CHRIST'S BLOOD

Reason 19

Christ's Blood was used to take away the sins of the world; all sins of the world. His blood has cleansed ALL sin, and that is enough for me. There is absolutely nothing I can do to cleanse my sins. I have given them all to Him, and He has paid the debt of my sins for me.

I will begin with the Bible.

Christ's Blood Cleanses All Sin


     2 Samuel 12:13
..."The LORD also has put away your sin..."


     Isaiah 53:3-10
He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked-But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it please the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.


     Jeremiah 31:34
No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."


     Matthew 1:21
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."


     John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!


     Romans 3:23-25
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 has passed over the sins that were previously committed, 


     Romans 5:9-10
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.


     1 Corinthians 15:3
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 


     2 Corinthians 5:14-21
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


     Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.


     Ephesians 2:16
and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.


     Colossians 1:14
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.


     Colossians 1:20-22
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-


     Hebrews 9:15
And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.


     Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.


     Hebrews 10:29
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?


     James 4:17
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.


     1 Peter 1:18-20
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your father, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you


     1 Peter 2:24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.


     1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.


     1 John 1:8-2:2
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.


     1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.


     from carm.org
Salvation, complete forgiveness of sins, does not come through obedience to the laws and the commandments. Complete forgiveness of sins comes by faith in Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the Bible.

The above is what I believe.

The following is from LDS sources.

     from mormoninfo.org
Christ did not die for all sins.
Christ did not atone for the murderer, since there is no forgiveness for him "in this world, nor in the world to come." Christ also did not pay for more than a one-time offense of adultery, since such violators cannot be forgiven either (D&C 42:18, 79 and 25-9). Actually, according to one apostle, Christ atoned simply for Adam's sin, and left "us responsible only for our own sins." This apostle goes on to quote the 2nd Article of Faith that claims "men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" (Le Grand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder [1976], 98). Other LDS prophets have taught that there are certain "sins" that one may commit that are beyond the atonement of the Son of God...

     2nd Article of Faith
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

Christ's Blood Covers Only Certain Sins


     D&C 42:79
And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.

"Joseph Fielding Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may commit, that they will place the transgressors beyond the power of the atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent. Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far as possible, in their behalf." (Doctrines of Salvation, v 1, p 135)

     D&C 132:27
The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord.

HIS Blood Covers Those Certain Sins AFTER All We Can Do

     2 Nephi 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.

HIS Blood Covers Those Certain Sins As Long As We Have Repented Of Them

     D&C 42:25-29
But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive; But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out. Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm. Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out. If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments.

LDS teach that true repentance means that we will not commit the sin again. There is no way I could uphold that philosophy that the LDS church preaches. After all, I am only human, and I accept Christ's sacrifice for me.

Another disagreement between my beliefs and LDS beliefs.

The Bible tells us every sin, even murder, can be forgiven.
     Matthew 12:31
"Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgive men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

The Book of Mormon agrees with the Bible saying Murder can be forgiven.
     3 Nephi 30:2
Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

However, the Doctrine and Covenants disagrees with the Bible and the Book of Mormon. D&C tells us there will be No Forgiveness for Murder.
     D&C 42:18
And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.

And finally, the Bible tells us if we attempt to keep all the commandments and fail even on one, then we are guilty of ALL commandments.
     James 2:10
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

My unanswered questions were:

Which sins will HE forgive and which sins will HE not forgive? At exactly what point does HE fill in the rest after I have done "all I can do"? At what point will I know that I have done "all I can do" in order for my sins to be covered? What would happen if I were to die before I had an opportunity to repent of a certain sin or sins? Would I have to deal with the punishment in Hell? How can I possibly obey all 1,000 plus commandments that are in the Bible when I don't even know what all those commandments are? How do I repent of sins that I am not even aware of?

I was initially devastated when I received these answers, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I am a sinner no matter how hard I try to not be a sinner. All will be forgiven of me because He has died for ALL my sins! I willingly accept HIS sacrifice!

THE CROSS

Reason 18

I think this is my favorite reason so far! The Bible tells us to Glory in the Cross!

     Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
     Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
     Mark 8:34
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
     Mark 10:21
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."
     Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
          *Therefore, the cross symbolizes the way we, as Christians, should live.
     Luke 14:27
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
     1 Corinthians 1:17-18
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. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
     Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
          *There is nothing else that deserves boasting except the Cross.
     Ephesians 2:16
and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
     Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Bible points to the Cross as the place where Jesus atoned for our sins. The symbol of the Cross is central in Christianity and has been central since the first century.

