Satan

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of rejecting outdated LDS doctrines and suggests that the church should reform its teachings to focus solely on the grace of God and faith in Jesus for salvation. Additionally, he criticizes Christian pastors for focusing on superficial elements rather than teaching the Bible comprehensively, urging them to provide in-depth scriptural knowledge and understanding to their congregations.

Shawn clarifies that certain biblical passages, such as 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, John 10:34, and Revelation 1:6, are often misinterpreted to support the idea of multiple deities or divine lineage, emphasizing instead that these passages consistently affirm the existence of one God and clarify the misunderstanding of terms like "gods" as referring to human judges or titles. He critiques the LDS interpretation of these scriptures, particularly Revelation 1:6, which actually refers to the believers' royal priesthood through Jesus rather than suggesting a divine ancestry for God.

The teaching focuses on the biblical passage from Ezekiel 28:11-19, which is interpreted as an allegory for the fall of an anointed cherub, often linked to Lucifer, due to sin and pride. Further discussions include comparisons and titles of Satan in other biblical texts, highlighting his roles as an "adversary," "accuser," and influences in the world, as well as the perspective of Latter-day Saints that sees Jesus and Lucifer as pre-mortal spirit brothers, emphasizing the concept of spiritual pre-existence in LDS doctrine.

In Mormon teachings, Jesus and Lucifer are considered spirit brothers, which contrasts with traditional Christian beliefs that view Jesus as uncreated and divine, having existed from the beginning as the Alpha and Omega. Mormons believe God the Father presented a plan for spirit children to come to earth and gain bodies to progress, while Lucifer proposed an alternative where he would enforce compliance and receive glory, leading to a heavenly conflict resulting in Lucifer's expulsion and transformation into Satan.

The concept of Satan's origins is largely unclear in Christian theology, with limited biblical references, such as those in Ezekiel and Job, not definitively pointing to him but suggesting interpretations about his nature and fall from grace. While some sects like the LDS use additional scriptures such as Revelation 12 and Isaiah 14 to describe Satan as a once-created spirit who rebelled against God, mainstream Christianity views these passages more metaphorically and emphasizes caution when claiming certainty about Satan’s beginnings.

Joseph Smith's use of scriptural passages often took verses out of context to support imaginative teachings, such as the LDS belief in a pre-existent war in heaven involving humanity; however, these interpretations, including Satan and Jesus being spiritual brothers, lack biblical support. Despite passages like 2nd Peter 2:4, which discuss angels being cast down, these are not evidence for the extra-biblical concepts taught by the LDS, as traditional biblical readings do not align with such views.