its opposite" (page 112).

Another clear statement that Adam and Eve sinned.

It seems the Mormon Heavenly Father also sinned because Joseph Smith taught he was a man 
who became a god.

ADAM AND EVE REJOICED IN FALL

"This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin in the strict sense, for it was something Adam
and Eve had to do! ... We can hardly look upon anything resulting in such benefits as being a sin,
in the sense in which we consider sin" (page 115).

That's why Latter-day Saints cannot agree on original sin. They have different senses in which 
they consider sin. Even within the same chapter Joseph Fielding Smith is disagreeing with 
Brigham Young.

EVOLUTIONISTS DENY FALL

"Theology has much to say about original sin" (page 117).

Latter-day Saints are not united on what the original sin was.

Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Christ

ATONEMENT BRINGS RESURRECTION TO ALL

"The resurrection of the dead must of necessity be just as broad as was the curse that brought 
death into the world" (page 123).

New born children are cursed with mortality.


CHRIST PAID THE RANSOM

"He rescued us from captivity and bondage" (page 124).

Infants are born in a condition of captivity and bondage.


ATONEMENT A VICARIOUS SACRIFICE

"Neither could his children, for they also were under the curse, and it required one who was not 
subject to the curse to atone for that original sin" (page 126).

Did did not suffer this curse even as an infant. Here we have another reference to Adam's sin.


HOW CHRIST GAINED KEYS OF RESURRECTION

"On the third day after the crucifixion he took up his body and gained the keys of the the resurrection, 
and thus has power to open the graves for all men, but this he could not do until he had first passed 
through death himself and conquered" (page 128).

Jesus had these keys before he died. He said, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).


GREATEST SUFFERING WAS IN GETHSEMANE

"Greatest suffering was in Gethsemane ... that was not when he was on the cross; that was in the 
garden. That is where he bled from every pore in his body" (page 130).

Jesus was not bleeding in the garden; he was sweating - but his sweat appeared as if it were 
blood, but it was sweat.

"And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of 
blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44).

The Bible says "his sweat", not "his blood."


"But he [Christ] never paid any debt on the cross, or before he went to the cross, for the sins of any 
of us, if we will be rebellious. If we are rebellious, we will have to pay the price ourselves" (page 131).

This is an interesting teaching for page 58 says all those people who don't become gods and 
goddesses are the rebellious ones - unfortunately all these people in the celestial/terrestrial/
telestial kingdoms will somehow have to pay their debts for themselves ... somehow.


"We will never be able to pay the debt" (page 132).

This either contradicts the teaching on page 131 or it means that those in the celestial kingdom 
who don't become gods and goddess never had their debt paid.

Chapter 9 - Evolution

DECAY OF NEPHITE CIVILIZATION

"Their descendants, the American Indians, were wandering in all their wild savagery when the Pilgrim 
Fathers made permanent settlement in this land" (page 151).

But in their initial meeting, the American Indians were very friendly with the Pilgrims. When the 
white man tried to conquer them, the Indians rightly defended themselves.

Another important thing about this teaching is a dramatic thing that happened to the Introduction 
page of the Book of Mormon.

Before 2011, the Book of Mormon had said, " ... all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and 
they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians." In future editions the words "principal 
ancestors" will be changed to "among the ancestors." 

Seems like a huge theological shift in light of archaeological and DNA evidence.

Chapter 10 - Everlasting Covenants

"The law of tithing is a form of an everlasting covenant, the covenant of revenue for the Church, 
although some day we shall be given a higher form of this law known as consecration" (page 153).

This is not entirely accurate.

The early Latter-day Saints were already given the law of consecration. Due to the failure of 
many to abide this law, the Lord is said to have withdrawn it and substituted the law of tithing 
instead (D&C 119 – July 1838). Apostasy eventually caused them to be moved out of their place 
(Doctrines and Covenants 124:45-46, January 1841).

NO UNNECESSARY COVENANTS OR COMMANDMENTS

"We should fully and sincerely comprehend the fact that no requirement, request, or commandment 
made of man by the Father or the Son is given except for the purpose of advancing man on the path 
of eternal perfection" (page 155).

This is an interesting teaching considering that Adam and Eve could not advance on the path to 
perfection in LDS theology until they disobeyed the commandment of Heavenly Father.