I missed my Cross more than anything else when I was LDS. I was told over and over that the reason they did not Glory in the Cross was because it was a reminder of His Death instead of His Life. My disagreement with this is...the Cross is a remembrance of His Sacrifice. However, the Crucifix is a remembrance of His Death. And as a Christian, I do not Glory in the Crucifix; I Glory in the Cross!

Mormons do not Glory in the Cross. They have no crosses anywhere; not in their homes; not on their body; not in their temples; not in their books; nowhere.
     From mormonwiki.org/Cross
Mormons typically do not want anything to do with the symbol of the cross, stating such things as, "If they had shot Jesus with a firing squad, would they hang a gun on the church?"
"Latter-day Saints object to the use of a cross on their buildings and the wearing of the cross. They view the symbolism of the cross as having a pagan origin and that it symbolizes Christ's torture and death, not his resurrection." (utlm.org)
This is a precarious position Mormons take, as they have no problem with various pentagrams on Mormon buildings.

• The sectarian world falsely suppose that the climax of his (Christ's) torture and suffering was on the cross...-a view which they keep ever before them by the constant use of the cross as a religious symbol. The fact is that intense and severe as the suffering was on the cross, yet the great pains were endured in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 555)
• Many who join the [Mormon] Church who come from a Catholic or Protestant background while trying their utmost to live the gospel, and rid themselves of past, unconsciously bring some of the customs of their former environment with them. One of these is the wearing of the crucifix on a necklace, bracelet, or in some other form. The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seem to indicate that this is improper because we do not hold any special reverence for the cross as such, nor do we have crosses in our chapels or homes or wear a crucifix as jewelry." LDS "Prophet" Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 4, p. 16.
• To many [Mormons]...such a custom is repugnant and contrary to the true worship of our Redeemer. Why should we bow down before a cross or use it as a symbol? Because our Savior died on the cross, the wearing of crosses is to most Latter-day Saints in very poor taste and inconsistent to our worship. Of all the ways ever invented for taking life and the execution of individuals, among the most cruel is likely the cross. This was a favorite method among the Romans who excelled in torture. We may be definitely sure that if our Lord had been killed with a dagger or with a sword, it would have been very strange indeed if religious people of this day would have graced such a weapon by wearing it and adoring it because it was by such a means that our Lord was put to death." LDS "Prophet" Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 4, pp. 17-18.

Since the LDS church believes Christ's greatest suffering took place in the Garden, it minimizes the importance of the cross. Simply because Jesus lives forever more is no reason to minimize the means by which He paid for our sins. The Bible does not teach that the atonement began in the garden; it teaches that the atonement happened on the Cross.

     1 Peter 2:24

who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.

I have been unable to grasp why the LDS church considers the Cross to be a graven image. However, they do not consider their monuments and statues honoring prophets and other figures to be graven images. Why is it okay to Glory in these idols, but it is not okay to Glory in the Cross? I disagree with this.

I have been asked several times...if Christ had died in a burning building, would you wear that around your neck or hang that on your wall. My answer is, YES, absolutely! Since He loves me enough to have died for me, then I love Him enough to Glory in Him! My Crosses are my security. The Cross reminds me of the Savior's Life, His Love for me, what He has done for me, and why He did what He did for me! I have a new infatuation with Crosses, and they are extremely comforting to me!

My unanswered question was:

Why does the LDS church glory in other things, but they do not Glory in the Cross as the Bible tells us we should?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that I cannot be a part of an organization that chooses to not Glory in the Cross, yet overjoyed to find the truth that as Christians we are to Glory in the Cross, and I would be lost without The Cross!

FATE

Reason 17

The Bible says there is no chance of gaining salvation after earthly death. In other words, death seals man's fate.

     Psalm 49:7-8
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him-For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever-
     Proverbs 11:7
When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of the unjust perishes.
     Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
     Luke 16:26-31
And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"
     Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed for me to die once, but after this the judgment,
     Revelation 20:12 and 15
And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.
And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

LDS doctrine is very contradictory when it comes to this subject. In one book called the book of Mormon, the doctrine agrees with the Bible and teaches that death seals man's fate.
     Mosiah 2:36-39
And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom's paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved-I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples. Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever. And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment.
     Alma 34:32-35
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world. For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.

