The Bible and the Book of Mormon...and Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus, the Holy Ghost and the Apostles...all speak with One United Voice on this issue, to the point that what "Pastor Jeff" is pushing...is a totally false and unreal "salvation" that has NO FOUNDATION in the Scriptures, or in God, or in things as they Really Are. This is an issue that is absolutely CENTRAL to true salvation. To listen to and support someone who is devoted to trying to persuade the Saints of God of such fatal falsity, to me...is very unwise. Much love, David ------------------------- Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have acrucified, both bLord and Christ. 37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were apricked in their bheart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, cwhat shall we do? 38 Then Peter asaid unto them, bRepent, and be cbaptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the eremission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the gHoly Ghost. 39 For the apromise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are bafar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, aSave yourselves from this buntoward generation. 41 ¶ Then they that gladly areceived his bword were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about cthree thousand souls. 42 And they continued asteadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and bfellowship, and in breaking of cbread, and in prayers. ------------------------ Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and apreach the bgospel to every ccreature. 16 He that abelieveth and is bbaptized shall be saved; ------------------------ 2 Nephi 31:5-13 5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being aholy, should have need to be bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be cbaptized, yea, even by water! 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments. 8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the aform of a bdove. 9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the agate, by which they should enter, he having set the bexample before them. 10 And he said unto the children of men: aFollow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we bfollow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. 12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father agive the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, bfollow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. 13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall afollow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no bhypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real cintent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are dwilling to take upon you the ename of Christ, by fbaptism-yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the gbaptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the htongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. ------------------ We innately KNOW that the faith that comes to us about the atonement has to be expressed in obedience to DO something...but the whole "sinners prayer" thing...is a clear expression of what Jesus Christ was referring to when He told the Pharisees that "you make void the commandment of GOD...for the sake of your tradition...IN VAIN DO YOU WORSHIP ME, teaching for doctrine the commandments of Men"... Jesus and the Apostles commanded, taught and exemplified....the fact that the call of the True Gospel is to Believe in Jesus Atonement...and then, believing...obey the call to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....and then, and only then...receive the promise of the Father, the Holy Ghost. Jeff and those like him...set that all aside utterly....and replace it with, "only believe in Jesus...AND then, pray this prayer"...and that alone, saves you, and nothing else whatsoever has anything to do with the remission of one's sins and receiving the Holy Ghost and attaining Heavenly Glory...which only has One "place" and position...the highest. And anyone who does not do this...is headed for eternal torment in hell. To say this contradicts the Bible...is an understatement. the Bible and The Restoration and the 3 Standard works of the Restoration...speak CLEARLY and LOUDLY with one united voice about this....and those Evangelical Christians that are of Jeff's teaching...are truly not even "Scriptura Sola"...but rather, "Our own vain imaginations Sola". It is stunning how OFF this doctrine is...it is "Easy Believism", NOT the "Narrow and Difficult Way that Leads to Life"! Much love, David
It really is good having someone like you who understands Evangelicalism as you know how we are portrayed by them. I mentioned before that I was involved in an Evangelical church in the mid 70s. They were very anti- Mormon then and I was brainwashed against the Church, but the Holy Ghost can cut through propaganda. Anyway, I want to talk about 'being saved' as I think, when we talk with Evangelicals, we end up comparing apples with pears. Let me explain. When I was an Evangelical and listened to many preachers call people to turn their life over to God, they always emphasised that if you don't you would go to hell. I even remember the small comics that were popular at the time that showed on the final page that if you didn't accept the Gospel today you would be thrown into hell. It is imprinted on my brain a depiction of dark shadow figures of men, women and children standing at the top of a cliff above a 'sea' of flames with one or two of the dark figures falling toward the flames. Pushing the figures over the cliff was a giant hand using his index finger to push each one into the fiery pit. The message of the drawing was to show that God would push you into hell if you didn't accept Jesus as your Saviour. As a Christian the message was that accepting Jesus saved you from going to hell. So, when Jeff speaks about being saved, he's talking about being saved from hell. If not, what is he saved from? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, when I talk about being saved, I'm not talking about being saved from hell. I'm not talking about Jesus saving me from hell, I am not talking about salvation from something else. I'm talking about salvation from my sins. In the Bible there is nowhere it talks about saved from hell. Not one verse. The only verse it mentions what we are saved from is in Matt 1:21.were it says, "She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their SIN". That's it, the only verse in the New Testament that tell us what we are saved from. I think we get drawn into a situation with Jeff where we are using Jeff's definition for being saved, rather than the correct definition the angel gives us when talking to Mary. So, we cannot save ourselves by our works. That is, we can't cancel out our sin by having 51% of our good behaviour cancel out 49% of our bad behaviour and end up with a positive 'surplus' . Rather, we can endeavour to improve and become more like the Saviour in all the ways we are taught. This isn't how we become saved from hell and a candidate for the Celestial Kingdom. It would be a negative approach and a conspiring way to achieve our route to God in this way. In Jeff's case any form of work is anathema because it takes away from grace. Jeff has even said we shouldn't think we need to do work because it is needless and not coming from, ..."faith in the cross and in God's grace and almost is mocking the finished work of the Lord". He even said about 6 months ago that once you offer the "sinners prayer" you don't need to join a church or even read the scriptures. So, salvation for Jeff is a guarantee that you are going to Heaven and being saved from hell, forever. Salvation for me is that my sins were forgiven when I was baptised and I received the Gift of the Holy Ghost to warn me of sin I may be about to committ and if I fall to help me avail of the Saviour's atonement that I may be forgiven after repentence and venture never to commit that sin again. In doing so, weak things become strength and we grow closer to the Lord. So, Jeff is saved from hell which is not specifically stated in the Bible. We, as LDS, are saved from sin which is the only specific thing that is mentioned in the Bible that we are saved from. I'm sure you could do a better job of explaining to Jeff that we are at odds when we talked about the concept of being saved. Really, we are at odds because we don't agree on anything. One other thing you could compare is the Holy Ghost and revelation. Jeff has said that revelation is no longer necessary because 'we have the final word of God in the scriptures. If that is the case why is the Holy Ghost mentioned in the scriptures as spiritual companionship and how do we react with Him. How is He received? Is His 'word' Gospel. Furthermore, if the Holy Ghost does teach us, as the Scripture says, why do all Christian churches and seminaries not teach the same doctrine? If it is 'One Lord, (well it depends on your creed) One faith, (well, just 40,000+ versions), one baptism ( which is optional and is unnecessary for getting you into heaven). Then it's not one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Its just do what you like, believe what you want and do your own thing...love your fellow Christians except the 'mormons' because they understand nothing and are fooled by satan.
Outstanding! Thank you David! We're blessed to have you! Our Evangelical brothers and sisters need to humble themselves so that the Holy Ghost may help them open their understanding. Your videos, as a former Evangelical, are key in this process. KEEP IT UP!
...David, evangelicals don't believe you have faith and then you don't do anything. Respectfully, I think you may have not understood the evangelical perspective completely. I would agree if someone said I just have faith and then I don't have to do anything. That would not be consistent with the Bible. We don't do anything to add to the atonement on the cross. We do, however, live a life worthy of the Lord acting as instruments in His hands, doing good works and fight the great fight of faith! It's an attitude of humility. We acknowledge God in ALL things and humbly say, He has saved us. As saved people, our faith is expressed in the good works we do.
@@BGCflyerI was an Evangelical for a few years back in the 70s. It was drummed into me that works were not essential to being saved from hell and going to Heaven. Nevertheless, David is responding to what Jeff has said in one of his early videos. I can't repeated it exactly, word for word, but I remember roughly what he said. It was along the lines that works were not necessary to get you into heaven as you were not relying on the finished work of the cross. I think he then said you are mocking the atonement and the grace of God by doing works. You are saying it wasn't enough. He then said you don't have to do anything toward your salvation, you don't even have to join or attend a church. You talk about salvation but can you tell me what exactly are you saved from when you accept Jesus into your heart? Thanks.
I didn’t even know the name of Joseph Smith when I walked into the Mission Training Center to become a missionary so my homework was prayer bound to come to know was Joseph Smith a true Prophet and sincerely I got on my knees and the spirit of God touched my soul Yes Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the restoration of which you are to teach and testify and invite to be Baptized! What a great honor to be like Jesus and get Baptized like Jesus was!!!
Today we had a baptism service for my twin grand daughters. It was a very uplifting service attended by humble followers of Jesus Christ. We felt the special Spirit felt at baptismal services. I've wondered about that great powerful Spirit I have felt at baptisms. I was conducting and it came to me that there were others attending who were from the Spirit world. I have other family members my minister sister a good brother and my Catholic sister none would even attend because of the accusatory fog that they accept as truth. It's so sad the are not able to enjoy the wonderful blessing of participating in holy ordinance excerpted by one of God's priesthood holders. They miss out on feeling those from the other side their dear loved ones who have accepted the gospel and are allowed to attend. Pride is a powerful weapon the adversary uses to deny us blessing we could be enjoying.
Christ sought John the Baptist to be baptised, to fulfill all righteousness. Christ rhetorically asked, what manner of men ought ye to be, even as I am. The apostles taught repentance and baptism. Thus I too am baptised, thrrough the latter day restoration of authority. Amen.
100%again David you talk sense whoever does not believe this is missing the point your such an inspiration to me and heaps of others carry on the good work❤x
Go to your Bible dictionary, folks. Look up the definition of baptism. The fourth paragraph down makes it very clear." Baptism is not optional if one wishes the fullness of salvation." David Alexander is exactly right on this!
Indeed. Especially if we define baptism by water and the spirit as being born again like Jesus said in John 3:5. Even as Paul put it baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. So we symbolically die to our old ways and rise a new in Christ. It's not the water that saves us as elder renland said in conference. It's the covenant. You promise to die to your old ways and rise a new in Christ physically, and Jesus promises to redeem you.
There will always Nehor, Korehor, and Sherem to test the faith of the saints. The more the saints declares the truth the more the opposition doubles their efforts to get them out of the covenant. Thanks a lot for keeping the gospel sounded to every ears that crosses your videos.
Pride is a common place in todays world. Satan is absolutely working overtime to tempt people and confuse them with power. I’m so thankful for the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Proclaim the gospel, stay on the covenant path through all things and endure to the end.
Our Baptismal Covenant to take upon us Him, His Name and to Believe on Him and obey Him, is so Important after we take the first steps to have faith in Him and turn away from our sins! Then the powerful Symbolic ordinance we partake of by one with Authority from Him, Baptism ,to follow Jesus the Christ is so much more meaningful, and we are then able to Receive the Gift of the HolyGhost by the laying on of hands by those ordained in authority of God. What precious blessings from Christ, and Heavenly Father!!! available to All of his children!!
I believe in our 13-articles of faith, which explains I need to First have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, second is to be baptized for the remission of my Sins... etc... Even Jesus Christ himself was baptized to fulfill every required doctrine of his gospel. I do declare & affirm ❤,
Very well explained David. I want to add 3 more things to what you said. 1. If baptism and receiving the Gift of Holy Ghost was not necessary, why was Peter and John sent to Samaria, 65 miles away, to give the people there the Gift of the Holy Ghost when they had been baptised? Acts 8: 14-17. 2. When Paul was speaking to 'certain disciples' at Ephasis and discovered they had only received the baptism of John the Baptist, why did he baptise them again, "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ...And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them"? These 2 verses and the ones at Chapter 2 of Acts were what brought me into the Church. I had been directed to these verses by the Holy Ghost and no scriptures had had the same impact on me before and I couldn't get them out of my head until I met the Missionaries a few days later. 3. There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can come upon anyone...if they are moving towards the truth. I received my testimony after reading Moroni 10:3-5 one night after the missionaries had been teaching me over a period of 5 or 6 weeks. The missionaries had me read the verses before, but on this particular night the verses had an impact on my intellect and my heart, much like what happened when I read those 3 seperate passages in Acts. I decided that night that I would sacrifice my sleep and stay awake reading the Book of Mormon all night to display my intent and my faith. I didn't receive a testimony that night. However, the next day I began a fast to show my intent more. That day was full of beautiful incidents and I could perceive that my whole being was changing very gradually. By teatime that night I felt like I never felt before. I thought at the time that I would love to feel the way I was feeling forever. At the time I was still a bit reluctant to accept the Church because of all the brainwashing I received when I was an Evangelical. When one of the Missionaries rang me early in the evening and stated they couldn't understand how I never received a testimony (I had asked my wife to call in with the missionaries on the way to work as they resided in the same street as my wife work in, and tell them I didn't receive an answer to my prayer) I was reluctant to tell them how I was feeling. Nevertheless, the Missionary ask me to read Galatians 5 22-23. I said I would and hung up. I immediately opened the Bible at those verses and I understood those words much deeper than I ever ever understood any words before, because I was experiencing every one of them. I was brought up never to cry but I couldn't hold back the tears of joy and I cried like a baby as I basked in the light of the Holy Ghost opening my total understanding and making it clear that God wanted to answer my prayers in the most beautiful way possible. I'm crying now as I write this. I experienced the influence of the Holy Ghost when I found those verses in Acts, that night I read Moroni 10, and the next day gradually at first and then in a way that was indisputable allowed me to experience the fruit of the Spirit. That was the greatest day of my life. So, I experienced the teaching and the presence of the Holy Ghost before I was baptised. After I was baptised and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, the scriptures which I found difficult to understand previously, all opened up to me in a way I never thought possible. It was no longer fleeting, it was permanent. So, we can experience the Holy Ghost as we seek the truth of the Gospel but after baptism we can have the company of the Holy Ghost as long as we obey the commandments and repent of our sins. Finally, I was involved in a baptism last night and I mentioned at it that baptism is an introductory ordinance of the Gospel and it symbolises death of our old selves, burial of the old man and the resurrection of the new man. It is where our sins are remitted and gives us membership and entrance into the Kingdom of God. I can understand why Jeff can't see baptism in the way the scriptures lays it out and that's because we need the Holy Ghost as the key that unlocks the scriptures to our understanding. That's why 40,000+ denominations are at odds with each other over interpreting the scriptures and they can only use their worldly intellect, erroneously, to do so. I don't understand why Jeff is shown any consideration by us in his understanding of the scriptures. A young child in the Church has a more correct understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ than he does, despite him flashing out words he learned in theology.
Glad to here your going to the st George temple. I was there for the last time it was renovated. As a seventy i was assogned to prepare the upper room for the solom assembly.
