Introduction

Reasoning with Mormons out of the scriptures (Acts 17:2) (Home)

Table of Contents:
Introduction     3. Adam         6. The Priesthood     9. The Gospel   12. Eternal Life
1. His Image    4. God            7. Apostasy            10. Baptism        Summary
2. Creation      5. Trinity          8. Prophets             11. Marriage       Scripture Reference

Introduction

Continue in my word (LDS Teachings | Bible | Catholic Teachings | Early Church Writings)

Reason with a Mormon by asking - Have you compared the words of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon to see if they continue in the words of Jesus?

LDS Web Site "How can I know this is true? ... You can know if the things you are learning are true if you ask your Heavenly Father in prayer. ...Feelings from the Holy Ghost are personal revelation to you that confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith."

John.8 ([31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)

Jesus taught that we can know the truth by continuing in his words (John.8:31-32). Jesus did not teach us to use feelings to know the truth like Mormons do. Mormons will say "Feelings from the Holy Ghost are personal revelation to you that confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith." (LDS Web Site). We can learn if something is true or false by searching scripture and that the Spirit of Truth will lead us to all truth, God will give wisdom to those who ask him (Acts.17:11; John.16:13; James.1:5). Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for correction (2Tim.3:16). The Church of Christ continues in the things which they have learned and have been assured of, knowing whom they learned it (2Tim 3:14). The church of the living God is the pillar and ground of the truth and it holds fast to the oral and written traditions of his apostles, it is built on the foundation of the apostle (1Tim.3:15; 2Thes.2:15). We are to avoid those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which we have learned (Rom.16:17). Ask Mormons "What happens when your feelings say one thing and the Word of God says another? Which is more reliable and which do you believe? Don't you think the Bible is a much more reliable standard than my 'feelings' or 'testimony' or your 'feelings' or 'testimony'?”"

The Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith taught "three Gods" (LDS Ensign, March 2008) instead "one God" like Jesus and his apostles (Mark.12:29,32; 1Cor.8:4-6). In 1Cor 8:4-6 the apostle Paul rephrases the "one God" confession as to contrast it with "gods many". The apostle Paul taught "there be that are called gods" (1Cor.8:5). Satan is called "god" (2Cor. 4:4). A man can be called "god" if the word of God comes to him (John.10:35). The Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith does not continue in the words of Jesus. The Bible tells us we can know a false prophet because a false prophet brings heresies (2Pet.2:1). Joseph Smith brought the heresy of "three Gods", neither Jesus nor his apostles taught "three Gods", instead they taught "one God". One God is contrary to three Gods. The Bible reveals that Christians are disciples (Acts.11:26) and that disciples continue in the words of Christ (John.8:31). Mormon's continue with the words of Joseph Smith instead of the words of Christ. Christians believe in one God, not in "three God" like Mormons do. We are not believe every spirit, but we are try the spirits whether they are of God: because there are many false prophets (1John.4:1). False prophets can deceive many and can show great signs and wonders (Matt.24:11-24). The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty (2Cor.11:3). The serpent mixed lies with truth to deceive Eve (Gen.3). There are false apostles who can transforms themselves into the apostles of Christ (2Cor.11:13). One can hear the the word of the kingdom and understand it not and the evil comes and steals away what was sown in his heart (Matt.13:18-23).

The Jesus of Mormonism is "another Jesus" (2Cor.11:4). The Jesus of Mormonism is one of "three Gods" (Ensign, March 2008), the Mormon Jesus is "a God" (LDS Bible Dictionary), who was born of a heavenly mother (LDS GP Chapter 2) and whose brother is Satan (LDS GP Chapter 3) and whose father has a body of flesh and bones (LDS GP Chapter 1). The Mormon President Hinckley said "we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity ... our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet" (LDS General Conference 2002). The Mormon Joseph Smith claimed that the Savior told him that the teachings of present churches were "an abomination in his sight" (LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 17). Joseph Smith said "I will prove that the world is wrong, by showing what God is ... God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man ... if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form ... God came to be God." (Joseph Smith's King Follett Sermon, LDS Ensign, Apr 1971, 13-14). Joseph Smith taught "“I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods” (Joseph Smith Teachings, LDS Ensign, Mar 2008, 68-73). In a discourse, Joseph Smith said "I cannot believe in any of the creeds of the different denominations, because they all have some things in them I cannot subscribe to" (Joseph Smith Discourse, LDS Ensign Jun 1973, 40). The LDS Book of Mormon Student Manual says "The church of the devil is the world ... It is every church except the true church" (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1 Nephi 14:10).

