As for examples of a command being given and then removed, the scriptures provide many. The Law of Moses of course is a significantly large one. There are a multitude of components within the Law of Moses which God has commanded are fulfilled and thus removed. An analysis of the laws surrounding blood sacrifice commandments are interesting, detailed in Leviticus (see chapters 1, 12, 22) as well as other books of the Old Testament. When Jesus Christ came to earth, he taught that His coming “fulfilled the Law” of Moses Matt 5:17-22. We believe as Christians that this commandment was placed upon the earth as a symbolic way to teach and prepare his people that one day there would be an ultimate sacrifice made on their behalf. Therefore, The atonement of Christ allowed this command to be removed. Indeed, as he hung on the cross, His final words were—“It is finished” (John 19:30)—indicating that this had been accomplished.

Although further philosophical and biblical conversation is interesting, interpretation of bible passages among sects and individuals differ greatly and thus biblical debate will never “prove” either sides sufficiently. This is why Latter-day Saints believe so strongly in the need for living prophets on the earth. God has always given the earth prophets to guide and assist in scriptural interpretation and in declaring His continuing word to the earth. This is at the very foundation of the “Mormon message” to the world. God is not silent. He speaks to His children today through living prophets just as He did anciently. We declare that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth just as He established it (Ephesians 4:11–12; see also Matthew 16:18; Luke 6:13). We invite the world to study these things, to read the words of God’s living prophets, and to pray for personal revelation that these things are true. It is a marvelous and exciting time to be alive!

mormonsoprano,

It is a fact that Abraham, Jacob and other servants of the Lord had taken multiple wives, but none were commanded by God to do so, rather they were allowed to do so. Please correct me if I am mistaken, but I don’t believe I have read anywhere in the Bible where God gave a command or a law and then later removed it (Matthew 5:18). There are things that were allowed and then later not allowed (such as divorce as seen in the scripture Matthew 19:8). I just thought that it was important to note this. God bless

They were very generous, non-judgemental people. I was able to witness some of the benefits of a polygamist family (the proverbial extra hands a mother needs) and feel that the experience has helped me to be more understanding of the history of polygamy. Somewhere along the way I’d come across a tidbit talking about the debate between pro-polygamy and anti-polygamy…the pro’s begged for a comparison of societies–they had no prostitution, no starving children, no homelessness….

I’m not interested in sharing my husband. *grin* At least not without a mandate from God.

Thanks for a well-written piece! Really enjoyed it!

Isn’t it logical that a loving Heavenly Father would do the same for his sons for the sake of his daughters if he commanded them to participate in the practice?

ama49, the FLDS are not practicing polygamy because the marriages are not legal. Therefore it is adultry. Under the circumstances, I wouldn’t expect the LDS church to do anything other than react negatively.

I would like to clarify for my friends of other faiths: Polygamy is NOT practiced in Mormon temples!!

“Polygamy is defined as one man having more than one living wife at the same time”.

Latter-day Saints are never allowed to marry more than one living individual at the same time. Just like most people of other faiths, a member of our church may choose to remarry after the death or legal divorce of their spouse. Just like all marriages, the location is a choice. Many choose to have the ceremony performed within a beautiful LDS temple. Some do not. My grandmother eloped with her second husband. They were married by a justice of the peace and honeymooned in Vegas.

I wholeheartedly agree with you Aaron: Walking by faith, staying close to our Heavenly Father and enjoying our earthly life is the key to peace and happiness.

It’s been awhile since I visited your site. This was indeed a huge topic and I happened to write about it as well.

The main question I have and that I posed in my post was this: If polygamy is practiced in the temples, why is the church coming on so strongly against the FLDS? Shouldn’t the church acknowledge the fact that polygamy is a part of it’s history at least instead of sounding so negative about it. It makes the church look suspisious to many outside the church.

I do like what you said about us not knowing what the afterlife will really look like. We’re so limited here on earth to just a few things that we “know” but in reality we’re walking by faith.

http://www.graceforgrace.com

Per above:
The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1-3; 29:23-30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1-2)

God never asked his servants to practice polygamy.

I’m glad we have this outlet for our feelings about tender matters. There is much strength in honest and good reports.

And then it ended. But because it is a principle from God, we are of the impression that though we feel it will never be needed upon this earth again, we do not know, so we do not condemn it, when and if it is a mandate from our Father in Heaven.

To anyone who wonders if the women of the LDS church are forced to do anything, we are not, we do not practice polygamy and anyone involved in extra-marital affairs is dealt with by their priesthood leaders in an effort for justice and mercy for the victim and offender.

Every time my husband comes home from a priesthood meeting he is told to love and cherish his wife, to be kinder, more gentle, and to be a support and loyal companion.

I am loved, I am independent, and empowered.
We do not practice polygamy, we do not know all the reasons God has asked his prophets and people to practice it, as in the days of Abraham.