About this page

Mormons around the world are studying the newest edition (2009) of the LDS manual, Gospel Principles. This page provides links to the LDS manual as well as a chapter-by-chapter study guide for understanding the subjects covered in light of the Bible.  It also features other resources that directly relate to the LDS Gospel Principles manual.

Chapter 47: Exaltation, God and Man - Part One: Understanding the LDS Doctrine

This study, in two parts, examines the final chapter of Gospel Principles and its teaching that men can become gods. Part One looks at the historical background to the LDS teaching on 'exaltation' and where it conflicts with LDS scriptures.

Chapter 47: Exaltation, God and Man - Part Two: The LDS Doctrine and the Bible

Part Two of this study looks at how LDS teaching on exaltation (and what it implies about the nature of God and man) matches up to what the Bible teaches.

Chapter 46: On Judgments, Kingdoms, and the Gospel

In this study, we will examine what chapter 46 of the LDS manual Gospel Principles teaches about the important subject of judgment, including the LDS doctrines concerning the various possible eternal destinations of human beings and how those relate to the gospel of salvation.

Chapter 44-45: Christ’s Return and the Millennium

In this study, we will put Joseph Smith’s teaching on this subject in some theological context and examine the LDS Church’s teaching on the Millennium in light of the Bible.

Chapter 43: Signs of the Restoration and Christ’s Return

In this study, we will examine two crucial claims that the LDS Church makes about this Restoration. The first is its claim that Joseph Smith’s ministry was that of a prophet of God who prophesied about events preceding the Second Coming of Christ. The second is its claim that the Bible actually prophesied the LDS Restoration.

Chapter 42: The Gathering of Israel and the Book of Mormon

In this study, we will examine the LDS Church’s teaching about the “gathering” of Israel. It turns out that this doctrine is directly tied up with its founding document: the Book of Mormon.

Chapter 41: Spirits, Spirit Bodies, and Salvation after Death

Aspects of LDS doctrine about the spirit world do not fit with the teachings of the Bible. Some of the issues here may seem of interest only to professional theologians, such as whether spirit is a form of matter. However, when these seemingly academic issues are put into the larger perspective of the whole belief system of the LDS religion, they turn out to be of extreme importance.

Chapter 40: Temples and Ordinances for the Dead

In this study, we will examine what the Bible teaches about temples and compare that teaching with the LDS view of temples and of the ordinances it performs in them. We will then take a close look specifically at the practice of baptisms for the dead and consider the claim that this practice is endorsed in 1 Corinthians 15:29.

Chapter 38: A Closer Look at Eternal Marriage

Turning to chapter 38, which focuses specifically on eternal marriage, we will address two questions. (A) Is there any biblical basis or support for the doctrine of eternal marriage? (B) What is the real origin of the Mormon doctrine and practice of eternal marriage?

Chapters 36-37, 39: The Earthly Family and the Heavenly Family

Mormons and evangelicals have considerable agreement about the family. Yet they also have some very significant differences in their beliefs about the family as it pertains to its relationship to heaven or eternity.

 

Chapters 34-35: Obedience and Eternal Life

Evangelical Christians have some fundamental disagreements with the LDS view of salvation and works. Unfortunately, there is widespread misunderstanding (and not just among Mormons) as to what the evangelical view of works really is. The two chapters of Gospel Principles under discussion here provide an excellent opportunity to clarify this issue.

 

 

 

 

(See all chapters)