The Book of Mormon reveals "another gospel" (2Cor.11:4). The Book of Mormon reveals “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2Nephi 25:23). The Bible reveals it is “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph.2:8). We know that the Book of Mormon is false by comparing its words with the Bible. Mormonism is an example of the apostasy described in the Bible, the Bible reveals "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1Tim.4:1). Mormons have departed from the the faith that was taught by the apostles of Christ, the faith that taught "one God" and “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Mark.12:29,32; Eph.2:8). The LDS publication Ensign (Nov 2001) says "We cannot be saved by grace alone, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” The Mormon's third Article of Faith states we are "saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances". Joseph Smith brought forth the Book of Mormon. For many Mormons the Book of Mormon is a sign that Joseph Smith is a prophet. A false prophet can deceive many and can show great signs like the Book of Mormon (Matt 24:11,24; Matt 7:15).

Mormons have distorted some of things that are hard to understand to their own destruction (2Pet.3:16). Mormons have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Joseph Smith, they are entangled after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2Pet.2:15-20). Mormons have been carried about with strange doctrines (Heb.13:9), like the Mormon doctrine we are saved, after all we can do” (2Nephi 25:23) and we are "saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances" (Mormon's third Article of Faith). Mormons follow the commandments of men (Col.2:22), they follow the Mormon commandments like "... each of us has been commanded to marry and have children ...." (LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 36) and " not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning drinks containing alcohol ... tobacco ... coffee and tea ..." (L DS Gospel Principles Chapter 29). The LDS Church teaches only it has the authority to baptize and that only Mormons can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 20).

Mormons have departed from the the faith that was taught by the apostles of Christ, the faith that taught "one God" and “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Mark.12:29,32; Eph.2:8). Joseph Smith is a false prophet, a false prophet is one who brings heresies, who can deceive many, who can come in sheep's clothing and who can show great signs and wonders like the Book of Mormon (2Pet 2:1,2; Matt 7:15-23; Matt 24:11-24; Acts 20:29,30; Rev 2:18-23). The Bible warns us not to believe prophets but to test them, we can test them by comparing their words to the inspired word of God (1John.4:1; Acts.17:2,11; 2Tim.3:16). For some Mormons they do not even know that Joseph Smith and today's LDS Church "three Gods" (Ensign, March 2008; LDS Bible Dictionary, Godhead).

As disciples of Christ we should be moved with compassion toward Mormons like Jesus was moved toward those who were "as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things" (Mark.6:34). We should teach and reason from the Bible because scripture "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction" (Acts.17:2-11; 2Tim 3:16). Some things like the Trinity are hard to understand, Mormons distort things to their own destruction, we are forewarned to be on our guard and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ (2Pet 3:16-18). Those who hear the word of the kingdom and understand can bring forth more fruit (Matt 13:19-23). The apostle Paul tells us to avoid those who cause division and offences contrary to the doctrine which we have learned (Rom 16:17).

Encourage Mormons to pray about Joseph Smith's teaching of "three Gods" and why it is different than what Jesus taught, Jesus taught the truth is that " there is one God and there is no other that he" (Mark.12:29,32). Tell Mormons that Jesus did not teach we can know the truth by feelings but that we can know the truth by continuing in his words (John.8:31-32). We can learn if something is true or false by searching scripture and that the Spirit of Truth will lead us to all truth, God will give wisdom to those who ask him (Acts.17:11; John.16:13; James.1:5). By searching scripture we know that Joseph Smith is a false prophet who taught "another Jesus" (2Cor.11:4) and that the Book of Mormon is "another gospel" (2Cor.11:4). If we continue in the words of Jesus we can know the truth and the truth shall make us free (John.8:31,32). The truth is that there is one God (Mark.12:29,32). Jesus taught one God, Mark.12:29,32 says "Jesus answered him ... thou hast said the truth: for there is one God." The apostles of Jesus taught one God, 1Cor.8:4-6 says "... there is none other God but one ... to us there is but one God, the Father ... and one Lord Jesus Christ". In 1Cor 8:4-6 the apostle Paul rephrases the "one God" confession as to contrast it with "gods many".

The Bible reveals that Christians are disciples and that disciples continue in the words of Christ (Acts.11:26; (John.8:31). Christ and his apostles taught one God. Mormon's continue with the words of Joseph Smith instead of the words of Christ. The Catholic Eternal Word Television Network has said that "Mormons are not Christians ... Those who deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity deny that Christ is God. Now if one denies that Christ is God, he is denying an essential aspect of Christianity" (ETWN). ETWN also said "Although Mormons certainly consider themselves to be Christians, the Church does not consider them to be Christians, either sacramentally or theologically. The Church has ruled that Mormon baptism is not valid, which means that Mormons are not Christians by baptism. Since Mormons believe in a plurality of gods and do not believe in Christ's divinity (as it is understood by orthodox Christians), they are not theological Christians either." (ETWN). The Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has stated that "The words Father, Son and Holy Spirit, have for the Mormons a meaning totally different from the Christian meaning. The differences are so great that one cannot even consider that this doctrine is a heresy which emerged out of a false understanding of the Christian doctrine. The teaching of the Mormons has a completely different matrix. ... Mormons hold that there is no real Trinity, no original sin ..." (EWTN).