As a Latter-day Saint, I have always been taught that "Salvation" is "Immortality and Eternal Life" (Moses 1:39). "Immortality" is the "Resurrection" of all mankind (Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial Kingdoms). "Saved from a "physical death". It was accomplished on the Cross by the Savior totally by "Grace" (no other requirements...this is the "law of mercy"). To gain "Eternal Life", or to be saved from a "spiritual death" (or once again living with God the Father), requires baptism and confirmation to enter eternally in the Celestial Kingdom (think Celestial). This is required by the "law of justice" which was fulfilled by the Savior in the "Garden of Gethsemane". That's why we partake of both the bread and water in the Sacrament (to remember the blessings of Immortality and Eternal Life). For those who do not believe in the "Celestial Kingdom" (everyone but Latter-day Saints) their Salvation doesn't require baptism, but only gains them, at best, the Terrestrial Kingdom (See D&C 76). The key is to understand we are talking about different definitions of "Salvation".
I believe we MUST MAKE THIS DISTINCTION MORE CLEAR! There is an infinite difference between salvation and exaltation. It's no wonder we can't come to a meeting of the minds with evangelicals. We are comparing apples and oranges made of flawless diamonds, so to speak.
LDS people unacquainted with other branches of Christianity have long had a semantic misunderstanding of the LDS position relative to the nonLDS position regarding Resurrection and Salvation, and that concept was in common use among LDS people 50 or so years ago. So true enough that some LDS people were always taught that. On closer examination, *everyone* (LDS and non-LDS alike) believes that resurrection is completely free and universal. The difference between the belief systems relative to "Salvation" has actually always referred to the salvation in the *spiritual* sense, or Justification. On that point LDS and nonLDS people have different views, but the difference is more nuanced than anticipated. Non LDS christians read the scriptural text to mean that Mankind is Fallen and unable to do anything whatever to EARN redemption (See Eph 2:8-9 in the KJV, which actually does mean that the kind of Works Paul is referring to DO NOT suffice for justification because they fall outside surrender of will to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. LDS additional scripture (2 Ne 25:23) also says that men are Saved by Grace, but goes on to add "after all we can do", which annoys Evangelicals beyond all recognition, and is probably misconstrued by LDS people as well. LDS believers are AS WE SPEAK still attempting to come to terms with "after all we can do" and sometimes fall back into believing that it means random good deeds unconnected to a direct personal surrender and COVENANT with the Lord Jesus Christ. NO ONE I know of besides me makes much use of Eph 2:10 which further points out (in KJV) "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Walking in "God's before ordained good works" are not random good deeds we make up and are the RESULT of the covenant, not the SUBSTITUTE for it. So, no, LDS people actually do not believe in empty works as entry into the kingdom of God. A possible approach to the troublesome "all we can do" phrase, thus becomes "All we can do" IS throw ourselves without qualification upon the mercy of Him who is Mighty to Save, hence Grace without works. In our present world it actually is so that many Evangelical Christians believe (without checking with a single well informed LDS person) that LDS people are trying to SAVE THEMSELVES by works, which LDS people are not. LDS People on the other hand believe (simplistically and shallowly) that Evangelicals are getting a FREE TICKET to heaven and license to go back to doing whatever they please. There is an entire universe of discussion among Evangelicals regarding the GODLY walk following the surrender (usually implemented via The Sinners Prayer). So, this is an extremely complicated issue, with lots of life definition and self concept implications on both sides. The theologies really are different, but not necessarily where we expect them to be. Thanks to one and all for patience in reading. Best wishes to all from an unspecified LDS person by intentional choice.
As I'm sure you know by now, the Holy Spirit can testify to and through any humble person. But to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion requires the laying on of hands by someone with the authority to give it.
Baptism for the dead will be done for everyone that lived on the earth that are accountable. It will be up to them to accept it or not, it is their choice. So when they are judged at the last day they will have no excuse or can not say I was not given a chance to be baptised. For God above all is just and because of Christ He is merciful also.
Just a thought. Scripture says everyone needs to be baptized so all those that are underage that died will be eventually baptized anyone with the handicap they will eventually be baptized?
@@ClintRay2578we know when they are below the age of accountability or being little children, they need not be baptized. -Moroni 8: 10-12 This is generally at age 8- if they understand.
Elder Bednar said: Baptism is only the first step to receive and take upon us, The Name of Christ. The temple is the second part of this process; since in the holy temples is the only place authorized by Father to make sacred covenants for “exaltation” so without baptism nothing happens.
Thanks David, very good illumination of the doctrine. I've never understood the Evangelical line on this. The scripture seems very clear and consistent that salvation is an iterative process. Hebrews 6:1-2 is clear as to the iterative nature of salvation: repentance, faith, baptism, the laying on of hands and on to the weightier matters of perfection. But this is taught everywhere we turn. Jesus taught this a million times. When the young rich man asked about the requirements for salvation Jesus pointed him to the law, when the young man confirmed that he obeyed the law and pressed Jesus for more, Christ loved him the more and commanded that he sell everything and follow him. Additionally Jesus taught that the poor in spirit inherit his kingdom, but also the poor in heart, so too the peacemakers, also those who forgive, and those that do his will and abide to the end. And I could go on and on. I don't understand how the Evangelical picks the confession of Jesus out of all that Jesus, his prophets and apostles taught as the one thing that is actually real. Why don't they pick say... meekness? It is clear that we must exercise faith unto repentance and baptism followed by the gift of the spirit. The spirit then works in us and with us to develop every attribute of Christ, all of which are required for us to live with and be like our father in heaven.
Thanks for the video David, you are speaking the truth! 2 Nephi 31:10-11 10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
I think some clarification is needed regarding some of the comments being made here regarding David's comments. I like what David J. Ridges once taught with regard to this topic of baptism and salvation: "The term 'salvation,' as used in the scriptures, almost always means 'exaltation'. However, it can also refer to freedom from death, which is a gift to all through the atonement of Christ. It can also, depending on context, mean salvation in the terrestrial or talential kingdom." I think what David Alexander is trying to emphasize is that we need to think celestial. Baptism is required for exaltation. That is genuine salvation. Context is important and can sidetrack us if we're not careful. However, if we always strive to think celestial, then we will never miss the mark.
Jesus said , John14:15 If you love me , keep my commandments. Jesus commandments are simple, but they are not easy. Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. When a person desires to love Jesus, and keep his commandments, that is the gate, after that it is line upon line, precept upon precept, right?
@fightingfortruth9806 No degree of glory will be easy to qualify for. Those who think living a telestial law brings happiness both in this life and in the life to come, on the line of reasoning in 2 Nephi 28:8, "and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God," grossly undermine what they will have to go through before they can be forgiven (as explained in D&C 19:15-19). Not to mention, in the words of former Presiding Bishopric member Bishop Glenn L. Pace, "they're not really happy" in the meantime, either ("They're Not Really Happy," Bishop Pace, October 1987 General Conference, paragraph 4). But technically, they will eventually be saved once the work of the Millenium has been completed (D&C 76:85).
Yes, but regarding honorable men who don't get baptized, can they still qualify for the Terrestrial Kingdom? It's clear that baptism helps us be honorable, and avoid the damning influence of the adversary, so in that sense baptism is a saving ordinance, but it is my understanding that salvation and resurrection is a free gift to all mankind from Jesus and Heavenly Father.
@stephtimms1776 It’s my understanding that all will be resurrected, right? Don’t we believe in “the resurrection of the morning, afternoon” and then later the resurrection of the wicked? I forget if that has a different name/time of day assigned to it… And there is that scriptural loophole that if a person would have received the gospel in their life, had they been permitted to tarry, that they will receive the necessary blessings because the Father knows their minds. But we don’t know as the Father and Mother, Son and Spirit do, so we perform proxy ordinances for as many as we can. And there’s that bit that says all will be judged according to the light/knowledge they received… I don’t know what all the nitpicky doctrine is, but Elohim certainly do! (“Elohim” is plural and a title more than anything; applies to all who are “God”)
I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!! Listen to the beautiful and powerful words of what it says about baptism: "now I say unto you, that ye must repent, and be born again; for the spirit saith if ye are not born again, YE CANNOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; therfore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his COMMANDMENTS, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism. And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, HE SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, according to the testimony of the holy spirit, which testifieth in me." Alma 7:14-16. Let me be so bold to say that anyone who reads and denies these eternal truths is deceived by the devil and needs to repent. Im sorry, but if you can't see the true doctrine of christ in these words and the eternal truths taught, your eyes are blinded by the deception of the evil one. I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON BECAUSE IT DENOUNCES DECEPTION AND TESTIFIES OF TRUTH.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul is explaining grace. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Philippians 2:12-13 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
60/40 relationship is how I try to live... You give at least 60% and only expect 40%. If your spouse did the same, you would never be let down. As soon as anyone expects 100% in someone they will be let down every day. I can tell you my wife has never let me down because I don't expect anything or everything from her. Love is like fire. If you don't add wood to it, it will eventually go out 🥰😘
There are certainly different levels of salvation as explained in Doctrine and Covenants 76, but why settle for a lower level when we can obtain so much more? Priesthood ordinances, including baptism, are definitely required to gain our full potential.
My thought is that P.J. is actually taking a swipe at the need for temples and baptism for the dead. Some churches, rejecting the Catholic Church teachings of everyone in the world going to hell unless baptized (even babies), they went to the total opposite belief that baptism isn't even required. After all, that would take authority and priesthood, which they don't have. But, having the temple, and everyone eventually getting the opportunity for baptism, through preaching the gospel in the spirit world and baptism for the dead, allows for mercy from God while at the same time having perfect justice.
Another home run Elder Alexander! Thank you once again, you are an example of a true disciple of Christ. The edification you offer is in fact priceless. So... When is your sister getting baptized? 🤍😉🤍
Respectfully, David is not an apostle nor a missionary. Therefore it is not correct to refer to him as “Elder.” But yes, I agree with you, he IS an example of a true follower of Christ! ❤
David is an elder . It is deacon teacher priest elder high priest . What do you think anyone 18 years old is ? When given the higher priesthood ? What do you think they are ? They are an elder . Deacon teacher priest elder high priest . That is the order it goes . By age and by worthiness . A teen priest can baptize but only an adult elder with a temple recommend can give the Holy Ghost . If someone asks are there in any elders in the church who can bless ? That would be all adult male members 18 and up who have received the M. Priesthood is an Elder . It doesn’t mean you are a missionary sent out . They are still elders . What do you think they are ? Next is high Priest . How do you become a high priest ? Usually by certain callings you receive . Not sure if it has anything to do with age. But what you are called to . If he isn’t an elder what do you think he is ? Of course he is an elder .
@@charlesfinn-z4d it absolutely is, he is addressing the preaching of false doctrine only. No one twists your arm to take the Lord up on his loving offer. 🫴🏼
That is such a good point. Can you imagine the implications of believing that literally all God's children need to be baptized? It world be a monumental task which fulfills the first and second gear commandments. Oh yes....LDS people understand and are blessed with work to do! Thanks for the insight.
Thanks for this post. I am not sure why members fall for this Jeff guy. Paid ministry is the final cut for me. Hey...have you ever seen the "17 points of the true church" handout? It's pretty awesome.
Im so thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the pure gospel truths that are taught therein. The congregations of branches, wards and stakes all throughout the whole world are in complete unison and are of one accord. You can visit any ward in any part of the world and the same doctrines will be taught and there will be no deviation whatsoever. The same cannot be said among Christianity in general and even in some instances there is various degrees of disagreement among various churches within their own denominations. Heavenly Father is not the author of confusion and no, there aren't many different paths to reach heaven. Nope nope nope. Jesus Christ himself said narrow is the way..not narrow are the ways! We know that 1) Faith, 2) Repentance, 3) BAPTISM by IMMERSION by one holding the proper priesthood authority, 4) Laying on of hands to receive the gift of The Holy Ghost - again by proper priesthood authority, and then 5) Faithfully enduring to the end is the only path. There is absolutely no confusion or dissention within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on this matter, for us it is absolutely crystal clear why baptism by immersion is necessary. It is solid gospel doctrine. Im so grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Pastor Jeff is sorely deceived and is sorely deceiving many others. I would like to know where he honestly thinks his authority came from, from the school he graduated from??? Who gave that school the authority from Heavenly Father???? So there's different schools with completely different beliefs, but by going to the institution, paying your tuition and graduating from that institution with their sheepskin gives you authority from God to decide that baptism isn't needed for salvation???? What happens if you change your mind about certain gospel doctrine that contradicts what the institution teaches? Does your authority then become invalid?
All people need to do to admit that Baptism is absolutely necessary is read Mark 16:16 and John 3. We MUST be born of WATER and the SPIRIT AND WE MUST also be baptized or we are damned. It’s in the Bible.
It is abundantly clear that requiring a priest authorized by Jesus to baptize you to be saved is the most sure way to make sure the doctrine the priest teaches is the only doctrine taught, and not 46 thousand other doctrines, 46 thousand representing all the Christian churches in the world today
The hard part when discussing this with Protes (protestants) is we aren’t even taking about the same salvation. They define being saved as returning to the presence of the Son. Many I have discussed with will even say they will never be able to see the Father even in Heaven. Remember they don’t believe in a fullness of the Salvation meaning Celestial Glory. So we aren’t even beginning at the same starting point. Faith will be required to not be damned. “Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus IS the Christ” But Faith is also required for one to even come into the covenant required to enter through that strait gate. So I usually read Paul’s notion of “it is only by faith that you are saved…” to be talking about works based salvation which is to presume that “we” save ourselves. We do not believe that we save ourselves so we agree with Paul. We also agree with all the Apostles when we action the Faith we have and enter into the baptismal covenant with God.
What Salvation has Christ brought? *** He saves us from DEATH & HELL ***. We are all saved from DEATH. This is a general salvation and is taken by some to mean once saved, always saved. They misrepresent this we are all saved as completed Exaltation. As terminology has changed, we need to adapt our explanations to avoid talking around each other and causing conflict. Christ's Grace has done what we cannot do. He freed us from death, so we are saved(general), by his Grace alone. We are given resurrected bodies and not left as eternal spirits like satan and his followers. Because Christ has saved us, he determines how he will now BLESS us. If we love him, we will keep his commandments, it is that simple. Christ says that we need to be born again to SEE the Kingdom of God. Being born again doesn't save/Exalting us, meaning Entering his Kingdom, unless we enter in through the door or gate of Authorised Baptism, we cannot be blessed with Exaltation. Now the baptism itself isn't the Exalting us, it is entering that covenant with Christ and embracing his Grace that is saving us. WE DO NOT WORK TO BE SAVED. WE KEEP THE COVENANTS TO BE CHANGED INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST. Covenants are there to transform us into the image of Christ. Becoming Christlike, will enable us to become like him and become Joint Heirs with him, into Exaltation. Pastor Jeff is living in "general salvation land", as he does not have the vision. He believes that the Garden of Eden is Exaltation and everything Christ does is to get us back to Eden. He believes that Adam and Eve falling was not meant to happen, so what they really believe is that we are on God's Plan B. We know the Plan of Salvation and the reason for the Fall. Stay on the Covenant path. Remember we Are Saved by Grace, not works. We are changed by Covenants into Exalted beings.
