Mormons

Documentation for many of these statments can be found at www.mrm.org

Back to part 1 "Facts"

What Mormons Teach

This section contains the well known fundamental beliefs of the LDS (Mormon) organization and some other beliefs which you don't see in general advertising (like commercials) or hear when they knock on your door. Unlike Christianity, Mormon teachings are not plainly visible. Only when you join their group (a new member cannot enter a temple by the way), then do you find out all the rest.

Are Mormons Christian ? Read the following and the answer will be clear.

Fundamental beliefs and Other less advertised beliefs

Fundamental beliefs

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church,

namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Other less advertised beliefs

Before we begin, let's do a brief overview and comment on of some of their fundamental beliefs mentioed above. Then we'll look at the less advertised beliefs. We'll add some italicized comments where appropriate.

Mormonism's fundamental belief (#2) is that man is not punished for Adam's transgression.

But the Bible teaches, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous" (Romans 5:19).

Mormonism's fundamental belief (#3) is that man can also be saved by obedience to the law.

But the Bible teaches, ""No one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law" (Romans 3:20).

Mormonism's fundamental belief (#6) is that they believe in the same offices held by the early church (apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth).

But the Bible teaches that His church does not include the Aaronic Priesthood. See "The Biblical Priesthood".

Mormonism's fundamental belief (#10) is that they believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent".

But the Bible teaches that Israel has 12 tribes and that Jesus is returning to the Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives in present day Israel (Zechariah 14:4-11) to personally reign upon the earth.

Mormonism's fundamental belief (#11) says that they claim the privilege and allow all men to worship God how they want and what they want.

But Jesus said, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

Mormons believe that all Christian churches are apostate (false), and that all Christian ministers are hirelings of Satan (this is evidenced by one of their secret Mormon ceremonies). They believe that the real Church of Jesus Christ did not prevail against the devil and thus the true teachings disappeared. Joseph Smith believed that he was called to restore the original teachings. Joseph Smith called this the great apostasy.

But according to Matthew 16:18, Jesus built his Church and it would exist for all time.

Mormons believe they can become a god and receive their own worlds to rule as god. As gods, Mormons believe they will enjoy the reward of eternally procreating spirit children with which to populate their world.

Mormons say verbally that they believe in one God but their writings show that they believe in a plurality of Gods. See Mormon Gods and their Gospel. Mormons believe that the Father is God. The Book of Mormon also teaches that Jesus is God. At the same time, Joseph Smith taught that God the Father and Jesus are two separate beings. Thus, doing their math, 1 + 1 = 2 Gods.

Joseph Smith denounced the idea of the Trinity (1 God, 3 Persons). Then you add all the Mormons who believed they have reached godhood and you have thousands and thousands of gods according to their belief. Mormons have a very hard time answering the question: How can the Father be God and Jesus be God and still satisfy the truth that there is only one God?

The Bible on the other hand strongly states that ""Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no saviour" (Isaiah 43:10-11). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ONE God.

Mormons teach that Jesus had to progress to Godhood because he wasn't perfect (he wasn't sinless).

According to the Bible, Jesus is the sinless Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.

Mormons believe that God (Jesus) cannot exist in more than one place at a time. See Mormon Gods and their Gospel.

The Bible shows that Jesus is both on earth AND in heaven at the same time. While talking to Nicodemus on earth, Jesus said, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of Man WHICH IS IN HEAVEN" (John 3:13). Jesus IS (present tense) both on earth AND in heaven! Truly remarkable. I wonder if the Mormons have ever stopped to analyze this glorious statement.

Mormons believe Jesus and Lucifer are spirit brothers born to a Father God and Mother Goddess.

According to the Bible, Jesus is the Most High God.

Mormons believe that all humans are created as spirit beings through procreation (sex) between the Father God and His wife (wives?).

Mormons believe Jesus was born in Jerusalem - the Tribe of Benjamin (Alma 7:9,10).

According to (Matthew 2:1, Hebrews 7:14, Revelation 5:5, Matthew 1:6, 1 Samuel 16:1, Matthew 15:22; 21:9; Mark 10:47, Genesis 49:9-10), Jesus was born in Bethlehem - the Tribe of Judah.