LDS Church Teachings

Continue in my word .

LDS President Brigham Young "We will start out with the Bible alone, taking it as the standard. All that the Bible teaches for doctrine and practice we will take for our guide. If I have an error I will part with it. Will you do the same? ... Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test" Journal of Discourses, vol. 16, p. 46, 1873

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 9 "Through Joseph Smith, a latter-day prophet, the Lord restored the Church. ... We have a prophet living on the earth today. This prophet is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... We should do those things the prophets tell us to do. President Wilford Woodruff said that a prophet will never be allowed to lead the Church astray:"

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 21 "Today many nonmembers of the Church learn by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:4-5)."

LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley April 2002 "As a Church we have critics, many of them. They say we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity. There is some substance to what they say. Our faith, our knowledge is not based on ancient tradition, the creeds which came of a finite understanding and out of the almost infinite discussions of men trying to arrive at a definition of the risen Christ. Our faith, our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet in this dispensation who saw before him the great God of the universe and His Beloved Son, the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ."

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 17 "In the spring of 1820. . . . Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church was not on the earth. He also said that the teachings of present churches were "an abomination in his sight""

Joseph Smith--History ([17] It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! [18] My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join. [19] I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”)

Joseph Smith's King Follett Sermon (Ensign, Apr 1971) "I will prove that the world is wrong, by showing what God is ... God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man ... if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form ... God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see ... you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another ..."

Joseph Smith Teachings (Ensign, Mar 2008) "I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods” Ensign, Mar 2008

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 17 "When Jesus lived on the earth, he established his Church, the only true Church. ... Because of apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God. The true Church was no longer on the earth. ... The Lord Promised to Restore His True Church ... As a young boy, Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the churches was the true Church of Christ. ... The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church was not on the earth. He also said that the teachings of present churches were "an abomination in his sight" (Joseph Smith--History 1:19; see also 1:7-20). Beginning with this event, there was again direct revelation from the heavens. ... "

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 9 "Through Joseph Smith, a latter-day prophet, the Lord restored the Church. ... We have a prophet living on the earth today. This prophet is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... We should do those things the prophets tell us to do. President Wilford Woodruff said that a prophet will never be allowed to lead the Church astray:"

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 17 "The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus."

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 16 "... false Christianity ... believed that God was a being without form or substance."

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 47 "... our Heavenly Father became God. Joseph Smith taught: "It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the character of God. . . . He was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-46)."

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 10 “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts four books as scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. ... The Book of Mormon ... is the keystone of our religion.”

LDS Articles of Faith "3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

The Book of Mormon 2Nephi 25 ([23] For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.)

Book of Mormon Student Manual "2 Nephi 25:23. “Grace” “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation. . . . Of course we need to understand terms. If by the word salvation is meant the mere salvation or redemption from the grave, the ‘grace of God’ is sufficient. But if the term salvation means returning to the presence of God with eternal progression, eternal increase, and eventual godhood, for this one certainly must have the ‘grace of God,’ as it is generally defined, plus personal purity, overcoming of evil, and the good ‘works’ made so important in the exhortations of the Savior and his prophets and apostles” (Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 70–71)."

The Book of Mormon Moroni 8 (Infant baptism is an evil abomination - [9[ And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children. [11] And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. [14] Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.)

Book of Mormon Student Manual "1 Nephi 14:10. “The Church of the Devil” "Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined the church of the devil in the following way: “The church of the devil is the world; it is all the carnality and evil to which fallen man is heir; it is every unholy and wicked practice; it is every false religion, every supposed system of salvation which does not actually save and exalt man in the highest heaven of the celestial world. It is every church except the true church, whether parading under a Christian or a pagan banner. As Moroni will say in a later era of Nephite history, and as we shall ascertain in our evaluation of Rev. 18:1–24, it is ‘secret combinations,’ oath-bound societies, and the great world force of Godless communism. (Ether 8:14–26.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:551)."

Approaching Mormon Doctrine "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four “standard works” of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. Isolated statements are often taken out of context, leaving their original meaning distorted." (Newsroom - The Official Resource for New Media, Opinion Leaders, and the Public 4 May 2007)

LDS Ensign, Aug 1977 "... the official publications of the Church carry messages that are sound in doctrine ..." Dean L. Larsen, “I Have a Question,” [“I Have a Question,” Ensign, Aug 1977, 38–41]

LDS Gospel Principles Introduction "Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher's manual. ... Teach only what is supported by the scriptures and the Holy Spirit."

