Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
It is important for me to know what the purpose of priests in Mormonism is because I don't believe they are necessary.
But can you not know that from reading the bible? Let me rephrase...why can't you just read about it in the bible to know for what purpose they serve?
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
As touching me knowing from reading the Bible, according to you the Bible is fallible, so how can I know anything from reading it?
Well, the way you word it, it does not sound quite what I said. The bible is full of problems and contradictions, but the entire thing is not "fallible". Consider it more like a history book, on the spiritual, that was written by experts and layman, over thousands of years. Obviously, there will be tons of problems, but the general ideas/teachings would be captured for the most part.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
Besides, the Bible's purpose for the Aaronic-Levitical, Old Covenant/Testament priesthood had a definite purpose that I do not believe it has anymore.
And what were those purposes?
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
So, can you as a Mormon inform me what the purpose is for priests in your religion?
I do believe I have answered your question already but you don't really want to acknowledge it. I am putting the burden on you because you claim to want to open my eyes. So, tell me, what was the purpose of all priesthood holders in the bible (old and new testaments)?
Originally posted by Shakyamunison
A particular Christian organization founded by Jesus.What is the denomination of your church?
Denomination:
A recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church.
I don't belong to any Christian organizations because Christianity is not an organization it is a Person. Hence, I am not affiliated with any denomination.
Besides, denominations don't save a person Christ does.
Moreover, when I use the word church I am not referring to a denomination I am talking about those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, or the physical sanctuary building where said persons congregate.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
I don't belong to any Christian organizations because Christianity is not an organization it is a Person. Hence, I am not affiliated with any denomination.Besides, denominations don't save a person Christ does.
Moreover, when I use the word church I am not referring to a denomination I am talking about those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, or the physical sanctuary building where said persons congregate.
I know understand: You are a member of a cult. 😄
Originally posted by dadudemon
But can you not know that from reading the bible? Let me rephrase...why can't you just read about it in the bible to know for what purpose they serve?Well, the way you word it, it does not sound quite what I said. The bible is full of problems and contradictions, but the entire thing is not "fallible". Consider it more like a history book, on the spiritual, that was written by experts and layman, over thousands of years. Obviously, there will be tons of problems, but the general ideas/teachings would be captured for the most part.
And what were those purposes?
I do believe I have answered your question already but you don't really want to acknowledge it. I am putting the burden on you because you claim to want to open my eyes. So, tell me, what was the purpose of all priesthood holders in the bible (old and new testaments)?
I can read about the priesthood in the Bible and I already have, but that still does not answer my question concerning why there are priests in Mormonism.
In the Old Testament the high priest on earth was the mediator between God and the children of Israel. The high priest's job was primarily to sacrifice certain animals for his sins and for the sins of the people, and use its blood to atone for his sins and for the sins (both willful and inadvertent) of the people, so that God could have a relationship with them.
Originally posted by Shakyamunison
I know understand: You are a member of a cult. 😄
No, I am not a member of a cult.
Question: did Jesus Christ belong to a Christian organization?
How about a denomination?
What was Jesus' denomination? Do you see my point?
The Lord Jesus Christ said,
John 8:31-32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you [COLOR=red]abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free [/COLOR].”
Notice what the Lord Jesus did not say. He did not say if you abide in a particular denomination--then are you my disciples indeed.
No, He said abide in My Word.
In other words, a true disciple of Jesus Christ is one who abides in His Word.
How does a person abide in Jesus' Word?
John 14:23-24
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My Words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
I submit to you that to abide in the Word of Jesus Christ is to keep the Words of Jesus Christ.
Jesus didn't even say if you love me then belong to a particular denomination.
The Lord Jesus said if you love Him that you will keep His Word.
Plain and simple litmus test to determine if you are a true disciple, and whether you really love Jesus.
Originally posted by Shakyamunison
He was the human who started Christianity. In other words, he was a cult leader. The only reason we don't call Christianity a cult today is because it has become so popular
Jesus Christ is divine.
Jesus Christ is true God and true Man. Both natures simultaneously.
This is true of no other person in the history of the creation of the universe.
Jesus Christ is the Great God and Savior.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
Jesus Christ is divine.Jesus Christ is true God and true Man. Both natures simultaneously.
