Unveiling Mormonism Mormonism Exposed by the Book of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews delivers a powerful and clear message about the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His priesthood, and the finality of His sacrifice. Unlike Mormon teachings, which emphasize human effort, ordinances, and a restored priesthood for exaltation, Hebrews declares that salvation comes through Christ alone!
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Mormonism Exposed by the Book of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews presents a strong theological challenge to Mormonism, particularly in its teachings about the nature of Jesus, the priesthood, and the finality of God’s revelation. Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His sacrifice, and the unchanging nature of God’s covenant, all of which contrast with key Mormon doctrines. By examining these biblical truths, we can see how Hebrews systematically refutes the foundation of Mormon beliefs and upholds the exclusivity of Christ’s redemptive work.
The Supremacy of Christ
One of the key themes in the book of Hebrews is the supremacy of Christ. He's greater than angels, Moses, Melchizedek, and more.
Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) states:
"Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven."
While Hebrews elevates Christ, Mormonism lowers him. Mormonism teaches that Jesus is one of many spirit children of God, the elder brother of humanity and even of Lucifer. The Book of Mormon also teaches that men can become gods, undermining Christ’s unique supremacy. Additionally, Mormon doctrine asserts that Jesus had to earn His godhood through obedience and progression, similar to how humans supposedly do. Here are some of their scriptures that support these ideas:
- Abraham 3:22-23 (Pearl of Great Price) – "Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
- Moses 4:1-2 (Pearl of Great Price) – "And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor."
- Doctrine and Covenants 93:12-14 - "And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace; And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness." This suggests that Jesus progressed to godhood through obedience, a belief that aligns with Mormon teachings on human exaltation.
Unlike the Mormon view of Jesus as a created being progressing toward godhood, Hebrews affirms His eternal deity and supreme authority. Jesus is not a spirit child among many; He is the preexistent, uncreated Son of God who holds all things together by His power.
Hebrews 13:8-9 (NLT) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas....
The Finality of Christ’s Priesthood
Mormonism promotes a continuation of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, bestowing these titles upon male members of their church. Doctrine and Covenants 107:1 states, "There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic." This implies that Mormon authorities have a continuing role in mediating between God and man.
Other Mormon scriptures emphasize the necessity of a restored priesthood:
- Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 claims that John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery: "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins."ns."
- Doctrine and Covenants 84:17-21 teaches that without priesthood ordinances, "the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh."
- Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16 describes the appearance of Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, supposedly restoring priesthood keys to Joseph Smith.
- Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith—History 1:69-72 records Peter, James, and John conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith, allegedly giving him the authority to administer ordinances.
However, Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the only true and final High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:23-25 states, "There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf." There is no need for a restored priesthood, because Christ’s priesthood is eternal and sufficient. Since Jesus is our permanent High Priest, there is no biblical basis for a separate, human-administered priesthood today.
Hebrews 10:19-22 further confirms that believers have direct access to God through Christ: "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus." This contradicts Mormon teachings that a hierarchical priesthood is required to approach God.
The Certainty of Judgment
Mormonism teaches that after death, spirits go to either spirit paradise or spirit prison, where they continue to learn and progress. Those in spirit prison can receive the gospel and move toward exaltation through ordinances performed on their behalf by the living. Doctrine and Covenants 138:32-34 describes this process: "Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel."
Another important Mormon teaching is that spirit paradise is not the final destination but a temporary waiting place before resurrection and judgment. Alma 40:11-12 (Book of Mormon) states: "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."
However, Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) states: "...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment...." This passage presents a key truth that contradicts Mormon theology: There is only one mortal life before judgment. Mormonism teaches the concept of progression after death, including the possibility of posthumous baptism, spirit prison, and eventual exaltation through continued effort. However, Hebrews affirms that after death comes judgment, negating the idea of second chances or progression after mortality.
Hebrews 9:28 also declares another vital truth about the nature of salvation. Mormonism teaches that temple ordinances, obedience to commandments, and continued works are necessary for exaltation. However, Hebrews emphasizes that Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice is entirely sufficient for salvation. His return is not to deal with sin again but to bring final salvation to those who trust in Him. This refutes the idea that ongoing ordinances and personal effort contribute to one’s eternal destiny.
Hebrews 9:27-28 (NLT) states:
"And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him."
Takeaway
The Book of Hebrews presents a powerful and clear message about the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His priesthood, and the finality of His sacrifice. Unlike the teachings of Mormonism, which suggest that human effort, ordinances, and a restored priesthood are necessary for exaltation, Hebrews emphasizes that salvation comes through Christ alone. There is no need for additional mediators, priesthoods, or works to achieve eternal life. Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, and His position as our High Priest remains forever. Those who trust in Him can have full assurance of salvation, knowing that His work is complete and sufficient., so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him."