LDS Gospel Principles Chapter 21 "Today many nonmembers of the Church learn by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:4-5)."

LDS President Brigham Young "We will start out with the Bible alone, taking it as the standard. All that the Bible teaches for doctrine and practice we will take for our guide. If I have an error I will part with it. Will you do the same? ... Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test" Journal of Discourses, vol. 16, p. 46, 1873

Bible verses from King James

Continue in my word .

2Thes.2 ([3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.)

2Tim.3 ([16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:)

Rom.16 ([17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.)

1John.4 ([1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world

Matt.24 ([11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [25] Behold, I have told you before.)

2Pet.2 ([1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. )

James.1 ([5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him

James 1:5 Footnotes in the NAB [5] Wisdom: a gift that God readily grants to all who ask in faith and that sustains the Christian in times of trial. It is a kind of knowledge or understanding not accessible to the unbeliever or those who doubt, which gives the recipient an understanding of the real importance of events. In this way a Christian can deal with adversity with great calm and hope (cf 1 Cor 2:6-12).

1Tim.3 ([15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.)

John.16 ([13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.)

1Tim.4 ([1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;)

Mark.12 ([29] And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [32] And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:)

Acts.17 ([2] And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, [11] These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. [12] Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.)

2Pet 2 Footnotes in the NAB "[1-3] The pattern of false prophets among the Old Testament people of God will recur through false teachers in the church. Such destructive opinions of heretical sects bring loss of faith in Christ, contempt for the way of salvation (cf 2 Peter 2:21), and immorality."

1Tim.4 ([1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;)

1Tim 4 Footnote in the NAB "[1-5] Doctrinal deviations from the true Christian message within the church have been prophesied, though the origin of the prophecy is not specified (1 Tim 4:1-2); cf Acts 20:29-30."

1John.4 ([1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world

1John 4 Footnotes in the NAB "[1-6] Deception is possible in spiritual phenomena and may be tested by its relation to Christian doctrine (cf 1 Cor 12:3): those who fail to acknowledge Jesus Christ in the flesh are false prophets and belong to the antichrist. Even though these false prophets are well received in the world, the Christian who belongs to God has a greater power in the truth."

2Cor.11 ([3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. [13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.)

2Cor 11 Footnotes in the NAB "[3] As the serpent deceived Eve: before Christ can return for the community Paul fears a repetition of the primal drama of seduction. Corruption of minds is satanic activity (see 2 Cor 2:11; 4:4). Satanic imagery recurs in 2 Cor 11:13-15, 20; 12:7b, 16-17; see the notes on these passages. [4] Preaches another Jesus: the danger is specified, and Paul's opponents are identified with the cunning serpent. The battle for minds has to do with the understanding of Jesus, the Spirit, the gospel; the Corinthians have flirted with another understanding than the one that Paul handed on to them as traditional and normative. [5] The intruders are "superapostles" not in the sense of the "pillars" at Jerusalem (Gal 2), but in their own estimation. They consider themselves superior to Paul as apostles and ministers of Christ, and they are obviously enjoying some success among the Corinthians. Paul rejects their claim to be apostles in any superlative sense (hyperlian), judging them bluntly as "false apostles," ministers of Satan masquerading as apostles of Christ (2 Cor 11:13-15). [13-15] Paul picks up again the imagery of 2 Cor 11:3 and applies it to the opponents: they are false apostles of Christ, really serving another master. Deceitful . . . masquerade: deception and simulation, like cunning (2 Cor 11:3), are marks of the satanic. Angel of light: recalls the contrast between light and darkness, Christ and Beliar at 2 Cor 6:14-15.

Matt.24 ([11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [25] Behold, I have told you before.)

John.8 ([31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)

1Cor 8 ([4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. )

1 Cor 8 Footnotes in the NAB " [6] This verse rephrases the monotheistic confession of v 4 in such a way as to contrast it with polytheism (1 Cor 8:5) and to express our relationship with the one God in concrete, i.e., in personal and Christian terms. And for whom we exist: since the Greek contains no verb here and the action intended must be inferred from the preposition eis, another translation is equally possible: "toward whom we return." Through whom all things: the earliest reference in the New Testament to Jesus' role in creation."

2Tim.2 ([2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. )

2Tim.3 ([14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; )

2Thes.2 ([2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. [3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. [7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. [13] But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: [15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.)

Rom.16 ([17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.)

2Pet.2 ([15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; [20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. )

2Tim.3 ([16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:)

Mark.6 ([34] And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.)

