Chapter 4 - The Organization of the Original Church of Jesus Christ

Joseph Smith claims to have organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints much in the same way as the church was organized in the New Testament.  This includes the naming of the church, the addressing the membership as saints, the formal organization with apostles and prophets.  Each one of these elements of the Mormon church will be targets for the biblical challenge.

The Naming of the Church

Joseph Smith is actually not the person who named the Mormon church as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The official naming is found in the compilation of revelations given to Joseph Smith from the Lord, called the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C).  The D&C is organized by sections and verses.  Each section has a header that explains the circumstances and date of the claimed revelation.  It is in the D&C section 115, verses 1-4 (or D&C 115:1-4).

D&C 115:1, 4

1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun….for thus it shall be called, and unto all the elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scattered abroad in all the world; 

4. For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joseph Smith taught that since the restored church is that of Jesus Christ, then it is appropriate to name it The Church of Jesus Christ.  It has been commented that if the church were named after another person, whether it be John the Baptist, Martin Luther, and etc., then the church would be officially that particular person’s church, and not the church of Jesus Christ. 

Joseph Smith continued teaching that Jesus Christ distinguished His original church from the restored church by adding the “of the Latter-day Saints.”  Which brings up the next important element of Joseph Smith’s restored church, which is the naming of the general membership.

The Saints. 

It was common in the 19th Century and is still prevalent today that a “saint,” especially in the eyes of the Catholic Church, was a superior person who is “canonized,” and becomes a figure to be idolized or greatly admired.  It is not a position for the masses of membership.

Joseph Smith taught that each member of the general membership of the Mormon Church was to be called a saint.  Having changed a major doctrine of the Catholic Church, then there must be some comments from the Bible on this particular doctrine.

The Old Testament Referrences to Saints

In the Old Testament, the term “saints” appears to refer broadly to God’s people. The first passage is in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 33:2,3

2. And he said, The Lord came from Sinai and rose up from Seer unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. 

3. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

The next few uses of “saints” are in Psalms.  Using the word “member” is a bit clearer here.

Psalms 50:5

Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

Psalms 89:7

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Psalms 97:10

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

One of the last uses of “saint” in the Old Testament is in Zechariah.

Zechariah 14:5

And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

Using the simplest of basic terms in the Old Testament, one could conclude that “saints” are not just a few very great men who where “canonized” for the great works that they did.  They could very well be the general membership of the church at that time.

New Testament Usage

The New Testament use of “saint” is more explicit.  The apostles frequently addressed entire congregations as “saints.”  The following passages denote this usage of the term “saint” in their introductory of their letters.

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours;

2 Corinthians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Eph 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:  Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Other passages show “saints” clearly referring to ordinary believers:

Acts 9:13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Acts 9:32

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

Romans 15:25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

Eph 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

Eph 4:11,12

11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Conclusion

There is strong biblical support for using the term “saints” to describe the general membership of the church.

The Organization of the Church

Joseph Smith organized the Mormon Church in the following manner. 

• A Prophet.  (The president)

• Twelve apostles

• Additional roles such as:

  • Priests

  • Elders

  • Teachers

  • Deacons

  • Bishops, and etc. 

Biblical Support for Apostles and Prophets

The prophet Amos declared:

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Using a prophet as a way to communicate His will to His people is certainly the way the Lord operated during the entire Old Testament and after His death and resurrection in the New Testament.  Paul explained the organization of the church in several different passages of the Bible.

Ephesians 2:19-22

19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 

20.  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 

22.  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Paul continues with:

1 Corinthians 12:27, 28

27.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 

28. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Paul gives specific parameters for this organization.

Ephesians 4:11-14

11.  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

13.  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 

14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Paul explained that this organization with apostles and prophets was to exist for:

1. The perfecting of the saints

2. Unity of the faith

3. Protection from false doctrines

Referring to the first two chapters on the possibility of the apostasy from the original church and its restoration, then the restored church would still be under these three rules. 

The Continued Need for Apostles

When Joseph Smith set up the LDS church with apostles he also established a manner for them to be replaced when they transgressed or died.  Most Christian churches today do not have apostles within their organizations, believing the role ended with the original twelve. 

Joseph Smith’s teachings were to the contrary and if Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet, then the Bible should support this fact. 

Biblical Example of the Replacement of Apostles

Joseph Smith pointed out that in the book Acts, the remaining apostles, after Judas killed himself, got together and selected a new apostle to replace Judas.

Acts 1:21-26

21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us. 

22. Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 

24. And they prayed, and said, Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place.

26. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Conclusion

They replaced the traitor Judas. The office of apostle was not intended to disappear but to continue as needed.

Revelation

The next important element that Joseph Smith taught was the importance of revelation that played in the restoring of Christ’s church.  Joseph Smith never claimed to have organized anything on his own judgment.  Joseph Smith always recognized the divinity from Jesus Christ from whom he received directions to organize the church in the original manner, to teach the doctrines of the church, and to reveal the mysteries of the church. 

Much like the prophets of the Bible who would receive a revelation from the Lord and then write it down.  These writings are now compiled in the Holy Scriptures called the Bible.  In Joseph Smith’s case, he wrote down each revelation that he received and then published these revelations in a book called The Doctrine and Covenants.

The important element of these revelations recorded in The Doctrine and Covenants is the “revelation” itself.  Most of the Christian churches today do not claim any form of official revelation from Christ. 

Biblical Support for Revelation

Here is what the Bible has to say about revelation and its part in the church.  The first passage is when Christ was talking to Peter.

Matthew 16:13-18

13. When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 

14. And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 

15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 

16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 

18. And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Joseph Smith teaches that “this rock” that Christ will build His church on is “revelation.”  Joseph Smith teaches that it was not “flesh and blood” that revealed to Peter who Christ was, but it was Christ’s “Father which is in heaven,” who revealed that knowledge, which was a “revelation” to Peter. 

Joseph Smith teaches that “revelation” is again back on the earth and that the “heavens,” where God dwells, are again open. 

Paul states that he learned his knowledge of God from revelation.

Galatians 1:10-12

10. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 

12. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:2

And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing..

Two important passages that Joseph Smith and the Mormons always like to emphasize are about prophets and revelation.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Here Paul taught that a prophet will be raised up, and people are commanded to listen to him.

Acts 3:22,23

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 

23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

I think this passage makes it kind of critical for each of us to sincerely find out if Joseph Smith was a prophet.

The Biblical Support Chart.

In the case of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) one must consider that Joseph Smith was fifteen years old when he claimed to have received his first revelation from God and Jesus Christ.  Not Being educated in any formal schooling or any clerical training, Joseph Smith organized the LDS church in a manner closely related to the original church that Jesus Christ set up.  The Bible, as related to the organization of the LDS church, does give substantial support to the way Joseph Smith set it up.

Are the following topics supported in the Bible? Yes or No

1. Does the Bible support naming the general membership of the LDS church, saints? Yes

(Deut 33:2,3; Psalms 50:5, 89:7;97:10; Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:2)

2. Does the Bible support the organization of the church with prophets and apostles? Yes

(Amos 3:7; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 12:27,28; Eph 4:11-14; Acts 3:22,23)

3. Does the Bible support the continued need for having 12 apostles?  Yes

(Acts 1:21-26)

4. Does the Bible support that the fullness of the Church of Jesus Christ should be based on revelation? Yes

(Matt 16:13-18; Gal 1:6-12; 2:2; 1 Cor 13:2; Prov 29:18)