Mormons believe that God held a council in Heaven where He revealed His plan. Lucifer wasn't happy with it and they had a falling out. Jesus' plan was accepted and then Jesus made the worlds according to God's plan. Lucifer rebelled and took one third of the angels on his demonic team.

According to the Bible (in the Garden of Eden), the devil had a plan. His plan was to convince Adam and Eve that they could become gods.

Mormons believe their god was once a man and is now an exalted being, a being of flesh and bones. God has a father, that father has a father, and so on and son on. According to LDS theology, Jesus has a Grandfather God.

The Mormon "Plan of Salvation" consists of a process of progression, centered on works. If successfully followed, it results in achieving godhood. This plan also defines alternative eternal destinations for those who fail to follow it successfully.

View the Biblical Plan of Salvation and the real meaning of forgiveness.

Mormons believe that "Jesus is the God of the Old Testament and the Creator, but not necessarily the designer of planet earth". If you search the archives of the LDS scriptures and teachings, you will not find anything to show that the designer and creator are 2 separate beings.

The Bible too is full of scriptural references of Jesus being the Creator and it makes no distinction between designer and creator. As far as the Bible is concerned, creator = designer = Jesus.

Mormons believe they are saved by works + faith.

Christians believe they are saved by faith only.

Mormons believe Jesus was not always God. That Jesus was created.

According to the Bible, Jesus is the ETERNAL and EVERLASTING FATHER - (Isaiah 9:6) - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Father. He is the great I AM (John 8:58) - "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am".

Mormons say they believe in the same Jesus of the Bible. But when you look at what Mormons teach about Jesus, the Jesus of Mormonism is not the same Jesus of the Holy Bible.

Mormons believe that one can know the truth by feelings (this they call "burning in the bosom").

The Bible teaches that feelings is not the way. See "How to Know the Truth".

Mormons believe that befor one can enter one of the temples, he or she must be worthy. Each Mormon must annually pass an interview process that, if successful, rewards him or her with a 'temple recommend' in the form of a small ID card which allows him or her to enter the temple. The Mormon must pass this interview. See the "Biblical view of Temples".

Mormons believe that the Aaronic Priesthood is in operation today. Mormon boys become Aaronic priests at the age of 12. See the "The Biblical Priesthood".

Mormonism versus Christianity

How was Jesus born?

According to Mormon theology, Jesus is the literal son of god and his goddess wife. He was born through physical sexual relations with Mary. Brigham Young taught that Jesus was not born with any involvement of the Holy Spirit.

According to the Bible, Jesus is not the literal son of god and his goddess wife. He was not born through sexual relations. Mary was a virgin was Jesus was born. There is no such thing as a goddess wife. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit {Matthew 1:20}.

Where was Jesus born? Of what tribe?

According to Mormon theology, Jesus was born in Jerusalem {Book of Mormon, Alma

7:9,10} and is of the Tribe of Benjamin. The city of Jerusalem {Jebusi} belonged to the tribe of Benjamin {Joshua 18:21- 28}.

According to the Bible, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, of the Davidic, kingly line of Judah {Matthew 2:1, Hebrews 7:14}. Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah {Revelation 5:5}. Jesus is a descendant of David, a Bethlehemite {Matthew 1:6, 1 Samuel 16:1}. Several other verses refer to Jesus as "Son of David" {Matthew 15:22; 21:9; Mark 10:47}. The line of King was through the Tribe of Judah and not Benjamin {Genesis 49:9-10}.

Has Jesus always been God?

According to Mormon theology, Jesus has not always been a god {Doctrines and Covenants 93:12-14,21}.

According to the Bible, Jesus has always been God.

Begotten of the Father

According to Mormon theology, Jesus was not the only begotten son of God. Adam is mentioned as being the only begotten son {Moses 5:9}.

According to the Bible, Jesus is the only begotten son of the Father {John 1:18}.