2Pet.3 ([16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. [17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. [18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.)

Matt.13 ([18] Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.) then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.)

Acts.8 ([29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. [30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. )

Jas.1 ([5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him

1Cor.2 ([14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.)

Catholic Church Teachings

Continue in my word .

Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith The Catholic Church has ruled that a Mormon baptism is not valid. "according to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are not the three persons in which subsists the one Godhead, but three gods who form one divinity. ... The very word divinity has only a functional, not a substantial content, because the divinity originates when the three gods decided to unite and form the divinity to bring about human salvation (Encyclopaedia of Mormonism [EM], New York: Macmillan, 1992, cf. Vol. 2, p. 552). This divinity and man share the same nature and they are substantially equal. God the Father is an exalted man, native of another planet, who has acquired his divine status through a death similar to that of human beings, the necessary way to divinization (cf. TPJS, pp. 345-346). God the Father has relatives and this is explained by the doctrine of infinite regression of the gods who initially were mortal (cf. TPJS, p. 373). God the Father has a wife, the Heavenly Mother, with whom he shares the responsibility of creation. They procreate sons in the spiritual world. Their firstborn is Jesus Christ, equal to all men, who has acquired his divinity in a pre-mortal existence. Even the Holy Spirit is the son of heavenly parents. ... The words Father, Son and Holy Spirit, have for the Mormons a meaning totally different from the Christian meaning. The differences are so great that one cannot even consider that this doctrine is a heresy which emerged out of a false understanding of the Christian doctrine. The teaching of the Mormons has a completely different matrix. ... Mormons hold that there is no real Trinity, no original sin, that Christ did not institute baptism"

ETWN (The Catholic Eternal Word Television Network) "Although Mormons certainly consider themselves to be Christians, the Catholic Church does not consider them to be Christians, either sacramentally or theologically. The Church has ruled that Mormon baptism is not valid, which means that Mormons are not Christians by baptism. Since Mormons believe in a plurality of gods and do not believe in Christ's divinity (as it is understood by orthodox Christians), they are not theological Christians either." 08-21-2006

ETWN (The Catholic Eternal Word Television Network) "Mormons are not Christians ... Those who deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity deny that Christ is God. Now if one denies that Christ is God, he is denying an essential aspect of Christianity. " 03-04-2005

91 All the faithful share in understanding and handing on revealed truth. They have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who instructs them and guides them into all truth.

2145 The faithful should bear witness to the Lord's name by confessing the faith without giving way to fear. Preaching and catechizing should be permeated with adoration and respect for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

794 Christ provides for our growth: to make us grow toward him, our head, he provides in his Body, the Church, the gifts and assistance by which we help one another along the way of salvation.

74 God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth": that is, of Christ Jesus. Christ must be proclaimed to all nations and individuals, so that this revelation may reach to the ends of the earth: God graciously arranged that the things he had once revealed for the salvation of all peoples should remain in their entirety, throughout the ages, and be transmitted to all generations.

27 The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for: The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his creator.

849 The missionary mandate. "Having been divinely sent to the nations that she might be 'the universal sacrament of salvation,' the Church, in obedience to the command of her founder and because it is demanded by her own essential universality, strives to preach the Gospel to all men": "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and Lo, I am with you always, until the close of the age."

851 Missionary motivation. It is from God's love for all men that the Church in every age receives both the obligation and the vigor of her missionary dynamism, "for the love of Christ urges us on." Indeed, God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth"; that is, God wills the salvation of everyone through the knowledge of the truth. Salvation is found in the truth. Those who obey the prompting of the Spirit of truth are already on the way of salvation. But the Church, to whom this truth has been entrusted, must go out to meet their desire, so as to bring them the truth. Because she believes in God's universal plan of salvation, the Church must be missionary.

856 The missionary task implies a respectful dialogue with those who do not yet accept the Gospel. Believers can profit from this dialogue by learning to appreciate better "those elements of truth and grace which are found among peoples, and which are, as it were, a secret presence of God." They proclaim the Good News to those who do not know it, in order to consolidate, complete, and raise up the truth and the goodness that God has distributed among men and nations, and to purify them from error and evil "for the glory of God, the confusion of the demon, and the happiness of man."

1225 In his Passover Christ opened to all men the fountain of Baptism. He had already spoken of his Passion, which he was about to suffer in Jerusalem, as a "Baptism" with which he had to be baptized. The blood and water that flowed from the pierced side of the crucified Jesus are types of Baptism and the Eucharist, the sacraments of new life. From then on, it is possible "to be born of water and the Spirit" in order to enter the Kingdom of God. See where you are baptized, see where Baptism comes from, if not from the cross of Christ, from his death. There is the whole mystery: he died for you. In him you are redeemed, in him you are saved.

