As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah (1) of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction (2) of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to (3) fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel (4) was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His (5) example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, (6) causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths (7) of eternity, the realty of our (8) premortal existence, the purpose (9) of our life on earth, and the potential (10) for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all (11) who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn (12) of the Father, the Only Begotten Son (13) in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to "become the (14) firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His "other sheep" (15) (John 10:16) in (16) ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father (17) appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised (18) "dispensation of the fullness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a (19) flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance (20) shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of (21) great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
"I am the (22) first and the last; I am he who (23) liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your (24) advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:3-4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the (25) testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, (26) even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the (27) Only Begotten of the Father-
"That by him, and through him, and of him, (28) the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants (29) thereof are begotten (30) sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:22-24).
We declare in words of solemnity that (31) His priesthood and (32) His Church have been restored upon the earth - "built upon the foundation of ... (33) apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. (34) "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and (35) every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him (36) according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained (37) Apostles - that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands (38) today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness (39) in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
(1) Note: The Father was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament also.
Isaiah 44:6 "Thus says the LORD (the Father), the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts (the Son): 'I (not we) am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God.'"
Note: Together, the Father and the Son are one God.
John 10:30 "I and My Father are one."
(2) Correction: God created the heavens and the earth all by Himself.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;
(3) Note: The baptism of Jesus Christ began His ministry and introduced the Holy Spirit.
John 1:33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'"
Note: Baptism is not part of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
(4) Correction: The gospel is about Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
(5) Correction: True Christians will focus on the person of Jesus Christ not Mormon prophets.
John 15:4-5 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
(6) Note: Jesus Christ went about healing in fulfillment of Bible prophecies.
Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;"
(7) Correction: Jesus Christ taught the truth of Himself.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Ephesians 4:20-21 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
(8) Correction: Mankind was created by God thereby negating premortal existence.
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust (body) of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became (not was) a living being (soul).
(9) Note: The purpose of a Christian is to be Jesus Witnesses.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
(10) Note: There will be no potential unless your faith is centered upon Jesus Christ or God.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
(11) Correction: Everyone who has ever been on earth will not be saved.
Rev. 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Note: Hitler will not be in heaven despite being baptized by proxy in the Mormon temple.
(12) Note: Firstborn (prototokos) in regards to Jesus Christ carries the thought of preeminence.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
(13) Note: Begotten in regards to Jesus Christ is defined as resurrection.(firstborn from the dead)
Acts 13:33-34 "God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.' And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.'"
(14) Note: Jesus Christ is the firstfruits of those who belong to Him. (True Christians)
1 Corinthians 15:23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
(15) Correction: The "other sheep" are Gentiles not Americans.
Romans 3:29-30 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
(16) Correction: Jesus Christ was not sent to the Gentiles.
Matthew 15:24 But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
Note: It is for church of Jesus Christ of every-day saints to carry the message to the Gentiles.
Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,"
(17) Correction: No one has seen the person of the Father.
John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
(18) Correction: Joseph Smith did not bring heaven to earth at the end of the ages.
Ephesians 1:10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He (God) might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him.
Revelation 21:22-23 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
(19) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Revelation 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;
(20) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Revelation 1:16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
(21) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Revelation 1:15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;
(22) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Revelation 1:17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. "
(23) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Rev 1:18 "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. "
(24) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
(25) Note: Joseph Smith was not a disciple and did not live 1,900 years ago.
John 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
(26) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
(27) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
(28) Note: Joseph Smith plagiarized the Holy Bible.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
(29) Correction: Human beings were created to inhabit just one planet called Earth.
Isaiah 45:12 "I have made the earth, and created man on it. I; My hands; stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded."
1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.
(30) Correction: Not everyone has placed their sincere belief and trust or faith in God.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(31) Correction: The Aaronic priesthood was not reestablished by God.
Hebrews 8:13 In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
(32) Correction: The true Church of Jesus Christ did not vanish from the earth.
Matthew 16:18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (confession) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
Note: The Mormon church teaches that Jesus Christ lied to His disciples.
(33) Note: Apostles and Prophets were the foundation of the church laid 1,900 years ago.
Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
(34) Correction: Isaiah 40:5 refers to the first coming of Jesus Christ in Judah.
Isaiah 40:4 "Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth;
Matthew 3:3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.'"
(35) Correction: Unbelievers will be removed and destroyed before universal worship begins.
2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
(36) Note: Brigham Young taught that everyone would be first judged by Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith holds the keys of this last dispensation, and is now engaged behind the vail in the great work of the last days. I can tell our beloved brother Christians who have slain the Prophets and butchered and otherwise caused the death of thousands of Latter-day Saints, the priests who have thanked God in their prayers and thanksgiving from the pulpit that we have been plundered, driven, and slain, and the deacons under the pulpit, and their brethren and sisters in their closets, who have thanked God, thinking that the Latter-day Saints were wasted away, something that no doubt will mortify them--something that, to say the least, is a matter of deep regret to them--namely, that no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith. From the day that the Priesthood was taken from the earth to the winding-up scene of all things, every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are--I with you and you with me. I cannot go there without his consent. Journal of Discourses, Volume 7, page 289.
(37) Correction: There are no Apostles today.
Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Note: The roof is being built for the true church of Jesus Christ in these the latter-days.
(38) Correction: Jesus Christ has not returned to the earth yet.
Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?
(39) Correction: Despite problems in this life you will have peace and joy in Jesus Christ.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
(40) Note: Do not trust the false Mormon apostles and prophets.
Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
Matthew 24:11 "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many."
2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.