Zion's Army--Star Test

The "Star Test" was a tool used by Youth Guides to prepare for the tough questions that may be asked when speaking with someone who is learning about the Church. It contains short answers and references to some of the most common questions and concerns that are raised. Most answers come directly from the Bible. Before working on handling the questions specifically, please read the suggestions for a format of handling objections. Also consider President Ezra Taft Benson's method for answering questions from the Book of Mormon.

The Star Test

Question 1

Q: Isn't the Book of Mormon an addition to the Bible? St. John said that we should not add to nor take away from the Bible. (Revelation 22:18).

A: John was stating not to add to his book, the book of Revelation. He was specifically appointed to receive and record that revelation about the end of the world, and he was stating plagues would be upon any who altered the words or added to his revelation. See Revelation 22:18, where he add "the words of this book" -- clarifying that he is stating not to add to his record. The Bible is a collection of books that was assembled years after John wrote Revelation. Because Revelation is the last book that was assembled in the collection, it appears as though he were writing about the whole collection. Moses, when finishing his record, wrote a similar admonition not to add to or change his record (see Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32). Obviously, this did not mean no other prophets after him should keep records.

Question 2

Q: The LDS Church believes in "Eternal Marriage," but the Bible teaches that there is no marriage in Heaven (Matthew 22:30).

A: Marriage is an ordinance performed on earth, not in heaven, however we do know that marriages will last beyond this life. 1 Corinthians 11:11 states "neither is the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man in the Lord." Matthew 16:19 mentions the power to seal things, including marriages, forever -- "Whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsover ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." See also Mark 10:9 -- "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Question 3

Q: The LDS Church sponsors the largest system of genealogical libraries, but doesn't the Bible say to avoid foolish genealogies? (Titus 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:4)

A: This was speaking of the tradition that was popular at the time of Paul of claiming that a person could be saved by virtue of his lineage, rather than through faith and works. "Foolish Genealogies" was not referring to listing or researching a person's ancestry. In fact, the Bible is full of many lists of genealogies, for example, Christ's (Matthew 1:1-17). Instead it referred to trying to be saved by one's ancestors, to which Paul replied on one occasion, "God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (see Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8; Bible Dictionary definition for "Genealogy").

Question 4

Q: Doesn't Paul say that I am saved by grace alone? Why is there an emphasis in the church upon works? (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5)

A: We are saved by the grace of Christ, after all we can do. James teaches that faith without works is dead, being alone (James 2:14-26). Matthew 7:21 states that not everyone that sayeth "Lord, Lord" shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven. See also James 1:22 -- "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only ..." and Revelation 22:12,14 -- "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. . . Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Without the grace of Christ, we could not be saved, no matter what our works are. And his grace saves all people from physical death through the resurrection, however eternal life is reserved for those who believe and keep his commandments.

Question 5

Q: Where in the Bible does it say I must be baptized. The thief on the cross was not baptized, but Jesus told him "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise."

A: The thief on the cross called upon Christ at the last moment, and Christ stated "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise." However, three days later, when appearing to Mary, Christ said "Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to my father which is in Heaven." So the paradise which he spoke of to the thief was not the same as heaven where God is. The Bible is full of examples of how baptism is a commandment of God. Acts 10:48 says "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." John 3:5 states unless a man is born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Finally, Christ was baptized as an example to everyone, to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).

Question 6

Q: If we must be baptized, then what is the purpose of Baptism, and how should it be performed?

A: We are baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38 & Acts 22:16). Baptism must be performed by immersion (Matthew 3:16, John 3:23, and Romans 6:4). Baptism must be performed by one who holds proper authority (Matthew 3:13).

Question 7

Q: Why do we need prophets today? We have the word of God in the Bible.

A: God loves us as much as those in Bible times, we need his help as much as they did, and He is just as able to speak to prophets today as he was then. Amos 3:7 states "Surely the Lord, God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Ephesians 4:11-14, 20 explains that God gave us prophets for the perfecting of the saints and to help from being tossed about by every wind of doctrine. And Acts 3:19-21 admonishes to repent and be converted until the times of refreshing, when God will send "...Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you, Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

Suggestion of a format for handling questions and objections:

1) Thank the person for having the courage to ask the question and for allowing you a chance to respond.

2) Restate in your own words what the question or objection is, and make sure you understand it (so that you don't answer the wrong question)

3) Build on Common Beliefs. Start your answer by identifying some belief you have in common with the person and working from there. For example, a concern about the Book of Mormon could use the common belief of "You said you love and trust the Bible. I love and trust the bible as well--it helps me learn of Christ and feel closer to him. And I want to tell you about another book of Scripture I love and trust..."

4) Answer the question respectfully from the Bible, as demonstrated in the Star Test below.

5) Answer the question according to modern day revelation -- with a scripture from the Book of Mormon or a statement from a Latter-Day prophet.

6) Share your testimony and conviction of the principle or answer.

7) Ask, "Does this answer your question."