Becoming Gods? Is this true?

[rameumptom]

In the way you are using it it is out of context.

Would you give specifics on why you feel it is being taken out of context, so that we can give a reasonable response? A quick statement on it being out of context, does not prove nor disprove your statement. It only establishes your opinion. Give us some evidence. Break it down contextually for us to see why you believe the LDS reading is wrong.

As it is, LDS are not the only ones that read it in such a context. I've read non-LDS Biblical scholars who have also read it in the same way.

[kona0197]

Well I was raised in a faith the says you can not be a God nor can you be like God himself.

I stick by that belief.

[Snow]

Being a "joint-heir" with Christ means equal to.

I assume that joint-heir = equal to because YOU say so.

Do you have anything more to support your contention other than you want it to be that way?

[Snow]

That whole verse was talking about suffering with Christ. You have to read the whole chapter. You can't take verses out of context.

That's your whole argument? You say "out of context" and let it go at that????

[Mullenite]

Oh it's not Psalms 82:6..............Sorry

[rameumptom]

Well I was raised in a faith the says you can not be a God nor can you be like God himself.

I stick by that belief.

And that's fine that you stick by that belief. However, stating that a verse is taken out of context requires more than just an opinionated statement. You could say, "I personally do not believe how you are reading that statement" and it would be fine, as it would be your opinion.

But a flat out statement requires back up statements to support it.

The key is, LDS have shown that the bible and early Christian Fathers believed that deification was something taught and believed. Whether Christians today agree with deification is immaterial to the discussion, because that falls into opinion. So, if the early Christian Fathers did believe in deification, and they did, then LDS have a valid belief based upon ancient belief.

BTW, the Eastern Orthodox Church still believes in deification. They didn't drop the ball as the Western Church did on that early belief.

Finally, my definition of deity could be very different from yours, simply because of differences in belief in the Godhead/Trinity. You believe we are of a different substance than God. I believe we are of the same substance as God, and therefore are literally children trying to grow up to be like their Daddy (or "Abba" as Jesus said). For me, being a god means being co-heir with Christ, inheriting all the Father has, being made kings and priests unto God (Rev 1:6), and sitting on his throne with him and reigning. All of these concepts are Biblical and supported by the Early Christian Fathers.

So, here we have evidence. And that evidence causes a fork in the road. Which road shall we take? You are welcome to accept or reject it. Hang tightly onto the faith of your ancestors, or be a seeker of God's greater truths. The choice is yours to make, but remember that if there is evidence for truths we reject, simply because our pastor rejects it, we will someday be held responsible for rejecting those truths God tried to share with us. So be thoughtful in your decision, because you may be rejecting a truth that God wishes you to have.

[kona0197]

So, here we have evidence. And that evidence causes a fork in the road. Which road shall we take? You are welcome to accept or reject it. Hang tightly onto the faith of your ancestors, or be a seeker of God's greater truths. The choice is yours to make, but remember that if there is evidence for truths we reject, simply because our pastor rejects it, we will someday be held responsible for rejecting those truths God tried to share with us. So be thoughtful in your decision, because you may be rejecting a truth that God wishes you to have.

It doesn't matter what I believe as I can never be a member of the Church. All that is left is trying to disprove the Mormon teachings. That way I can feel secure that the teachings I grew up with are the correct teachings.

The thing is I know I can't really disprove Mormon teachings. It tears at my soul everyday.

[skippy740]

It doesn't matter what I believe as I can never be a member of the Church. All that is left is trying to disprove the Mormon teachings.

Help me to truly understand this.

You either feel or you know that you can "never be a member of the church". Yet, since that is your truth, you're trying to disprove the Mormon teachings.

Why?

I sincerely want to know. I don't understand why people who don't agree with our teachings are driven to disprove them - and many times in a spirit of contention.

I'm relatively knowledgeable about the doctrines of some other faiths, but I don't knock anyone for believing in the way that they do. I try to add to their faith - as they let me, but I don't push.

So, why? Why do you try to disprove our faith? What is your motivation?

[kona0197]

Why? Because some teachings the Church teach are just plain wrong.

For example the whole thing about blacks not holding the preiesthood till '78. That was due to racist reasons. I even have read sayings from past Church leaders to that end.

Yet no one here will accept my words.

In the end if others believed what I do my world would be better off.

[skalenfehl]

Yet no one here will accept my words.

You're talking to people who, for the most part, already have a testimony of the church and been through crossroads that you stand on now.

In the end if others believed what I do my world would be better off.

Interesting how you worded this.

[kona0197]

Thanks. I've always have been blessed to have a way with words.

