Non-LDS beliefs

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by abqfriend

I am not LDS, but your explaining of it makes sense. My religious tradition leaves such decisions ultimately up to God.

This may be a side issue, but there are many LDS teachings that seem to make sense. I'm told that much of the Doctrines and Covenants are God's answers to Joseph Smith's questions about religious matters. So, many of the FAQs people ask of Christians, are specifically answered. If one accepts that Joseph was a prophet of God, then these answers offer a lot of clarity.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by jimuk

I beleive my father in heaven to be a loving, kind, forgiving father, i try to follow what he would have us do and i would not send anyone to hell because they had not heard of Jesus, "its hardly their fault" and neither would he.
To even think of our father as such a bad unkind person would surely be classed as blasphemy.

He loves us all, each and every one of us, and anyone who truly loves him knows this.
You cant love someone that you are terrified of, "lets all pretend to be good or father is sending us to Hell" what a load of Medieval rubbish, brought about by people who frighten people into worshiping some kind of god.

And yet the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. And yet the rich man begged for Lazarus to provide an instant's relief, with a drop of water. No, I don't believe in whipping up fear, or manipulating people into the kingdom. However, our God of love is also a God of justice.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by jadams_4040

I,ve always been told by non l.d.s that they are saved because of the grace of God, and another one i hear is that God knows there heart and therfore saves them, {but always seem to ferget about the baptism comandment in the bible that applies to "all" not just us; it applies to all whom have ever lived}.

We believe that baptism is a testimony of salvation, and an act of obedience, rather than a prerequisite of conversion, and a means by which salvation is conveyed.

[abqfriend]

Baptism varies based on the faith tradition of the particular group. Some Christians baptize only adults after conversion, some baptise both infants and adults. Some consider it a sacrament, some an ordinance, some neither.
It all depends on the faith community and how they view and understand sacred scripture.
Not all non-LDS Christians baptize in the same way.
I am Catholic-as one example. Our Church baptizes both infants and adults. We consider baptism as a sacrament. We consider it generally necessary for salvation, although we do not see any one not having the opportunity to be baptized not due to their own fault as keeping them from salvation. We are confirmed into the Church at a later age at which we confirm our baptismal vows made in our place by our parents-sometimes called God-Parents. -they pledge to have us brought up in a Christian home-as one example.
Others baptize youth/adults after they have had a conversion experience or "accepted Christ."
So-there is not one way of baptism for non-LDS Christians.
It is all based on how their particular faith community/tradition understands sacred scripture and the particular traditions/doctrines/covenants of their particular church.

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

We believe that baptism is a testimony of salvation, and an act of obedience, rather than a prerequisite of conversion, and a means by which salvation is conveyed.

[Traveler]

Prisonchaplain & abqfriend: Just for clarification according to LDS doctrine: Baptism is an initiatory ordinance to the covenant by which one becomes a citizen in the Kingdom of G-d (or if you will church). It is the ordinance of spiritual rebirth symbolizing a death and internment of the old self and birth or newness of someone borne of G-d as well as the coronation of sainthood.

The person performing the baptism (as with all ordinances) takes the place or role of G-d as proxy in offering the covenant. This is why John had difficulty baptizing Jesus – realizing that Jesus was G-d and not understanding the full purpose and condescension of Jesus in accepting his own covenant.

I believe there are several parts of a covenant – in this case the baptism covenant with G-d:

1: Physical submission to the ordinance of the covenant.
2: Recognition of the law given in the covenant.
3: Obedience to all the promises made in the covenant.
4: Faithfulness throughout a trail in order fulfill or test all commandments which comprise the Law given in the covenant.

We believe that salvation can only come through covenant with G-d and that only appointed servants of G-d may act as proxy for G-d when a covenant is made through performing an ordiance – in this life or the spirit world following death and before the resurrection. We believe that baptism is for every person and an ordinance done by the saints for others who have died, as a act of sacrifice, love and compassion to mirror the sacrifice, love and compassion of Christ so that all have access to the covenant to enter the Kingdom of G-d according to eternal covenant.

May I add that I personally believe that Jesus did not do anything that was silly, foolish or un-necessary.

The Traveler

[abqfriend]

I notice that you do not type out the word God. Is that an LDS doctrine?
If so-why--and please give the LDS Scripture/Book of Mormon Reference or Doctrine and Covenant Reference.
Thank You for giving the LDS understanding of Baptism.
As I said-it varies depending on one's religious tradition or understanding of sacred scripture as they under stand it.
-Carol

Originally Posted by Traveler

Prisonchaplain & abqfriend: Just for clarification according to LDS doctrine: Baptism is an initiatory ordinance to the covenant by which one becomes a citizen in the Kingdom of G-d (or if you will church). It is the ordinance of spiritual rebirth symbolizing a death and internment of the old self and birth or newness of someone borne of G-d as well as the coronation of sainthood.

The person performing the baptism (as with all ordinances) takes the place or role of G-d as proxy in offering the covenant. This is why John had difficulty baptizing Jesus – realizing that Jesus was G-d and not understanding the full purpose and condescension of Jesus in accepting his own covenant.

I believe there are several parts of a covenant – in this case the baptism covenant with G-d:

1: Physical submission to the ordinance of the covenant.
2: Recognition of the law given in the covenant.
3: Obedience to all the promises made in the covenant.
4: Faithfulness throughout a trail in order fulfill or test all commandments which comprise the Law given in the covenant.

We believe that salvation can only come through covenant with G-d and that only appointed servants of G-d may act as proxy for G-d when a covenant is made through performing an ordiance – in this life or the spirit world following death and before the resurrection. We believe that baptism is for every person and an ordinance done by the saints for others who have died, as a act of sacrifice, love and compassion to mirror the sacrifice, love and compassion of Christ so that all have access to the covenant to enter the Kingdom of G-d according to eternal covenant.

May I add that I personally believe that Jesus did not do anything that was silly, foolish or un-necessary.

The Traveler

[bytor2112]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

This may be a side issue, but there are many LDS teachings that seem to make sense. I'm told that much of the Doctrines and Covenants are God's answers to Joseph Smith's questions about religious matters. So, many of the FAQs people ask of Christians, are specifically answered. If one accepts that Joseph was a prophet of God, then these answers offer a lot of clarity.

So, your saying I'm a Prophet,eh? Thanks Prison Chaplain....... a very nice compliment indeed.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by bytor2112

So, your saying I'm a Prophet,eh? Thanks Prison Chaplain....... a very nice compliment indeed.

In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, old men will dream dreams, young men will see visions, and both maidservants and menservants will prophesy. (Joel 2:28-29) So...all active believers ought to prophesy. I dare say that I do, by the Spirit's direction, and for the glory of our Savior.