Question:



My friend is Mormon, and we talk about religion a lot. I learned from a guy on youtube that Mormons believe in Gethsemane being the place where the atonement for our sins was paid. Some people have said that Luke 22:44 says that Jesus ACTUALLY sweated blood, whereas others say that His blood was LIKE sweat. I personally believe the latter. What is your opinion? If the latter is true, then there is truly no atonement for our sins (according to the Mormoms), which means Jesus never saved us of our sins.

On another view, if the atonement for us was through Gethsemane, then what was the cross for? If Jesus did not have to die, then there is no resurrection of the dead, and if there is no resurrection of the dead, then sin has not been conquered. Am I right in saying that?

If there is time, can you also check the credibility of this youtube user? He was once an ex-occult and a goth, but what he talks about seems to be the truth. I don't know if watching this guy's videos overall is worth the time, and if the truth is correct.




Answer:



What you have to remember in sharing Christ with those who are indoctrinated in false teaching is that it is dangerous grounds to get into debates. You have to know that they will come a lot of times not with the intention of having an honest discussion but with attacking the foundation of what you believe. You have to address these discussions from the foundation of what you believe then let that trickle down to the details. It first starts with lifting Him up and allowing Him to draw men to Him as John 12:32 says. You have to come from the standpoint of what you believe and allowing His light to shine on the darkness instead of trying to dispute the darkness to win them to the Light.



You have to ask yourself, “What are they saying isn’t true?” The answer to that question is that they’re saying Jesus didn’t have to die for our sins. The answer to that dispute can be found in the garden. Jesus prayed in Mark 14:35-36 that if there was any possible way that the Lord could redeem man other than through the cross that He would do so. Yet He knew that this was not possible and said, “Not My will but what You will.” His obedience to the Father and His death was physical proof that there was no other way. Jesus confirmed Himself that no one can get to the Father except through Him in John 14:6.



Now understand that I’m not trying to give you the words to say in discussing with your friend. What I am trying to do is show you the approach that I believe the Lord has called us to take. He has called us to study His Word and rightly interpret and apply His Word as 2 Timothy 2:15 says. Through knowing Him and His Word we will be able to shine His light more brightly on what is not true. Now I’m not saying that you shouldn’t study what it is that they believe. But do so from credible sources and be careful to do so knowing the Truth and what Christ has revealed as true from His Word first.

Don't forget, if you have a question you can send it to me at asktheyouthpastor@xtrlive.com plus you can talk to us tonight at www.studenthopeline.com.