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers. . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

838 "The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter." Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church." With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord's Eucharist."

1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn."

2104 "All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and his Church, and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it." This duty derives from "the very dignity of the human person." It does not contradict a "sincere respect" for different religions which frequently "reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men," nor the requirement of charity, which urges Christians "to treat with love, prudence and patience those who are in error or ignorance with regard to the faith."

816 "The sole Church of Christ [is that] which our Savior, after his Resurrection, entrusted to Peter's pastoral care, commissioning him and the other apostles to extend and rule it. . . . This Church, constituted and organized as a society in the present world, subsists in (subsistit in) the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him." The Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism explains: "For it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the apostolic college alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the People of God."

819 Many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements." Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity"

776 As sacrament, the Church is Christ's instrument. "She is taken up by him also as the instrument for the salvation of all," "the universal sacrament of salvation," by which Christ is "at once manifesting and actualizing the mystery of God's love for men." The Church "is the visible plan of God's love for humanity," because God desires "that the whole human race may become one People of God, form one Body of Christ, and be built up into one temple of the Holy Spirit."

820 "Christ bestowed unity on his Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose, and we hope that it will continue to increase until the end of time." Christ always gives his Church the gift of unity, but the Church must always pray and work to maintain, reinforce, and perfect the unity that Christ wills for her. This is why Jesus himself prayed at the hour of his Passion, and does not cease praying to his Father, for the unity of his disciples: "That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, . . . so that the world may know that you have sent me." The desire to recover the unity of all Christians is a gift of Christ and a call of the Holy Spirit.

821 Certain things are required in order to respond adequately to this call: - a permanent renewal of the Church in greater fidelity to her vocation; such renewal is the driving-force of the movement toward unity; - conversion of heart as the faithful "try to live holier lives according to the Gospel"; for it is the unfaithfulness of the members to Christ's gift which causes divisions; - prayer in common, because "change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name 'spiritual ecumenism;"’ - fraternal knowledge of each other; - ecumenical formation of the faithful and especially of priests; - dialogue among theologians and meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities; - collaboration among Christians in various areas of service to mankind. "Human service" is the idiomatic phrase.

822 Concern for achieving unity "involves the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike." But we must realize "that this holy objective - the reconciliation of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ - transcends human powers and gifts." That is why we place all our hope "in the prayer of Christ for the Church, in the love of the Father for us, and in the power of the Holy Spirit."

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH "This catechism is given to them that it may be a sure and authentic reference text for teaching catholic doctrine and particularly for preparing local catechisms. It is also offered to all the faithful who wish to deepen their knowledge of the unfathomable riches of salvation (cf. Eph 3:8). It is meant to support ecumenical efforts that are moved by the holy desire for the unity of all Christians, showing carefully the content and wondrous harmony of the catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, lastly, is offered to every individual who asks us to give an account of the hope that is in us (cf. 1 Pt 3:15) and who wants to know what the Catholic Church believes."

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - Prologue "The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love."

Preface to the New American Bible "It is the achievement of some fifty biblical scholars ... collaboration of scholars who are not Catholic. ... From the original and the oldest available texts of the sacred books, it aims to convey as directly as possible the thought and individual style of the inspired writers. The better understanding of Hebrew and Greek, ..."

Second Vatican Council "Inter-religious dialogue, which is part of the Church's evangelizing mission, requires an attitude of understanding and a relationship of mutual knowledge and reciprocal enrichment, in obedience to the truth and with respect for freedom"

CCC250 During the first centuries the Church sought to clarify her Trinitarian faith, both to deepen her own understanding of the faith and to defend it against the errors that were deforming it. This clarification was the work of the early councils, aided by the theological work of the Church Fathers and sustained by the Christian people's sense of the faith

CCC249 From the beginning, the revealed truth of the Holy Trinity has been at the very root of the Church's living faith, principally by means of Baptism

CCC253 The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the "consubstantial Trinity". The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves but each of them is God whole and entire: "The Father is that which the Son is, the Son that which the Father is, the Father and the Son that which the Holy Spirit is, i.e. by nature one God." In the words of the Fourth Lateran Council (1215), "Each of the persons is that supreme reality, viz., the divine substance, essence or nature"

CCC200 "I believe in one God" These are the words with which the Niceno- Constantinopolitan Creed begins. The confession of God's oneness, which has its roots in the divine revelation of the Old Covenant, is inseparable from the profession of God's existence and is equally fundamental. God is unique; there is only one God: The Christian faith confesses that God is one in nature, substance and essence

CCC266. The Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal (Athanasian Creed)