However, in another book called the doctrine and covenants, the doctrine teaches that everyone will have a second chance after death. This is one reason for the temple; those who were not Mormon on earth will die and go to spirit prison. The living LDS members do proxy work (baptism, etc.) in the temple for those who have already died. Once the dead have had their temple work completed by a living Mormon, they now have a chance to choose the LDS doctrines and transfer over to paradise with all the other worthy mormons. In other words, we will all be given a second chance to choose mormonism after we die.
     D&C 76:106-112
These are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work; When he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father, spotless, saying: I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. Then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign forever and ever. But behold, and lo, we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, or as the sand upon the seashore; And heard the voice of the Lord saying: These all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne forever and ever; For they shall be judged according to their works, and every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared; And they shall be servants of the Most High; but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come, worlds without end.
     D&C 88:99
And after this another angel shall sound, which is the second trump; and then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ's at his coming; who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them, that they might receive the gospel, and be judged according to men in the flesh.

I fear Mormons will be in for a surprise when they die and realize Joseph Smith deceived them, they don't get a second chance, nor will their family members get a second chance, even though they did the temple work for them...
I will go with the Bible on this one and put my entire Faith and Trust into Christ instead of a church or modern day prophet. I am going to live my life as if I have no second chance. I would rather fall away from the 'one true church' and end up in the 'second level of heaven' than remain in the 'one true church' and take a chance that it could be false.

The Bible is very clear that we will all end up in one of only two places; Everlasting Punishment or Eternal Life. We have no other option and no other chance; it's Heaven, or it's Hell.

     2 Thessalonians 1:9
These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

The Bible is also very clear that people do not get out of Hell, and the LDS doctrines are contradictory to this as well.
     Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
     Matthew 13:24-43
The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
The Parable of the Leaven
Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."
Prophecy and the Parables
All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."
The Parable of the Tares Explained
Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

     Matthew 13:47-50 The Parable of the Dragnet
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." 

According to LDS doctrines, Hell as an institution is eternal, but those in Hell serve sentences of various length, similar to those in a prison. Inmates come and go as in jail, but do not spend eternity there. It is temporary. Most of them will eventually leave Hell once their debt has been paid to God and they will then go to the telestial kingdom. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 349-351)
     *And this is also contradictory to what the Bible says about Hell.

     Matthew 25:46, one of the clearest Bible Verses there is.
And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

My unanswered question was:

Why would I take a chance at living my life as if I may have a second chance after I have died?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that I cannot take this chance, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I will receive Eternal Life!

TREATMENT

Reason 16

Also see Posts "WHAT KNOW?" April 27 and "Mormons v. Mormon Church" May 2

This is a fairly new reason. I left the church in March 2010. I resigned in July 2010. I began my blog in March 2011. Everything was just fine when I was quiet about my journey out of the church. Everything was just fine as long as I did not discuss my decision to resign or my reasons. It was not until I began sharing my journey that I lost many of my mormon friends, and I now have very few left in my life. Those few still love me even though we disagree about the LDS church. Those few still love me even though I am openly stating my Reasons for resigning. Those few understand I had to resign in order to salvage my life and gain a personal relationship with Christ. I am actually surprised and grateful I still have a few LDS readers following my journey.

     Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Once I began blogging about my journey out of the church I have received lots of horrible comments as well as hate email. Before I began writing about my journey I had no enemies that I know of, and then...I decided to share my story. It is very upsetting that some have the requirement that you must be mormon or agree with mormonism in order to be their friend. It is becoming clear to me who has Christ in their life and heart and who does not. I am very sad by the way some have chosen to treat me through this entire ordeal. Do not get me wrong, I am happy they are happy and they believe they belong to the one true church. But don't tell me I am wrong or that I spent seven years in a lie or that you are sad for me. I am not wrong for me. I did not spend seven years in a lie. I was definitely, without a doubt a TBM (True Believing Mormon). There is absolutely no reason to be sad for me. Just be happy that I am finally happy!

     Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

I can categorize my LDS friends into two groups...true mormons and true friends who just happen to be mormon. Here are a few comments I have received from those I believe to be true mormons...

• I am not only much older than you, I am wiser.
• I have lost some respect for you.
• You have all the answers after just a few short years?
• I will respect your opinion on something like education or the virtues of living in Texas, but don't count on me respecting your opinion on issues of religion, because I've got years on you when it comes to that subject.
• I can't believe you would write something like this.
• What a load of crap.
• I don't believe you "resigned" from the LDS church, I believe you ran away.
• It's clear that your parents and siblings made it difficult for you, so you chose their good opinion of you over God, Jesus, your husband and your life with him and your children.
• I'm sure you have driven a huge wedge between you and Ken (and you don't care that you did) simply because you found that your parents' objection to your membership was too much for you to bear.
• I just feel sorry for you!
• It's clear to me that you are so far from the mark and chose this path for all the wrong reasons.
• It's [choosing the LDS church] not for me to find something that fits into my life choices and makes me feel good about myself the way I am.
• You say you're a Christian? Act like one.
• It's [the church] definitely NOT supposed to "give" us something; it's supposed to help us lose ourselves in what HE wants.
• You have made a very selfish and self-serving decision, and I would appreciate you not trying to make yourself feel better about it by trying to indict the LDS church and me along with it.
• I, unlike you, am not easily swayed by the fear-filled comments of the haters of this religion.
• Act like an adult. Take your pride, or whatever you have, in silence.
• I believe that you, and others who seek to pull others away from it [the church], only do it because they have taken the coward's way towards finding God...and that is to join a faith that says all you have to do is believe and you're saved. And because you are cowards, you want to bring everyone down to your level.
• You want to follow a religion that asks nothing of you in order to be worthy of His blessings, and you can go about living your selfish life as you please.
• This decision of yours is clearly drenched in bitterness, and no decision should be made when your heart is this bitter.

