Question
Gramps,
Considering the following scriptures how does the LDS church deem their proselyting as ordained by God? 1 John 2:27-“…ye need not that any man teach you” and Matthew 23:15- “…compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” If the LDS church respects the right of others to worship how, what and when they may as stated in the 11th Article of Faith, then why isn’t the Visitors Welcome sign on LDS chapels sufficient invitation to the public if they are interested learning LDS doctrine?
John
Answer
John,
Let us look at the verses you mentioned and study them a little.
But the annointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same annointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
This is being addressed to people who have already accepted the Gospel of Christ through the ordinance of baptism. The word annointing used here is in reference to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Thus these people really don’t need a man to teach them since the Holy Ghost is what really teaches us the truth about the Gospel.
Those without the gift of the Holy Ghost don’t have this luxury though. More on this in a little bit. First, the next scripture you mentioned.
Woe unto you , scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
It’s plainly clear who this is directed at. The scribes and Pharisees were guilty of distorting and obscuring the Law of Moses to the point that it was nearly unrecognizable to Jesus. This verse, as the one above, is not discussing proselyting by duly called servants of God who share the true laws and doctrines of God. Instead, it is denouncing the corruption of truth, and denouncing those who corrupted it.
We proselyte because it is a commandment from Jesus himself, just before he ascended into heaven after his resurrection.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
An important scripture that does talk directly about bringing people into the Church of Christ is found in Romans 10:13-15. Here’s where we pick up the previous comment about those who don’t have the gift of the Holy Ghost.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rather than look down upon proselyting, the Lord sees that it is not only essential, but a great blessing to those that receive the message.
In our proselyting efforts, we insist upon allowing people to worship as they see fit. Our missionary effort is an invitation to learn more about the truths God has revealed to the world in our day, for our time. It is an invitation to experience something that has brought millions of people joy in their hearts and peace in their souls. If someone is not interested, the missionaries move on.
Gramps