CCC254 The divine persons are really distinct from one another. God is one but not solitary. "Father", "Son", "Holy Spirit" are not simply names designating modalities of the divine being, for they are really distinct from one another: He is not the Father who is the Son, nor is the Son he who is the Father, nor is the Holy Spirit he who is the Father or the Son. They are distinct from one another in their relations of origin: It is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds. The divine Unity is Triune

CCC255  The divine persons are relative to one another. Because it does not divide the divine unity, the real distinction of the persons from one another resides solely in the relationships which relate them to one another: In the relational names of the persons the Father is related to the Son, the Son to the Father, and the Holy Spirit to both. While they are called three persons in view of their relations, we believe in one nature or substance. Indeed everything (in them) is one where there is no opposition of relationship. Because of that unity the Father is wholly in the Son and wholly in the Holy Spirit; the Son is wholly in the Father and wholly in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit is wholly in the Father and wholly in the Son

CCC88 The Church's Magisterium exercises the authority it holds from Christ to the fullest extent when it defines dogmas, that is, when it proposes truths contained in divine Revelation or also when it proposes in a definitive way truths having a necessary connection with them

CCC251 The dogma of the Trinity

CCC892 Divine assistance is given to the successors of the apostles, teaching in communion with the successor of Peter, and, in a particular way, to the bishop of Rome, pastor of the whole Church, when, without arriving at an infallible definition and without pronouncing in a definitive manner, they propose in the exercise of the ordinary Magisterium a teaching that leads to better understanding of Revelation in matters of faith and morals

CCC79 The Father's self-communication made through his Word in the Holy Spirit, remains present and active in the Church: God, who spoke in the past, continues to converse with the Spouse of his beloved Son. And the Holy Spirit, through whom the living voice of the Gospel rings out in the Church - and through her in the world - leads believers to the full truth, and makes the Word of Christ dwell in them in all its richness

CCC193 None of the creeds from the different stages in the Church's life can be considered superseded or irrelevant. They help us today to attain and deepen the faith of all times by means of the different summaries made of it. Among all the creeds, two occupy a special place in the Church's life

CCC186 From the beginning, the apostolic Church expressed and handed on her faith in brief formulae normative for all [Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 15:3-5]. But already very early on, the Church also wanted to gather the essential elements of her faith into organic and articulated summaries, intended especially for candidates for Baptism: This synthesis of faith was not made to accord with human opinions, but rather what was of the greatest importance was gathered from all the Scriptures, to present the one teaching of the faith in its entirety. And just as the mustard seed contains a great number of branches in a tiny grain, so too this summary of faith encompassed in a few words the whole knowledge of the true religion contained in the Old and the New Testaments

CCC187 Such syntheses are called "professions of faith" since they summarize the faith that Christians profess. They are called "creeds" on account of what is usually their first word in Latin: credo ("I believe"). They are also called "symbols of faith"

The Apostles Creed " I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting."

The Nicene Creed "We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being (consubstantial/homoousion) with the Father. Through him all things were made. ... We believe in the Holy Spirit ..."

The Athanasian Creed  "we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is all One, the Glory Equal ... So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not Three Almighties but One Almighty ... the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not Three Gods, but One God ... The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten, but proceeding... in this Trinity none is afore or after Other, None is greater or less than Another, but the whole Three Persons are Co-eternal together, and Co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity is Trinity, and the Trinity is Unity is to be worshipped. ... we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man. ... God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the substance of His mother, born into the world. ... Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His Manhood. ... At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give account for their own works.”

The Chalcedonian Creed "Following the holy Fathers we teach with one voice that the Son [of God] and our Lord Jesus Christ is to be confessed as one and the same [Person], that he is perfect in Godhead and perfect in manhood, very God and very man, of a reasonable soul and [human] body consisting, consubstantial with the Father as touching his Godhead, and consubstantial with us as touching his manhood; made in all things like us, sin only excepted; begotten of his Father before the worlds according to his Godhead; but in these last days for us men and for our salvation born [into the world] of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God according to his manhood. This one and the same Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son [of God] must be confessed to be in two natures, unconfusedly, immutably, indivisibly, inseparably [united], and that without the distinction of natures being taken away by such union, but rather the peculiar property of each nature being preserved and being united in one Person and subsistence, not separated or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son and only-begotten, God the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Prophets of old time have spoken concerning him, and as the Lord Jesus Christ has taught us, and as the Creed of the Fathers has delivered to us."

Early Church Writings

Continue in my word .

