One big question for transitioning Mormons is how to know what is true. Who speaks for God? In traditional Christianity, the Bible holds that authoritative role – but that is contrary to what we were taught as Latter-day Saints.
Sometimes Mormons are Instructed Not to Research Truth on Their Own
They are taught to blindly believe what the LDS Church says. But in fact, it honors God when we double check what we are being told – to see if it is consistent with God’s word.
Acts 17:11 (ESV) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
It Can Be Hard for Former LDS to Completely Trust the Bible
Mormons are taught not to trust the Bible fully. This can be confusing when a person leaves Mormonism. This is why it is important for a person who is seeking God to research the reliability of the Bible. The Bible is the same today as it was when it was first written. It has not been corrupted.
Hebrews 4:13 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Once you realize this, the only question is whether or not you will submit to what God has said, and allow him to be Lord of your life.
The Bible Is Entirely True
All of us should saturate ourselves in God’s word. The Bible is a masterful tool in the hearts and lives of those who read it. But if you haven’t researched and found that it is trustworthy, you will have a difficult time taking God at his word. If your goal is to know God, there is no better way than to believe and study the Bible.
Mark 13:31 (ESV) [Jesus said,] “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
God will hold each of us accountable for believing (or not believing) what the Bible says. We all need to investigate truth and verify that it is from him. We have no excuse because we live in an amazing time, where every person can have their own copy of the Bible and study it.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- What was your view of the Bible when you were LDS?
- Did you ever have an experience when you were encouraged to blindly believe the LDS Church or its leaders? What happened?
- Read Acts 17:11. Why are the people here commended? What would it look like to be like them?
- Read Hebrews 4:13. What power does the Bible possess?
- Read Mark 13:31. What assurance does Jesus give us about the Bible? How does this affect your confidence in the Bible?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much confidence do you have that the Bible is true and trustworthy? Explain.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
