LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 20
Revelation on Church organization and government, given
through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Fayette, New York.
Portions of this revelation may have been given as early as summer
1829. The complete revelation, known at the time as the Articles and
Covenants, was likely recorded soon after April 6, 1830 (the day the
Church was organized). The Prophet wrote, “We obtained of Him [Jesus
Christ] the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which
not only gave us much information but also pointed out to us the
precise day upon which, according to His will and commandment, we
should proceed to organize His Church once more here upon the earth.”
1–16, The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work;
17–28, The doctrines of creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are
affirmed; 29–37, Laws governing repentance, justification,
sanctification, and baptism are set forth; 38–67, Duties of elders,
priests, teachers, and deacons are summarized; 68–74, Duties of
members, blessing of children, and the mode of baptism are revealed;
75–84, Sacramental prayers and regulations governing Church membership
are given.
Note: The following are the ideas of Sidney Rigdon about revelation, offices, and church governance.
1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one
thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and
established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and
commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the
month which is called April—
Note: The true church was founded upon the confession of Jesus Christ not the Book of Mormon.
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon
Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My
Father who is in heaven. 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. Matthew 16:16-18
Note: The true church of believers has always been here since Pentecost.
2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called
of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder
of this church;
Note: The era of true apostles was over 1,900 years ago.
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 cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being
fitted 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.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Note: The roof is going on the true church of believers.
3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of
Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under
his hand;
Note: Oliver Cowdery came to realize Joseph Smith was a fraud.
By early 1838, the relationship between Smith and Cowdery had
deteriorated significantly. Cowdery felt that Smith's integration of
economic and political plans into his theology and ecclesiastical
structure was encroaching on the separation of church and state.
Cowdery also expressed his concerns of Smith's relationship with Fanny
Alger, a teenage maid living with the Smiths in Kirtland. In a January
1838 letter to his brother Warren: "[We] had some conversation in which
in every instance I did not fail to affirm that which I had said was
strictly true. A dirty, nasty, filthy affair of his and Fanny Alger's
was talked over in which I strictly declared that I had never deserted
from the truth in the matter, and as I supposed was admitted by
himself."
4 And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
5 After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had
received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the
vanities of the world; 6 But after repenting, and humbling himself
sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy angel,
whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and
white above all other whiteness; 7 And gave unto him commandments which
inspired him;
Note: Joseph Smith was rotten.
Smith fled to Far West, Missouri, until a Mormon militia, provoked by
vigilantes, looted and burned three towns. After his followers fired on
the state militia, the governor ordered them expelled. Smith was
arrested for treason but later escaped.
8 And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before
prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon; 9 Which contains a record of
a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the
Gentiles and to the Jews also; 10 Which was given by inspiration, and
is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared
unto the world by them—
Note: The Book of Mormon is false.
Various locations have been proposed as the geographical setting of the
Book of Mormon, an 1830s work that purports to be a
miraculously-delivered record of pre-Columbian America. While some
people accept the narrative's historicity as an article of faith,
mainstream views hold that the book is a creation of the 19th century,
which was dictated, edited, and published by Joseph Smith.
11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God
does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and
generation, as well as in generations of old; 12 Thereby showing that
he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
Note: Joseph Smith was plagued his entire life.
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this
book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues
that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the
Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book. Revelation 22:18-19
13 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be
judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this
work. 14 And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness,
shall receive a crown of eternal life;
Note: Eternal life is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ not the Book of Mormon.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should
boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
15 But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it
shall turn to their own condemnation—16 For the Lord God has spoken it;
and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear witness to the
words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and
ever. Amen.
Note: Damnation is denying Jesus Christ not the Book of Mormon.
“Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess
before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men,
him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew
10:32-33
17 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is
infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same
unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which
are in them;
Note: Joseph Smith denied God.
Lorenzo Snow succinctly summarized another portion of the doctrine
explained in the King Follett Discourse using a couplet: "As man now
is, God once was; as God now is, man may be."
18 And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;
Note: God created mankind as a minor trinity.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your
whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him,
the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom
they should worship.
Note: Joseph Smith denied God.
