“I, the Lord, . . . Have Seen Abominations in the Church That Profess My Name”
Doctrine and Covenants 50:2–4
2 Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world.
3 And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.
4 Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name.
President M. Russell Ballard said:
“There are false prophets and false teachers who have or at least claim to have membership in the Church. . . . Beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. . . . Regardless of which particular false doctrines they teach, false prophets and false teachers are an inevitable part of the last days. ‘False prophets,’ according to the Prophet Joseph Smith, ‘always arise to oppose the true prophets’ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 365). However, in the Lord’s Church there is no such thing as a ‘loyal opposition.’ One is either for the kingdom of God and stands in defense of God’s prophets and apostles, or one stands opposed.”
(“Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 62–64.)