I still love all of these people with all my heart. In fact, I could say I love them more now since they have shared their true feelings towards me and have held nothing back. I pray for their pain and animosity to be washed away and their hearts to be filled with love and understanding.

     Leviticus 19:18

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself

     Matthew 22:39

And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

* The law was set forth in negatives. Thou shalt have no other gods. Thou shalt not, thou shalt not. Jesus put it in a very positive way, just love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength, love your neighbor as yourself. And this is the law. This is basically what the law is declaring, that we should have a loving relationship with God first; that is reflected in a loving relationship with fellow man. ~ Chuck Smith, Blue Letter Bible Commentaries

I was able to abide by the "thou shalt nots."  It was the love commandment that I was not fulfilling as a mormon. Since resigning, I have unending love, and that is nothing for anyone to be sad or angry about.

     James 2:8

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well;

Some still think I am writing to convince myself I have done the right thing. Some feel I am writing to try and prove them wrong. Both of these reasons are incorrect and I wish these people knew how wrong they are. I need absolutely no validation that I have done the right thing by resigning from a false church. Just take a moment to look into how many blogs or support groups there are from ex-mormons. Then compare that to how many blogs or support groups there are from ex-Baptists, ex-Methodists, or ex-Presbyterians; not too many. There is an overwhelming pattern here with people turning away from the mormon church and having to journal about their story. It is very sad that some people refuse to see the truth for what it really is. As far as trying to prove anyone wrong, I have no reason to do that. I have no reason to try and talk you out of your beliefs just as you should not tell me I am a coward or wrong for my beliefs, whatever they may be. This blog is for me and me alone to try to heal from the pain I have been through. If I can help just one other person by sharing what I have been through, then I have done what God has asked me to do. God did not ask me to try and "save people from mormonism." God has asked me to share my story for those who need to hear it; not for those who are attempting to chastise it.

A few others have decided to journal about their journey as well; I am not the only one. Here is one website with just a few other Former Mormon testimonies. The links take up the bottom half of the webpage.

     mormoninfo.org/testimonies

     Romans 14:13

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

And here are a few comments from my true friends who just happen to be mormon...