The nature of God

According to Mormon theology, in Doctrines and Covenants 130:22, "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also". According to Doctrines and Covenants section 93, man was co-eternal with God in the beginning. In 1844, Joseph Smith began teaching that the Book of Abraham teaches that God is but one link in an infinite ancestral chain of Gods stretching back through eternity. God is only one of innumerable Gods. The Church believes that humans are the literal offspring of God and one of his celestial wives, and because of this we all have the potential to achieve exaltation to divine status. Smith taught beginning in 1844 that God had a literal father, and that father had a literal father, and so on. Mormons also teach that we existed in heaven with God {our literal Father} as spirits before we became human.

Mormonism teaches that humans can become gods and that God had a father, who in turn had a father ... thus God has a great grandfather and soon and so on. According to LDS theology, there are a countless number of gods.

According to the Bible, Jesus teaches us that God is a spirit. Man was not co-eternal with God. Jesus created man. God did not pro-create with celestial wives. In the Garden of Eden, Satan told Adam and Eve the lie that humans can become gods.

According to the Bible, there is ONLY ONE God. He is the ONLY ONE that created all the many stars, galaxies, and planets. Beside Him, there is no other.

The existence of Jesus

According to Mormon theology, Jesus had a beginning. Jesus was a created being.

According to the Bible, Jesus did not have a beginning. Jesus is the Eternal God.

The Trinity

In Mormon theology, in the "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p. 370", Joseph Smith taught that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist as 3 gods. The Trinity is three separate gods.

According to the Bible, Jesus is not one of 3 gods in the godhead. The Trinity is 3 persons in one God. Jesus is God. There is only 1 God, but many false gods.

Priesthood

According to Mormon theology, Jesus continued the Aaronic priesthood. At age twelve, Mormon boys become members of the Aaronic, or lesser priesthood, and at nineteen become eligible for the Melchizedek, or higher priesthood.

According to the Bible, Jesus replaced the old testament priesthood with a new one. "For the priesthood being changed Ö" {Hebrews 7:11-13}. The new priesthood is the "holy priesthood of believers in Jesus" {1 Peter 2:5, Revelation {1:6, 5:10, and 20:6}}. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant in His Blood. This is what he teaches during the Last Supper.

Was Jesus revealed to Old Testament peoples?

According to Mormon theology, the descendants of Adam and Eve {through the help of the Holy Spirit} believed in the Son, repented of their sins, and were saved {Moses 5:14-15}.

According to the Bible, Jesus and his Sonship with the Father was revealed in New Testament times. The descendants of Adam and Eve did not even know about the concept of Christ being the begotten Son of the Father. The whole concept of believing in the Son, repenting of one's sins, and being saved is not found in the Old Testament. This is New Testament terminology.

Spirit brothers

According to Mormon theology, Jesus is the brother of all spirits born in heaven. He is also the spirit brother of Lucifer.

According to the Bible, Jesus is not the brother of all spirits born in heaven and he is not the spirit brother of Lucifer. Lucifer is an angel created by Jesus {who created all angels}. Lucifer rebelled against God. Only those that do the will of the Father are considered spiritual brothers and sisters of Jesus {Mark 3:35}. Jesus even told some Jews that their spiritual father was the devil {John 8:44}.

Earthly marriage and celestial marriage

According to Mormon theology, Jesus was married and had wives. Thus, in Heaven, Jesus will continue to be married to his wives forever.

According to the Bible, Jesus was not married and did not have wives. Jesus said there is no celestial marriage. "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven" {Matthew 22:30}.

Polygamy

According to Mormon theology, Jesus was a polygamist {Journal of Discourses, Volume 4, page 259}.

According to the Bible, Jesus was not married and did not have wives.

Atonement for Sin

According to Mormon theology, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and in the garden of Gethsemene. Jesus' sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247, 1856.

According to the Bible, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross alone. His atoning death on the cross was able to cleanse all sins

Plan of Salvation

According to Mormon theology, Jesus offered a plan of salvation in addition to the one offered by Lucifer. Also, there is no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 188.

According to the Bible, Jesus is the only plan for salvation. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. This is no salvation in any other name

Where will Jesus return?

According to Mormon theology, Jesus is expected to return to a future temple in Missouri.

