Star Test Outline - New

Star Test Outline

In resolving concerns, give a complete explanation of the principle, referencing it with the scriptures below.  We suggest you usually begin your answers by saying, "I'm glad you asked that question.  We believe the Bible teaches and answers your question very clearly."

If you don't know the answer, very sincerely say, "I don't know the answer."  Then invite them to go into the Visitors' Center and ask the full time missionaries.

HINT - A Marvelous Work and a Wonder pages are extremely helpful.

Q1:    Isn't the Book of Mormon an addition to the Bible?  St. John said that we should not add to nor take away from the Bible.  (Revelations 22:18)

A: Rev. 22:18, "This book..." & Rev. 1:3, "This prophesy..."  John was referring to his book of Revelations.

         Bible Dictionary:  The word "Bible" defined as a compilation of books.

         Deut. 4:2 & 12:32, "If this was taken literally...?"

         Read MW/W Chapter 7.

         Rev. 1:3 - John wrote the book of Revelations while he was on the Isle of Patmos.  He therefore had no idea that his book would be the last book of the Bible.  When he said don't add to this book he was only talking about the book of Revelations.

Q2:    You mentioned "Eternal Marriage," but in the Bible it teaches there is no marriage in heaven.  (Matt. 22:30)

A: Marriage is an earthly ordinance.  However, we do know marriages will last beyond this life.  The Bible clearly teaches that "whatever you bind on earth...."  Matthew 16:10; Mark 10:9, 1 Cor. 11:11, MW/W Chapter 14.

Q3:    Your church sponsors the largest system of Genealogical Libraries, but doesn't the Bible say to avoid foolish genealogies?  (Titus 3:9, Tim. 1:4)

A: There was an ancient Hebrew tradition that said...  (see Bible Dictionary - Genealogy).  John referred to this tradition in Matthew 3:9 & Luke 3:8.

Q4:    Doesn't Paul say that I am saved by grace?  Why all your emphasis on WORKS?  (Eph. 2:8, Titus 3:5)

A: This is true, we are saved by grace, after all we can do.  This grace is what Jesus did for us on the cross when he took upon himself the sins of the world and gave us immortality (everlasting life).  That doesn't alter the fact that John the Revelator said the Books will be opened and we will all be judged according to our works.  James 2:17, 22:26; Titus 3:8; Romans 2:6; Matthew 16:27; MW/W Chapter 19.

Q5:    Where in the Bible does it say I must be baptized?  The thief on the cross was not baptized, but Jesus said:  "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise."

A: Paradise couldn't have meant Heaven because Jesus didn't even go to Heaven at that time.  IN John 20:17, Jesus said to Mary, "touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father."  If Jesus didn't go to Heaven the thief didn't either.  Acts 10:48; Luke 7:30

Q6:    If we must be baptized, then what is the purpose of baptism and how should it be performed?

A: We believe that we are baptized for the remission of sins.  Baptism must be performed by immersion and by someone who holds the proper authority.  Acts 2:38 & 22:16; Matt 3:16; John 3:23; Mark 1:4; MW/W Chapter 10.

Q7:    Why do we need prophets today?  We have the word of God in the Bible.

A: Apostles and Prophets are necessary today because we need revelation to answer questions.  We have hundreds of different conflicting Christian denominations.  Acts 3:19-21; Amos 3:7 (the Lord will do nothing without Prophets); Eph. 11:14; Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Cor. 1:10 "No contentions among us..."; MW/W Chapter 5.

Q8:    Mormons are not Christian because they have a false concept of God.  "God is a spirit" not "God has a body."  (John 4:24)

A: The Bible is very clear that God and Jesus as Stephen saw them are two different people with bodies of flesh and bones.  Luke 23:36-39; Hebrews 1:1-3; Acts 7:55-56.

Q9:    Mormons are not Christians because they believe that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are 3 separate beings.  The Bible says that Jesus and the Father are one.  (John 4:24)

A: It says in the Bible, "I and my Father are one" but in John 17:11 Jesus asks the Father to make his apostles one as he and the Father are one.  So, Jesus and his Father are one in spirit and unity and purpose, but they are two different personages.  Acts 7:55-56; Mat 3:16; John 17:11.

Additional Questions:

1.  Why do you have Temples?  When God's church has been on the earth He always has temples.  The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that temples would be necessary in the restored church.

2.  What do you do in them?  Perform celestial, eternal marriages and baptisms.  This is a sacred, holy place where one can feel peace and be apart from the world.

3.         Can I go inside?  Before a temple is dedicated, everyone is invited to enter to see how beautiful but yet so simple the temple is and can inspect many rooms.  Once dedicated, only worthy members can enter.  Attending the temple is a re-commitment for us to keep God's commandments.  If we were allowed in right now we would interrupt a session, marriage or baptism.