Jesus said, "Follow Me." What did Jesus do? 1. He was baptized by John "...to fulfill all righteousness." 2. He then fasted 40 days and then 3. He started his ministry. John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;
Outstanding scriptural explanations of the necessity an divinely appointed need of repentance baptism an the gift of the holy ghost David. Only those with other than pure motives for seeking truth could be easily deceived though their are many voices the spirit of truth sounds clear when it is spoken with the inspiration of the holy ghost. In the mouth of 2 an three witnesses everything pertaining to eturnal life shall be established.😊
Hope you are feeling better David. The Book of Mormon backs the Bible up with plainness and clarity. 2 Nephi 31 4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world. 5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. 8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. 9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. 10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. 12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. 13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism-yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. 14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. 15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. Take care
Jesus said John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jeff takes an ounce of Jesus Christ’s Words over an ounce of Protestantism But he takes 3 pounds of Protestantism over an ounce of Jesus Christ’s Words The problem with the theology of man, is it starts to overpower the scriptures at some point, and if it’s wrong it can be damaging I talked to him a little bit about it, he likes the theology of man quite a bit
Ephesians 2:8-9 is taken at face value by Jeff, which is another problem he has I call it the “Ephesians 2:8-9 fallacy” When you take that verse at face value You can undermine works of faith, works of love, and works of intimacy with God
My rock and seed for salvation, Jesus said , John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
33:00 hey David you made some excellent points about those Gentiles receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking with tongues I never thought of it that way. I hope you'll consider thinking of it as there is a difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the the power of the Holy Ghost. If you read the Bible dictionary it says the power of the Holy Ghost is when the Holy Ghost comes upon people before they are baptized to teach them show them truth. The gift of the Holy Ghost comes after confirmation. I was told think of it as a door with a handle on one side the Holy Ghost could use it to open and come in at any time whereas when you get the gift of the Holy Ghost it puts a handle on your side so you can open it and let him in at any time. So this would be a case where the power of the Holy Ghost was coming on them showing Peter that God wanted to pour out the spirit on the Gentiles also. So Peter was then instructed to baptize them and give them the gift of the Holy Ghost so they could keep it at all times.
I always go back to John 3:5. I constantly remind my evangelical friends that our lord and savior wasn’t one to exaggerate, lie or mince words. He says that unless you are born of water and the spirit ye “cannot” enter into the kingdom of heaven. That’s another way for him to say that it’s impossible.
That is why we needed the RESTORATION of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our perfect Savior was baptized so we would follow his example. I think those who don't have the authority to baptize need to believe they don't need it.
The Spirit of Elijah is a direction to go on this one, and the keys that Elijah carried for and on behalf of baptism/s for the dead which Elijah restored through Joseph Smith Jr. See what happened in church history on April 3rd, 1836... Moses, Elias & Elijah restored the keys to do baptism/s for the dead.
EV's are stuck on the "common salvation" for all that Christ's atonement took care of. That's why they think baptism is not required. But... that does not cover salvation into Celestial glory which of course... IS the kingdom of God.
@@charlesfinn-z4d ... Jude 1 1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the *COMMON SALVATION* , it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark 16:16 is not in the original manuscripts. It's literally in the footnotes of most bibles. I don't think anyone is going to argue that Jesus commands us to get baptized and if you really have a changed heart you will do what you are commanded to do. This is really just a question of if the baptism itself saves you.
Christ is our Savior. He is the one that saves us. But he has laid out a process by which we are to access His atoning sacrifice, and that includes baptism by those having proper authority. The scriptures are very clear on these points.
Being baptized does not save you any more than flipping a light switch is what powers your lights. What baptism does is give you access to the cleansing and healing power of the atonement. If you don't flip that light switch, it makes no difference to the light that gigawatts of energy are available. The light will remain off until the switch completes the circuit.
Well said. If Jesus is reaching out his hand to save me from falling but I have to reach my own hand out to grab his, did I save myself? Did reaching out save me? Or did Jesus save me? The argument that baptism as a requirement shifts the saving from Jesus to the act of baptism is a bunch of garbage. And they know it. Jesus' words couldn't have been more clear on baptism. Unless a man is born of the water and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. "But the man on the cross with Jesus wasn't baptized." Christians actually reject Jesus' words on baptism based on an assumption that the man on the cross wasn't baptized. Based on nothing, they assume he wasn't baptized. It's actually 100x more likely that he was baptized by one of the apostles than not because he had intimate knowledge of Jesus' identity, a fact not many people outside of his circle knew. It's likely that he followed Jesus for some time before he came to that knowledge, as several people did. People think that because he was a thief he couldn't have been baptized or ever followed Jesus. I'm not saying he was or wasn't baptized because there's no evidence for either, but if you go by the context of the bible, because Jesus said he would be in paradise, said baptism was required to enter the kingdom of heaven, and because he knew Jesus' true identity, it's more likely that he was a follower of Jesus and would have been baptized by one of the apostles than that he was just some random criminal with no previous knowledge of Jesus. If you're going to try and make excuses for the supposed inconsistencies of the bible teachings like people dying without the opportunity for baptism, at least make it a good attempt and don't stomp all over the words of Jesus in the process.
Another thing to go along with this is that paradise is not the same as heaven, where the Father is. We know Christ had not yet been to the Father when on the 3rd day he spoke to Mary and said “touch me not”. He had not yet ascended to the Father.
Great point about the possibility of the thief being baptized! Also, "paradise" is not the same word as "heaven". It's not the same in English, and it's not the same in the Greek or Hebrew manuscripts the the bible is translated from either. Jesus wasn't saying I will see you in heaven today (where my father dwells). He was telling him he would see him in "paradise", or the spirit world, where Christ went to teach the spirits who were there. (1 Peter 3:19)
@@beckywalton5200 correct. Unfortunately with most christians, their understanding of "I have not yet ascended unto my father" denotes some type of incomprehensible ascension into a heavenly role rather than presenting himself before the father, he having accomplished his earthly mission to atone for the sins of mankind and take up his body from the grave. When they look at it from their perspective, they lose themselves in the incomprehensible and see nothing there. When we look at it from our angle, it makes perfect sense. The gospel was preached to them that were dead. It also puts into perspective the scripture that says sit at my right hand till I put all things under your feet at which point Christ says he will then also yield up his power and be ruled by the father. I'm paraphrasing because I don't want to go search the exact verse but essentially Christ must rule till the end, at which point he'll hand everything over to the father, having carried out the plan and delivered everything in its perfect and correct state. All of these scriptures are somewhat nonsensical or rather meaningless from one perspective and entirely glorious, beautiful, understandable, and logical from another.
@@EricHancock yeah sadly most christians I've discussed this idea with vehemently reject the notion that he could have been baptized. Despite there being more logic in him being baptized than not. Also despite it being more in line with the teachings of Jesus. Pretty hard to discuss with someone who doesn't want to learn. I've followed the "paradise" in different languages point before and I didn't find much. Seems like it was a general term often used to denote the afterlife. What have you found on that subject?
@@toddbender3463 it is unfortunate that many of the plain and precious truths clear to us are lost to so many good people who have been innocently deceived. I’m thankful for the knowledge of baptism for the dead. What a perfect and glorious plan of our Father.
Baptism is the gate to exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, the entry to the covenant path. It isn't necessary for "salvation" into one of the other kingdoms. See D&C 76:43-44, 2 Nephi 2:4. All but the sons of perdition are "saved" eventually into a kingdom with some level of glory. This is a marvelous effect of the Atonement that is often overlooked. The great message of the Restoration that was lost in the Apostasy is that THERE IS SO MUCH MORE!: exaltation, perfection, eternal family life, and becoming like God the Father, living in His presence, having His power and glory, inheriting all that he has, etc. etc. His love for us and His power to exalt us are so much greater than other religions can even imagine. So we are usually talking about exaltation when Protestants are only talking about salvation., although we sometimes use the words interchangeably. Perhaps we shouldn't! Anyone can get to the lower kingdoms without baptism. These are the kingdoms many would be perfectly happy in forever. It's all they expect. THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF "SALVATION" IS SO FAR BELOW WHAT THE RESTORED GOSPEL OFFERS THAT IT CAN'T BEGIN TO TOUCH IT. WE MUST MAKE THE DISTINCTION!!!
Hello, I have been searching the New Testament which mentions that Jesus baptized the Apostles. Can you share the passage(s) where that is mentioned? Thank you for your insight.
I wonder if Christians in general understand the difference between the Holy Ghost, which so many honest seekers feel, including Martin Luther in his quest, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which follows baptism and is the "right" to that influence when we're living worthy!😮
Best explanation of the need for baptism that I’ve ever heard, not that I’ve heard many that are exclusively on baptism. I think usually it has been lumped into a bigger context. I think I will plagiarize this whole thing
It's straightforward. Anyone who says otherwise is apostate from the truth. The only reasons I can imagine that they wish to remove baptism from the gospel is either that they enjoy their new invention of "accept Christ into your heart" (showing their apostasy), baptism is so much more trouble and work to do than the aforementioned invention, or they feel unsure of how it's done and of their authority to do it.
Mark 1:4 reads "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins". Saints be careful. Pharisees thought they didn't need baptism, they stood afar watching John baptised people, they said they are Abraham children & truly they were. But oh how sad..
I feel like evangelicals are backed into a corner on this topic. Jeff is consistent that our actions cannot bring us to salvation. Therefore baptism, being an act, cannot be necessary (in his philosophy). This forces him to choose between what Jesus Christ said (John 3: 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God), and their contemporary interpretations that remove us from responsibility. I don't think they've reconciled scripture with their traditions very well.
I wouldn't focus on arguing with Pastor Jeff, it is unfortunate Saints Unscripted had him on, just as it's unfortunate they had Coco Bertham (lied about being trafficked and lied about a cancer diagnosis), but we can't waste time on that. Clearly Jeff watched Saints Unscripted, found their calm sweet speaking demeanor to be what he thinks is leading people into the Church (they are doing more good than harm and are bringing many into the Church and helping many to come back, stay...) and he tries to mimic it, shocking us, who oft experience serious hateful contention from people who think we're "wrong" in all things, but at the end of the day, his livelihood depends on it, if he joined, he'd have to find a new career, so even if things make sense, even if we find answers to debunk all of his accusations, he has a HUGE mental block because of well, money... as we do NOT have paid clergy, we cannot be right and he cannot join... because it's his career on the line, if we ARE RIGHT...
Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
Something I’d like to ask of people who don’t believe in baptism is: “Do you believe that Jesus Christ did anything unnecessarily? Do you believe He did anything that was a total waste of time?” My guess is their answer would most likely be no. Then why did He get baptized? Why did He teach baptism? If we believe baptism is unnecessary, then we believe Christ was wasting His time doing those things which can’t be true. Thanks for the video David!
How else can we show we have really repented except by being baptized? Don't we need to follow Jesus by doing what Jesus said? Why is the finger of accusation being pointed at the ones who are humbly trying to do the things Jesus said to do? We are not believing enough unless we are repenting. We are not repenting enough unless we are being baptized.
I find it easy to believe that Jeff would say this : you must look at a person's central motivation. The issue, the ordinance, are not as important to him as the # of people he draws in to his web. Remember that he cares more about engaging more and more people. This is not new among those who care more for the world than coming to a knowledge of the restored truth. No surprise here. The better it works, the more one could expect. One simple truth still evades him. The Lord knows the very thoughts and intents of the heart. This is not metaphorical---- this is literal truth. HEBEL EST OMNIS ADAM
Is not saying a little prayer or confessing that Jesus is our Savior just as much a "work" as baptism is? It requires the sinner to "do" something - confess or pray. If baptism is a dead work, then so also is such a confession.
Exactly right, David. We innately KNOW that the faith that comes to us about the atonement has to be expressed in obedience to DO something...but the whole "sinners prayer" thing...is a clear expression of what Jesus Christ was referring to when He told the Pharisees that "you make void the commandment of GOD...for the sake of your tradition...teaching for doctrine the commandments of Men"... Jesus and the Apostles commanded, taught and exemplified....the fact that the call of the True Gospel is to Believe in Jesus Atonement...and then, believing...obey the call to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....and then, and only then...receive the promise of the Father, the Holy Ghost. Jeff and those like him...set that all aside utterly....and replace it with, "only believe in Jesus...AND then, pray this prayer"...and that alone, saves you, and nothing else whatsoever has anything to do with the remission of one's sins and receiving the Holy Ghost and attaining Heavenly Glory...which only has One "place" and position...the highest. And anyone who does not do this...is headed for eternal torment in hell. To say this contradicts the Bible...is an understatement. the Bible and The Restoration and the 3 Standard works of the Restoration...speak CLEARLY and LOUDLY with one united voice about this....and those Evangelical Christians that are of Jeff's teaching...are truly not even "Scriptura Sola"...but rather, "Our own vain imaginations Sola". It is stunning how OFF this doctrine is...it is "Easy Believism", NOT the "Narrow and Difficult Way that Leads to Life"! I was a misfit in Evangelical Christianity...from go. I am so thankful...for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...there are no words adequate to express it. I could find no place to go...to true home...my entire life, till now Great comment/insight Much love, David
I don't know if there is anything I can add to these comments, but there should be no question in anyone's mind, no matter what denomination they belong to, that baptism is completely necessary to inherit the kingdom of God, as stated in John 3:5. One problem with Christianity is the ridiculous number of Bible translations that exist. The KJV is not perfect, but it is the most neutral version. Translators can make the Bible read any way they want to. Dr, Kent Hovind (a Christian author) strongly advocates for KJV. The KJV talks about baptism at least a dozen times. The notion that John 3:5 refers to the water present during physical birth is ludicrous. If Jesus was talking about physical birth in John 3:5, it makes no sense because everyone experiences physical birth. And that would mean that every person born automatically inherits the kingdom of God. That would include murderers, Hitlers, rapists, pedophiles, and so on. John 3:5 cannot, does not, and never will refer to physical birth. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.