DOCTRINES OF CHRIST ALWAYS THE SAME

"We must accept, and do accept the great truth that because of his birthright, and of the conditions 
surrounding his coming into the earth, he became the Redeemer of men, and that through the 
shedding of his blood we are privileged again to return into the presence of our Father, on conditions 
of our repentance and acceptance of the great plan of redemption" (page 159).

It is not explained what the birthright means for Christ.


GOSPEL IN MERIDIAN OF TIME

"We are now living near the close of the sixth thousandth year, or the period known as the last days, 
or the time immediately preceding the second advent of Jesus Christ" (page 163).

This is similar to the teachings found in chapter 5.

Latter-day Saints are running out of time to build their temple in New Jerusalem in Independence, 
Missouri. It is here that they are taught that Jesus will make his first appearance at the Second
Coming. Also, Joseph Fielding Smith did not identify the great earthquake which supposedly 
opened the sixth thousandth year.

Chapter 11 - The Restoration of all Things

"It was not until the close of the first quarter of the nineteenth century that the time fully came for 
the restoration of light and truth in its primitive fulness. At that time the world had been prepared 
sufficiently, both by the establishment of political and religious liberty, for the Church of Jesus Christ 
and the holy priesthood to be again returned safely to the earth [28]" (page 175).

For some reason, footnote 28 points to Revelation 12:1-7; 1 Nephi 13:1-34; 14:1-26.

Let's examine Revelation 12:1-7, but pay closer attention to the verses that come right after that.

It's a stretch to see how Revelation 12:1-7 has anything to do with a priesthood being returned 
safely to earth.  Joseph Fielding Smith is practicing eisegesis.

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the 
earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he 
knoweth that he hath but a short time. 

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman 
which brought forth the man child. 

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the 
wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the 
face of the serpent. 

Rev 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might 
cause her to be carried away of the flood. 

Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up 
the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 

Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of 
her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Jesus did not come to Israel when it had been prepared sufficiently. The early Apostles held the 
priesthood in dangerous times.


INVENTORS COME BY SPIRIT OF LORD

"America has to be discovered, because it was upon this land that the gospel was to be restored. There 
had to be a breaking down of despotic power; feudalism had to come to an end; men had to be freed. It 
was necessary that parliaments be organized, that the magna charta be given to the people, and that 
they have a voice in what should and what should not be, in regard to government" (pages 178-179).

THE CONSTITUTION AND THE RESTORATION

"All of this had to be before the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon 
the earth. These things took place in Europe before the discovery of America. After America was 
discovered liberty upon this land received an impetus which the old world could not give to it; and 
through the shedding of blood, the land was redeemed (the Lord has said it) and freedom proclaimed in 
the constitution of the country, so that all peoples of the earth could find a place of refuge in America, 
the Land of Promise. When that was accomplished, the time had come for the bringing forth and 
establishing of the gospel of Jesus Christ Christ upon the earth" (page 179).


Maybe Joseph Fielding Smith should have taken a lesson in history. Israel, under the control
of the Roman Empire, was not like America when Jesus established his church. The church of
Jesus Christ can thrive even in countries where people are persecuted, killed, or jailed for
their faith. Religious liberty is man's way to think he can increase membership in a church.
This is not necessarily God's way. History proves this ... just look at the explosive growth
of the church in China.

In regards to the land being redeemed through the shedding of blood, it would be worthwhile
to mention some things stated in Doctrines and Covenants.

Joseph Smith was said to be the Moses-like figure who would recapture the lands of 
consecration by armed combat:

“Verily, verily I say unto you, that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., is the man to whom I likened 
the servant to whom the Lord of the vineyard spake in the parable which I have given unto 
you” (D&C 103:21).

The web site http://scriptures.lds.org makes a reference for this passage to Doctrine and 
Covenants 101:44-55.

“A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto 
my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive-trees; And the lord 
of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, 
and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are 
of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only 
whom I have appointed to tarry.”

It should be worth noting a few verses that were left out.

“And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I 
have bought it with money” (D&C 101:56).

Jesus did not buy his vineyard with money. Jesus, not Joseph Smith, is the redeemer.

“Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down 
their tower, and scatter their watchmen. And inasmuch as they gather together against you, 
avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and 
possess the land” (D&C 101:57-58; 103:11-36).

The biblical Jesus did not command us to avenge him of his enemies. The Mormon Jesus did.

The early disciples did not redeem their land with their blood.

People don't have to travel to the United States only to find refuge.  Have you ever heard of 
Canada, Australia, England, Germany, and many other countries?

Chapter 12 - Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

JOSEPH SMITH FOREORDAINED

"In this grand council, Michael was chosen to come as the progenitor of the human family and to 
bring mortality into the world" (page 184). 

Michael is Adam and LDS theology. He was foreordained to disobey God in the Garden of Eden.

WHAT IS A PROPHET?

"Every person should live in harmony with the revealed truth ... and receiving the testimony through
the Holy Spirit that Jesus lives and is the Son of God, he or she becomes a prophet or prophetess,
and is entitled to the guidance of and inspiration from the Holy Ghost, which is the spirit of prophecy"
(page 185).

This echo's what Joseph Smith taught: "No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a 
Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is 
the spirit of prophecy [see Revelation 19:10]. John the Revelator says that the testimony of Jesus is 
the spirit of prophecy [see Revelation 19:10]. Now if any man has the testimony of Jesus, has he not 
the spirit of prophecy? And if he has the spirit of prophecy, I ask, is he not a prophet? And if a prophet, 
will he not receive revelation?" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith, chapter 33, 
p. 384

In summary, while LDS women are prophetesses, they do not hold the priesthood.

CHURCH STANDS OR FALLS WITH JOSEPH SMITH

"Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet
of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds
this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground" (page 188).

That is too generous. All the original leaders of the Mormon Church are the biggest frauds if their
story is not true.  But even if they lied for a very good reason or Joseph Smith had a very convincing
dream, we'll still have to examine their other teachings in the light of the Bible.

NO SALVATION WITHOUT ACCEPTING JOSEPH SMITH

"If Joseph Smith was verily a prophet ... no man can reject that testimony without incurring
the most dreadful consequences for he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (pages 189-190).

Those who do not enter the kingdom of God (the highest of the 3 divisions in the celestial
kingdom) are considered damned.

"He sealed his testimony with his blood, knowing he was going to his death for proclaiming the 
eternal truths of heaven" (page 191).

This is too melodramatic.  If people examine history, they will see that Mr. Smith was killed by 
an angry mob - who were against his doctrine of plural marriage (polygamy).  Mr. Smith went 
to jail on a charge of treason, not proclaiming the gospel.

THE MESSENGER OF THE RESTORATION

"It is a remarkable fact that Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin, the Wesleys, and the other 
reformers who attempted to correct the evils of the Catholic church ..." (page 191).

The pre-1967 version of Mormon Doctrine (by Elder Bruce R. McConkie) has more vitriol about
the Catholic Church.  Latter-day Saints have toned done in the years following in the spirit of
ecumenism.

But we must never forget what is written in History of the Church, Volume 1, chapter 1 - when
Joseph Smith was 15 years old, he claimed two heavenly personages (thought to be Heavenly 
Father and Jesus Christ) appeared to him out of his desire to know which of the Christian sects 
in his region of the country was correct. He was answered that he must join none of them for 
they were all wrong and that all their creeds were an abomination.

"This ancient gospel was to be declared, so John the Revelator has written in the fourteenth chapter 
and sixth verse of Revelation, by an angel, who was to fly through the midst of heaven having the 
everlasting gospel to preach unto them ... Nobody else, except Joseph Smith, ever claimed that an 
angel did fly and did appear to him with this message, and that he was commissioned to send it forth 
to all the world" (page 192).

Revelation 14:6-7 says, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting 
gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, 
and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment 
is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."

The angel (in the Bible) is preaching the gospel, not Mr. Smith. The angel Moroni (in LDS theology) 
was not flying in the midst of heaven preaching the gospel to every nation. The angel Moroni did not 
say, "Fear God and give glory to him" and the rest of what is stated.