Latter-day Saints believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are
three distinct beings, that the Father and Jesus have perfected,
glorified, physical bodies, and that the Holy Ghost is a spirit without
a physical body.
20 But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man.
Note: Mankind has been infected with sin from Adam.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22
21 Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.
Note: Will you trust Jesus Christ for eternal life?
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His
wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their
trust in Him. Psalms 2:12
22 He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.
Note: Will you approach the Father through faith in Jesus Christ?
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we
do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us
therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
23 He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day; 24 And
ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to
reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;
Note: The Christian Gospel is Jesus Christ.
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, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
25 That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved—
Note: Baptism is not the Christian Gospel.
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. 1 Corinthians 1:17
26 Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time,
in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were
before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who
spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly
testified of him in all things, should have eternal life,
Note: The Law and Prophets testified of Jesus Christ.
Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in
all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have
suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at
Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures
the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:25-27
27 As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the
gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of
the Father and of the Son; 28 Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one
God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.
Note: The LDS church changed its idea about God to gods.
In orthodox Mormonism, the term God generally refers to the biblical
God the Father, whom Latter Day Saints also refer to as Elohim or
Heavenly Father, while the term Godhead refers to a council of three
distinct divine persons consisting of God the Father, Jesus (his
firstborn Son, whom Latter-day Saints refer to as Jehovah), and the
Holy Ghost.
29 And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of
Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith
on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
Note: Joseph Smith was confused about salvation.
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man
appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration
and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly
through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His
grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
30 And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;
Note: Believers are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being
witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God,
through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there
is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood,
through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His
forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously
committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that
He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26
31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and
serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.
Note: Believers are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ.
“And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to
me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you
persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So, I
said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are
persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to
you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the
things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to
you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the
Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn
them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who
are sanctified by faith in Me.’” Acts 26:14-18
32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart
from the living God; 33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray
always, lest they fall into temptation; 34 Yea, and even let those who
are sanctified take heed also.
Note: Joseph Smith was an antichrist.
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the
Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we
know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not
of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us;
but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them
were of us. 1 John 2:18-19
35 And we know that these things are true and according to the
revelations of John, neither adding to, nor diminishing from the
prophecy of his book, the holy scriptures, or the revelations of God
which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the
voice of God, or the ministering of angels.
Note: LDS prophets are false prophets.
“The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom
of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is
easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law
to fail.” Luke 16:16-17
36 And the Lord God has spoken it; and honor, power and glory be rendered to his holy name, both now and ever. Amen.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17
Note: God the Father is eternal, immortal, and invisible contrary to LDS doctrine.
37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner
of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be
baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and
witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their
sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ,
having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by
their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the
remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.
Note: Sincere belief in Jesus Christ is the only perquisite for baptism.
So, the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the
prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened
his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now
as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch
said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then
Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he
answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So,
he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch
went down into the water, and he baptized him. Acts 8:34-38
38 The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of
the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to
baptize; 39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;
40 And to administer bread and wine—the emblems of the flesh and blood
of Christ—41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by
the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost,
according to the scriptures; 42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize,
and watch over the church; 43 And to confirm the church by the laying
on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost; 44 And to take the
lead of all meetings.
Note: Christian Apostles physically saw Jesus Christ.
Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our
Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to
others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my
apostleship in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
Note: The Apostolic era ended over 1,900 years ago.
45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy
Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.
Note: Christian elders will study and proclaim the truths of the Holy Bible.
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor,
especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture
says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and
“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18
46 The priest’s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,
and administer the sacrament, 47 And visit the house of each member,
and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family
duties. 48 And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.
49 And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder
present; 50 But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach,
teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, 51 And visit the house of each
member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all
family duties. 52 In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder
if occasion requires.
Note: The office of priest was eliminated by the New Covenant.
Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a
High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the
Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true
tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. For every high priest
is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore, it is
necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on
earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the
gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the
heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to
make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now He has
obtained a more excellent ministry, since He is also Mediator of a
better covenant, which was established on better promises. Hebrews 8:1-6
53 The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with
and strengthen them; 54 And see that there is no iniquity in the
church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting,
nor evil speaking; 55 And see that the church meet together often, and
also see that all the members do their duty. 56 And he is to take the
lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest— 57 And is to be
assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if
occasion requires.