According to the Bible, Jesus will return to the Jerusalem in Israel {Zechariah 14:4}.

Garden of Gethsemane

According to Mormon theology, Jesus sweat blood in the Garden of Gethsemane.

According to the Bible, Jesus did not sweat blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" {Luke 22:44}.

Churches and Christians

According to Mormon theology, Christ's churches existed around 150 B.C. {Mosiah 18.17}. Jesus' followers were called Christians around 70 B.C. {Alma 46:15}.

According to the Bible, Jesus' church had not yet been built just prior to our Lord's crucifixion around 30 A.D. {Matthew 16.18}. Also, Jesus' followers were first called Christians in Antioch around 44 A.D. {Acts 11:26}.

Passover

According to Mormon theology, Jesus did not mention the Passover.

According to the Bible, Jesus mentioned the Passover to his disciples.

Period of darkness

According to Mormon theology, when Jesus died darkness covered the land for three days {Nephi 8:19, 23}.

According to the Bible, when Jesus died darkness covered the land for three hours {Luke 23:44}.

Where did Jesus preach the Gospel?

According to Mormon theology, Jesus came to the United States to preach the gospel.

According to the Bible, Jesus did not go to the United States or any other country after his resurrection to preach the gospel for that matter. He told his disciples to go to the ends of the earth and preach the gospel. This is called the Great Commission {Mark 16:15}.

Did the Church of Christ cease to exist?

In Mormon theology, Jesus' church ceased to exist and Joseph Smith came to restore it.

According to the Bible, Jesus built his Church and it would exist for all time {Matthew 16:18}.

Praying to and worshipping Jesus

In Mormon temples, Jesus is not worshipped and is not called God. Mormons do not call Jesus their Lord and God. Mormons never address prayer to Jesus Christ. Prayers are made in His name, but only addressed to the "Heavenly Father". They do not go through Christ.

According to the Bible, Jesus Bible is prayed to {Acts 7:55-60; Rom. 10:13; Zech 13:9 with 1 Cor. 1:1-2}, is worshiped {Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6}, and is called God {John 20:28; Heb. 1:8}. Jesus allowed Thomas to address Him as "My Lord and my God" in John 20:28. In Isaiah 9:6, He is called "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father," and we read in Micah 5:2 that Jesus is "from everlasting."

Christians go through Christ because Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.

The Testament of Jesus Christ

In Mormon theology, Jesus gave a second New Testament {or Covenant}. The Book of Mormon is said to be another Testament of Jesus Christ.

According to the Bible, Jesus only gave ONE New Testament {or Covenant}. See Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, and Luke 22:20.

If you put your faith in a Jesus that is false, then your faith is useless.

The True Salvation

Mormons believe that one's salvation is based on such good works as baptism, good deeds, missionary work, and following Mormon teachings. In The Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, justification by faith in Jesus Christ is called a "pernicious doctrine" twice and he states that it has been "an influence for evil." {pp. 107, 480} Bruce McConkie once stated at Brigham Young University that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is "improper and perilous" {Church News, March 20, 1982, p. 5}

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Romans 4:5 says that salvation comes to those who do not work for salvation, but believe on Jesus Christ instead!

Jesus Christ came into this world to lay down His sinless life for YOU-to pay for your sins because you couldn't. Jesus is your only hope for salvation. Only by receiving Him as your Saviour can you enter the gates of Heaven. There is no other way. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." {John 14:6} "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." {Acts 4:12}

The Lord Jesus Christ has come and PAID for your sins by shedding His own Blood on Calvary. By receiving Him as your Saviour, you can be WASHED from all your sins in His precious Blood {Rev. 1:5; Col. 1:14; Acts 20:28; I Pet. 1:18-19}. Notice these important words from Romans 5:8-9: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Jesus PAID your way to Heaven! Your church cannot save you! Only by receiving Jesus Christ as your Saviour can you escape the damnation of Hell. Are you willing to forsake YOUR righteousness and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, your ONLY HOPE for Salvation? Romans 10:13 says, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Why not pray right now and ask the Lord to come into your heart and cleanse you from all sin? He will save you just as He promised.