[Traveler]

Originally Posted by AnthonyB

Some LDS posters seem perturbed by denominations; here are some thoughts I’ve had on the topic. It is still a work in progress and I apologize for its length….

I see the redemptive work of God as central to God’s plan. Creation, Fall, Redemption is a recurring theme in the Bible.

God sets up a perfect situation

People mar God’s perfection by allowing sin or its effects to ravage/corrupt the situation.

God redeems. Redemption does not restore or reform but rather transforms the brokenness/failedness into something wonderfully new. (God does not merely remake the broken pot but rather create an exquisite mosaic from it which is far more precious and beautiful then the original.)

God’s plan was for the church to be one, Jesus specifically prayed for it.

Due to brokenness and failings of his people the church failed to remain one.
I think we can all agree the church (the followers of Jesus) is now not one as Christ intended it.

The question then becomes how does God redeem his church? LDS (and other restorationist groups) see this redemption as coming through their church, that they are the redemptive work of God in His Church. IMHO a presupposition of this view is that the redemption will bring a restoration of the “one church” of the NT times. (Through new revelation to restore the original doctrines and practices in LDS case, or a return to NT teachings in church of Christ)

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The parallel to the church is that we were once a single church. We sinned and failed to stay unified. This often led to strife to between Christians. Rather than seeking to return to one church, we should see the redemptive work of Christ in all our churches. We should recognize our unity as disciples of Christ whilst rejoicing in the diversity of our expressions of that faith.

I like your analogy of a fall and return. May I expand your thought and perhaps add one other. It is quite evident that the church and organization established by Christ did fall and the result was as much or more pagan (of the world) than of what Christ established (created).

The “restoration” of man from his fallen state begins with a covenant we call baptism. Through this covenant fallen man becomes reborn and through the restoration of spiritual rebirth man is changed and becomes a new creature of G-d. Does this mean that the new man will not ever sin and need repentance and forgiveness? No – but it does mean that he has put off his old self and become a new (restored) creature under covenant with G-d.

Likewise the Christian church fell and became corrupt. The method of G-d was not a reformation but a restoration. It was necessary for the Christian church to be restored as a new church in the same manner that fallen men become a new creature. The restored church must put off (forsake) its old self and become a new church. Just as many do not want to give up some of their old self – even after their baptism; there are many Christians that hold on to their old denomination and paganized traditions. Likewise just as a newly Baptized saint will sin and must be forgiven; the newly restored Church will also error and require correction and change as specified by G-d.

The other matter that you have overlooked is the oath and covenant given by G-d in the restoration of his priesthood.

The Traveler