Introduction

The question of whether Mormonism aligns with biblical Christianity is an important one. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) claims to be Christian, its teachings diverge significantly from the Bible in key areas. The Bible warns against false gospels (Galatians 1:8-9) and urges believers to test all things against Scripture (Acts 17:11).

This article is not an attack on individuals within the LDS faith but a biblical examination of its doctrines. Our goal is to expose theological errors with truth and love, pointing people to the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Overview of Mormonism

Origins of Mormonism

• Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830.
• Claims that Smith received divine revelations and discovered the Book of Mormon.
• Teaches that traditional Christianity fell into apostasy, requiring restoration through Smith.

Core Beliefs of the LDS Faith

• God was once a man who became exalted.
• Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer.
• Salvation involves faith, works, and temple ordinances.
• The Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are considered additional scripture.
• Faithful Mormons can attain godhood in the afterlife.

While Mormons use Christian terminology, their definitions differ significantly from biblical Christianity.

Key Theological Contradictions Between Mormonism and the Bible

1. The Nature of God

• Mormonism: God was once a man who progressed to godhood (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345).
• Bible: God is eternal, unchanging, and has always been God (Malachi 3:6, Isaiah 43:10).

2. The Person of Jesus Christ

• Mormonism: Jesus is a created being, the spirit brother of Lucifer (Gospel Principles, ch. 3).
• Bible: Jesus is eternal, uncreated, and fully divine (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17).

3. Salvation: Works vs. Grace

• Mormonism: Salvation requires faith, baptism, obedience, and temple ordinances (2 Nephi 25:23).
• Bible: Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28).

4. Additional Scripture vs. the Sufficiency of the Bible

• Mormonism: The Bible is true “as far as it is translated correctly” but must be supplemented (Article of Faith #8).
• Bible: Scripture is complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Galatians 1:8-9).

5. The Afterlife and Deification

• Mormonism: Faithful Mormons can become gods (Doctrine & Covenants 132:20).
• Bible: Only one God exists; believers will not become gods (Isaiah 44:6-8, Revelation 21:3-4).

Addressing Common Mormon Arguments

1. “The Early Church Fell into Apostasy”

• Biblical Response: Jesus promised that His Church would never be overcome (Matthew 16:18).

2. “Faith Without Works Is Dead” (James 2:26)

• Biblical Response: Works are a result of salvation, not a requirement for it (Ephesians 2:10).

3. “We Need Modern Prophets”

• Biblical Response: Jesus is the final revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The True Gospel: Freedom in Christ

The Bible teaches that salvation is found in Christ alone, by grace through faith (John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10). Unlike Mormonism’s works-based system, the true gospel offers assurance of eternal life through Christ’s finished work on the cross.

If you are a Mormon questioning your faith, we encourage you to seek the truth in God’s Word.

Conclusion & Call to Action

• The Bible is the final authority on truth (2 Timothy 3:16).
• Test every doctrine against Scripture (Acts 17:11).
• Seek Jesus, not religious systems, for salvation (John 8:32).