This is true of no other person in the history of the creation of the universe.
Jesus Christ is the Great God and Savior.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Let me guess, you read that out of a book. I read that people can fly under their own power once, in a book. I don't believe that either.
So, if Jesus is divine, then Buddha is divine, and we are divine.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
I can read about the priesthood in the Bible and I already have, but that still does not answer my question concerning why there are priests in Mormonism.
Yeah, keep this stuff in the other thread.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
In the Old Testament the high priest on earth was the mediator between God and the children of Israel. The high priest's job was primarily to sacrifice certain animals for his sins and for the sins of the people, and use its blood to atone for his sins and for the sins (both willful and inadvertent) of the people, so that God could have a relationship with them.
You should probably keep that in the other thread, as well. We also have what could be considered the equivalent to the old-school high-priest: our Prophet and President.
Originally posted by Shakyamunison
Let me guess, you read that out of a book. I read that people can fly under their own power once, in a book. I don't believe that either.So, if Jesus is divine, then Buddha is divine, and we are divine.
lol
Originally posted by dadudemon
Yeah, keep this stuff in the other thread.You should probably keep that in the other thread, as well. We also have what could be considered the equivalent to the old-school high-priest: our Prophet and President.
lol
It doesn't work that way because the offices of a priest and prophet are different functionally, in terms of assignment or purpose, and convenant-wise.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
It doesn't work that way because the offices of a priest and prophet are different functionally, in terms of assignment or purpose, and convenant-wise.
This is simply the way that their church is structured. All churches have some form of structure. If you were a member of a church, you would see that. 😉
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
It doesn't work that way because the offices of a priest and prophet are different functionally, in terms of assignment or purpose, and convenant-wise.
There are differences, sure, but not in purpose and "assignment". They have the same exact purpose, actually.
Think of it like this: white-collar crime cops, in the 1800s, investigated mostly property and business claims. Now they do much more like digital forensics. They still have the same title and purpose but do different functions while still having some of the old functions.
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
I don't belong to any Christian organizations because Christianity is not an organization it is a Person. Hence, I am not affiliated with any denomination.Besides, denominations don't save a person Christ does.
Moreover, when I use the word church I am not referring to a denomination I am talking about those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, or the physical sanctuary building where said persons congregate.
* although there are people who can be saved outside the Church as per I Timothy 4:10 (God is the Savior of all people), those people who knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for them it is sin (James 4:17)... and you know what's right to do? to obey a commandment that tells you to cleave or join what is good (Romans 12:9)... if you don't want to join a denomination, what's the sense of God building a Church? 😉
Originally posted by dadudemon
There are differences, sure, but not in purpose and "assignment". They have the same exact purpose, actually.Think of it like this: white-collar crime cops, in the 1800s, investigated mostly property and business claims. Now they do much more like digital forensics. They still have the same title and purpose but do different functions while still having some of the old functions.
The differences between priest and prophet are as different as the function of a police officer and a lawyer, doctor and garbage man, President and fireman--there is no similarity whatsoever.
The term priest and prophet--in the Bible--are two totally different offices with distinct responsibilities.
Go back and read the book of Leviticus and Numbers to see what the duties of a priest were.
You do not see a prophet doing those things prescribed therein with the exception of Moses initially (and only certain aspects), but his job was basically to train Aaron and his sons so that they could ultimately fulfill the office of the priest.
Originally posted by peejayd
* although there are people who can be saved outside the Church as per I Timothy 4:10 (God is the Savior of all people), those people who knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for them it is sin (James 4:17)... and you know what's right to do? to obey a commandment that tells you to cleave or [b]join what is good (Romans 12:9)... if you don't want to join a denomination, what's the sense of God building a Church? 😉 [/B]
Nowhere in the Bible is any believer instructed to join a denomination.
Once a believer is born again that new believer should prayerfully ask the Lord to lead him/her to a church where he/she can assemble with other believers of like precious faith, be fed the Word of God, grow spiritually, and serve.
But nowhere in the Word of God is any believer commanded to join a denomination.
I assemble myself with other believers on a weekly basis, but we are a non-denominational congregation.
We do not espouse denominational titles because Christ Jesus did not instruct us to.
Besides all denominational titles do is cause division in the body of Christ, instead of helping believers to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and edifying the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.