Note: The Apostle Paul taught believers are saved not according to their works.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His
prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according
to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy
calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose
and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but
has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who
has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through
the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a
teacher of the Gentiles. 2 Timothy 1:8-11
58 But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize,
administer the sacrament, or lay on hands; 59 They are, however, to
warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
60 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according
to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by
the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.
Note: Christian church authority is for edification purposes only.
Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear
approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem
disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the
truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this
also we pray that you may be made complete. Therefore, I write these
things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness,
according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification
and not for destruction. 2 Corinthians 13:7-10
61 The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in
conference once in three months, or from time to time as said
conferences shall direct or appoint; 62 And said conferences are to do
whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time. 63 The
elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the
church to which they belong, or from the conferences.
Note: Christian conferences should be about doctrine.
And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless
you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be
saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain
others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders,
about this question. Acts 15:1-2
64 Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may
take a certificate from him at the time, which certificate, when
presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a license, which shall
authorize him to perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive
it from a conference.
Note: The office of priest was eliminated by the New Covenant.
And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the
same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He
had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand
of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being
sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had
said before, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after
those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in
their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their
lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of
these, there is no longer an offering for sin. Hebrews 10:11-18
65 No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where
there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of
that church; 66 But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high
councilors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of
ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be
called. 67 Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder),
bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the
direction of a high council or general conference.
Note: Titus appointed elders without a general conference.
For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the
things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I
commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having
faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a
bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not
quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy,
self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught,
that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict
those who contradict. Titus 1:5-9
Note: Church officers are appointed based on character.
68 The duty of the members after they are received by baptism—The
elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things
concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to
their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on
of the hands of the elders, so that all things may be done in order.
Note: The LDS church is not a true church of saints.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33
69 And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before
the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of
it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy
scriptures—walking in holiness before the Lord.
Note: The Holy Bible will teach you salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been
assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from
childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped
for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
70 Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring
them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon
them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. 71 No one
can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto
the years of accountability before God and is capable of repentance.
Note: Adults are considered children who are tricked by ideas.
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and
fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of
men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the
truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the
head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what
every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every
part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of
itself in love. Ephesians 4:13-16
72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those
who repent—73 The person who is called of God and has authority from
Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person
who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say,
calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I
baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen. 74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water and come
forth again out of the water.
Note: Sincere belief in Jesus Christ is the only perquisite for baptism.
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God
shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works
righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the
children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of
all— that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and
began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,
for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did
both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by
hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him
openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God,
even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And
He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He
who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him
all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in
Him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking
these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured
out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and
magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these
should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we
have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 10:34-48
75 It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of
bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus; 76 And the elder
or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he
administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father
in solemn prayer, saying: 77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in
the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to
the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in
remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the
Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy
Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has
given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and
say: 79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son,
Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those
who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy
Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God,
the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may
have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Note: Personal examination is the only requirement for Holy Communion.
Therefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an
unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But
let a man examine himself and so let him eat of the bread and drink of
the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and
drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this
reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we
would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged,
we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the
world. Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for
one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you
come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I
come. 1 Corinthians 11:27-34
80 Any member of the church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken
in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct.
Note: Forgiveness should follow repentance in love.
But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you
to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was
inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the
contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps
such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore, I urge you
to reaffirm your love for him. For to this end, I also wrote that I
might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now
whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have
forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the
presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are
not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
81 It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing the church
of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several
conferences held by the elders of the church, 82 With a list of the
names of the several members uniting themselves with the church since
the last conference; or send by the hand of some priest; so that a
regular list of all the names of the whole church may be kept in a book
by one of the elders, whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from
time to time; 83 And also, if any have been expelled from the church,
so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of
names. 84 All members removing from the church where they reside, if
going to a church where they are not known, may take a letter
certifying that they are regular members and in good standing, which
certificate may be signed by any elder or priest if the member
receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest,
or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church.
Note: Believers will rejoice over their names being written in heaven not on a member certificate.
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to
you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke
10:20