Chapter 13 - The Divine Law of Witnesses

NATURE OF OFFICE OF ASSISTANT PRESIDENT OF CHURCH

"Oliver Cowdery ... He had the same authority, had received the same keys with the Prophet Joseph
Smith every time the heavens were opened, and he was an Assistant President of the Church and
the second witness of the dispensation of the fulness of times ... for it was necessary that there be
two Presidents, two witnesses standing at the head of this dispensation" (page 212).

The early church did not have two Presidents, even though some have taught that Peter was
the leader.

"... Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and David Whitmer all deserted Joseph Smith while he was living.
For a time they manifested a spirit of opposition, if not of bitterness, towards him" (page 214). "All
the days of their lives they were true to their testimony, though they became bitter toward the Prophet
Joseph Smith personally. All three got over that bitterness before they died, but there was a time when
they were very, very bitter in their feelings toward him" (page 223).

Unfortunately Joseph Fielding Smith did not elaborate on the reason (s) why these three men
were very, very bitter towards the other Joseph.

This bitterness and hatred would also grew outside of the church towards Joseph Smith in lieu
of his polygamy and he was eventually killed by an angry mob.

"Thus, we see, Hyrum Smith became a president of the Church with Joseph Smith, which place Oliver
Cowdery might have held had he not wavered and fallen from his exalted station" (page 219).   

In this case, exaltation does not mean becoming a god.

"The sealing of the testimony through the shedding of blood would not have been complete in the death
of the Prophet Joseph Smith alone; it required the death of Hyrum Smith who jointly held the keys of
this dispensation" (page 219).  

DEATH OF TWO TESTATORS REQUIRED

"It was just as necessary that Hyrum Smith lay down his life a martyr for this cause as a witness for 
God as it was for Joseph Smith, so the Lord permitted them both to be taken in that way and both 
sealed their testimony with their blood" (page 221).

It should be noted that they were not killed for their faith in Christ. If so, many other Christians
living in their area would have been killed too.  The mob that killed them did so because they
were angry with the polygamy practiced by Joseph (which the God of the Bible never commanded,
but permitted). The reason why Mr. Smith was in jail in the first place was treason, not for believing
in Jesus.

If you are looking for a good example of a martyr, look at Stephen.

Chapter 14 - The Church and the Kingdom

THE KINGDOM SET UP ON EARTH

"These six members, who had been baptized previous to the organization of the Church, were all again 
baptized on the day of the organization" (page 230).

This would be similar to Nephi being baptized again in the Book of Mormon, but it would not explain
why no one baptized him (3 Nephi 19:11).

"A member of this Church ... who will violate the Word of Wisdom ...is not loyal to the Church of Jesus 
Christ of Latter-day Saints" (page 237).

Personally, I don't make a point about being loyal to some earthly organization. We should be loyal 
to God.

THE KINGDOM: ITS ORGANIZATION AND GIFTS

"He spoke  frequently of the kingdom of heaven, and that is the Church" (page 238).

Those who don't belong to the LDS Church are not considered as being in the kingdom of God.

"The apostles, however, taught that the Church as it was established in the first century was to continue 
with the same officers indefinitely, or through all time" (page 239).

There were no Aaronic Priests, High Priests, Seventies, Quorums, nor First Presidency and Counsellors 
in the New Testament church.

CHURCH NEVER TO BE OVERCOME

"He has given to us the kingdom. He has made us the promise that the enemy of the kingdom shall not 
overcome" (page 241).

Jesus made this promise to the church he established - "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).  

But Latter-day Saints teach that the devil was able to completely destroy the church.

"More and more error crept into Church doctrine, and soon the destruction of the Church was complete. 
The period of time when the true Church no longer existed on earth is called the Great Apostasy" 
(Gospel Principles, 1997, page 105)

Do you believe the promise of Jesus?

"The Lord has called attention to the fact that he is going to destroy systems and organizations and 
combinations that are false. And how is he going to do it? By giving their members the truth, if they 
will receive it; by giving them the privilege of coming out of those organizations to receive the truth and 
have every opportunity to come into his kingdom, for his hand is outstretched ready to greet them" 
(page 241).

This is the reason why Latter-day Saints try to convert other Christians.

"I heard President Wilford Woodruff made the statement ... that these angels had been sent forth on 
their mission to reap down the earth, to tie in bundles the tares for the burning and to gather the 
saints of God" (page 242).

