Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 44:6,8
October 21st, 2006 by DustinIf you do a search on Google for “Isaiah 43:10 mormon” (without the quotes) you will find hundreds of articles explaining why our belief in the nature of God is wrong. In fact, it isn’t until about the 9th page of results that you find anything this it not anti-mormon concerting the topic.
It has been my goal to read the entire Old Testament this year. This morning I came to this verse and also read chapter 44 in Isaiah.
Isaiah 43:10 reads:
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
This is Jehovah speaking, in other words, this is Jesus, the God of the Old Testament. I think the keyword to note here is “formed.” Clearly he is speaking of the habitual nature of man to create their old false gods to worship.
What makes this even more clear is the next chapter. Again, these verses are used to portray LDS beliefs in a negative way.
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 44:6
Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.
Isaiah 44:8
Here again Jehovah is reiterating the fact that he is the only God the children of Israel should worship. What makes this interpretation so clear is by simply reading the rest of the chapter! Starting from the very next verse it follows:
9 ¶ They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
10 Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
11 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
12 The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
15 Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
19 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
21 ¶ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
December 4th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
If Isaiah 43:10 was talking about false idols and gods that people create in their own image, then God’s word here is entirely not true.
Think about….If God is speaking about idols and not real gods then it makes no sense. For surely there were idols before God said this and idols after God said this.
God is clearly talking about ONE God in nature ONE God in purpose and ONE God in existance.
There are no other gods that live besides the God of the Bible. This belief that Mormons carry is a major corner stone of why they are not Christian. The Christian message historically has been ONE God.
December 4th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
I believe in Jesus Christ. I know He lives. I know He is my Savior. I know there is no other way that I can be saved other than through his atonement. I may not fully understand the atonement, but I have experimented with it. And the doctrine of salvation through Jesus the Christ is a “taste good” doctrine to me.
How then can you say I am not a Christian?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:38 am
Which Jesus are you referring to? The Jehovah’s Witnesses say Jesus is the first born, first created, Michael the Archangel? Is this the Jesus you are referring to? Christian Science says that Jesus was a possessed man. Is this the Jesus you are referring to? There is much more to it than just the name Jesus Christ. The way you answered sounds very orthodox and would bare no conflict if I was unaware of the Jesus you are referring to. Jesus is God in the flesh and is not Satan’s brother. And the Jesus of the Bible covers ALL sin including murder. His sins paid the debt in full. Your works do not save you. Your works are purely a response to the gospel not a part that you must keep up in order to obtain Salvation. If you would like to discuss this further I am more than happy to dialogue this with you. Feel free to email me…. eric@onelivingtruth.com
December 5th, 2006 at 10:51 am
I’m referring to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
“Let us here observe that three things are necessary for any rational and intelligent being to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. First, the idea that he actually exists; Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes; Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which one is pursuing is according to His will.” (Joesph Smith Jr. - Lectures on Faith)
You may not agree with my beliefs and I know I don’t agree with yours. But I think we do have more common ground that you think we do. I really don’t have the desire to argue points of doctrine with you. I think it would be fruitless. Sorry.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:51 am
What common ground do we have? I would agree that you and I both have a zeal for a power greater than ourselves, but we must come to reason that faith must not be blind. The biblical concept of God is an intelligent faith. The Mormon concept seems to be blind. I dont wish to argue with you but rather encourage you to look into both sides of the LDS fence. Anti as you would call me is more love than you think. I care for the mormon people and want them to have a saving knowledge of the Christ that is found in the Bible. I know you think you have that but that would be impossible considering the LDS concepts cannot be found in biblical historical scripture. I agree there is indeed such things as an anti mormon. But those type are usually atheist who are anti theology and have resorted to there own wisdom and rational. Romans chapter 1 describes these people. Trust me my friend, I am not here to slam or degrade you. I have many LDS friends who are some of the most loveable people. So please just consider my offer to investigate the claims of your church. Not by prayer but by Holy scripture and historical account.
Even Brigham Young had this right when he stated:
“Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test!” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 16, p. 46, Brigham Young, May 18, 1873).
Grace and peace to you in Christ….
-Eric
Psalm 18:2
December 5th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
Eric as well intentioned as you may be you will never convert me away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I study the Bible. In fact that’s almost all I have studied this year (the Old Testament). To me the Bible is only further evidence that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s only true and living church on the face of the earth and Jesus Christ himself stands at the head of it.
“The truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
Eric, while you may have good intentions, you are are the wrong path. You will not stop the work of this church. No one will.
December 6th, 2006 at 12:10 am
I dont convert anyone….the Holy Spirit takes care of that.
So let me get this straight…you have studied the old testament and have come to the notion that there is more than one god in nature? You believe that the God of Israel is not alone and was fathered by another god? I can show you in great depth where you are mis-informed.
On a side note….. How do LDS get around scriptures like John 1:1 down through John 1:14?
Dustin…. sorry to break it to you bro….but people are leaving the LDS church by the drones. The Mormon church is decelerating in numbers.
Religion starts with man. Theology starts with God. You dont need the LDS church to have a relationship with Jesus.
Hey, I will end with this. Continue to do your google searches and see what the anti’s have to say. Then correct them if not publicly then personally….if not personally, then in your mind, with educated thought and wisdom…..not by emotions. if we are all deceived then you should let us know and explain why.
Good talkin to you Dustin. I will keep you amongst my prayers for the LDS.
God bless ya’ my friend….
-Eric