Saturday, August 19, 2017

By far, the most often used incorrect scripture in Sacrament Meetings?


JOSEPH Smith stressed that erring in doctrine DOES NOT prove that someone is not a good person.... and we ALL error at times in doctrine. (Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5:340.)

Notwithstanding, there is one single scripture that is misused far, far more often than any other, possibly church-wide.
One Utah ward averages about two Sacrament meetings a month where this certain scripture is totally used incorrectly.
Here is perhaps the No. 1, that just doesn't seem to go away:
  "Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do .. (Luke 23:34).
This New Testament scripture is used frequently, yet erroneously in Sacrament talks and lessons on forgiveness, to support always forgiving everyone unconditionally. (Although that is what the rest of the Christian world believes.)
Doctrinal fact: Jesus Christ wasn't forgiving everyone at the crucifixion by saying this.
Joseph Smith added to the verse through the Inspired Version of the Bible: "(Meaning the soldiers who crucified him)".
Christ has yet to forgive all. He only forgave the soldiers who were acting under military orders ... The Jews he has yet for forgive.
And, yes we are required to forgive everyone.
D&C 64:8-11 is the best scripture to support universal forgiveness.

The key problem?
Far too many church members only read the Book of Mormon over and over again. They have never read the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, or the Old Testament and have no clue about the Prophet Joseph Smith's teachings.
As such, they find this popular New Testament scripture on forgiveness and have no clue what it is really stating.

-UPDATE June 2019: Finally, in my ward, a young woman in her talk in Sacrament meeting actually said Christ forgave only the soldiers who crucified him -- and she didn't use the scripture as one espousing universal forgiveness. So, there is hope for correct doctrine!

NOTE: This article and all of the NighUntoKolob blog are NOT an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are the author's conclusions and opinions only.

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