A primary evaluation of the LDS doctrine of salvation can not be fully concluded without the mention of the horrible LDS doctrine of “Blood Atonement.” It is necessary to address this extraordinarily shocking doctrine. In point of fact, LDS leaders (General Authorities) have taught that there are some sins that are so grievous that the blood of Christ cannot atone for them, hence, they (the men and women that commit these certain sins) would have to spill their own blood.

In other words, LDS leaders would actually teach that the people whom commit certain sins would have to be killed to atone for their sins. LDS leaders now suppress this notoriously anti-Christian doctrine, however, historically, this was taught and practiced. It is a matter of record.

Despite God’s commandment not to murder and the many clear verses in Scripture that teach: Jesus forgives ALL SINS, Brigham Young explains:

There is not a man or woman who violates covenants made with their God that will not be required to pay the dept. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out. Your own blood must atone for it, the judgments of the Almighty will come sooner or later, and every man and women will have to atone for breaking covenants (Journal of Discourses, 3:247).

Young goes on to say:

Suppose he is overtaken in a gross fault, that he has committed a sin that he knows that will deprive him of exaltation which he desires, and that he cannot attain to it without the shedding of his blood, and also knows that by having his blood shed he will atone for that sin and be saved and exalted with the Gods. . . . (Journal of Discourses, 4:219).

Keep in mind Brigham Young was the second President and Prophet of the Mormon Church the successor of Joseph Smith, hence Mormons will concede that the teachings of Young were Scripture. Present day LDS leaders however, converge their efforts to expunge this outrageous doctrine. But the documentation is overwhelming and is a matter of record. Concurring with Young, Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth President and Prophet of the Mormon Church, tells us:

Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may commit, that will place the transgressors beyond the power of the atonement of the power of Christ. If these offences are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent. Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far possible, in their behalf” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:133-38)

To say that there are some sins that Jesus could not atone for is notably blasphemous and sharply undermines the clear teaching in Scripture. The Apostle John unequivocally states:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9; emphasis added).

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. . . . (1 Cor. 15:3; NASB)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7; ibid.; cf. Col. 1:14)

In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight (Col. 1:22).

Jesus forgives ALL SINS. There is no distinction of kinds or types of sins. He forgives all. Because of one sacrifice (death on the cross) Christians are presently and completely perfect in God’s sight:

For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified… And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (Heb. 10:14, 17; emphasis added).

Christ hath perfected them forever.

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