Every so often, a post circulates on Facebook claiming to “defend biblical truth” while warning Christians about supposed “Mormon distortions” of Scripture. These posts often sound confident, even authoritative—but confidence is not the same as accuracy. And when Scripture is handled carelessly, God’s people are left with fear instead of clarity, suspicion instead of understanding, and slogans instead of Scripture.
You deserve better than that. You deserve context, exegesis, and the whole counsel of God. Engaging with Scripture requires a dedication to understanding its original intent, cultural background, and the intricate layers of meaning that inform its teachings. It is crucial that we approach biblical texts with a framework that seeks the truth, not merely to validate preconceived notions or biases.
This article is not about defending a denomination. It’s about defending the Bible from misuse, the gospel from reduction, and the promises of God from being shrunk down to fit someone’s theological anxieties. When individuals take snippets of Scripture out of context, or rely on misinterpretations to make sweeping claims about others, it creates a barrier to genuine dialogue and understanding. Instead of fostering unity and exploring our shared beliefs in a respectful manner, it often leads to division and an atmosphere of mistrust.
In exploring differing theological perspectives, we must strive for empathy and open-mindedness. By learning to articulate our own beliefs while honestly engaging with the beliefs of others, we can cultivate a deeper comprehension of the richness of Christian doctrine. This journey is not merely academic; it is a spiritual pursuit that invites us to reflect on our convictions and be willing to grow in our faith.
Ultimately, a robust understanding of Scripture encourages believers to embrace the fullness of God’s word, appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ, and engage with one another as fellow travelers seeking truth, rather than adversaries in a theological battleground. We are called to love and uplift one another, striving for a deep-seated comprehension of the message that binds us together.
The Latter-day Saint doctrine of Exaltation and Eternal Progression is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Critics argue that the idea of becoming like God, or even becoming a god, is unbiblical and heretical. Some go as far as to label it demonic. They often cite Genesis where Satan tempts Eve by telling her she would be like God if she ate the fruit. However, a closer look at the New Testament provides a different perspective.
In Matthew 19:16-20:23, Jesus speaks to the rich young ruler about the path to eternal life and the rewards for those who follow Him. He promises that those who sacrifice for His sake will inherit eternal life and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This passage supports the idea that believers can attain a higher state in the afterlife.
John 17 is even more explicit. In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples, asking the Father to make them one as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just about harmony but about sharing in the divine nature. Jesus says, “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.” This passage aligns with the doctrine of Theosis—the process of becoming more like God.
Revelation 3 further reinforces this. Jesus promises the faithful that they will sit with Him on His throne, just as He has sat down with His Father on His throne. This imagery of sitting on thrones indicates a sharing in divine authority and nature.
My extensive study of the doctrine of Theosis and its biblical foundations shows that the teachings of Exaltation and Eternal Progression are not only consistent with the Bible but are also a profound part of Christ’s message. These doctrines explain our potential to grow eternally and become more like God, as Christ intended.
Thus, the Latter-day Saint teachings on Exaltation and Eternal Progression are deeply rooted in biblical texts and are a legitimate interpretation of Christ’s teachings.
Updates and Deep Dive into Scriptural Teachings
Hello, and welcome to another episode of Mindful Latter-Day Saint Christian Living. I wanted to reach out to those of you following our website and the content here on YouTube. It’s been a while since I’ve created any content for the podcast as well as for the YouTube channel. So, let’s jump into the updates and then dive into the meat of today’s topic.
There have been some significant changes recently. A couple of months ago, I had to downsize and reassess my finances. This affected my subscription to the Creator plan on WordPress, which reverted back to an old domain. During this transition, I lost a lot of content and the theme of the site. I now have a new, less expensive plan and will drop the link in the YouTube channel. Unfortunately, I faced similar financial issues with Podbean, leading to the podcast content removal from iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and Spotify.
Fortunately, I found out that WordPress has podcasting features, so I’ll integrate podcasts going forward. I’m also planning to develop new content for next year’s “Come Follow Me” program for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on the Doctrine and Covenants.
In the meantime, I’ve been reviewing 800+ old posts, deleting irrelevant content, and updating others. I’m using Blogger as a fallback platform and publishing additional content on Medium, focusing more on opinion pieces. I’ve also updated the website name to “Mindful Latter-day Saint Christian Living and Apologetics.”
