We know what we worship

After his invasion of Israel in 721 B.C. the king of Assyria brought in other people from around Palestine to populate the area.  These people mixed with the remaining Israelites and over the next couple hundred years had formed an amalgam of race and religion, becoming "Samaritans."  They claimed to be the true religion of Jacob (Israel) from Abraham, using the Pentateuch and thus some parts of the "Law of Moses." The Samaritans believed that the true place of worship was in Mount Gerizim, where Abraham offered his son, Isaac.

However, when the Jews returned from the Babylonian exile they completely rejected the Samaritans as children of Israel, and wouldn't let them participate in the re-building of the Temple at Jerusalem.

Over the ensuing centuries there remained a hatred between the Samaritans and Jews. A Jew would not sully his feet by stepping on Samaritan soil, but rather travel miles out of his way to avoid it.

Jacob's well
Thus, when Jesus came to Jacob's well, as recorded in John chapter 4, it was a surprise to the Samaritan woman who came to draw water that He asked her for a drink. He told her about her life and she perceived that He was a prophet, adding that the proper worship happened in Mount Gerizim, and not in Jerusalem. The answer Jesus gave is remarkably profound:

"Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." (John 4:22)

True Christians
Last month I spent a few days with a business group, all of whom were Christian. It was a great time! We prayed at the start of our meetings, and took turns thanking the Lord for our food. These guys had an agenda to provide a service and glorify God with their business. I really enjoyed my time with them; it was so refreshing to have like-minded people.

Because these men were such exemplary Christians, I began to think about the difference between Mormons and other Christians. What is the real difference?

Ye worship ye know not what
Christians today who have only the Bible are like the Samaritans who had only the Pentateuch. They have the words, and some of the practices, but are missing essential elements. Christianity is an amalgam of religious ideas since Roman times. The various creeds are a hybrid of Greek and Roman philosophies and Biblical teachings. Some are frankly Pagan.

Christians don't know who they worship. Their creeds are a mass of confusion. They say God is three and one at the same time, and believe that the one God takes on different forms. "Whose center is everywhere, and whose circumference is nowhere. Who fills the Universe and yet is so small He can dwell in your heart." There is no way for a human brain to understand God and who He is, and what He is. He is incomprehensible.

We know what we worship
Mormons, on the other hand, have a very clear concept of God -- "we know what we worship," as Joseph Smith explained in his Lectures on Faith:

"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..."

Having a correct idea of the nature of God is essential to developing faith in Him. Thus, the restoration of the Gospel in all it's splendor and simplicity includes much revelation regarding the disposition and attributes of God. In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord tells us:

"The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us." (D&C 130:22)

This is so simple, concise, and understandable that a little child could comprehend it. It also sheds light on the story of the Creation:

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:27)

Wow! It is as the Bible says! We really are created in the image of God! We really are the children of God! So simple. So beautiful. So true!

This knowledge also brings us to a correct understanding of our potential. The words of the Apostle Paul become perfectly clear:

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:17)
With this enlightenment the purpose of life is easily understood: we have the potential to become like our Father. All that God has done for us in creating us, the Earth, and all that exists has a purpose in helping His children to learn and grow and become like Him. He gave His Son so we could all achieve our full potential -- the love of God is in His sacrifice. Jesus marked the path and led the way back to the Father, which defines the word "salvation."   It all makes sense!

Salvation is of the Mormons
Jesus explained to the woman at the well that "salvation is of the Jews." Not knowing what she worshipped did not bring her to salvation. However, in accepting His declaration of being the Christ she would be able to learn the truth and be saved.  Today, "salvation is of the Mormons" because "we know what we worship." Just as the Samaritan woman accepted Jesus, Christians today must accept the prophets sent by God to declare the Truth and prepare the way for the coming of the Lord that all "shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)

Today the Lord says, "Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely." (Alma 5:34) And also, ", my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price." (2 Nephi 9:50)  Come and worship God in spirit and truth.