Lynn K. Wilder - Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way Out of the Mormon Church

This is the story of how a whole family did its own heart transplant A young man on his lifelong dream of a Mormon mission, his siblings, a father deeply enmeshed in LDS priesthood, and the author, Lynn Wilder, a tenured professor at Brigham Young University. One by one they plucked the lifeless, works-driven core of Mormonism from their breasts and replaced it with the vibrant grace of Jesus Christ. A remarkable, tender account.

Latayne C. Scott, former Latter-day Saint; author, The Mormon Mirage

Unveiling Grace is the inspiring account of one Mormon familys journey from error to truth, from relying on priesthood authority to faith, from trusting in temple ordinances to trusting Christ alone. The Wilders story demonstrates the love of the Shepherd as he seeks his lost sheep.

Sandra Tanner, great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young; president, Utah Lighthouse Ministry

With velvet articulation and a heart for the Latter-day Saint, Lynn Wilder weaves an impressive narrative that proves that leaving Mormonism for Christ is not the end of abundant living but only the beginning. Praise God for this warm and inviting work.

Shawn McCraney, former Latter-day Saint; host, Heart of the Matter ; president, Alathea Ministries

Lynn Wilder does a wonderful job of describing from the inside both why Mormonism makes sense and is so appealing to its followers, and why so many Mormons today are coming to the conclusion that the LDS religion is not the one true church it claims to be. Personally engaging as well as theologically informed, Unveiling Grace goes beyond explaining the problems with Mormonism and presents a sound, liberating alternative in the gospel of grace. Highly recommended!

Robert M. Bowman Jr., director of research, Institute for Religious Research; author, What Mormons Believe

ZONDERVAN

Unveiling Grace

Copyright 2013 by Lynn K. Wilder

ePub Edition October 2015: ISBN 978-0-310-33113-1

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wilder, Lynn K., 1952

Unveiling grace : the story of how we found our way out of the Mormon Church / Lynn K. Wilder.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-310-33112-4 (softcover)

1. Wilder, Lynn K., 1952- 2. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Biography. 3. Mormon Church Biography. 4. Ex-church members Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Biography. 5. Ex-church members Mormon Church Biography. 6. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Controversial literature. 7. Mormon Church Controversial literature. I. Title.

BX8695.W5443A3 2013

289.3092 dc23

[B]

2013016772

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The names and identifying characteristics of some of the individuals featured throughout this book have been changed to protect their privacy.

Cover design: Michelle Lenger

Cover Image: Masterfile / Bill Frymire

Interior design: Katherine Lloyd, The DESK

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To the Lord, Jesus Christ

CONTENTS

W hen I first met Lynn Wilder and her husband, Michael, and heard their story of converting from the Mormon Church to biblical Christianity, I recognized that they have a perspective on Mormonism that few have ever heard. I invited them to share their story on my television program and quickly discovered that many others were interested in their journey as well.

One of the most common criticisms I receive from Mormons is, Youve never been a Mormon. You dont really know what we believe. Why should anyone listen to what you say? But Lynn has been a Mormon, and her story describes the impact the Mormon Churchs doctrines had on her real-life journey as a Brigham Young University professor who came to faith in the biblical Jesus. When she did, her life was transformed, as well as the lives of her family. Today, whenever a Mormon asks me about the differences between their beliefs and biblical Christianity, I tell Lynns story.

Those who read about her journey need to know two things.

First, Lynn is relatively new to biblical Christianity. For thirty years, rather than experiencing the traditions of the evangelical church, Lynn participated in a set of cultural and spiritual traditions unique to Mormon teachings. As a result, she is sensitive to the needs and concerns of Mormons and their family members and is able to communicate the biblical gospel to them in a relevant, beneficial way. Her heart and message are exactly the same as mine in teaching the truth of the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love and forgiveness he offers by grace through faith alone.

Second, Lynns life is a testimony to the many differences that continue to exist between Mormon teachings and biblical Christianity. While those who claim I am Mormon strive to fit in with everyday Americans and even evangelical Christians, Mormon doctrine is quite distinct in many areas. Mormon doctrine does not believe in the Christian teaching of the Trinity, adds additional inspired writing to the Bible with the Book of Mormon, holds to many different views of Jesus than are found in the New Testament, and offers a different gospel message that includes a variety of works. As Lynn has grown in her faith in the Christ of the Bible, she has had to come to a new understanding in each of these areas in ways that help her to communicate the true gospel of the Bible to Mormons, ex-Mormons, and many others.

Remember, this book is not simply the words of some person who converted from Mormonism to the teachings found in the New Testament; Lynn is a walking testimony of Gods grace poured out in the life of a person seeking to find true purpose and meaning in life. She has found it in the biblical Jesus Christ and now serves him by communicating his story through her life. May God bless you as you learn from her life how to better grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and serve him.

Dr. John Ankerberg, president and host of The John Ankerberg Show

I know what happiness is, for I have done good work.

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

T he three of us, dressed up and laughing, raced down the sidewalk and around the corner from our mountain home in Utah to the church building.

Hurry, well be late, Micah called. The organ was playing the prelude for the opening hymn when Katie (fifteen), Micah (eighteen), and I stepped through the foyer, past the couch and the painting of Christ in a red robe, and into the chapel.