Do you agree or disagree with the Fifth Article of Faith?

Question

These are the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Here is the Article:

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

Again, I am looking to see if you agree or disagree with these principles... not any biased "opions" on what people think Mormons believe.

Many people ask what Mormon's believe... these Articles of Faith explain it in it's simplest form. Most Christians will see that we share a lot of the same beliefs.

References:

John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."

1 Tim. 2:7, "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."

D&C 42:11, "Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church."

Answer 1

People don't understand what this means. All they see is that we are saying that they have to be called of God to preach. That isn't what it says.

This is referring to administering in things like baptism, confirmation, ordinances of the priesthood, teaching within the church and holding authoritative positions. Mostly callings and the such.

Anyone can preach the gospel, or tell people about it. That doesn't require a special calling. Missionaries, on the other hand, are called to serve in certain areas of the world. They don't just decide to go on a mission and go where they want. They are called to places where help and work is needed. That is what the preaching part is talking about.

Answer 2

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells every disciple to make disciples of all nations. He doesn't say anything about prophecy or the laying on of hands and Jesus is God, so every Christian is called of God to preach the gospel, right there. To be a pastor or to be in a place of authority in the Church, one does need to be called of God, although not necessarily through prophecy, and recognized by the elders, but just to preach the gospel? No way.

Answer 3

Jesus was referring directly to the apostles at that time. I have no illussions of grandure to think I am an apostle.
God is there waiting for us to turn to him. He laid the path, provided the ransom sacrifice. By doing this he has called EVERYONE. "For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten son...."

So I disagree with the first part of the article.

The "administer in the ordinances" part, since I don't know what ordinances you are referring to, I cannot simply say I agree.

What worries me more about the Mormons is the fact that they added to the 1st century's apostles teachings and created the Book of Mormons as an addendum to the Holy Scriptures that in certain instances contradict and disagree with many of the state truths of Christ's teachings.
There is a warning in scripture that states the penalty for adding to or taking away from scripture.

Answer 4

I'm not sure I understand... does this mean that only certain people can preach the Gospel? And by "preach," do you mean share or actually teach in church? And what about this administering the ordinances part? Does this mean that not everyone can live out the Gospel in their lives?

I'm sorry... just VERY confused here.

Answer 5

Nope.

They must be called by God and ordained, but not by prophecy. No one but the man and God are to determine if that is their calling.

Answer 6

Yes I believe that.

Answer 7

Yes, I believe this. It doesn't always work perfectly, since man is not perfect. But, I do believe it.

Answer 8

Yes, I believe this.

Answer 9

YES