After leavin Mormonism, I did some research

Historical Christianity
I have been asked several times. "If not Mormonism, than what, and why?"
I have done a lot of research since leaving the LDS church as to what else is there.
To the LDS, the Church of Christ fell into complete apostacy, and there was nothing left after, until Joseph Smith restored the church in 1830.
I have thought to myself. There would have to be a few conditions met to make the true.
1- That Christ's promise that "the gates of Hades shall not prevail against (the church)" was not fulfilled. Matthew 16:17-19
2- That the priesthood in which Joseph Smith said that he restored, was actually lost.
3- That Joseph Smith's church actually reflects Christ's church.
First, here are some links that I found regarding the contiuence of Christ's church from the beginning to now.
http://www.baptistpillar.com/bd0547.htm
http://members.citynet.net/morton/baptist.htm
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/anabapt.htm
http://www.ritchies.net/p4wk4.htm
Now as for the structure and the teachings. That obviously is more in depth. The articles that I listed had many good points.
But I will make a few of my own.
As in the days of Christ's church, during the apostle's ministries, the holy place was in the temple made not with hands: Mark 14:58
Apostles met in each others homes, and gathered new believers there as well.
They taught the principles of the gospel there, and for new believers they offered baptism in the river to show the commitment of the new member to the rest of the community, and to be obiedent to Christ.
They taught faith would save a man, that it is not the faith of the man, but the faith that Christ had in us to begin with that would prevail.
That it is not our works, but that we were made to be in good works of Christ.
Following faith and being therefore bound to salvation.
"My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." John 10:29
Those who were merely disciples would be sent out, at which point they would take on the task of "the great commission" in which Christ told us to teach the gospel to all. Those who were "sent out" were called apostles.
1 Cortinthians 12 gives a guide to understanding spiritual gifts, and the structure of the Body of Christ.
We find in Hebrews 7 (and the following chapters to 11) that Christ is the High Priest, so the animal sacrifices of old have been paid for by His blood, and since he carries on forever, the high priest's job is taken care of forever since He lives forever to make intercession for us. Hebrews 7:27
So the church lives under His grace, his direction, and his revelation.
Since He lives in every believers heart via the Holy Spirit, the decernment and revelation is given on an individual basis.
2 Corinthians 6:16
Why not a different religion? I actively searched and participated in several New Age type of religions, like Wicca/Druidism, and spiritual conciousness types. I also tried Krishna/Hinduism. None of them fit like the Holy Spirit.
A good reference for the key principles of salvation:

http://www.av1611.org/etern.html

 

If this post must be moved to further discuss Mormonism, I would be elated to see this conversation move to somewhere more appropriate.

Could a moderator complete this task?

Thank you

 

Thanks, I didn't know where to move the thread.
This seems like a good place.
-----


Quote TexasSky "May I ask what helped you the most in journeying out of Mormonism and into Christ?

I ask that others may learn from your testimony."


I wrote my testimony at: http://www.behindzioncurtain.com/mystory

It is quite long, and wouldn't fit into this message board. I hope that gives you more understanding in to the decision that I made.

 

http://realmormonhistory.com