Hermas "First of all, believe that there is one God who created and finished all things, and made all things out of nothing ... a false prophet, ruining the minds of the servants of God. It is the doubters, not the faithful, that he ruins... Some true words he does occasionally utter; for the devil fills him with his own spirit, in the hope that he may be able to overcome some of the righteous. ... know which of them is the prophet, and which the false prophet ... the false prophet ... exalts himself, and wishes to have the first seat ... "

Ignatius of Antioch "But flee from all abominable heresies, and those that cause schisms, as the beginning of evils." To the Smyrnaens,7(A.D. 110),in ANF,I:89

Ignatius of Antioch "For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as shall, in the exercise of repentance, return into the unity of the Church, these, too, shall belong to God, that they may live according to Jesus Christ. Do not err, my brethren. If any man follows him that makes a schism in the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If any one walks according to a strange opinion, he agrees not with the passion [of Christ.]" [Letter to the Philadelphians,3(A.D. 110),in ANF,3:80]

Irenaeus "In the four preceding books, my very dear friend, which I put forth to you, all the heretics have been exposed, and their doctrines brought to light, and these men refuted who have devised irreligious opinions. [I have accomplished this by adducing] something from the doctrine peculiar to each of these men, which they have left in their writings, as well as by using arguments of a more general nature, and applicable to them all. Then I have pointed out the truth, and shown the preaching of the Church, which the prophets proclaimed (as I have already demonstrated), but which Christ brought to perfection, and the apostles have handed down, from whom the Church, receiving [these truths], and throughout all the world alone preserving them in their integrity (bene), has transmitted them to her sons. Then also— having disposed of all questions which the heretics propose to us, and having explained the doctrine of the apostles, and clearly set forth many of those things which were said and done by the Lord in parables— I shall endeavour, in this the fifth book of the entire work which treats of the exposure and refutation of knowledge falsely so called, to exhibit proofs from the rest of the Lord's doctrine and the apostolical epistles: [thus] complying with your demand, as you requested of me (since indeed I have been assigned a place in the ministry of the word); and, labouring by every means in my power to furnish you with large assistance against the contradictions of the heretics, as also to reclaim the wanderers and convert them to the Church of God, to confirm at the same time the minds of the neophytes, that they may preserve steadfast the faith which they have received, guarded by the Church in its integrity, in order that they be in no way perverted by those who endeavour to teach them false doctrines, and lead them away from the truth. It will be incumbent upon you, however, and all who may happen to read this writing, to peruse with great attention what I have already said, that you may obtain a knowledge of the subjects against which I am contending. For it is thus that you will both controvert them in a legitimate manner, and will be prepared to receive the proofs brought forward against them, casting away their doctrines as filth by means of the celestial faith; but following the only true and steadfast Teacher, the Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself. " Against Heresies Book V, Preface

Irenaeus ""True knowledge is [that which consists in] the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists in every place, and has come even unto us, being guarded and preserved without any forging of Scriptures, by a very complete system of doctrine, and neither receiving addition nor [suffering] curtailment [in the truths which she believes]; and [it consists in] reading [the word of God] without falsification, and a lawful and diligent exposition in harmony with the Scriptures, both without danger and without blasphemy; and [above all, it consists in] the pre-eminent gift of love, which is more precious than knowledge, more glorious than prophecy, and which excels all the other gifts [of God]." (Against Heresies,4:33:8(A.D. 180),in ANF,I:508)

Irenaeus "But [it has, on the other hand, been shown], that the preaching of the Church is everywhere consistent, and continues in an even course, and receives testimony from the prophets, the apostles, and all the disciples--as I have proved--through [those in] the beginning, the middle, and the end, and through the entire dispensation of God, and that well-grounded system which tends to man's salvation, namely, our faith; which, having been received from the Church, we do preserve, and which always, by the Spirit of God, renewing its youth, as if it were some precious deposit in an excellent vessel, causes the vessel itself containing it to renew its youth also. For this gift of God has been entrusted to the Church, as breath was to the first created man, for this purpose, that all the members receiving it may be vivified; and the [means of] communion with Christ has been distributed throughout it, that is, the Holy Spirit, the earnest of incorruption, the means of confirming our faith, and the ladder of ascent to God. 'For in the Church," it is said, "God hath set apostles, prophets, teachers,' and all the other means through which the Spirit works; of which all those are not partakers who do not join themselves to the Church, but defraud themselves of life through their perverse opinions and infamous behaviour. For where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church, and every kind of grace; but the Spirit is truth." Against Heresies,3:24 (A.D. 180),in ANF,I:458

Irenaeus "In like manner we do also hear many brethren in the Church who possess prophetic gifts and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages and who bring to light for the general benefit the hidden things of men, and declare the mysteries of God"

The Martyrdom of Polycarp "Polycarp was . . . bishop of the Catholic Church at Smyrna, and a teacher in our own day who combined both apostle and prophet in his own person. For indeed, every word that ever fell from his lips either has had or will have its fulfillment" (Martyrdom of Polycarp 5, 16 [A.D. 155]).