Melchisedec & Melchisedec Priesthood

Kingdom of God

True God and Jesus

This site is maintained by Samuel E. West, elder, in the (Original) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (known as Strangites after the death of Joseph Smith). The purpose of this site is to offer an understanding of Mormon identity, beliefs, churches, and an opportunity to correspond, question, and investigate those people commonly known as Mormons. This site is dedicated to those earnestly seeking spiritual truth.

They believe the Bible to the extent that it has been translated correctly.  They recognize the Book of Mormon as another testimony of Jesus Christ.  Mormons are strict Christians.  Their devout way of life caused them great persecutions by the ruffians that lived on the western borders of Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan.  They have no fixed creed; as they believe revelation from God is the fountain of knowledge.  The Bible testifies that when God stops speaking to man it is due to sin and disbelief.

Pursuit of salvation should be the subject of greatest concern.  Jesus is to return very soon, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thess. 1:8)  The Bible tells that most people on the earth will soon be destroyed by fire, pestilence, and plagues more horrible than the mind can imagine.  It also provides the only escape from this desolation; often called Armageddon.

This mortal life is like a snap of the fingers when compared to eternity.  The Bible tells only a very few, in the last days, will find the gate into the kingdom of God.  We owe no greater debt to ourselves and our families than to exert every effort required to find salvation; and spiritual truth.  Here are the real Biblical answers to life, death, heaven, hell, and eternal life.  Most Christians are not aware of either the true nature of hell, or that Jesus went to hell for three days after He died.  Hell is a hidden place for those spirits that knew not God and obeyed not the gospel.  Jesus spent three days preaching the gospel to these spirits; so they might share in the promise of salvation with all who obey the will of God.

They believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only true and living God; and that His only begotten Son Jesus Christ is the only pathway to salvation through the gospel.  They believe the gospel of Christ precisely as it is given in the Bible.

They believe the organization of the kingdom of God and Church of Christ is the same in all generations; having officers with divine authority to act in the name of God.  These had authority to bind on earth and in heaven.  From baptism to marriage, families were united in death, the resurrection, and for eternity.  Were you only married, "until death do you part"?  Why?  In 325 AD, Constantine reorganized the Christian Church; and adopted the gods, authority, rest day, doctrines, rites, and festivals of paganism.

Mormons accept the teaching, throughout the Bible, that only those called of God (by prophecy) and "anointed" (ordained) by one holding divine authority are the only ones empowered to minister in the name (authority) of God.  They believe in all the gifts of the Holy Ghost; including the gift of prophecy.

They believe in strict obedience to the laws of God; including the ten commandments, love of God and man, and the same seventh day Sabbath given to Adam and Moses, that was to be kept as a perpetual covenant.

The Mormon church divided after the murder of Joseph Smith.  James J. Strang was the only man to claim both an appointment from Joseph Smith and an ordination at the hands of angels; as required by the law of God.  Brigham Young split from the church and led those who would follow him to the great salt lake valley.  We are commanded to "prove all things, hold fast that which is good."

You may return to this Home Page at any time during your study of this site. Your questions and suggestions are welcome. Only through improved communication will non-Mormons and the various groups of Mormons come to an understanding of true Mormon Beliefs and have a sure foundation.