• I can respect your decision, and I fully understand where you are coming from in this decision.
• Since I still consider you to be a friend, I wanted to understand where you are coming from. I am just trying to understand your view. Not promote confrontation. I hope that I have not offended you in any way by asking, that is not my intent. If it's none of my business, I accept that.
• I love you.
• Know that we love you!
• Love you guys.
• Good luck on your journey. I wish you all the best!
• We have never talked about your religious decision, but I will tell you I have always supported you in your decision.
• Please don't feel awkward around me because you aren't going to church anymore. I loved you before. I still do.
• I don't think less of you for your decision.
• Very proud of you for standing up for yourself!
• I hope your message box is being filled with some apologies.
• Y'all will continue to be some of our best friends despite any differences on faith.
• Obviously, what you choose to do is your choice, and I have no judgment towards you.
• I have not felt contention with you, just so you know.
• I don't think anyone should be involved in a religion that doesn't bring them happiness and closer to Christ.
• I'm sorry that you felt burdened and inadequate. That's definitely not how it should be.
• It is good that you've been lead to study the Bible more and pray more and lead you to have a closer relationship with Christ. That is so important.
• I saw your facebook and want you to know that I love you as a sister and am supportive of you regardless if I agree with how you feel about the mormon church.
• You have always been someone I have looked up to in the church and now out of the church!
• I share this in love, and I will respect your decisions and opinions regardless of the path you choose.
• I am sorry that anyone would have implied that this was easy for you, that is just obviously wrong.
• I have read your blog. It's exactly what you had told me when we talked.
• Hope things have gotten better.
• You and Ken have to make choices for yourself and your family.
• It's good also to follow the spirit...as you are doing.
• I still like and respect you as a human being.
• Thank you for being so honest with me.
• I do not want our relationship to change.
• You will always have a friend in me and thank you for sharing your story.
• I have the utmost respect for your decision, I value your opinions, and I will not stand in the way.
• Despite what will ever be said to you know this, you are a good Christian, a good mom, and a good friend, and I sure love and admire  you.
• When I just read your most recent post, I felt a sense of love for you. I just want to give you a hug. Not because I think ill of you or anything like that, but I just have compassion on you for what you are going through. You said you are a lost soul looking for your path. I really hope you find what you're looking for. I do. Whether in or out of the church, I hope you find your peace.
• Let us know if there is anything we can do.
• Take care and know that I'm always here for you. Love you!
• I hope that you will find peace, and I hope that you will continue to leave your heart open to the spirit.
• This is simply your test.
• I do not know what others have said to you. I just wanted you to know that nothing has changed with me.
• I will be following your journey! 
• I am always happy to discuss any of these items with you, and I would always do so in a manner that is respectful on elements of faith that you hold dear.
• I am sure this has been quite an ordeal for you. It seems that religion can get people in conflict real fast. It becomes this great debate (or argument) about who and what's right. That's exactly what I don't want to get into. People will feel threatened on both sides. I don't quite understand the contention but it does exist and is very tangible. As I'm sure you have felt recently.
• I am always willing to talk with you. Give me a call if you want.
• I agree with you about it being more important to be a disciple of Jesus Christ than anything else. My husband and I are always annoyed at some of the people who are "mormons" but not disciples of Jesus Christ.
• Everyone is free to choose and I understand that.
• As your friend, I hope that you find peace. I hope that you discover that you do not have to be perfect. I hope that you do not feel the need to 'measure up' to anyone else's standard but to be content with who you are. To be happy in your daily pursuits and to just be the best, and the only you! You have something wonderful to offer.
• I'm sorry about the negativity and all of the stress that was caused because of it. It's just not how it should be.
• I still think you are a wonderful person and still want to be your friend.
• I enjoy seeing your posts.
• I love you like a sister. You know that.
• Thank you for being honest with me.
• If you ever need a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to, or someone to laugh with, you know I'm always here. I wish you happiness and peace and more happiness and more peace. Love you!

Thank you, friends, for your encouragement, love, and support! I love you all, and I am blessed to call you a friend!

My unanswered question was:

If mormons are Christians, then why are so many treating me in a non-Christian manner, saying hurtful words and telling me I am wrong?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that no matter what "religion" someone claims to be, they might not ever be a true Christian; yet overjoyed to find the truth that my true friends will remain my true friends no matter what I believe or what information I share. My true friends will continue to love me through this difficult and painful journey.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Reason 15

The LDS church teaches perfection. They teach members to pattern their lives after Christ and to live their lives worthy of the Savior's Sacrifice; to think like Him, to act like Him, and to be like Him. I completely disagree with this teaching. Since Christ is the Only Perfect Person, they are striving for perfection. It may not be a direct doctrine, but it is expected. What you do and how you act is preached over a love for Christ. Now I know why I came across as holier-than-thou for so many years. It was through no fault of my own since I was trying so hard to get to the celestial kingdom by living a sinless life as Christ did. So naturally, I would judge others for their sins not even realizing I had plenty of my own. The fact is we can't be and never will be sinless, and He has always known that!
     carm.org/striving-for-perfection

No one is perfect except Christ, and no one should expect us to be perfect. God certainly does not expect us to be sinless, and that's exactly why Christ died on the Cross. He made that sacrifice for us because He loves us so much. He has always known that each one of us are sinners regardless of how hard we try to 'live our life worthy of His sacrifice.' He knows and has always known we would make mistakes and not be perfect as He is. There is no striving for perfection in Christianity; just striving to love Him with our entire being without overwhelming ourselves or trying to fulfill impossible expectations. Just by believing in Christ makes us worthy of His Sacrifice. It is a free gift He has given all of us, and all we have to do is accept it! That is how much He loves us. Any other teaching of this is not giving Christ the Praise and Glory He deserves.
     --LDS believe all will be resurrected, not just those that believe in Christ, and I also disagree with this teaching. Unfortunately, many will not accept His free gift. I am pretty sure I would not get a free gift from Someone that I did not believe in, but I certainly could be wrong.