Eh David, “it’s Rob again!” 😂 It’s so clear David. True Baptism done by proper authority is the true sign of Coming unto Him and becoming “born again” and getting on the covenant path. Not that a person can’t be sincere and have experiences with the light of Christ and following Him but while Christ was on the earth along with his disciples they unequivocally taught that baptism was an essential step to becoming converted and following Jesus. I’m not sure how anyone gets around it from the teachings in the New Testament. Thanks David!
The comment “ Baptism in this life, is not required for salvation “. That would apply to those who never had the opportunity, to learn about Jesus’s gospel. By not knowing Jesus’s gospel; could not make the choice to, repent and be baptized.
Even LUTHER in his rejection of Catholic "works salvation" did NOT reject baptism since it's so undeniably BIBLICAL... but you get this oneupsmanship of theoretical purity on the omnipotence of Grace that they end up denying the clear and repeated word of SCRIPTURA
Jesus said to Nicodemus we have to be born again to enter heaven. Nicodemus asked how to be born again. "And Jesus answered verily verily I say unto thee, except a man be BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." So that's the most straight forward answer, yet Protestants will try to twist it to ignore the water part as baptism. They try telling me "oh that's refering to your first birth by your mother, what he's referring to is being born of the spirit. That's how you're born again." But that requires them to ignore Jesus baptism where he said "it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." As his reason to John for why he needed to be baptized. Thankfully nephi who was shown in vision Jesus baptism explains why this was so important. Nephi explained "5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. 10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son... wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do." So an even more straightforward answer. Yes we must be born again? How did Jesus and Nephi define being born again? It's being baptized in water, and receiving the gift of the holy ghost. So is it necessary? Yes. Which then further explains why they practiced baptism for the dead. It is what makes God a just God. If everyone is baptized then judgement day is fully just. It leaves it up to us to merely except Jesus as savior and follow him or follow Satan. In the end Satan will see why the father's plan would work, even though Satan thought it wouldn't. One day he will see.
Think of all the 10,000+ different and separate evangelical churches teaching that we need baptism or don't need baptism. I'd be so confused if I was part of Jeff's church and he wanted me to follow him and not Jesus on this issue.
The word "baptism" was mentioned in the New Testament 22 times! But Pastor Jeff totally ignors and redefines it! Baptism for the dead was also mentioned in the New Testament and likewise ignored because it was only mentioned ones! 😅😅😅
Pastor Jeff should honestly feel embarrassed of being so confident for not knowing the bible he so proclaims. I don't understand why he puts himself in the position of judging or questioning the very truth of the Lord's Gospel. I apologize if I don't sound too brothering, but someone has to say it. Thank you David for being so clear in exposing Gospel facts versus pastor Jeff.
Biptism is an expression of obedience to the Faith. true it is more.. True Baptism is done by Authority from God. If it is not done with Authority is not effectual unto salvation. so I would say Pastor Jeff discounts baptism because of the lack of Authority that his own church has. Baptism with Authority is ordained of God. and openes the door to the power of exaltation . without Authority it is only a gesture. I hope intellegent christians understand the fallen view of some gospel that paster jeff is teaching.
Jesus actually came back from the dead and commanded His Deciples.... "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19 How then can this even be a matter of debate among "Christians?"
These are my thoughts about pastor Jeff. If you readJacob chapter 7 in the Book of Mormon it is about a man named Jeff. Ha Ha! His name was Sherem but if you read this chapter Sherem’s characteristics and paster Jeff’s have a lot of similarities. Members beware!
Pastor Jeff just trying to earn money through TH-cam in my opinion. He doesn’t really care to know the truth of the church of Jesus Christ of latter saints. If he is he would have the Holy Spirit to know the true gospel by now. He made me sick to my stomach when I think of him talking to the saints but the lord commands me to love his children so I am going to do just that.
David, you said Jesus baptized all of his disciples? Where can I find that in the Bible? So far, this is what I understand. Apostle John wrote in John 3:22 that Jesus baptized. However, he corrected himself in John 4:2 to say that Jesus didn't baptize, but his disciples did. So, these verses indicate that Jesus taught his disciples how to baptize, but he didn't baptize anyone himself.
Bruce, I think that is a mistaken assumption. Jesus was baptized...and John didn't "correct himself" in John 4:2. Jesus "made and baptized more disciples than John" in John 3:22...but also...it is just common sense...implied...that Jesus was MAKING DISCIPLES...teaching them to do what HE did....and so clearly, he baptized the 12...and then once they were baptized...he had them to the baptizing of the others...on his behalf. The idea that Jesus would have unbaptized disciples...make disciple by baptized them...is just a bit absurd, don't you think? There is no such thing, as an "unbaptized disciple"....because Jesus Himself states plainly, in Mark 16;16...that "He who believes AND IS BAPTIZED will be saved". Paul did exactly the same thing....He would baptize the first disciples he made in a new place he was evangelizing...and then put those disciples to work, doing the baptizing after that. But evangelicals misuse this...to claim that baptism is not necessary, which is ridiculous, and a total heretical gutting of Heavenly Father's clear Plan of Salvation so plainly proclaimed by Peter the day the Church was birthed in Acts 2:36-42. The Scriptures don't always state what is obvious. But just because they don't specifically state the obvious...does not mean...that the obvious did not happen. Much love, David
@@davidmalvinalexander ...I would agree that it would be absurd if the disciples or apostles were not baptized. I agree with all the scriptures you are sharing. From what I understand, evangelicals are NOT saying baptism doesn't matter. They are only pointing out that ordinances in themselves does't save. The apostles were baptized! But it's super clear that Jesus didn't baptize. If Jesus baptized the apostles, that is an assumption. John 4:1-2 "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)" The scripture clearly states Jesus baptized not! So, I'm going with what the Bible says on this one. It doesn't mean baptism isn't important. If you want' to assume Jesus baptized, that's your choice but the Bible doesn't specifically support that. Even Paul said to the Corithinans, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." 1 For. 1:17. Baptism is important, but it wasn't the all end main focus. Jesus want's our heart, not our ordinances! Just my thoughts on this. God Bless!
God bless you also, Bruce. I appreciate your heart....but how you have strayed so far from pure doctrine on this matter is beyond me. Bruce, “your thoughts” you are speaking…are Evangelical teaching...that is totally contrary to what the Church of Jesus Christ teaches. "Jesus wants our heart, not our ordinances!"...is a horrible lie. John 14:15 Jesus says plainly, "He who has my commandments and keeps them is the One who loves me".....To proclaim, as you just did...that you can "love Him"...give him your heart...apart from His Divine Plan of Salvation give through His chosen Apostle Peter on the Day the Church was birthed...is a total lie. To build a teaching “Jesus didn’t baptize anyone” based on a hyper-literal interpretation of one verse…and take that interpretation as superior to the Teaching of the Church given through the Apostles and Prophets that he has sent…is a foundational characteristic…of Evangelical Christianity. The 3,000 that were cut to the heart by the proclamation of the Atonement in Acts 2:36 cry out "what must we do", and God's command through Peter...is not optional..."Repent and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!" Real Faith...is to give Him your heart...through obeying His commands in His Plan of Salvation. They are not “our ordinances”…they are God’s! And we show Him our hearts truly love Him, by obeying what He commands and ordains! This is Basic…to being a Latter Day Saint. I have to wonder if you are even a Latter Day Saint! Or if you are one...you have been listening to Evangelical Teaching, from someone like Pastor Jeff of Hello Saints and Apologia Studios, and allowing yourself to trust their deception...instead of the Prophetic and Apostolic teaching of the only True Church on the earth. Either way...you are horribly wrong. There is no such thing, as a true disciple that is not baptized for the remission of their sins by someone with proper authority. And there is no way to "give Jesus your heart" in TRUTH and receive Him and the Holy Ghost in fullness...apart from repentant, believing baptism. They are not “our ordinances”…they are God’s! May you somehow find grace to return to being wholeheartedly devoted to the True Faith! Much love, David
@@davidmalvinalexander ...respecfully sir, I'd say the same to you, but perhaps at least we are the few who still hold a Christ centered life! Hope you enjoy your day. You sound American but I know you live in Australia. Not sure if you are celebrating Thanksgiving? but if you are, it's a great time to thank our Almighty God who worked through the Native American Indians to help the pilgrims in 1620. Something most Americans have completely forgotten. I'm a little old fashionI about these things. Again, I appreciate you responding to me. You are one of the few TH-cam creators that actually respond, so thank you! God Bless brother!
Is evangelicalism coming into the LDS Church? Example, Hello Saints broadcast. Haven’t members of the LDS Church, opened their arms, and embraced that evangelistic programming? Evangelism believes there is no need for baptism, no need for a restored church. Look at the number of subscribers, mostly Saints? Evangelism is an easy Christianity, and Hello Saints puts an appealing face on it. Can we support the Lord’s work, and Evangelism at the same time? Matthew 12:25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to destruction.
Actually, Bruce...you are mistaken, totally. That is exactly what he says....he says that Baptism contributes nothing whatsoever...to becoming "saved"..that salvation is a result of "faith only". But of course, as James plainly says..."faith without works...is dead, being alone". Much love, David
@@davidmalvinalexander ...thank you for replying to me about this. ...I think there is a misunderstand of what it means to be "saved". We can't add to the work Jesus did on the cross, so in that sense, we can't do anything to add to this atoning sacrifice, which saves us. This is why Paul says we are saved by grace through faith. BUT he doesn't finish there - he says "and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-NOT BY WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST. So, it's a humble attitude we have. We don't want to be boastful and say well, I did this and that, so that's why I'm saved. We glorify God and humble ourselves to submit to Him and say He (Jesus Christ) has done it all! BUT we are not done yet. Paul continues, "For we are Gods' workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." So we are created to do good works! Those good works are God working in us, expressed through the living faith James talks about. A person who has been changed by God and expresses that faith, if it's a living faith, will show it! That's what James is saying. When an evangelical speaks of faith, that doesn't mean they just say they believe but don't do anything. James speaks of two kinds of faith. One that is alive! and one that is dead. Being saved by grace through faith DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULDN'T GET BAPTISED. If you have really changed, then baptism is a natural desire. The reality, however, is that not everyone in heaven or the Celestial Kingdom will be baptized. Aren't children under the age of 8 NOT BAPTIZED! So, technically, there will be people in the Celestial Kingdom who haven't been baptized. Joesph Smith receives a vision of this in the Kirkland Temple 1836. D&C 137: 5-6. "I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept; 6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins." So Joseph Smith sees his brother Alvin who had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom yet was NOT BAPTIZED? If you say everyone must be baptized, then those little children don't make it either. I know you can tell me there is an exception in the Book of Mormon for children, but that still means that there are people in the Celestial Kingdom that are there who were never actually baptized, like Joseph Smith's brother Alvin and all the children. Do you see my point? Thanks again for having civil dialog with me. Like you, I've spent many years searching for the truth. God bless!
I watched Jeff's video and it's hard for me to believe that he believes baptism is not necessary for salvation. Evangelicals are so stuck on the "you cannot do anything to merit salvation" that they take it way too far. Our works is a validate of our faith. Without works, there is no faith. And over and over and over Jesus and the apostles preached baptism. Baptism is probably the crowning work that proves a person's faith in Christ. So how could a Christian actually believe and preach that baptism is not necessary. It's strange.
"And the first fruits of repentance is baptism" -Moroni 8: 25 "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" -Matt. 3:8 and Luke 3:7-8. "the baptism of repentance" -Acts 19:4. "all men … must repent" -Moses 6: 57. _So is the principle of repentance also too much of "works?"_
To preach "by faith thru grace" yet also receive such a priestly title such as "Pastor".. ? Or any other title of priesthood.. I think it more consistent to preach "by faith thru grace" and be called "that guy who loves to talk about Jesus" .. that would be putting your money where your mouth is.. To my point it was also said this way, "they have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.." Oh yeah those were fighting words to them whom it was said of, but was he wrong?? No.. it couldn't of have been any truer and apparently still as true today as it was when it was pened
The Bible and the Book of Mormon...and Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus, the Holy Ghost and the Apostles...all speak with One United Voice on this issue, to the point that what "Pastor Jeff" is pushing...is a totally false and unreal "salvation" that has NO FOUNDATION in the Scriptures, or in God, or in things as they Really Are. This is an issue that is absolutely CENTRAL to true salvation. To listen to and support someone who is devoted to trying to persuade the Saints of God of such fatal falsity, to me...is very unwise. Much love, David
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Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have acrucified, both bLord and Christ.
37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were apricked in their bheart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, cwhat shall we do?
38 Then Peter asaid unto them, bRepent, and be cbaptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the eremission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the gHoly Ghost.
39 For the apromise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are bafar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, aSave yourselves from this buntoward generation.
41 ¶ Then they that gladly areceived his bword were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about cthree thousand souls.
42 And they continued asteadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and bfellowship, and in breaking of cbread, and in prayers.
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Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and apreach the bgospel to every ccreature.
16 He that abelieveth and is bbaptized shall be saved;
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2 Nephi 31:5-13
5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being aholy, should have need to be bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be cbaptized, yea, even by water!
6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the aform of a bdove.
9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the agate, by which they should enter, he having set the bexample before them.
10 And he said unto the children of men: aFollow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we bfollow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?
11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father agive the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, bfollow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall afollow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no bhypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real cintent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are dwilling to take upon you the ename of Christ, by fbaptism-yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the gbaptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the htongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
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We innately KNOW that the faith that comes to us about the atonement has to be expressed in obedience to DO something...but the whole "sinners prayer" thing...is a clear expression of what Jesus Christ was referring to when He told the Pharisees that "you make void the commandment of GOD...for the sake of your tradition...IN VAIN DO YOU WORSHIP ME, teaching for doctrine the commandments of Men"...
Jesus and the Apostles commanded, taught and exemplified....the fact that the call of the True Gospel is to Believe in Jesus Atonement...and then, believing...obey the call to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....and then, and only then...receive the promise of the Father, the Holy Ghost.
Jeff and those like him...set that all aside utterly....and replace it with, "only believe in Jesus...AND then, pray this prayer"...and that alone, saves you, and nothing else whatsoever has anything to do with the remission of one's sins and receiving the Holy Ghost and attaining Heavenly Glory...which only has One "place" and position...the highest.
