I've noted previously that the LDS church teaches that both the Apostle John (of the Bible) and the three Nephite Apostles never died. However, this is not supportive of the idea that there was a complete apostasy. How did the True Christian Church of the New Testament fall if these three guys were still around doing their jobs? Does this seem nit-picky to you? Well, it might, but remember that LDS members insist that the only reason for a need to restore the True Church (aka--which they believe to be the LDS church these days) was because everyone had fallen away.
As I asked earlier: If John and the 3 Nephites did not die, as indicated in D&C and the 3rd book of Nephi, where are they now? Why did a total apostasy happen if they are still proclaiming the gospel? Why aren’t they members of the LDS church? Why isn’t John the Prophet (since he was Jesus’ best friend and all)?
Here are another resource that supports the same beliefs but is written an author much more eloquent than myself:
Even Brigham Young made a statement that suggested that if these men were still alive that there would be no issues with there being any apostasy:
How vain are the imaginations of the children of men, to presume for a moment that the slaughter of one, two or a hundred of the leaders of this church could destroy an organization, so perfect in itself and so harmoniously arranged that it will stand while one member of it is left alive upon the earth. Brethren be not alarmed, for if the Twelve should be taken away still there are powers and offices in existence which will bear the kingdom of God triumphantly victorious in all the world. This church may have prophets many, and apostles many, but they are all to stand in due time in their proper organization, under the direction of those who hold the keys. (Brigham Young, History of the Church, Aug. 15, 1844, 7:250) So there either aren't four apostles remaining or there was not a total apostasy. Or both. None of those options would set really well inside the current LDS teachings. It seems that these teachings have backed them into a corner that they themselves have trouble talking themselves out of. To many of them, it is only a mystery that cannot be answered on this earth. To me, it is further proof of the invalidity of the LDS church. Hopefully, it will help plant a seed of doubt in the minds of the LDS members you come in contact with and give them something to ponder.
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