One of my main reasons for resigning is my children. I could never expect my children to be perfect, and I know they will make mistake after mistake. I do not and never will expect them to live the life that I am living, just as Christ does not expect us to live our life as He lived His. I expect my children to live their lives for themselves, be who Christ made them to be, and learn from their own mistakes -- another reason I was unable to force the church on them. What kind of mother would I be if I tried to protect them from making mistakes? What kind of mother would I be if I taught my children that they must live their lives 'worthy of the Savior's Sacrifice' or they would not make it to God and me in heaven? I would not be giving them the full experience of learning for themselves through the mistakes I know they will make. I will ALWAYS forgive them for the mistakes they do make, no matter how big their mistake is or how many times they make the same mistake - or any mistake. I certainly do not expect my own children to think like me, act like me, or be like me. Why would God feel any differently? He wouldn't. He feels the exact same way about every one of us as we feel about our own children! Except He loves us infinitely more than we love our own children. He does not want us to think like Him, act like Him, or be like Him. He does not expect us to live sinless lives; just as we do not expect our children to live sinless lives. And just as we will always allow our children in our presence and in our home and accept them for who they are, He will always do the same for us!

We certainly do not need to earn our way into Heaven (God's home) just as my children will  never need to earn their way into my home. And earning our way into Heaven is what the LDS church is all about. I never understood how that would not transfer over into my children feeling the need to earn their way into my home. The entire focus and emphasis of the LDS church is not what I am looking for or what I need for me or my entire family, especially my children. All I need is Christ - no middle man will be sufficient. I could never expect my children to earn my love, earn their way into my home or earn a free gift from me. Why would Christ?

I undoubtedly felt the church was trying to make me 'live a perfect life' as the Savior lived, and if I didn't live a perfect life, I would not be worthy enough to live with Him in heaven. Every time I made a mistake--and trust me, I make lots of them,--I felt like I was falling farther and farther away from the celestial kingdom and in essence, God.
     James 2:10
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

A very good friend told me we must be held accountable for our sins. However, that is what the law is for. That's not what religion is for. Christ died for our sins and that is good enough for me!

     Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

     Galatians 5:4
You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
          --As a mormon, I had definitely fallen from grace. I was trying so hard to make my good works outweigh my faults.

     1 John 1:8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Many LDS women are trying to be perfect; I was one of them. Some may think it is not preached that way, but it certainly is felt and understood that way. What you wear, what you do, what you eat, what you drink, how you dance, what you say, what you read, what you listen to, what you watch, how you act, where you go, who you are friends with, etc. you are expected to be 'worthy' and better than the rest.

The Bible tells us there is no expectation of being sinless. The expectation is to love our enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and show love to all. I was not taught this when I was a member, because I was trying so hard to be sinless. I was so wrapped up in myself and trying to reach the celestial kingdom that I wasn't even thinking of others.

During my lifetime, I have attended several Christian Churches. I can speak for those churches by saying that guilt, expectation, weakness, and perfection were not issues. I can say I did not have judgmental feelings in any of those churches. I can say not one of those churches claimed to be the only true church. I can also say not one of those churches said they have the full truth and all the other churches are an abomination. They are just so happy you are there to worship and you accept Christ as your Savior. If by some chance I ever felt not good enough, then I would leave that particular church and find a new one. This is something you are not allowed to do in the LDS church. You are told where you will worship.
     --Churches are called wards. Wards are zoned like schools, so where you live determines where you will worship. You are not allowed to search for a new ward. You worship where they tell you to worship.

I know the LDS church does not have to be miserable and depressing. However, mormonism has been proven to have a high depression rate in women. That is not something to blink an eye at and I suppose I used to fit in that statistic. Sometime within those seven years that I was a member, I lost myself in the church. I became somebody that I'm not. I became what the church wanted me to be. I became somebody that no longer had the Spirit of Christ guiding my life. I became a horrible, judgmental, miserable, unreasonable person with depression and anxiety. It took me resigning from the church to realize this, and that is very frustrating to me. Please don't misunderstand me; I am truly grateful for this journey. But I was extremely angry for a long time for allowing myself to become a 'molly mormon.'

     iamanexmormon.com/2011/07/kevin-millet

After doing an internet search on depression statistics in the church and mormon depression, my heart aches for many people. I know exactly what they are going through.
     bycommonconsent.com/mormons-and-mental-illness
     lifeafter.org/mormonsuicide

When I was lost as a member, these were the questions I would get...are you praying enough...are you paying a full tithe...are you attending the temple often enough...are you reading your scriptures with a sincere heart...when is the last time you read the book of mormon...Just turn to the church and everything will be okay. It was all about me and what I was or was not doing. I don't think so! That's exactly what I did and that's when I lost myself in the church. I need a church with the first question being...How is your relationship with Christ...instead of what are you doing or not doing to make it to God. There is absolutely nothing I can do to be 'worthy.' However, I can do all things through Him.
     Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
          --I cannot do anything on my own without Him. And I need a 'church' that teaches me and my children that exact doctrine. I need a 'church' where we hear 'Jesus Christ' more than we hear 'Joseph Smith.' I need a 'church' where we hear 'Love' and 'Relationship' instead of 'testimony.'

     mormoninfo.org/testimonies/johanna-lakin

     1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
          --God makes it grow. The church was not allowing me to grow. I was at a spiritual stand still headed backwards.