And anyone who does not do this...is headed for eternal torment in hell.
To say this contradicts the Bible...is an understatement. the Bible and The Restoration and the 3 Standard works of the Restoration...speak CLEARLY and LOUDLY with one united voice about this....and those Evangelical Christians that are of Jeff's teaching...are truly not even "Scriptura Sola"...but rather, "Our own vain imaginations Sola". It is stunning how OFF this doctrine is...it is "Easy Believism", NOT the "Narrow and Difficult Way that Leads to Life"! Much love, David
Fantastic, thank you for this! 🕊️
It really is good having someone like you who understands Evangelicalism as you know how we are portrayed by them. I mentioned before that I was involved in an Evangelical church in the mid 70s. They were very anti- Mormon then and I was brainwashed against the Church, but the Holy Ghost can cut through propaganda. Anyway, I want to talk about 'being saved' as I think, when we talk with Evangelicals, we end up comparing apples with pears. Let me explain.
When I was an Evangelical and listened to many preachers call people to turn their life over to God, they always emphasised that if you don't you would go to hell. I even remember the small comics that were popular at the time that showed on the final page that if you didn't accept the Gospel today you would be thrown into hell. It is imprinted on my brain a depiction of dark shadow figures of men, women and children standing at the top of a cliff above a 'sea' of flames with one or two of the dark figures falling toward the flames. Pushing the figures over the cliff was a giant hand using his index finger to push each one into the fiery pit. The message of the drawing was to show that God would push you into hell if you didn't accept Jesus as your Saviour. As a Christian the message was that accepting Jesus saved you from going to hell. So, when Jeff speaks about being saved, he's talking about being saved from hell. If not, what is he saved from?
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, when I talk about being saved, I'm not talking about being saved from hell. I'm not talking about Jesus saving me from hell, I am not talking about salvation from something else. I'm talking about salvation from my sins.
In the Bible there is nowhere it talks about saved from hell. Not one verse. The only verse it mentions what we are saved from is in Matt 1:21.were it says, "She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their SIN". That's it, the only verse in the New Testament that tell us what we are saved from.
I think we get drawn into a situation with Jeff where we are using Jeff's definition for being saved, rather than the correct definition the angel gives us when talking to Mary.
So, we cannot save ourselves by our works. That is, we can't cancel out our sin by having 51% of our good behaviour cancel out 49% of our bad behaviour and end up with a positive 'surplus' . Rather, we can endeavour to improve and become more like the Saviour in all the ways we are taught. This isn't how we become saved from hell and a candidate for the Celestial Kingdom. It would be a negative approach and a conspiring way to achieve our route to God in this way.
In Jeff's case any form of work is anathema because it takes away from grace. Jeff has even said we shouldn't think we need to do work because it is needless and not coming from, ..."faith in the cross and in God's grace and almost is mocking the finished work of the Lord". He even said about 6 months ago that once you offer the "sinners prayer" you don't need to join a church or even read the scriptures.
So, salvation for Jeff is a guarantee that you are going to Heaven and being saved from hell, forever.
Salvation for me is that my sins were forgiven when I was baptised and I received the Gift of the Holy Ghost to warn me of sin I may be about to committ and if I fall to help me avail of the Saviour's atonement that I may be forgiven after repentence and venture never to commit that sin again. In doing so, weak things become strength and we grow closer to the Lord.
So, Jeff is saved from hell which is not specifically stated in the Bible. We, as LDS, are saved from sin which is the only specific thing that is mentioned in the Bible that we are saved from.
I'm sure you could do a better job of explaining to Jeff that we are at odds when we talked about the concept of being saved. Really, we are at odds because we don't agree on anything.
One other thing you could compare is the Holy Ghost and revelation. Jeff has said that revelation is no longer necessary because 'we have the final word of God in the scriptures. If that is the case why is the Holy Ghost mentioned in the scriptures as spiritual companionship and how do we react with Him. How is He received? Is His 'word' Gospel. Furthermore, if the Holy Ghost does teach us, as the Scripture says, why do all Christian churches and seminaries not teach the same doctrine? If it is 'One Lord, (well it depends on your creed) One faith, (well, just 40,000+ versions), one baptism ( which is optional and is unnecessary for getting you into heaven). Then it's not one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Its just do what you like, believe what you want and do your own thing...love your fellow Christians except the 'mormons' because they understand nothing and are fooled by satan.
Outstanding! Thank you David! We're blessed to have you! Our Evangelical brothers and sisters need to humble themselves so that the Holy Ghost may help them open their understanding. Your videos, as a former Evangelical, are key in this process. KEEP IT UP!
...David, evangelicals don't believe you have faith and then you don't do anything. Respectfully, I think you may have not understood the evangelical perspective completely.
I would agree if someone said I just have faith and then I don't have to do anything. That would not be consistent with the Bible.
We don't do anything to add to the atonement on the cross. We do, however, live a life worthy of the Lord acting as instruments in His hands, doing good works and fight the great fight of faith!
It's an attitude of humility. We acknowledge God in ALL things and humbly say, He has saved us. As saved people, our faith is expressed in the good works we do.
@@BGCflyerI was an Evangelical for a few years back in the 70s. It was drummed into me that works were not essential to being saved from hell and going to Heaven. Nevertheless, David is responding to what Jeff has said in one of his early videos. I can't repeated it exactly, word for word, but I remember roughly what he said. It was along the lines that works were not necessary to get you into heaven as you were not relying on the finished work of the cross.
I think he then said you are mocking the atonement and the grace of God by doing works. You are saying it wasn't enough.
He then said you don't have to do anything toward your salvation, you don't even have to join or attend a church.
You talk about salvation but can you tell me what exactly are you saved from when you accept Jesus into your heart? Thanks.
I didn’t even know the name of Joseph Smith when I walked into the Mission Training Center to become a missionary so my homework was prayer bound to come to know was Joseph Smith a true Prophet and sincerely I got on my knees and the spirit of God touched my soul Yes Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the restoration of which you are to teach and testify and invite to be Baptized! What a great honor to be like Jesus and get Baptized like Jesus was!!!
Wow what a GrowthExperience for You!!!
Jesus was baptized and we follow Him.
Amen
...Jesus celebrated the Passover. Do you follow that too?
Today we had a baptism service for my twin grand daughters. It was a very uplifting service attended by humble followers of Jesus Christ. We felt the special Spirit felt at baptismal services. I've wondered about that great powerful Spirit I have felt at baptisms. I was conducting and it came to me that there were others attending who were from the Spirit world. I have other family members my minister sister a good brother and my Catholic sister none would even attend because of the accusatory fog that they accept as truth. It's so sad the are not able to enjoy the wonderful blessing of participating in holy ordinance excerpted by one of God's priesthood holders. They miss out on feeling those from the other side their dear loved ones who have accepted the gospel and are allowed to attend. Pride is a powerful weapon the adversary uses to deny us blessing we could be enjoying.
Christ sought John the Baptist to be baptised, to fulfill all righteousness.
Christ rhetorically asked, what manner of men ought ye to be, even as I am.
The apostles taught repentance and baptism.
Thus I too am baptised, thrrough the latter day restoration of authority. Amen.
100%again David you talk sense whoever does not believe this is missing the point your such an inspiration to me and heaps of others carry on the good work❤x
What surprises me is that there are members of the church watching this but not hitting the like button!
Thankyou, I went and "liked."
Go to your Bible dictionary, folks. Look up the definition of baptism. The fourth paragraph down makes it very clear." Baptism is not optional if one wishes the fullness of salvation." David Alexander is exactly right on this!
ABSOLUTELY 💯 BAPTISM IN THE ONLY NAME !!! THE ONLY NAME GIVEN AMONG MEN WHERE BY WE MUST BE SAVED . ACTS 4:12 ACTS 2:38
JOHN 3-5. MATTHEW 28:19-20
Did the theif on the cross get baptized. Yes, we should get baptized by not must!!!
@@gregorylatta8159with baptism for the dead he will be... Everyone will be baptized one day and whether the accept the gospel is on them 😘🥰
Indeed. Especially if we define baptism by water and the spirit as being born again like Jesus said in John 3:5. Even as Paul put it baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. So we symbolically die to our old ways and rise a new in Christ. It's not the water that saves us as elder renland said in conference. It's the covenant. You promise to die to your old ways and rise a new in Christ physically, and Jesus promises to redeem you.
@@ClintRay2578 Care to elaborate???
There will always Nehor, Korehor, and Sherem to test the faith of the saints.
The more the saints declares the truth the more the opposition doubles their efforts to get them out of the covenant.
Thanks a lot for keeping the gospel sounded to every ears that crosses your videos.
Pride is a common place in todays world. Satan is absolutely working overtime to tempt people and confuse them with power. I’m so thankful for the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Proclaim the gospel, stay on the covenant path through all things and endure to the end.
Our Baptismal Covenant to take upon us Him, His Name and to Believe on Him and obey Him, is so Important after we take the first steps to have faith in Him and turn away from our sins! Then the powerful Symbolic ordinance we partake of by one with Authority from Him, Baptism ,to follow Jesus the Christ is so much more meaningful, and we are then able to Receive the Gift of the HolyGhost by the laying on of hands by those ordained in authority of God. What precious blessings from Christ, and Heavenly Father!!! available to All of his children!!
I believe in our 13-articles of faith, which explains I need to First have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, second is to be baptized for the remission of my Sins... etc... Even Jesus Christ himself was baptized to fulfill every required doctrine of his gospel. I do declare & affirm ❤,
Indeed First faith, second repentance, third baptism for remission of sins, fourth is laying on of hands for the gift of the holy ghost.
Thank you again for proclaiming the truth about being baptized and demonstrating pastor Jeff for trying to deceive us.
Wonderful, strengthening, inspiring, truth!❤️🙏🏻☀️
Very well explained David. I want to add 3 more things to what you said.
1. If baptism and receiving the Gift of Holy Ghost was not necessary, why was Peter and John sent to Samaria, 65 miles away, to give the people there the Gift of the Holy Ghost when they had been baptised? Acts 8: 14-17.
2. When Paul was speaking to 'certain disciples' at Ephasis and discovered they had only received the baptism of John the Baptist, why did he baptise them again, "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ...And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them"? These 2 verses and the ones at Chapter 2 of Acts were what brought me into the Church. I had been directed to these verses by the Holy Ghost and no scriptures had had the same impact on me before and I couldn't get them out of my head until I met the Missionaries a few days later.
3. There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can come upon anyone...if they are moving towards the truth. I received my testimony after reading Moroni 10:3-5 one night after the missionaries had been teaching me over a period of 5 or 6 weeks. The missionaries had me read the verses before, but on this particular night the verses had an impact on my intellect and my heart, much like what happened when I read those 3 seperate passages in Acts.
I decided that night that I would sacrifice my sleep and stay awake reading the Book of Mormon all night to display my intent and my faith. I didn't receive a testimony that night. However, the next day I began a fast to show my intent more. That day was full of beautiful incidents and I could perceive that my whole being was changing very gradually. By teatime that night I felt like I never felt before. I thought at the time that I would love to feel the way I was feeling forever. At the time I was still a bit reluctant to accept the Church because of all the brainwashing I received when I was an Evangelical. When one of the Missionaries rang me early in the evening and stated they couldn't understand how I never received a testimony (I had asked my wife to call in with the missionaries on the way to work as they resided in the same street as my wife work in, and tell them I didn't receive an answer to my prayer) I was reluctant to tell them how I was feeling. Nevertheless, the Missionary ask me to read Galatians 5 22-23. I said I would and hung up. I immediately opened the Bible at those verses and I understood those words much deeper than I ever ever understood any words before, because I was experiencing every one of them. I was brought up never to cry but I couldn't hold back the tears of joy and I cried like a baby as I basked in the light of the Holy Ghost opening my total understanding and making it clear that God wanted to answer my prayers in the most beautiful way possible. I'm crying now as I write this.
I experienced the influence of the Holy Ghost when I found those verses in Acts, that night I read Moroni 10, and the next day gradually at first and then in a way that was indisputable allowed me to experience the fruit of the Spirit. That was the greatest day of my life.
So, I experienced the teaching and the presence of the Holy Ghost before I was baptised. After I was baptised and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, the scriptures which I found difficult to understand previously, all opened up to me in a way I never thought possible. It was no longer fleeting, it was permanent. So, we can experience the Holy Ghost as we seek the truth of the Gospel but after baptism we can have the company of the Holy Ghost as long as we obey the commandments and repent of our sins.
Finally, I was involved in a baptism last night and I mentioned at it that baptism is an introductory ordinance of the Gospel and it symbolises death of our old selves, burial of the old man and the resurrection of the new man. It is where our sins are remitted and gives us membership and entrance into the Kingdom of God.
I can understand why Jeff can't see baptism in the way the scriptures lays it out and that's because we need the Holy Ghost as the key that unlocks the scriptures to our understanding. That's why 40,000+ denominations are at odds with each other over interpreting the scriptures and they can only use their worldly intellect, erroneously, to do so. I don't understand why Jeff is shown any consideration by us in his understanding of the scriptures. A young child in the Church has a more correct understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ than he does, despite him flashing out words he learned in theology.
Beautiful testimony
Glad to here your going to the st George temple. I was there for the last time it was renovated. As a seventy i was assogned to prepare the upper room for the solom assembly.
Oh Brother, That would have been lovely !
That would be awesome to listen to you and Jared Halverson do a video together!
As a Latter-day Saint, I have always been taught that "Salvation" is "Immortality and Eternal Life" (Moses 1:39). "Immortality" is the "Resurrection" of all mankind (Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial Kingdoms). "Saved from a "physical death". It was accomplished on the Cross by the Savior totally by "Grace" (no other requirements...this is the "law of mercy"). To gain "Eternal Life", or to be saved from a "spiritual death" (or once again living with God the Father), requires baptism and confirmation to enter eternally in the Celestial Kingdom (think Celestial). This is required by the "law of justice" which was fulfilled by the Savior in the "Garden of Gethsemane". That's why we partake of both the bread and water in the Sacrament (to remember the blessings of Immortality and Eternal Life). For those who do not believe in the "Celestial Kingdom" (everyone but Latter-day Saints) their Salvation doesn't require baptism, but only gains them, at best, the Terrestrial Kingdom (See D&C 76). The key is to understand we are talking about different definitions of "Salvation".
