Discussion No. 4
God, the Eternal Father
Objective: To show that the God described by Joseph Smith is the same as the one written of in the Old and New Testaments by the prophets of old.
1. Sin of the ages, the worship of false Gods. Ex. 20:3-4; Deut. 4:27-28. Paul on mars Hill. Acts 17:22-23. Rev. 14:6-7. It refers to the fact that none of the world’s people would be worshipping the true God “in the hour of God’s judgment” or latter days.
2. Common definition of God of Christian Churches today: “There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts or passions; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness.” Prayer Book, Art. I. A God without parts and without passions cannot be the God of the Bible. He is still an “unknown god.”
3. The Nicene Council held at Nice 325 A.D. made up of 325 Bishops and their attendants, as a result of a controversy in the Church, decided upon a description of God similar to the above and they concluded that God and Jesus Christ are of the “same substance” – the same person. This is contrary to the description in the scriptures, yet every major church in 1830 advocated this doctrine.
4. Review the story of the first vision and events leading up to it. (Learn to do so in an interesting style.)
5.l Man created in the image of God. Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 5:1, 3; Alma 18:34; D. & C. 20:18-19; P. of G.P. Moses 6:9; D. & C. 130:22; Acts 17:29. Image means exact likeness. Seth in likeness of Adam. Gen. 5:3.
6. Man is in fact the child of God. Matt. 6:9; John 20:17; Acts 17:28-29; D. & C. 76:24; Heb. 12:9-10. Could he be otherwise than in the “image of God”?
7. God of Passions:
a. Love. John 3:16
b. Anger. Deut. 1:37
c. Jealous. Ex. 20:5
8. Christ lived with the people thirty years known only as the carpenter’s son. No apparent difference. yet He was in the image of His Father. John 1:1-4, 14; Heb. 1:1-3; John 12:44-45; Mosiah 7:27; mark 6:3; John 14:8-9.
9. Relate the stories of the Lord appearing to Adam before and after the transgression. Gen. 1, 2, 3. to Jacob. Gen. 32:30. Moses and seventy of the elders of Israel. Ex. 24:9-112. Moses speaks to the Lord “face to face.” Ex. 33:9-11. Acts 7:55; Moses 1:2, 11; Abraham 2:6; 3 Nephi 11:7, 10 Luke 24Z:36-43.
10. Joseph Smith describes the personages who visited him as “glorified men.” the scriptures concur, while the rest of the world at that time described God as a spirit which could be neither seen nor comprehended. Isn’t this substantial evidence that Joseph Smith was telling the truth?
11. Man may know God. John 17:3; D. & C. 132:24.
Next week we will discuss the position of Jesus Christ in our Church as revealed to the latter-day Prophet, Joseph Smith.
Use the Following ONLY WHEN NECESSARY
1. Oneness of God explained. (How they can be referred to as one and still be separate individuals) John 17:11, 21, 23.
2. Answer to “No man hath seen God at any time.” – John 1:18. Inspired version adds “Except he hath borne record of the Son.” John 6:45, 46.
a. Discuss the fact that in the translation it was possible to have words left out or to have given the wrong meaning.
b. Point to the facts you have just shown where others of the prophets have seen and talked with God. Also call attention that Stephen saw both Father and Son. Acts 7:55-56.
c. Read D. & C. 67:11-12, and Moses 1:1-14.
Suggested Tracts:
Joseph Smith’s Own Story.
A God Who Speaks – Widtsoe No. 5.
The Mormon Idea of God – Bennion.
Supplementary References:
Mal. 2:10
Gen. 35:9-16
Num. 12:5-8
Ex. 3:4-6
Matt. 3:16-17
Acts 1:10-11
*McConkie Era Mar. 1951
* A marvelous work and a wonder. – Richards.