Mormonism isn't Christianity (that's not controversial it's the truth)

Mormonism and Christianity: A Thoughtful Biblical Perspective

   The question of whether The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as Mormonism, aligns with biblical Christianity is a meaningful one for those seeking to understand the truth of God’s Word. Members of the LDS Church express a deep commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior, and their dedication to faith and community is admirable. However, when we examine Mormon teachings in light of the Bible, God’s inspired and sufficient revelation, significant differences emerge that set Mormonism apart from the faith described in Scripture. 

    This blog explores these differences with humility, clarity, and respect, aiming to honor the sincerity of all who seek truth while remaining anchored in the Bible’s teachings. By considering Mormonism’s additional scriptures, its views on God, Jesus, salvation, and temple practices, we seek to offer a thoughtful perspective that invites reflection on the truth revealed in God’s Word.

The Bible’s Complete Revelation and Mormonism’s Additional Texts

   The Bible stands as God’s complete and authoritative Word, providing everything needed for faith and life. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This passage affirms that the Bible fully equips believers, requiring no further revelations. Deuteronomy 4:2 echoes this principle: “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” These verses emphasize the Bible’s sufficiency, encouraging us to test all teachings against its truth.

     Mormonism introduces three additional sacred texts: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, which are regarded as divine by Latter-day Saints. The Book of Mormon, published in 1830 by Joseph Smith, claims to chronicle ancient American civilizations, translated from golden plates revealed by an angel named Moroni. While this narrative holds deep meaning for Mormons, it lacks historical or archaeological support, which contrasts with the Bible’s well documented historical context. Revelation 22:18-19 offers guidance here: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” This passage invites caution regarding new scriptures, as the Bible presents itself as God’s complete revelation.

   The Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations primarily from Joseph Smith, addresses church practices and organization, including historical teachings like polygamy, which the LDS Church later set aside. The Pearl of Great Price includes the Book of Abraham, presented as a translation of ancient Egyptian papyri. Scholars, however, have identified these papyri as common funerary texts, unrelated to Abraham, raising questions about their origin. These texts introduce concepts, such as the pre-existence of human spirits and the potential for humans to attain divine status, that are not found in the Bible. Galatians 1:8 advises, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” This encourages careful evaluation of new revelations, particularly those attributed to angelic sources. While these texts are cherished by Mormons, their addition to the Bible diverges from the principle of Scripture’s completeness, creating a notable distinction from biblical Christianity.

The Nature of God: One Eternal Creator or a Progressed Being

   Christianity centers on the belief in one eternal, unchanging God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in perfect unity. Isaiah 43:10 declares, “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.” This affirms God’s unique, eternal nature, reinforced in Isaiah 44:6: “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” The Trinity, as seen in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” reflects one God in three persons, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

    Mormonism teaches that God the Father is an exalted man who progressed to divinity, existing within a broader framework of multiple divine beings. This belief, expressed in teachings like “As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be,” suggests that God is not eternally divine but a being who achieved godhood. The Bible, however, affirms God’s unchanging nature in Malachi 3:6: “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” The concept of a progressed deity or multiple divine beings differs from Scripture’s clear teaching of one eternal God. With deep respect for the faith of Latter-day Saints, this distinction is a deviation from the Bible’s portrayal of God’s singular, unchanging nature. It's not a small deviation, rather a glaring one. 

Human Potential: Fellowship with God, Not Divine Status

   A distinctive Mormon teaching is the concept of exaltation, which holds that faithful Latter-day Saints can become divine beings, ruling their own worlds in the afterlife. Rooted in the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants, this belief suggests that humans, as spirit children of God, can progress to divine status through obedience to LDS teachings and ordinances. (There is a lot that could be said right here, but I committed to writing this blog with respect, so as you read on join me and quell your thoughts, no seriously, reign it in, ok, continue reading with grace) This vision of human potential is meaningful to many Mormons but does not align with the Bible’s teachings.        

   Scripture affirms that God alone is divine, and humans, though created in His image, remain distinct from Him. Isaiah 43:10, cited earlier, states, “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me,” clearly indicating that no new divine beings will arise. Psalm 90:2 further declares, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Humanity’s purpose, as seen in Genesis 1:26-27, is to reflect God’s image and enjoy fellowship with Him, not to attain divinity. The idea of becoming like God recalls the temptation in Genesis 3:5: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” This idea presented in the Doctrine and the Pearl of Great Peace contrasts with the biblical truth that humans are created beings, redeemed for eternal communion with God. 

    Romans 3:23-24 clarifies, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Salvation restores us to a relationship with God, not to a divine status. While the Mormon teaching of exaltation reflects a hopeful vision, it introduces a framework not found in Scripture, encouraging us to consider the Bible’s clear distinction between Creator and creation. 