I believe we MUST MAKE THIS DISTINCTION MORE CLEAR! There is an infinite difference between salvation and exaltation. It's no wonder we can't come to a meeting of the minds with evangelicals. We are comparing apples and oranges made of flawless diamonds, so to speak.
LDS people unacquainted with other branches of Christianity have long had a semantic misunderstanding of the LDS position relative to the nonLDS position regarding Resurrection and Salvation, and that concept was in common use among LDS people 50 or so years ago. So true enough that some LDS people were always taught that. On closer examination, *everyone* (LDS and non-LDS alike) believes that resurrection is completely free and universal. The difference between the belief systems relative to "Salvation" has actually always referred to the salvation in the *spiritual* sense, or Justification. On that point LDS and nonLDS people have different views, but the difference is more nuanced than anticipated. Non LDS christians read the scriptural text to mean that Mankind is Fallen and unable to do anything whatever to EARN redemption (See Eph 2:8-9 in the KJV, which actually does mean that the kind of Works Paul is referring to DO NOT suffice for justification because they fall outside surrender of will to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. LDS additional scripture (2 Ne 25:23) also says that men are Saved by Grace, but goes on to add "after all we can do", which annoys Evangelicals beyond all recognition, and is probably misconstrued by LDS people as well. LDS believers are AS WE SPEAK still attempting to come to terms with "after all we can do" and sometimes fall back into believing that it means random good deeds unconnected to a direct personal surrender and COVENANT with the Lord Jesus Christ. NO ONE I know of besides me makes much use of Eph 2:10 which further points out (in KJV) "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Walking in "God's before ordained good works" are not random good deeds we make up and are the RESULT of the covenant, not the SUBSTITUTE for it. So, no, LDS people actually do not believe in empty works as entry into the kingdom of God. A possible approach to the troublesome "all we can do" phrase, thus becomes "All we can do" IS throw ourselves without qualification upon the mercy of Him who is Mighty to Save, hence Grace without works. In our present world it actually is so that many Evangelical Christians believe (without checking with a single well informed LDS person) that LDS people are trying to SAVE THEMSELVES by works, which LDS people are not. LDS People on the other hand believe (simplistically and shallowly) that Evangelicals are getting a FREE TICKET to heaven and license to go back to doing whatever they please. There is an entire universe of discussion among Evangelicals regarding the GODLY walk following the surrender (usually implemented via The Sinners Prayer). So, this is an extremely complicated issue, with lots of life definition and self concept implications on both sides. The theologies really are different, but not necessarily where we expect them to be. Thanks to one and all for patience in reading. Best wishes to all from an unspecified LDS person by intentional choice.
As I'm sure you know by now, the Holy Spirit can testify to and through any humble person. But to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion requires the laying on of hands by someone with the authority to give it.
Baptism for the dead will be done for everyone that lived on the earth that are accountable. It will be up to them to accept it or not, it is their choice. So when they are judged at the last day they will have no excuse or can not say I was not given a chance to be baptised. For God above all is just and because of Christ He is merciful also.
Just a thought. Scripture says everyone needs to be baptized so all those that are underage that died will be eventually baptized anyone with the handicap they will eventually be baptized?
@@ClintRay2578we know when they are below the age of accountability or being little children, they need not be baptized. -Moroni 8: 10-12
This is generally at age 8- if they understand.
Elder Bednar said: Baptism is only the first step to receive and take upon us, The Name of Christ. The temple is the second part of this process; since in the holy temples is the only place authorized by Father to make sacred covenants for “exaltation” so without baptism nothing happens.
Thanks David, very good illumination of the doctrine. I've never understood the Evangelical line on this. The scripture seems very clear and consistent that salvation is an iterative process. Hebrews 6:1-2 is clear as to the iterative nature of salvation: repentance, faith, baptism, the laying on of hands and on to the weightier matters of perfection. But this is taught everywhere we turn. Jesus taught this a million times. When the young rich man asked about the requirements for salvation Jesus pointed him to the law, when the young man confirmed that he obeyed the law and pressed Jesus for more, Christ loved him the more and commanded that he sell everything and follow him. Additionally Jesus taught that the poor in spirit inherit his kingdom, but also the poor in heart, so too the peacemakers, also those who forgive, and those that do his will and abide to the end. And I could go on and on. I don't understand how the Evangelical picks the confession of Jesus out of all that Jesus, his prophets and apostles taught as the one thing that is actually real. Why don't they pick say... meekness? It is clear that we must exercise faith unto repentance and baptism followed by the gift of the spirit. The spirit then works in us and with us to develop every attribute of Christ, all of which are required for us to live with and be like our father in heaven.
You are speaking the truth.Amen!🌟🕊️
Thanks for the video David, you are speaking the truth!
2 Nephi 31:10-11
10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?
11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
I think some clarification is needed regarding some of the comments being made here regarding David's comments. I like what David J. Ridges once taught with regard to this topic of baptism and salvation: "The term 'salvation,' as used in the scriptures, almost always means 'exaltation'. However, it can also refer to freedom from death, which is a gift to all through the atonement of Christ. It can also, depending on context, mean salvation in the terrestrial or talential kingdom." I think what David Alexander is trying to emphasize is that we need to think celestial. Baptism is required for exaltation. That is genuine salvation. Context is important and can sidetrack us if we're not careful. However, if we always strive to think celestial, then we will never miss the mark.
Some listeners may have found that confusing ?
@@charlesfinn-z4dvery clear to me
Jesus said , John14:15 If you love me , keep my commandments. Jesus commandments are simple, but they are not easy. Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. When a person desires to love Jesus, and keep his commandments, that is the gate, after that it is line upon line, precept upon precept, right?
John 14:21
@fightingfortruth9806 No degree of glory will be easy to qualify for. Those who think living a telestial law brings happiness both in this life and in the life to come, on the line of reasoning in 2 Nephi 28:8, "and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God," grossly undermine what they will have to go through before they can be forgiven (as explained in D&C 19:15-19). Not to mention, in the words of former Presiding Bishopric member Bishop Glenn L. Pace, "they're not really happy" in the meantime, either ("They're Not Really Happy," Bishop Pace, October 1987 General Conference, paragraph 4). But technically, they will eventually be saved once the work of the Millenium has been completed (D&C 76:85).
I can't believe he'd say that baptism isn't necessary. It's right there in the Bible. Jesus was even baptized for us to follow....
Yes, but regarding honorable men who don't get baptized, can they still qualify for the Terrestrial Kingdom? It's clear that baptism helps us be honorable, and avoid the damning influence of the adversary, so in that sense baptism is a saving ordinance, but it is my understanding that salvation and resurrection is a free gift to all mankind from Jesus and Heavenly Father.
@stephtimms1776
It’s my understanding that all will be resurrected, right? Don’t we believe in “the resurrection of the morning, afternoon” and then later the resurrection of the wicked? I forget if that has a different name/time of day assigned to it…
And there is that scriptural loophole that if a person would have received the gospel in their life, had they been permitted to tarry, that they will receive the necessary blessings because the Father knows their minds. But we don’t know as the Father and Mother, Son and Spirit do, so we perform proxy ordinances for as many as we can.
And there’s that bit that says all will be judged according to the light/knowledge they received…
I don’t know what all the nitpicky doctrine is, but Elohim certainly do! (“Elohim” is plural and a title more than anything; applies to all who are “God”)
yes…God is so Good!!!
@@gingersnaps215 Sounds about right.
I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!!
Listen to the beautiful and powerful words of what it says about baptism: "now I say unto you, that ye must repent, and be born again; for the spirit saith if ye are not born again, YE CANNOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; therfore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his COMMANDMENTS, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.
And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, HE SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, according to the testimony of the holy spirit, which testifieth in me." Alma 7:14-16.
Let me be so bold to say that anyone who reads and denies these eternal truths is deceived by the devil and needs to repent. Im sorry, but if you can't see the true doctrine of christ in these words and the eternal truths taught, your eyes are blinded by the deception of the evil one.
I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON BECAUSE IT DENOUNCES DECEPTION AND TESTIFIES OF TRUTH.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul is explaining grace. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Philippians 2:12-13
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Please take a moment and pray for Jeff and Shay to be reconciled in marriage. Thank you.
60/40 relationship is how I try to live...
You give at least 60% and only expect 40%. If your spouse did the same, you would never be let down. As soon as anyone expects 100% in someone they will be let down every day.
I can tell you my wife has never let me down because I don't expect anything or everything from her.
Love is like fire. If you don't add wood to it, it will eventually go out 🥰😘
This is so good! Thank you so much for making this video! You are a great teacher!!!!
I learn so much from David's exposition of the Book of Acts!
There are certainly different levels of salvation as explained in Doctrine and Covenants 76, but why settle for a lower level when we can obtain so much more? Priesthood ordinances, including baptism, are definitely required to gain our full potential.
My thought is that P.J. is actually taking a swipe at the need for temples and baptism for the dead.
Some churches, rejecting the Catholic Church teachings of everyone in the world going to hell unless baptized (even babies), they went to the total opposite belief that baptism isn't even required. After all, that would take authority and priesthood, which they don't have.
But, having the temple, and everyone eventually getting the opportunity for baptism, through preaching the gospel in the spirit world and baptism for the dead, allows for mercy from God while at the same time having perfect justice.
John 14:21
1 Peter 3:18-20
Jeff’s an evangelical? If they believe no need for baptism = no need for the restored church.
I’ve heard pastor Jeff talk of baptism as being required but not being required for salvation. I’m interested to hear the differentiation.
Another home run Elder Alexander! Thank you once again, you are an example of a true disciple of Christ. The edification you offer is in fact priceless. So... When is your sister getting baptized? 🤍😉🤍
Respectfully, David is not an apostle nor a missionary. Therefore it is not correct to refer to him as “Elder.” But yes, I agree with you, he IS an example of a true follower of Christ! ❤
@@cantdance9786 oh my goodness you're right! 😂
I must've subconsciously designated him as a missionary.
David is an elder . It is deacon teacher priest elder high priest . What do you think anyone 18 years old is ? When given the higher priesthood ? What do you think they are ? They are an elder . Deacon teacher priest elder high priest . That is the order it goes . By age and by worthiness . A teen priest can baptize but only an adult elder with a temple recommend can give the Holy Ghost . If someone asks are there in any elders in the church who can bless ? That would be all adult male members 18 and up who have received the M. Priesthood is an Elder . It doesn’t mean you are a missionary sent out . They are still elders . What do you think they are ? Next is high Priest . How do you become a high priest ? Usually by certain callings you receive . Not sure if it has anything to do with age. But what you are called to . If he isn’t an elder what do you think he is ? Of course he is an elder .
Dear David, I’m glad you chose to be baptized. Getting baptized is an individual choice.
@@charlesfinn-z4d it absolutely is, he is addressing the preaching of false doctrine only. No one twists your arm to take the Lord up on his loving offer. 🫴🏼
NOT requiring baptism solves the problem that every other religion has when asked by congregants about their ancestors who had no baptism.
That is such a good point. Can you imagine the implications of believing that literally all God's children need to be baptized? It world be a monumental task which fulfills the first and second gear commandments. Oh yes....LDS people understand and are blessed with work to do! Thanks for the insight.
Please let us know how the tour of the St.George Temple went.
Brilliant
Thanks for this post. I am not sure why members fall for this Jeff guy. Paid ministry is the final cut for me. Hey...have you ever seen the "17 points of the true church" handout? It's pretty awesome.
I think it's the "I found a sweet lost puppy, can we keep it" syndrome. :>)
I love it. It can be found by googling it.
"The unbeatable position" is pretty awesome too 😂
Thank you, sound points
Im so thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the pure gospel truths that are taught therein. The congregations of branches, wards and stakes all throughout the whole world are in complete unison and are of one accord. You can visit any ward in any part of the world and the same doctrines will be taught and there will be no deviation whatsoever. The same cannot be said among Christianity in general and even in some instances there is various degrees of disagreement among various churches within their own denominations. Heavenly Father is not the author of confusion and no, there aren't many different paths to reach heaven. Nope nope nope. Jesus Christ himself said narrow is the way..not narrow are the ways!
We know that 1) Faith, 2) Repentance, 3) BAPTISM by IMMERSION by one holding the proper priesthood authority, 4) Laying on of hands to receive the gift of The Holy Ghost - again by proper priesthood authority, and then 5) Faithfully enduring to the end is the only path. There is absolutely no confusion or dissention within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on this matter, for us it is absolutely crystal clear why baptism by immersion is necessary. It is solid gospel doctrine.
Im so grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Pastor Jeff is sorely deceived and is sorely deceiving many others. I would like to know where he honestly thinks his authority came from, from the school he graduated from??? Who gave that school the authority from Heavenly Father???? So there's different schools with completely different beliefs, but by going to the institution, paying your tuition and graduating from that institution with their sheepskin gives you authority from God to decide that baptism isn't needed for salvation???? What happens if you change your mind about certain gospel doctrine that contradicts what the institution teaches? Does your authority then become invalid?
Wonderfully stated.
yes!
BROTHER DAVID, CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR TEMPLE ENDOWMENT IS NEARING! I'M SO EXCITED TO HEAR YOUR TEMPLE ENDOWMENT EXPERIENCE! 😊😊😊 FOUR MORE MONTHS!
All people need to do to admit that Baptism is absolutely necessary is read Mark 16:16 and John 3. We MUST be born of WATER and the SPIRIT AND WE MUST also be baptized or we are damned. It’s in the Bible.
It is beyond me how any Christian can argue for "baptism not necessary". It is so plain. It says it all over the Bible.
It is abundantly clear that requiring a priest authorized by Jesus to baptize you to be saved is the most sure way to make sure the doctrine the priest teaches is the only doctrine taught, and not 46 thousand other doctrines, 46 thousand representing all the Christian churches in the world today
The hard part when discussing this with Protes (protestants) is we aren’t even taking about the same salvation. They define being saved as returning to the presence of the Son. Many I have discussed with will even say they will never be able to see the Father even in Heaven. Remember they don’t believe in a fullness of the Salvation meaning Celestial Glory. So we aren’t even beginning at the same starting point.
Faith will be required to not be damned. “Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus IS the Christ”
But Faith is also required for one to even come into the covenant required to enter through that strait gate. So I usually read Paul’s notion of “it is only by faith that you are saved…” to be talking about works based salvation which is to presume that “we” save ourselves. We do not believe that we save ourselves so we agree with Paul. We also agree with all the Apostles when we action the Faith we have and enter into the baptismal covenant with God.
