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The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all teach the same Good News.If the Book of Mormon isn't a different gospel, then why even read it? There isn't any information in it that I wouldn't be able to ascertain simply from reading the Bible.
(Again, just explaining my beliefs, not trying to get anyone to change theirs)The faith was once delivered to the saints. I believe, in the Holy Bible.
I'm sorry, it doesn't fly with me that the faith which was once delivered to the saints was delivered again to Joseph Smith some 1700-1800 years later.
The Bible is a complete work, it is the faith which was once delivered to the saints. The canon of scripture was closed at the end of the book of Revelation.
It's not a number of times. It's continually. God doesn't stop loving nor stop speaking to those that would hear. All pointing back to Christ and His sacrifice.When was it delivered, and how many times?
Once, in the Book of Mormon? Once, in the Pearl of Great Price? Once, in the doctrine and covenants? (Four times?)
Or, once, in the Holy Bible?
The Bible is a complete work, ...
That is right. It is not a number of times, because the faith was once delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3.(Again, just explaining my beliefs, not trying to get anyone to change theirs)
God doesn't stop love nor stop talking to His children. Revelation, scripture, prophesy, etc continue to flow. That doesn't stop with 66/81/72/etc books in the Bible.
It's not a number of times. It's continually. God doesn't stop loving nor stop speaking to those that would hear. All pointing back to Christ and His sacrifice.
And then God was.....?That is right. It is not a number of times, because the faith was once delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3.
This is a scripture that is often used to substantiate the gnostic writings."And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25
To be frank: in all my travels in dozens of different churches, I've never met a Christian who was truly sola Biblia. I find a lot that claim that, but then also accept the Creeds, other traditions, various teaches (example: Calvin), etc as being authoritative.This is a scripture that is often used to substantiate the gnostic writings.
I would point out that gnosticism is refuted by 1 John 4:1-3, 2 John 1:7, Matthew 14:31, and Luke 24:39-43; and 1 John 1:1. Not to mention John 1:14.
John 21:25 is therefore not a substantiation of extra-canonical written works (that are outside of the Bible) as being inspired holy scripture.
He speaks through His Holy Spirit what He wants to, by giving us more insight into the meaning of what He has revealed as a completed work to us; which is sufficient. Nothing else is needed. We can receive newer revelations through understanding the Bible as a coded work, i.e. 1 Corinthians 2:13 (kjv).And then God was.....?
Why would a loving God stop talking to His children? Why would He abandon His people in that way?
You don't have to answer those questions. But to me, the idea of a closed canon raises those very questions and more.
Not on the same level as holy scripture, mind you; but as useful for understanding doctrinal issues.I find a lot that claim that, but then also accept the Creeds, other traditions, various teaches (example: Calvin), etc as being authoritative.
And why do you think God can't speak to the entire world to clarify His meaning? We've all seen at the many different interpretations of the Bible just on this forum.He speaks through His holy Spirit what He wants to, by giving us more insight into the meaning of what He has revealed as a completed work to us; which is sufficient. Nothing else is needed.
How about instead of flawed men writing statements to help us understand things, a loving perfect God do so?Not on the same level as holy scripture, mind you; but as useful for understanding doctrinal issues.
I don't remotely believe in salvation by works- that's an anti-Mormon myth. One so common I actually addressed in one the very first page of this thread.Except that the Book of Mormon in its statements ends up teaching false doctrines, such as salvation by works...i.e. "ye are saved by grace, after all that ye can do." opposite to the sound doctrine found in Titus 3:4-7, "not by works of righteousness which we have done..." and elsewhere in holy scripture (such as Romans 4:1-8, Romans 11:5-6, and Ephesians 2:8-9).
You didn't answer my previous question: why do you ned the books of Mark, Luke, and John if you already have Matthew?Can you show that the Book of Mormon and its companions does not divert a man from the path that he would walk if he were just to continue on with the Bible?
If it would not, then I might consider it to be holy scripture; while I would also consider that the Bible is sufficient and therefore the Book of Mormon isn't needed.
If it would, then I would be wary of it; and if it cannot be shown that it wouldn't, then I wold be wary of it.
Forget your gnosticism argument. Without looking it up again, I cannot even tell you what it means... if it really matters.This is a scripture that is often used to substantiate the gnostic writings.
I would point out that gnosticism is refuted by 1 John 4:1-3, 2 John 1:7, Matthew 14:31, and Luke 24:39-43; and 1 John 1:1. Not to mention John 1:14.
John 21:25 is therefore not a substantiation of extra-canonical written works (that are outside of the Bible) as being inspired holy scripture.
Nonsense. I don't remotely believe that.In other words, enter in through the broad path.