I’ve integrated my content with Patreon, allowing sponsors to access all written content. All new content on the website will be free for the first two weeks before becoming exclusive to paid subscribers. Those supporting me on Patreon will get early access to new content. Now, let’s delve into today’s main topic: scriptural teachings and a discussion on eternal life, salvation, and biblical evidence.
Updates on Major Platforms
WordPress Updates: I’ve downgraded from the Creator plan due to financial constraints, which led to losing the domain and theme. I set up a new website with a simpler theme focusing on “Come Follow Me” and apologetics. The new WordPress site will be the primary hub for all the content.
Podcast Changes: I moved from Podbean to using WordPress for podcasting. While Podbean content is no longer available, upcoming podcasts will integrate into new website content.
Future Content Plans: I’m preparing for the 2025 “Come Follow Me” program, with content centered on the Doctrine and Covenants. This will include both written and podcast formats, starting early next year.
Content Review and Updates: I’m reviewing over 800 posts, removing irrelevant content, and updating others. The Blogger platform serves as a fallback, and I’ll provide the link for it as well.
Medium and Patreon Integration: I’m also publishing on Medium, focusing on general and political content. On Patreon, various tiers offer different perks, including early access to content.
Introduction to the Scriptural Topic
Now, let’s transition to today’s topic. One common criticism Latter-day Saints face is regarding the doctrine of exaltation and the belief that humans can become like God. Critics often claim this doctrine isn’t biblical. Today, we’ll explore scriptural evidence that supports these beliefs and address these criticisms head-on.
Context and Teachings in Matthew 19 and 20
Rich Young Ruler’s Inquiry: In Matthew 19, a rich young ruler asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Rather than asking about salvation, he focuses on inheritance—a critical concept in Jewish tradition.
Christ’s Response: Jesus initially tells him to keep the commandments. When the young man claims he has done so since his youth, Jesus challenges him further, telling him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This command isn’t about renouncing wealth but relinquishing attachments that hinder one’s spiritual journey.
Disciples’ Reaction and Questions: The disciples, amazed at Jesus’ teachings, ask who then can be saved if it’s so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus explains that with God, all things are possible, emphasizing divine power in salvation.
Peter’s Inquiry: Peter then asks what will become of those like the disciples who have left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus promises that they will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, and everyone who has sacrificed worldly attachments will inherit eternal life.
Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
In Matthew 20, Jesus shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard to illustrate the kingdom of heaven’s rewards system. In this parable, workers hired at different times all receive the same wage. The message? Heavenly rewards are not based on duration of service but on God’s grace and generosity.
Doctrine of Theosis and Exaltation
Introduction to Theological Concepts: Theosis and exaltation are doctrines suggesting humans can partake in divine nature and become like God. Critics argue these teachings are unbiblical and false, but scriptural evidence indicates otherwise.
Critics’ Arguments and Biblical Support: Critics claim these beliefs are based on Joseph Smith’s revelations and aren’t supported by the Bible. However, Matthew 19:16-30, John 17, and Revelation 3 provide strong biblical foundations for these doctrines.
Further New Testament Evidence
High Priestly Prayer in John 17: In this prayer, Jesus speaks of His unity with the Father and prays for His disciples to share in this glory. He asks the Father to glorify Him so that He can glorify them, suggesting that believers can partake in divine glory.
Revelation 3: Crowns and Thrones: In Revelation 3, Jesus speaks of those who overcome receiving crowns and sitting on thrones, further emphasizing the promise of divine glory and kingship for the faithful.
Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Early Church Fathers on Theosis: Early Christian theologians like St. Athanasius taught that “God became man so that man might become god.” This doctrine was present in early Christianity and isn’t unique to Latter-day Saints.
Modern Evangelical Interpretations: Modern evangelical interpretations often overlook or misinterpret these passages. By examining the scriptures carefully, we see that the doctrine of exaltation aligns with biblical teachings.
Conclusion and Final Remarks
In conclusion, scriptural evidence supports the doctrines of theosis and exaltation. Jesus’ own teachings and prayers highlight the potential for believers to share in divine glory. As we continue to study and understand these principles, we deepen our faith and appreciation for God’s plan.
For those critical of these teachings, I encourage you to re-examine the scriptures. The Bible itself provides the foundation for the beliefs we hold dear. Remember, understanding requires careful study and an open heart.
Thank you for following along with these updates and scriptural insights. I invite respectful comments and discussion. If you wish to support this content, consider becoming a Patreon member for early access and exclusive content. You can find links to our new platforms in the YouTube description.
Looking forward to your thoughts and discussions. Thank you and have a great day!
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