What Salvation has Christ brought? *** He saves us from DEATH & HELL ***.
We are all saved from DEATH. This is a general salvation and is taken by some to mean once saved, always saved. They misrepresent this we are all saved as completed Exaltation.
As terminology has changed, we need to adapt our explanations to avoid talking around each other and causing conflict. Christ's Grace has done what we cannot do. He freed us from death, so we are saved(general), by his Grace alone. We are given resurrected bodies and not left as eternal spirits like satan and his followers. Because Christ has saved us, he determines how he will now BLESS us. If we love him, we will keep his commandments, it is that simple.
Christ says that we need to be born again to SEE the Kingdom of God. Being born again doesn't save/Exalting us, meaning Entering his Kingdom, unless we enter in through the door or gate of Authorised Baptism, we cannot be blessed with Exaltation. Now the baptism itself isn't the Exalting us, it is entering that covenant with Christ and embracing his Grace that is saving us.
WE DO NOT WORK TO BE SAVED. WE KEEP THE COVENANTS TO BE CHANGED INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST. Covenants are there to transform us into the image of Christ. Becoming Christlike, will enable us to become like him and become Joint Heirs with him, into Exaltation.
Pastor Jeff is living in "general salvation land", as he does not have the vision. He believes that the Garden of Eden is Exaltation and everything Christ does is to get us back to Eden.
He believes that Adam and Eve falling was not meant to happen, so what they really believe is that we are on God's Plan B. We know the Plan of Salvation and the reason for the Fall.
Stay on the Covenant path. Remember we Are Saved by Grace, not works. We are changed by Covenants into Exalted beings.
Protestants want to get married without having a wedding 💒
I get what you mean.
matthew 28:19 has not been rescinded
19 ¶ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Jesus said, "Follow Me." What did Jesus do? 1. He was baptized by John "...to fulfill all righteousness." 2. He then fasted 40 days and then 3. He started his ministry.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;
Outstanding scriptural explanations of the necessity an divinely appointed need of repentance baptism an the gift of the holy ghost David. Only those with other than pure motives for seeking truth could be easily deceived though their are many voices the spirit of truth sounds clear when it is spoken with the inspiration of the holy ghost. In the mouth of 2 an three witnesses everything pertaining to eturnal life shall be established.😊
Do you think “the like figure” could mean the number 8? Even the age in which we baptize our children in the true Church:)
That is what I taught as a full-time missionary.
Hope you are feeling better David.
The Book of Mormon backs the Bible up with plainness and clarity.
2 Nephi 31
4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world.
5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.
9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.
10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?
11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism-yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.
15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
Take care
Not in a van down by the river today.
Yeah but it okay sometimes?
@@rconger24 oh no its absolutely never okay. He must be in the van at all times. (Joking)
Jesus said John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John the Baptist said “I have NEED to be baptized of Thee”!!!
Jeff takes an ounce of Jesus Christ’s Words over an ounce of Protestantism
But he takes 3 pounds of Protestantism over an ounce of Jesus Christ’s Words
The problem with the theology of man, is it starts to overpower the scriptures at some point, and if it’s wrong it can be damaging
I talked to him a little bit about it, he likes the theology of man quite a bit
Ephesians 2:8-9 is taken at face value by Jeff, which is another problem he has
I call it the “Ephesians 2:8-9 fallacy”
When you take that verse at face value
You can undermine works of faith, works of love, and works of intimacy with God
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
@@charlesfinn-z4d that’s the go-to response, but verse ten isn’t talking about works for salvation
My rock and seed for salvation, Jesus said , John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
33:00 hey David you made some excellent points about those Gentiles receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking with tongues I never thought of it that way. I hope you'll consider thinking of it as there is a difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the the power of the Holy Ghost. If you read the Bible dictionary it says the power of the Holy Ghost is when the Holy Ghost comes upon people before they are baptized to teach them show them truth. The gift of the Holy Ghost comes after confirmation. I was told think of it as a door with a handle on one side the Holy Ghost could use it to open and come in at any time whereas when you get the gift of the Holy Ghost it puts a handle on your side so you can open it and let him in at any time. So this would be a case where the power of the Holy Ghost was coming on them showing Peter that God wanted to pour out the spirit on the Gentiles also. So Peter was then instructed to baptize them and give them the gift of the Holy Ghost so they could keep it at all times.
I always go back to John 3:5. I constantly remind my evangelical friends that our lord and savior wasn’t one to exaggerate, lie or mince words. He says that unless you are born of water and the spirit ye “cannot” enter into the kingdom of heaven. That’s another way for him to say that it’s impossible.
That is why we needed the RESTORATION of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our perfect Savior was baptized so we would follow his example. I think those who don't have the authority to baptize need to believe they don't need it.
The Spirit of Elijah is a direction to go on this one, and the keys that Elijah carried for and on behalf of baptism/s for the dead which Elijah restored through Joseph Smith Jr. See what happened in church history on April 3rd, 1836... Moses, Elias & Elijah restored the keys to do baptism/s for the dead.
EV's are stuck on the "common salvation" for all that Christ's atonement took care of. That's why they think baptism is not required. But... that does not cover salvation into Celestial glory which of course... IS the kingdom of God.
Where’s “ common salvation “ in the scriptures?
@@charlesfinn-z4d, that's the point. EV's have it all wrong.
@@charlesfinn-z4d ... Jude 1
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the *COMMON SALVATION* , it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark 16:16 is not in the original manuscripts. It's literally in the footnotes of most bibles. I don't think anyone is going to argue that Jesus commands us to get baptized and if you really have a changed heart you will do what you are commanded to do. This is really just a question of if the baptism itself saves you.
Christ is our Savior. He is the one that saves us. But he has laid out a process by which we are to access His atoning sacrifice, and that includes baptism by those having proper authority. The scriptures are very clear on these points.
Being baptized does not save you any more than flipping a light switch is what powers your lights. What baptism does is give you access to the cleansing and healing power of the atonement. If you don't flip that light switch, it makes no difference to the light that gigawatts of energy are available. The light will remain off until the switch completes the circuit.
Well said. If Jesus is reaching out his hand to save me from falling but I have to reach my own hand out to grab his, did I save myself? Did reaching out save me? Or did Jesus save me? The argument that baptism as a requirement shifts the saving from Jesus to the act of baptism is a bunch of garbage. And they know it. Jesus' words couldn't have been more clear on baptism. Unless a man is born of the water and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. "But the man on the cross with Jesus wasn't baptized." Christians actually reject Jesus' words on baptism based on an assumption that the man on the cross wasn't baptized. Based on nothing, they assume he wasn't baptized. It's actually 100x more likely that he was baptized by one of the apostles than not because he had intimate knowledge of Jesus' identity, a fact not many people outside of his circle knew. It's likely that he followed Jesus for some time before he came to that knowledge, as several people did. People think that because he was a thief he couldn't have been baptized or ever followed Jesus. I'm not saying he was or wasn't baptized because there's no evidence for either, but if you go by the context of the bible, because Jesus said he would be in paradise, said baptism was required to enter the kingdom of heaven, and because he knew Jesus' true identity, it's more likely that he was a follower of Jesus and would have been baptized by one of the apostles than that he was just some random criminal with no previous knowledge of Jesus. If you're going to try and make excuses for the supposed inconsistencies of the bible teachings like people dying without the opportunity for baptism, at least make it a good attempt and don't stomp all over the words of Jesus in the process.
Another thing to go along with this is that paradise is not the same as heaven, where the Father is. We know Christ had not yet been to the Father when on the 3rd day he spoke to Mary and said “touch me not”. He had not yet ascended to the Father.
Great point about the possibility of the thief being baptized!
Also, "paradise" is not the same word as "heaven". It's not the same in English, and it's not the same in the Greek or Hebrew manuscripts the the bible is translated from either. Jesus wasn't saying I will see you in heaven today (where my father dwells). He was telling him he would see him in "paradise", or the spirit world, where Christ went to teach the spirits who were there. (1 Peter 3:19)
@@beckywalton5200 correct. Unfortunately with most christians, their understanding of "I have not yet ascended unto my father" denotes some type of incomprehensible ascension into a heavenly role rather than presenting himself before the father, he having accomplished his earthly mission to atone for the sins of mankind and take up his body from the grave. When they look at it from their perspective, they lose themselves in the incomprehensible and see nothing there. When we look at it from our angle, it makes perfect sense. The gospel was preached to them that were dead. It also puts into perspective the scripture that says sit at my right hand till I put all things under your feet at which point Christ says he will then also yield up his power and be ruled by the father. I'm paraphrasing because I don't want to go search the exact verse but essentially Christ must rule till the end, at which point he'll hand everything over to the father, having carried out the plan and delivered everything in its perfect and correct state. All of these scriptures are somewhat nonsensical or rather meaningless from one perspective and entirely glorious, beautiful, understandable, and logical from another.
@@EricHancock yeah sadly most christians I've discussed this idea with vehemently reject the notion that he could have been baptized. Despite there being more logic in him being baptized than not. Also despite it being more in line with the teachings of Jesus. Pretty hard to discuss with someone who doesn't want to learn.
I've followed the "paradise" in different languages point before and I didn't find much. Seems like it was a general term often used to denote the afterlife. What have you found on that subject?
@@toddbender3463 it is unfortunate that many of the plain and precious truths clear to us are lost to so many good people who have been innocently deceived. I’m thankful for the knowledge of baptism for the dead. What a perfect and glorious plan of our Father.
Baptism is the gate to exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, the entry to the covenant path. It isn't necessary for "salvation" into one of the other kingdoms. See D&C 76:43-44, 2 Nephi 2:4. All but the sons of perdition are "saved" eventually into a kingdom with some level of glory. This is a marvelous effect of the Atonement that is often overlooked. The great message of the Restoration that was lost in the Apostasy is that THERE IS SO MUCH MORE!: exaltation, perfection, eternal family life, and becoming like God the Father, living in His presence, having His power and glory, inheriting all that he has, etc. etc. His love for us and His power to exalt us are so much greater than other religions can even imagine. So we are usually talking about exaltation when Protestants are only talking about salvation., although we sometimes use the words interchangeably. Perhaps we shouldn't! Anyone can get to the lower kingdoms without baptism. These are the kingdoms many would be perfectly happy in forever. It's all they expect. THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF "SALVATION" IS SO FAR BELOW WHAT THE RESTORED GOSPEL OFFERS THAT IT CAN'T BEGIN TO TOUCH IT. WE MUST MAKE THE DISTINCTION!!!
Library
Hello,
I have been searching the New Testament which mentions that Jesus baptized the Apostles. Can you share the passage(s) where that is mentioned?
Thank you for your insight.
I wonder if Christians in general understand the difference between the Holy Ghost, which so many honest seekers feel, including Martin Luther in his quest, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which follows baptism and is the "right" to that influence when we're living worthy!😮
Best explanation of the need for baptism that I’ve ever heard, not that I’ve heard many that are exclusively on baptism. I think usually it has been lumped into a bigger context. I think I will plagiarize this whole thing
It's straightforward. Anyone who says otherwise is apostate from the truth. The only reasons I can imagine that they wish to remove baptism from the gospel is either that they enjoy their new invention of "accept Christ into your heart" (showing their apostasy), baptism is so much more trouble and work to do than the aforementioned invention, or they feel unsure of how it's done and of their authority to do it.
Mark 1:4 reads "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins".
Saints be careful. Pharisees thought they didn't need baptism, they stood afar watching John baptised people, they said they are Abraham children & truly they were. But oh how sad..
I feel like evangelicals are backed into a corner on this topic. Jeff is consistent that our actions cannot bring us to salvation. Therefore baptism, being an act, cannot be necessary (in his philosophy). This forces him to choose between what Jesus Christ said (John 3: 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God), and their contemporary interpretations that remove us from responsibility.
I don't think they've reconciled scripture with their traditions very well.
John 14:21
I wouldn't focus on arguing with Pastor Jeff, it is unfortunate Saints Unscripted had him on, just as it's unfortunate they had Coco Bertham (lied about being trafficked and lied about a cancer diagnosis), but we can't waste time on that. Clearly Jeff watched Saints Unscripted, found their calm sweet speaking demeanor to be what he thinks is leading people into the Church (they are doing more good than harm and are bringing many into the Church and helping many to come back, stay...) and he tries to mimic it, shocking us, who oft experience serious hateful contention from people who think we're "wrong" in all things, but at the end of the day, his livelihood depends on it, if he joined, he'd have to find a new career, so even if things make sense, even if we find answers to debunk all of his accusations, he has a HUGE mental block because of well, money... as we do NOT have paid clergy, we cannot be right and he cannot join... because it's his career on the line, if we ARE RIGHT...
If Pastor Jeff joined, I believe he might have a bigger following...
Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
You need to read a talk by ELder Neal A Maxwell titled why not now
Something I’d like to ask of people who don’t believe in baptism is:
“Do you believe that Jesus Christ did anything unnecessarily? Do you believe He did anything that was a total waste of time?”
My guess is their answer would most likely be no. Then why did He get baptized? Why did He teach baptism?
If we believe baptism is unnecessary, then we believe Christ was wasting His time doing those things which can’t be true.
Thanks for the video David!
How else can we show we have really repented except by being baptized? Don't we need to follow Jesus by doing what Jesus said?
Why is the finger of accusation being pointed at the ones who are humbly trying to do the things Jesus said to do?
We are not believing enough unless we are repenting.
We are not repenting enough unless we are being baptized.
I find it easy to believe that Jeff would say this : you must look at a person's central motivation. The issue, the ordinance, are not as important to him as the # of people he draws in to his web. Remember that he cares more about engaging more and more people. This is not new among those who care more for the world than coming to a knowledge of the restored truth. No surprise here. The better it works, the more one could expect.
One simple truth still evades him. The Lord knows the very thoughts and intents of the heart. This is not metaphorical---- this is literal truth.
HEBEL EST OMNIS ADAM
Is not saying a little prayer or confessing that Jesus is our Savior just as much a "work" as baptism is? It requires the sinner to "do" something - confess or pray. If baptism is a dead work, then so also is such a confession.
Exactly right, David. We innately KNOW that the faith that comes to us about the atonement has to be expressed in obedience to DO something...but the whole "sinners prayer" thing...is a clear expression of what Jesus Christ was referring to when He told the Pharisees that "you make void the commandment of GOD...for the sake of your tradition...teaching for doctrine the commandments of Men"...