[Mullenite]

Deification in the New Testament

Let us briefly consider a few of the verse in the New Testament which teach deification. The author of Hebrews says that God "that appointed" Christ heir " of all things" (1:1-2; 1 Peter 3:22). Together with this, we learn in Romans 8:15-17 that the faithful are "joint-heirs" with Christ." Therefore, if we are faithful we will inherit all that Jesus received from the Father, Godhood.

In Revelation 3:21 we are given this staightforward promise: "to him that overcometh will I (Christ) grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame clear expression of the fact that the faithful will inherit all that

Christ has received from the Father.

The doctrine of man's divine potential is brought out beautifully in the rendering of Ephesians 4:11-13 found in the New Testament Version (NIV). These verses inform us that one of the reason the church is to have apostles,

prophets, and other leaders is that they will help us to attain "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (NIV). Obviously, to attain the full measure of the Savior's fullness would be to achieve perfection....

[skalenfehl]

Thanks. I've always have been blessed to have a way with words.

It was a tongue in cheek comment. I find it interesting how your world would be better if everyone believed what you do. What exactly do you do/are you doing?

[kona0197]

As in what am I doing right now? Packing up the house to move of course...

[skalenfehl]

I meant in the context of your comment:

In the end if others believed what I do my world would be better off.

[kona0197]

Well I would be in the company of those that believed what I believe so therefore no arguments. I wouldn't have to get my girlfriend to drop her Social Security or move out and away from her to join a Church. I wouldn't have to give 10 percent of my income to the Church.

Lastly I wouldn't have to be judged.

[skalenfehl]

Well I would be in the company of those that believed what I believe so therefore no arguments. I wouldn't have to get my girlfriend to drop her Social Security or move out and away from her to join a Church. I wouldn't have to give 10 percent of my income to the Church.

Lastly I wouldn't have to be judged.

Brother kona, I assure you that Father in Heaven loves you very much and will grant you according to the desires of your heart. You will receive what you most want when you pass on. We all will. Where our treasure is there will be our heart be also.

Nobody here judges you. Only one will judge us all.

[john doe]

Yeah, judgement, what a buzzkill. What ever happened to the world where everyone could do anything they want with no consequences for our actions?

[Dr T]

Hi Pammy :)

[kona0197]

I meant no one will judge me according to Mormon rules.

[Adeipho]

Mormon rules? Last I heard the LDS church followed the "rules" set down by Christ. Any "rule" given is never more restricting than the laws Christ has established for us to follow. If you can find one that is against the teachings of Christ I would sure like to see it.

Oh, and "As God is man may become. As man is God once was".

[john doe]

No one made you come here and share why you think we are so wrong, and how your lifestyle and how you choose to live doesn't fit in with our teachings and doctrine. If you didn't want to be judged, why do you continually beat us over the head about how we should accept your lifestyle? Sounds to me like you're the one judging us. Maybe I'm getting tired of being judged by you. Maybe I'm getting tired of being judged according to your rules.

And from what little I've read of your posts, you're either wrong in your assertions or wildly misinformed. On the one hand, you claim to only go to this site and lds.org for your info on the church, but on the other hand, you acknowledge that you go to anti-lds sites and get info. Which is it?

[kona0197]

Well the Mormon rules are a bit different than the typical Church. I grew up in the Church Of Christ. We didn't have to give 10% of our income. We didn't believe in adding onto the Bible. Everyone had the sacrament. We believed Jesus died for our sins. We didn't do anything Temple related nor did we believe in modern day prophets. Heck I still don't truly believe Joseph Smith was a prophet.

Later on I attended Vineyard. We used drums and other musical instruments. As at my old Church there was no need to give more than you wanted to the Church. People spoke in tongues and others translated for all to hear.

And by the way a man cannot become as God is. To say so is sinful.

[kona0197]

On the one hand, you claim to only go to this site and lds.org for your info on the church, but on the other hand, you acknowledge that you go to anti-lds sites and get info. Which is it?

Someone asked me if I checked out the LDS sites they suggested. I said I vist this LDS site and the official LDS site. Question answered.

For solid proof on some things I go to both anti and pro sites. I like to see the whole picture good and bad.

As far as being judged - touche.

[Hemidakota]

But, while joint-heir with Christ, we are still subordinate to the Father. It is He who bestows upon us His light, power and grace that enables us to become Gods and share in the divine council experience with him. Without the Father or Jesus Christ, we could not obtain. So, while we are equal in power and privilege, we are still subordinate to them in the sense that they are our Fathers and Creators.

Correct. As we draw a closer relationship with the Savior, we begin to feel as He did in regarding the FATHER. Our goal becomes one of bringing glory unto them both.