Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

By Mormon Readers

Q: I bear you my testimony that the LDS Church is true. I know it because the Spirit has born witness to me. How can you deny what the Spirit is telling me?

A: You say you have a testimony, but I say, "Your testimony can't save you!" You say you "know" Mormonism is the message of truth, but that LDS message declares that you must totally repent of all sin, including difficult sins of the heart, in order to be forgiven of all sin. Know anyone who has eliminated all selfishness, envy, pride, and impurity from their heart totally? Know anyone who never misses an opportunity to help someone or to do good--ever? Don't tell me you are "trying." Spencer W. Kimball taught plainly that "Trying is not sufficient, nor is repentance complete when one merely tries to abandon sin." Having a testimony means nothing--you must do it, or you will not enter Heavenly Father's presence according to your own doctrine.

My whole point is that the LDS gospel, or "way of salvation," doesn't work. No one is getting into Heavenly Father's presence by it--not even LDS leaders. Each leader I've talked to has admitted to me that he is not prepared for the day of judgment and is not currently forgiven. If not them, then who? This is the most important issue in all human existence, yet God's forgiveness escapes them! How about you? Do you know right now that you are completely forgiven by God for time and all eternity so that you are certain that you will enter His presence? No unclean thing can dwell with Him, so are you legally, totally pardoned? Have you met the requirements of your own religion? If not, then what do you have to offer anyone else? You have nothing but the certainty of separation from Heavenly Father.

(Rom 1:16 KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Do not equate the Holy Ghost with a feeling. There is nowhere in the Bible where the Holy Ghost spoke through feelings. The Holy Ghost opens eyes to the truth of scripture by which He has already spoken, but feelings are uncertain. Remember the disciples on the road to Emmaus whose hearts "burned" within them as they walked on the road (Luke 24:13-31)? Their feelings did not successfully reveal truth, because they remained blind at that time. But later the Holy Ghost opened their eyes supernaturally, and they recognized Jesus. Feelings are not trustworthy, and God knows this. That is why God tells us to trust His word instead. You, yourself, believe that Lucifer can answer prayers--because in the temple endowment ceremony Lucifer responds to Adam's prayer, "O God, hear the words of my mouth." Why do you not realize that Lucifer can trick you with your spiritual feelings?

The fact is that I have a testimony that Mormonism is not true. God has revealed this plainly to me in many ways beside feelings. So our testimonies do not agree. This is further demonstration that at least one of us is getting an answer from the devil, rather than God. Why not let God's known Word, the Bible, be the measuring stick of whose testimony is of Him? Look to the Bible, not your testimony, to find the way of salvation! God's unmerited love does work. He forgave me, pardoning all my sin for time and all eternity, though I was unworthy of such love. I want that for you. Trust that love. Don't trust your righteousness to meet the requirements of Moroni 10:32-33.

(Gal 2:20-21 KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. {21} I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

(2 Tim 1:12 KJV) …for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Your friend,

Mark Champneys