Jesus and the Apostles commanded, taught and exemplified....the fact that the call of the True Gospel is to Believe in Jesus Atonement...and then, believing...obey the call to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....and then, and only then...receive the promise of the Father, the Holy Ghost.
Jeff and those like him...set that all aside utterly....and replace it with, "only believe in Jesus...AND then, pray this prayer"...and that alone, saves you, and nothing else whatsoever has anything to do with the remission of one's sins and receiving the Holy Ghost and attaining Heavenly Glory...which only has One "place" and position...the highest.
And anyone who does not do this...is headed for eternal torment in hell.
To say this contradicts the Bible...is an understatement. the Bible and The Restoration and the 3 Standard works of the Restoration...speak CLEARLY and LOUDLY with one united voice about this....and those Evangelical Christians that are of Jeff's teaching...are truly not even "Scriptura Sola"...but rather, "Our own vain imaginations Sola". It is stunning how OFF this doctrine is...it is "Easy Believism", NOT the "Narrow and Difficult Way that Leads to Life"!
I was a misfit in Evangelical Christianity...from go. I am so thankful...for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...there are no words adequate to express it. I could find no place to go...to true home...my entire life, till now
Great comment/insight
Much love, David
Wow that’s an incredible insight
I don't know if there is anything I can add to these comments, but there should be no question in anyone's mind, no matter what denomination they belong to, that baptism is completely necessary to inherit the kingdom of God, as stated in John 3:5. One problem with Christianity is the ridiculous number of Bible translations that exist. The KJV is not perfect, but it is the most neutral version. Translators can make the Bible read any way they want to. Dr, Kent Hovind (a Christian author) strongly advocates for KJV. The KJV talks about baptism at least a dozen times. The notion that John 3:5 refers to the water present during physical birth is ludicrous. If Jesus was talking about physical birth in John 3:5, it makes no sense because everyone experiences physical birth. And that would mean that every person born automatically inherits the kingdom of God. That would include murderers, Hitlers, rapists, pedophiles, and so on. John 3:5 cannot, does not, and never will refer to physical birth. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.
Eh David, “it’s Rob again!” 😂 It’s so clear David. True Baptism done by proper authority is the true sign of Coming unto Him and becoming “born again” and getting on the covenant path. Not that a person can’t be sincere and have experiences with the light of Christ and following Him but while Christ was on the earth along with his disciples they unequivocally taught that baptism was an essential step to becoming converted and following Jesus. I’m not sure how anyone gets around it from the teachings in the New Testament. Thanks David!
The comment “ Baptism in this life, is not required for salvation “. That would apply to those who never had the opportunity, to learn about Jesus’s gospel. By not knowing Jesus’s gospel; could not make the choice to, repent and be baptized.
Even LUTHER in his
rejection of Catholic
"works salvation" did
NOT reject baptism
since it's so undeniably
BIBLICAL... but you get
this oneupsmanship
of theoretical purity
on the omnipotence
of Grace that they end up
denying the clear and
repeated word of
SCRIPTURA
Are you on Facebook David?
Jesus said to Nicodemus we have to be born again to enter heaven. Nicodemus asked how to be born again. "And Jesus answered verily verily I say unto thee, except a man be BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." So that's the most straight forward answer, yet Protestants will try to twist it to ignore the water part as baptism. They try telling me "oh that's refering to your first birth by your mother, what he's referring to is being born of the spirit. That's how you're born again." But that requires them to ignore Jesus baptism where he said "it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." As his reason to John for why he needed to be baptized. Thankfully nephi who was shown in vision Jesus baptism explains why this was so important. Nephi explained "5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. 10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son... wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do."
So an even more straightforward answer. Yes we must be born again? How did Jesus and Nephi define being born again? It's being baptized in water, and receiving the gift of the holy ghost.
So is it necessary? Yes. Which then further explains why they practiced baptism for the dead. It is what makes God a just God. If everyone is baptized then judgement day is fully just. It leaves it up to us to merely except Jesus as savior and follow him or follow Satan.
In the end Satan will see why the father's plan would work, even though Satan thought it wouldn't. One day he will see.
Think of all the 10,000+ different and separate evangelical churches teaching that we need baptism or don't need baptism. I'd be so confused if I was part of Jeff's church and he wanted me to follow him and not Jesus on this issue.
The word "baptism" was mentioned in the New Testament 22 times! But Pastor Jeff totally ignors and redefines it! Baptism for the dead was also mentioned in the New Testament and likewise ignored because it was only mentioned ones! 😅😅😅
Pastor Jeff should honestly feel embarrassed of being so confident for not knowing the bible he so proclaims. I don't understand why he puts himself in the position of judging or questioning the very truth of the Lord's Gospel. I apologize if I don't sound too brothering, but someone has to say it. Thank you David for being so clear in exposing Gospel facts versus pastor Jeff.
Biptism is an expression of obedience to the Faith. true it is more.. True Baptism is done by Authority from God. If it is not done with Authority is not effectual unto salvation. so I would say Pastor Jeff discounts baptism because of the lack of Authority that his own church has.
Baptism with Authority is ordained of God. and openes the door to the power of exaltation . without Authority it is only a gesture.
I hope intellegent christians understand the fallen view of some gospel that paster jeff is teaching.
Jesus actually came back from the dead and commanded His Deciples....
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19
How then can this even be a matter of debate among "Christians?"
These are my thoughts about pastor Jeff. If you readJacob chapter 7 in the Book of Mormon it is about a man named Jeff. Ha Ha! His name was Sherem but if you read this chapter Sherem’s characteristics and paster Jeff’s have a lot of similarities. Members beware!
Pastor Jeff just trying to earn money through TH-cam in my opinion. He doesn’t really care to know the truth of the church of Jesus Christ of latter saints. If he is he would have the Holy Spirit to know the true gospel by now. He made me sick to my stomach when I think of him talking to the saints but the lord commands me to love his children so I am going to do just that.
David, you said Jesus baptized all of his disciples? Where can I find that in the Bible? So far, this is what I understand. Apostle John wrote in John 3:22 that Jesus baptized. However, he corrected himself in John 4:2 to say that Jesus didn't baptize, but his disciples did. So, these verses indicate that Jesus taught his disciples how to baptize, but he didn't baptize anyone himself.
Bruce, I think that is a mistaken assumption. Jesus was baptized...and John didn't "correct himself" in John 4:2. Jesus "made and baptized more disciples than John" in John 3:22...but also...it is just common sense...implied...that Jesus was MAKING DISCIPLES...teaching them to do what HE did....and so clearly, he baptized the 12...and then once they were baptized...he had them to the baptizing of the others...on his behalf. The idea that Jesus would have unbaptized disciples...make disciple by baptized them...is just a bit absurd, don't you think? There is no such thing, as an "unbaptized disciple"....because Jesus Himself states plainly, in Mark 16;16...that "He who believes AND IS BAPTIZED will be saved".
Paul did exactly the same thing....He would baptize the first disciples he made in a new place he was evangelizing...and then put those disciples to work, doing the baptizing after that.
But evangelicals misuse this...to claim that baptism is not necessary, which is ridiculous, and a total heretical gutting of Heavenly Father's clear Plan of Salvation so plainly proclaimed by Peter the day the Church was birthed in Acts 2:36-42.
The Scriptures don't always state what is obvious. But just because they don't specifically state the obvious...does not mean...that the obvious did not happen. Much love, David
@@davidmalvinalexander ...I would agree that it would be absurd if the disciples or apostles were not baptized. I agree with all the scriptures you are sharing. From what I understand, evangelicals are NOT saying baptism doesn't matter. They are only pointing out that ordinances in themselves does't save.
The apostles were baptized! But it's super clear that Jesus didn't baptize. If Jesus baptized the apostles, that is an assumption. John 4:1-2 "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)" The scripture clearly states Jesus baptized not! So, I'm going with what the Bible says on this one. It doesn't mean baptism isn't important. If you want' to assume Jesus baptized, that's your choice but the Bible doesn't specifically support that.
Even Paul said to the Corithinans, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." 1 For. 1:17. Baptism is important, but it wasn't the all end main focus. Jesus want's our heart, not our ordinances! Just my thoughts on this. God Bless!
God bless you also, Bruce. I appreciate your heart....but how you have strayed so far from pure doctrine on this matter is beyond me. Bruce, “your thoughts” you are speaking…are Evangelical teaching...that is totally contrary to what the Church of Jesus Christ teaches. "Jesus wants our heart, not our ordinances!"...is a horrible lie. John 14:15 Jesus says plainly, "He who has my commandments and keeps them is the One who loves me".....To proclaim, as you just did...that you can "love Him"...give him your heart...apart from His Divine Plan of Salvation give through His chosen Apostle Peter on the Day the Church was birthed...is a total lie.
To build a teaching “Jesus didn’t baptize anyone” based on a hyper-literal interpretation of one verse…and take that interpretation as superior to the Teaching of the Church given through the Apostles and Prophets that he has sent…is a foundational characteristic…of Evangelical Christianity.
The 3,000 that were cut to the heart by the proclamation of the Atonement in Acts 2:36 cry out "what must we do", and God's command through Peter...is not optional..."Repent and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!"
Real Faith...is to give Him your heart...through obeying His commands in His Plan of Salvation.
They are not “our ordinances”…they are God’s! And we show Him our hearts truly love Him, by obeying what He commands and ordains! This is Basic…to being a Latter Day Saint.
I have to wonder if you are even a Latter Day Saint! Or if you are one...you have been listening to Evangelical Teaching, from someone like Pastor Jeff of Hello Saints and Apologia Studios, and allowing yourself to trust their deception...instead of the Prophetic and Apostolic teaching of the only True Church on the earth.
Either way...you are horribly wrong. There is no such thing, as a true disciple that is not baptized for the remission of their sins by someone with proper authority. And there is no way to "give Jesus your heart" in TRUTH and receive Him and the Holy Ghost in fullness...apart from repentant, believing baptism. They are not “our ordinances”…they are God’s! May you somehow find grace to return to being wholeheartedly devoted to the True Faith! Much love, David
@@davidmalvinalexander ...respecfully sir, I'd say the same to you, but perhaps at least we are the few who still hold a Christ centered life! Hope you enjoy your day. You sound American but I know you live in Australia. Not sure if you are celebrating Thanksgiving? but if you are, it's a great time to thank our Almighty God who worked through the Native American Indians to help the pilgrims in 1620. Something most Americans have completely forgotten. I'm a little old fashionI about these things.
Again, I appreciate you responding to me. You are one of the few TH-cam creators that actually respond, so thank you! God Bless brother!
Is evangelicalism coming into the LDS Church? Example, Hello Saints broadcast. Haven’t members of the LDS Church, opened their arms, and embraced that evangelistic programming? Evangelism believes there is no need for baptism, no need for a restored church. Look at the number of subscribers, mostly Saints? Evangelism is an easy Christianity, and Hello Saints puts an appealing face on it. Can we support the Lord’s work, and Evangelism at the same time? Matthew 12:25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to destruction.
"Pastor" Jeff is wresting the Scriptures unto his own condemnation.
It's weird how there isn't any way to test this (outside of dying, of course) - are rituals like this just made up?
The ignorance of Protestant pastors never ceases to amaze me and "Pastor" Jeff is no exception.
Pastor Jeff never said baptism is not a part of the process of salvation. Maybe you might think carefully about what he really said!
Actually, Bruce...you are mistaken, totally. That is exactly what he says....he says that Baptism contributes nothing whatsoever...to becoming "saved"..that salvation is a result of "faith only". But of course, as James plainly says..."faith without works...is dead, being alone". Much love, David
@@davidmalvinalexander ...thank you for replying to me about this.
...I think there is a misunderstand of what it means to be "saved". We can't add to the work Jesus did on the cross, so in that sense, we can't do anything to add to this atoning sacrifice, which saves us. This is why Paul says we are saved by grace through faith. BUT he doesn't finish there - he says "and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-NOT BY WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST. So, it's a humble attitude we have. We don't want to be boastful and say well, I did this and that, so that's why I'm saved. We glorify God and humble ourselves to submit to Him and say He (Jesus Christ) has done it all! BUT we are not done yet. Paul continues, "For we are Gods' workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
So we are created to do good works! Those good works are God working in us, expressed through the living faith James talks about.
A person who has been changed by God and expresses that faith, if it's a living faith, will show it! That's what James is saying. When an evangelical speaks of faith, that doesn't mean they just say they believe but don't do anything. James speaks of two kinds of faith. One that is alive! and one that is dead.
Being saved by grace through faith DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULDN'T GET BAPTISED. If you have really changed, then baptism is a natural desire. The reality, however, is that not everyone in heaven or the Celestial Kingdom will be baptized.
Aren't children under the age of 8 NOT BAPTIZED! So, technically, there will be people in the Celestial Kingdom who haven't been baptized. Joesph Smith receives a vision of this in the Kirkland Temple 1836. D&C 137: 5-6. "I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins." So Joseph Smith sees his brother Alvin who had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom yet was NOT BAPTIZED?
If you say everyone must be baptized, then those little children don't make it either. I know you can tell me there is an exception in the Book of Mormon for children, but that still means that there are people in the Celestial Kingdom that are there who were never actually baptized, like Joseph Smith's brother Alvin and all the children. Do you see my point?
Thanks again for having civil dialog with me. Like you, I've spent many years searching for the truth. God bless!
I watched Jeff's video and it's hard for me to believe that he believes baptism is not necessary for salvation. Evangelicals are so stuck on the "you cannot do anything to merit salvation" that they take it way too far. Our works is a validate of our faith. Without works, there is no faith. And over and over and over Jesus and the apostles preached baptism. Baptism is probably the crowning work that proves a person's faith in Christ. So how could a Christian actually believe and preach that baptism is not necessary. It's strange.
"And the first fruits of repentance is baptism" -Moroni 8: 25
"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" -Matt. 3:8 and Luke 3:7-8.
"the baptism of repentance" -Acts 19:4.
"all men … must repent"
-Moses 6: 57.
_So is the principle of repentance also too much of "works?"_
To preach "by faith thru grace" yet also receive such a priestly title such as "Pastor".. ? Or any other title of priesthood..
I think it more consistent to preach "by faith thru grace" and be called "that guy who loves to talk about Jesus" .. that would be putting your money where your mouth is..
To my point it was also said this way, "they have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.."
Oh yeah those were fighting words to them whom it was said of, but was he wrong??
No.. it couldn't of have been any truer and apparently still as true today as it was when it was pened