As a member, I never knew if I was going to make it to the celestial kingdom. This was entirely too much pressure. I had no desire to put my children through that same pressure. As a Christian, I have absolutely no doubt that I will be in heaven with God and my entire family, and that is such a comforting feeling! I am full of peace and certainty now and this is something I never had as a mormon.

My unanswered question was:

Why am I trying to live a life as Christ lived when He will always be the only Perfect Man who has ever lived?--especially since Satan was cast out of heaven for trying to be like God.

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that I will never be even close to sinless and should never try to be, yet overjoyed to find the truth that never again do I have to feel 'not good enough.' I am so happy with the person God made me to be and I certainly do not need a church to guide my life or tell me who I should or should not be!

PRIORITIES

Reason 14

Simply put, I had it all wrong...I had placed all my faith into the church when I should have placed my faith into Christ.

Everything I did was for the betterment of the "church."
We had family home evening because the "church" preached it. Now we spend every night together as a family instead of just Monday evenings.
We spent our Saturdays preparing for "church." Our entire Sunday was spent doing things for or at the "church."
I paid a full tithe not because I could afford to or because I wanted to but because the "church" required me to. They give no knowledge of where your money goes. All the churches I attend now give you detailed information about finances; how much comes in, how much goes out and where it goes.
I willingly accepted all callings not because I wanted to but because I was told to by the "church."
I tried my best to keep my children quiet during sacrament because I didn't want anyone in the "church" to judge me if they were disruptive.
I followed the word of wisdom not because I wanted to but because if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to attend the temple and would be considered an unworthy mormon. Now I am following an eating lifestyle for my blood type that suggests I eat mainly meat. I feel better and am healthier than I have been in a very long time!
I wore garments not because I wanted to but because the "church" instructed me to.
I continually worked on "strengthening my testimony" not because I wanted to, but I had to in order to continue believing. This is constantly pushed in the "church." Everything is about "strengthening your testimony."
I fed missionaries because the "church" needed us to.
I studied scriptures and prayed because the "church" told me to not because I wanted to.
I made time for visiting teaching and home teaching because that was part of "church."
I attended all meetings for the "church."
I worked so hard to be a worthy mormon and keep my temple recommend.
When speaking with others, the first question on my mind was, are you a member of the "church"?

How is any of this helping me get closer to Christ? How is following all these rules helping me have a personal relationship with Christ? I felt so bogged down just trying to get everything done the "church" asked of me that I didn't even feel like I had time to do anything else.
     *Some of these things I did enjoy and I did sincerely even though I was only doing them because I was supposed to. However, I did not feel they helped me attain a personal relationship with Christ.

As you can see, my priorities were all about the "church." I put the "church" above everything else in my life. I put the "church" above Christ. I put the "church" above Ken. I put the "church" above my children. I put the "church" above my family and friends. My heart was in the wrong place. I was doing everything for the wrong reasons; for the "church" or for my benefit of getting to the celestial kingdom. Everything I was doing was for the "church" or because the "church" instructed me to keep on doing what they preached. I certainly was not a Christian as I was doing absolutely nothing from my heart or for Christ. I didn't even have Christ in my life.

The problem with religion-it gives its adherent a false sense of security. ~ Gloria Pickering

As a member I could not imagine my life without the "church."
As a Christian I cannot imagine my life without Christ.

What an amazing difference! Resigning from the "church" is the best decision I have ever made for Christ and myself! I have no religion; I have Christ!

My unanswered question was:

What exactly is a personal relationship with Christ that Christian Churches teach about and why does the LDS church not preach "relationship" instead of everything else?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that I had no idea what a personal relationship with Christ was, yet overjoyed to find the truth that all I had to do was resign from the church to find the relationship I so desperately wanted and needed!