The tares are burned while the wheat inherits eternal life (exaltation).

"The time will never cease when we will not be able to put confidence and exercise faith in the teachings 
and in the instruction of those who lead us" (page 243).

You need to wonder why the teachings of the Presidents of the LDS Church, from the Journal of
Discourses, are not more readily made available to Mormons. Maybe the Mormons have lost
confidence in them.

"No man who ever followed the teachings or took advice or counsel from the one who stands as the 
representative of the Lord ever went astray" (page 243).

But many Mormons reject the teaching of Joseph F. Smith (a former president of the LDS Church) 
that Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. They also reject some teachings taught in Doctrines
of Salvation.

ZION TO PROSPER

"I do not mean to say that we ought not to associate at any time with those not of our faith ... for 
our mission in the world is with them, to convert them to the truth if we can" (page 245).

Evangelicals also try to convert Mormons to the truth when we can.

UNITY IN THE KINGDOM

"There is no variance among the teachers in Israel concerning the principles of the gospel. We are 
united concerning these things. There is no division among the authorities, and there need be no 
division among the people, but unity, peace, brotherly love, kindness and fellowship one to another" 
(pages 245-246).

Nothing could be further from the truth.  I wonder how many Mormons would agree with the
teachings covered so far in volume 1 of Doctrines of Salvation ... and we still have two other 
volumes. And then we have the 1919 version of Gospel Doctrines.

Chapter 15 - Origin and Destiny of the Reorganized Church

APOSTATE ATTEMPTS TO DIVIDE THE CHURCH

"There was a movement on foot to divide the Church, following the assassination of the Prophet and 
Patriarch" (page 248).

I wonder if the word "assassination" is used to get a larger emotional response from Mormons
as they read this.  I do not consider Joseph Smith as a martyr because he was not killed for his
faith in Christ.

"The Prophet declared that he knew not why, but the Lord commanded him to endow the Twelve with 
these keys and priesthood" (page 259).

Jesus endows all believers (male and females) with the keys to bind and loose.

FULNESS OF PRIESTHOOD HAD ONLY IN TEMPLES

"The Lord declared in 1842, that he was about to restore to earth many things pertaining to the 
priesthood, and that only in temples could the fulness of the priesthood be restored" (page 271).

No one was married or baptized in the Jewish Temple.

Chapter 16 - The Law of Revelation

ETERNAL NATURE OF REVELATION

"We believe that the Bible does not contain all the revelations given by divine manifestations; but that 
it contains only fragmentary accounts of the dealings of the Lord with his servants the ancient 
prophets" (page 274).

Before Mormons try to disparage the Bible, they should look toward their own Book of Mormon. It 
does not contain any of the peculiar LDS doctrines.  Regardless, Evangelical Christians do not 
believe the Book of Mormon contains any of God's revelations to mankind. We believe it was purely 
the work of a man.

REVELATION NEEDED TO FULFIL COVENANTS OF LORD

"These prophets had no such understanding. They spoke of covenants to be made in the last days ... 
And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers dwell ... 
even they, and their children ... and their children's children ... my tabernacle also shall be with them; 
yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (page 276).

The footnote is a link to Ezekiel 37:25-27.

LDS Prophets have no understanding. Ezekiel is not talking about Latter-day Saints living in the 
United States. This covenant is for the Israelites in the promised land of Israel. Read the entire 
chapter 37 if you still don't understand the context.

TWO NATIONS STAND AS WITNESSES FOR CHRIST

"If the word of the Lord is to be established by two chosen witnesses, they we may look well for two 
chosen nations to stand as witnesses for Jesus Christ. One such nation was Israel in Palestine, the 
other was Israel in America, Judah speaking from the Old World and Joseph from the New. Today 
these two testimonies for God and his truth have run together" (page 278).

What do Latter-day Saints mean by America?  Only the United States or United States + Canada 
+ Mexico + Argentina + Brazil + etc?

"Do you want to know about the resurrection of the dead? Who is going to be saved in the celestial 
kingdom of God? Then read your Book of Mormon. Read your Doctrines and Covenants" (page 279).

If I am not mistaken, the word "celestial" is not found in the Book of Mormon.