Jesus Christ: The Eternal Son, Not a Created Spirit 

  The identity of Jesus Christ is the heart of Christian faith. The Bible presents Him as the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, the second person of the Trinity. John 1:1-3, 14 proclaims, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Colossians 2:9 affirms, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” Salvation is through faith in Christ alone, as Ephesians 2:8-9 states: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." I'll stop here. You could go on and on quoting scripture that reveals Christ' identity, but it would be 1,376 pages long and it would be called the Bible. I think you get the point. 

    Mormonism describes Jesus as a pre-existent spirit, the firstborn of God’s spirit children, and a distinct divine being from the Father. This view presents Jesus as a created being who attained divinity, differing from the eternal, uncreated Son of Scripture. Additionally, Mormonism teaches that salvation involves grace and adherence to LDS ordinances, such as baptism and temple rituals, which contrasts with Romans 3:28: “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” While Mormons honor Jesus as Savior, this understanding of His nature and the role of works in salvation diverges from the biblical gospel. With appreciation for the LDS devotion to Christ, these differences are a deviation from Scripture’s teaching about His eternal divinity and the sufficiency of His grace. They are distinctly not Christian beliefs. 

Salvation: Grace Alone or Works and Eternal Progression 

    The Bible teaches that humanity is fallen and redeemed through faith in Christ’s atoning work. Romans 3:23-24, cited above, emphasizes that justification is a gift of grace. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Scripture presents two eternal destinies: life with God or separation from Him, as Matthew 25:46 states: “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

   Mormonism offers a different perspective, teaching that humans are spirit children undergoing earthly probation to achieve exaltation. Through obedience to LDS teachings and ordinances, faithful members can attain the Celestial Kingdom, potentially becoming divine beings. The afterlife includes three degrees of glory, Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial, with most receiving some form of salvation. This framework, rooted in LDS scriptures, is not found in the Bible, which does not describe multiple degrees of glory or the possibility of divine status. Instead, Scripture emphasizes salvation through faith alone, with eternal life as the hope for believers. While the Mormon vision of eternal progression is deeply meaningful to its adherents, it differs from the Bible’s teaching on grace and the afterlife. 

Temple Practices: Christ’s Finished Work or Ongoing Rituals

    The New Testament teaches that Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the Old Testament temple system, granting direct access to God. Hebrews 10:10-14 explains, “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” 1 Timothy 2:5 affirms, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” The tearing of the temple veil in Matthew 27:51, “And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom,” symbolizes this access, eliminating the need for further rituals. 

     Mormonism emphasizes temple ordinances, such as endowments, celestial marriage, and proxy baptisms for the dead, as essential for eternal progression. These rituals, reserved for 'worthy' members and including practices like wearing sacred garments, reflect a commitment to spiritual devotion but lack biblical foundation. Scripture does not mention proxy baptisms or eternal marriages, and the focus on temple rituals suggests a reliance on works that contrasts with Christ’s finished work. With respect for the LDS dedication to these practices, this difference is in stark contrast to the message of the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement as the sole means of approaching God. 

Historical Context and Biblical Discernment

   The origins of Mormonism, rooted in Joseph Smith’s claims of divine visions and angelic revelations, invite careful consideration. Scripture encourages discernment, as 1 John 4:1 instructs: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” The absence of historical evidence for the Book of Mormon’s claims, the scholarly consensus that the Book of Abraham’s papyri are not related to Abraham, and Smith’s early involvement in folk practices raise questions for those evaluating his teachings. These considerations, while not diminishing the sincerity of Mormon believers, underscore the importance of aligning all teachings with the Bible’s truth. Sincerity in belief doesn't equate truth. 

 Conclusion: A Humble Invitation to Biblical Truth

   Mormonism and biblical Christianity share some common language, but their differences are significant and rooted in foundational teachings. The addition of new scriptures, the view of God as an exalted man, the teaching of human exaltation, the understanding of Jesus as a created spirit, and the emphasis on temple rituals set Mormonism apart from the faith revealed in the Bible. With heartfelt respect for the devotion of Latter-day Saints, we affirm that the Bible is God’s complete Word, revealing one eternal God, salvation through faith in Christ alone, and a hope anchored in His finished work. John 14:6 declares, “Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” For those seeking truth, the Bible offers a clear and sufficient guide, inviting all to trust in Christ. In humility, we encourage prayerful engagement with Scripture, trusting that God’s Word will illuminate the path to truth and freedom (John 8:32).  

One thing is clear, Mormonism isn't Christianity. 

  Christianity is centered on the belief in one God, who exists as the Trinity (the Father, son and Holy Spirit) and the teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God and Savior of humanity. Jesus sacrifice alone atones for sin, offering salvation and eternal life through faith in him. Anything at all that claims to be Christianity but is outside of the core belief in Jesus Christ cannot and should not be called Christianity. That's not controversial, that's the truth.