CHRIST

Reason 13

Also see Reasons 8 and 12

LDS claim the true gospel was lost then restored by Joseph Smith, their founding prophet for the latter days. The LDS prophet leads and guides the church in these last days, and all worthy temple going members must sustain the current prophet. Joseph Smith is the head of the church, which claims to be the one true church.
     D&C 132:40
I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and restore all things. Ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you according to my word.
     D&C 28:2-6
But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses. And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church. And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom; And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;

I never understood why only Joseph Smith is named. God would know the names of future prophets.

However, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the Only Head of the Church.
     Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

And the Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ is the foundation, or chief cornerstone, of the Christian Church.
     Ephesians 2:20
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

And the Bible also says the Prophet for the last days is Christ.
     Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
     Hebrews 1:1-2
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

So who is the Head, the Foundation, and the Prophet of the Church; Jesus or Joseph Smith?

And the Bible also says the Word of the LORD goes on forever.
     1 Peter 1:25
But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

If the word of the LORD goes on forever, then how did it get lost and need restoration from Joseph Smith? The "gospel" was not taken from the earth.--quotes are used because the LDS definition of "gospel" is completely different than the Christian definition of gospel. This will be a later reason.

The LDS church has offices of high priest and believe only LDS have authority to baptize, ordain, etc. They have a two-part system of priesthood-Melchizedek and Aaronic. Thousands of LDS hold Melchizedek Priesthood.
     D&C 107:1-21
lds.org/scriptures/dc/107

However, Jesus Christ is the only High Priest according to the Bible.
     mormonhandbook.com/priesthood
     Hebrews 2:17
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
     Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
     Hebrews 4:14
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.
     Hebrews 5:9-10
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek,"
     Hebrews 7:26
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
     Hebrews 8:1
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,
     Hebrews 9:11
But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
     Hebrews 9:15
And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
     Hebrews 9:25-26
not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another-He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

     mormoninfo.org also explains how the Aaronic priesthood was finished at the cross and the Melchizedek priesthood is unique to Christ. (THE PRIESTHOOD?)
The Aaronic priesthood was done away at the crucifixion of Christ, since He has become our permanent high priest. There is no more need for Levitical priests to offer imperfect sacrifices on behalf of the people in the temple. Jesus alone is worthy to hold the Melchizedek priesthood. Any believer today who has been called out of darkness into the light, regardless of age, race, or sex, is a member of the holy and royal priesthood. The believer operates in the highest authority that is offered today, viz., that of being a child of the Lord Omnipotent. Christians have the true priesthood, since they have the true God who gives it to them. (Jn. 1:12; Gal. 3:26-9; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14; 5:9-10; 7:11-8:2; 9:24; 1 Pt. 2:5 and 9; and Rev. 1:6; 20:6).

So what does all of this mean? I disagree with the LDS teaching of prophets, the head of the church, the foundation of the church, and high priests. The Bible mentions nothing about the "true church" needing to be restored. The Bible mentions nothing about Joseph Smith being a prophet in the last days. In fact, the Bible does not tell us there will be a man to serve as prophet on the earth in the last days and that we should follow and listen to latter-day prophets; except Christ, of course. Prophets were on the earth at the time they were needed. Christ replaced the office of the prophet. The Bible does not tell us that Joseph Smith will be the head of the "one true church." Jesus will always be the Only Head of the Church. The Bible does not tell us that the foundation of the church will change because some gold plates will be found and translated into another book that will surpass the Bible. Christ's apostles are our apostles today. Jesus, and only Jesus, is My High Priest and My Foundation.
     1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

God Will Not Give His Glory to Another, not even Joseph Smith.
     Isaiah 42:8
I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor my praise to carved images.

One more contradiction: Deacons in the LDS church are 12-year-old boys.
     From lds.org
And office of the Aaronic Priesthood, A boy is normally ordained a deacon when he is 12 years of age or older. Some of a deacon's responsibilities are to pass the sacrament and collect offerings.
In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12-17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel.

     1 Timothy 3:8-13 in the Bible explains Deacons much differently.
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

These are 2 completely different definitions of Deacons.

Excellent article on prophets for today.
     mormoninfo.org/prophets-for-today

Another article about Priesthood Authority
     carm.org/priesthood-authority-and-mormonism

This guy does a great job explaining Priesthood.
     www.ldsvideo.org/2011/03/mormon-priesthood.html

In other words, Jesus is the ONLY way. No one else has any keys or ordinances. Christ did not need Joseph Smith's help. If the church needed restoring, which it didn't, then Jesus would have been able to "restore" the church all by Himself.

     Acts 4:12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

My unanswered question was:

Do I need someone other than Jesus to be my High Priest or to help me get to heaven?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer, yet overjoyed to find the truth that Jesus is my only High Priest and He always will be; no other will be sufficient!