"We do not stumble over baptism and how it should be performed and by whom. We have a clear and 
perfect understanding of the nature of God. Now, I can find that in the Bible; so can you" (page 279).

We don't find Joseph Smith's teaching that the Trinity is 3 Gods in one Godhead in the Bible nor
Book of Mormon.

"Not all revelations given to Joseph the Seer were placed in the Doctrines and Covenants in his day ... 
it has been my privilege to read and handle a number of them that are still in the manuscript and 
have not as yet been given to the world for a wise purpose in the Lord. But they are on file and will be 
preserved" (page 280).

Odd. They said a similar thing about the Bible earlier.

"All the revelations given do not have to be written. It does not have to be printed in a book" (page 
282).

But this doesn't stop the Mormon Church from teaching that the Bible is missing many things.

TEST OF TRUTH OF REVELATIONS

"If the Lord has a revelation or a commandment to give to his people, it is going to come from the 
head, and when someone else comes among the people professing to have revelations and to give 
commandments we can test that matter very readily. We do not have to go into any details or make 
an extended examination of the claims. There is no need of any investigation whatever, because the 
Lord has given us a key as a law to the Church by which we are to be governed (Conference Report, 
October 1948, p. 98)" (page 284).

"If he receives a revelation it will be declared without question, if it is intended for the Church, in a 
manner by which we may all know the source from whence it comes ... We do not need to question 
them for a moment, because the Lord is not going to give a revelation to any high priest, any elder, or 
seventy, for this Church. It will come through the one who is so appointed" (page 285).

This is supported by pages 185 and 186, where it says that only one person receives revelation 
for the church.

Things seemed to have changed in 1978 when Declaration 2 was added to Doctrines and 
Covenants.

FAITHFUL NOT DECEIVED BY FALSE REVELATIONS

"If we hearken to the counsels that are given by those who stand in the councils of the Church, 
empowered to give the instructions, we will not go astray" (page 286).

So whatever is taught or revealed must be accepted as the truth.

Chapter 17 - Gaining the Knowledge that Saves

EXALTED BEINGS EVENTUALLY WILL KNOW ALL THINGS

"I realize that it must eventually come to pass in the case of those who gain the exaltation and become 
sons of God, that they must, in the eternities, reach the time when they will know all things" 
(page 291).

But the LDS Church teaches you are a son of God before exaltation.

IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SAVED IN IGNORANCE

"All these are heirs of salvation, and they shall be crowned with glory, immortality, and eternal life, as 
sons and daughters of God, with an exaltation in his celestial kingdom" (page 303).

Some clarification is needed. There are 3 divisions in the celestial kingdom in LDS theology. The 
gods and goddesses are only those in the highest division that have eternal life.

"Whether we are right or wrong in the field of the mysteries, will make no difference so far as our 
individual acts are concerned, and will neither exalt nor damn us, providing we do not make a fetish of 
our notions or get off on a tangent and destroy ourselves" (page 306).

Following Satan's lie that you can become a God will destroy your life before you die physically.

Chapter 18 - Teaching the Gospel

OUR MESSAGE TO WORLD

"It is the mission of every man holding the priesthood in this Church to preach Christ and him crucified" 
(page 308)

It is the mission of both men and women to preach Christ and him crucified.

WARNING THE WICKED

"The missionaries of the Church have been sent out to warn the people and to gather out of the 
nations and out of our own land all who are willing to repent and receive the gospel" (page 309).

DUTIES OF WATCHMEN ON TOWERS

"No men anywhere in all the earth, no matter what their calling, hold responsibility equal to that 
which we have received, for we have had conferred upon us the priesthood of God. We are 
possessed of divine authority and have been set apart as his servants and watchmen upon the 
towers of Zion ... It is our duty to warn all men and endeavor to teach them the truth, so that 
those who will not hearken may be left without excuse" (page 310).

This is a subtle teaching that Catholics and Protestants have no authority.

PREPARE TO DEFEND TRUTH

"We must be prepared to defend the truth ... The matter of teaching is one of the greatest 
importance. We cannot estimate its value when it is properly done; neither do we know the extent 
of the evil that may result if it is improperly done" (page 311).

Imagine the evil that is being done when you teach a person he can become a God.

"Unless a man does have a knowledge of the truth, has faith in the word of the Lord and his power, 
and is guided by the Spirit of the Lord, he should not teach" (page 312).

"How fearful we should be lest we teach that which is false and thereby lead souls astray, in paths 
that lead to death and away from exaltation in the kingdom of God ... There is no greater crime in all 
the world than to teach false doctrines and lead the unsuspecting astray, away from the eternal 
truths of the gospel ... He who blinds one soul, he who spreads error, he who destroys, through his 
teachings, divine truth, truth that would lead a man to the kingdom of God and to its fulness, how 
great shall be his condemnation and his punishment in eternity" (page 314).

APOSTASY COMES WHEN TRUTH NOT TAUGHT

"Modern education declares that there never was such a thing as the fall of man ... Such a doctrine of 
necessity discards the story of Adam and the Garden of Eden, which it looks upon as a myth coming 
down to us from an early age of foolish ignorance and superstition" (page 315).

But former LDS President Kimball taught the rib of Adam was figurative, not literal. According to him, 
Eve being formed from Adam's rib would be mythology.

DOCTRINES SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN HOME

"... every gift and every blessing that pertains to the celestial kingdom, and thus they shall become 
the sons and the daughters of God ... and have you impressed upon them that great truth that if 
they are not married for time and eternity that they will come forth in the resurrection of the dead 
separately and singly, to be servants for those who belong to the family of God. Have you done that? 
Are you doing that?" (page 318).

A few things to note here.  It is unclear why they need to become sons and daughters of God 
when Mormons teach they were already sons and daughters before coming to earth. Also, other 
teachings by Latter-day Saints have single people being given the opportunity to be sealed after 
they die.  From the above passage, it seems to say that only exalted beings belong to the family 
of God.

WE SHOULD TEACH OURSELVES

"Let every man set his house in order, and see that his family is taught the principles of the gospel 
of Jesus Christ; that they abstain from the use of strong drink, from the use of tea, from the use of 
coffee, tobacco and other stimulants and narcotics which tend to destroy and to break down rather 
than to build up the system" (pages 319-320).

Its odd that you don't hear the Mormon Church voice any concerns about such drinks as Coke, 
Pepsi, 7up, or Ginger Ale. The citric acid and high sugar content therein has quite the ability to 
break down the system.

"I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that it is our duty to put our faith in the revealed word of God, 
to accept that which has come through inspiration, through revelation unto his servants the prophets, 
both ancient and modern" (page 321).

But the 2008 version of Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith reveals some 
startling things when it comes to the acceptance of the words of former prophets: "We are 
differently situated from any other people that ever existed upon the earth; consequently those former 
revelations cannot be suited to our conditions.  At a meeting in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith said, 
Brother Brigham, I want you to take the stand and tell us your views with regard to the [living] oracles 
and the written word of God. Brigham Young said, When compared with the living oracles those 
books [the previous revelations] are nothing to me; those books do not convey the word of God direct 
to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and generation. 
I would rather have the living oracles than all the writings in the books. Joseph Smith said to the 
congregation, Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth" 
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith, chapter 16, 2008, pp. 198-199).

If the Lord tarries, I suppose even the Book of Mormon will become irrelevant in a few hundred 
years since it cannot be suited to the conditions of the people in that time.

ALL TEACHINGS MUST CONFORM TO REVELATIONS

"The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, including the 
Articles of Faith, have been received by the vote of the Church in general conference assembled as 
the standard works of the Church. On this platform we stand. The Church is not responsible for the 
remarks made by any elder or for the numerous books that have been written ... the Church as an 
organization is not to be held accountable for them, but for that which is received from time to time 
by vote of the Church, as it comes through the President of the High Priesthood ... Everything that 
I say and everything that any other person says must square itself with that which the Lord has 
revealed, or it should be rejected" (pages 322-323).

In simple terms, don't believe everything you are taught in the Mormon Church, otherwise you
will be lead astray.  For example, Joseph Smith's teaching that God was once a man who 
became a God.  The scriptures do not teach this but many Latter-day Saints follow this teaching
anyways so as not to brand their prophet a false teacher.

This concludes the analysis of volume 1 of Doctrines of Salvation.