Mormonism and the Christian Faith

I will probably get a lot of backlash on this one but a friend of mine came to me today and was almost in tears because her son was being coerced into the Mormon Church.

First off let me say, it is his decision as to what he thinks will fill that God-sized hole in his heart, but he needs to research the truth of Mormonism vs the Christian Faith. That is my intention here, just to give some facts for those that are leaning or thinking of the Mormon Faith based on the teachings of Joseph Smith vs the teachings of the Apostles and Jesus in the Bible.

Understanding the Differences Between Mormonism and Traditional Christianity

When comparing Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) to traditional Christianity, it’s essential to recognize key theological distinctions. While both faiths share a belief in Jesus Christ, their interpretations of scripture, salvation, and the nature of God differ significantly.

1. The Nature of God

Traditional Christianity teaches the Trinity—one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Mormonism, however, teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct beings (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). According to LDS teachings, God the Father has a physical body (contrary to John 4:24, which says “God is spirit”).

2. Jesus Christ

Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is eternal, meaning He has always existed and was not created. According to John 1:1-3, Jesus is described as the Word who was with God and was God from the beginning. He is also the Creator of all things, reinforcing His divine and eternal nature. Colossians 1:15-17 further affirms His supremacy, stating that He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and that all things were created through Him and for Him.

In contrast, Mormonism teaches that Jesus was created as a spirit child of God the Father in the pre-mortal existence before coming to earth. He is believed to be the eldest spirit child among all of God’s children, including humanity and even Lucifer. According to 3 Nephi 11:6-8 in the Book of Mormon, Jesus is portrayed as separate from God the Father, appearing to the Nephites and introducing Himself distinctly from the Father.

This distinction between an eternal, coequal Christ in Christianity and a created, separate Christ in Mormonism affects broader theological beliefs, including the nature of God, salvation, and the authority of scripture. Christianity views Jesus as fully divine and one with the Father (John 10:30), while Mormonism sees Him as a literal offspring of God who has progressed to divinity.

Lucifer (Satan)

Both Christianity and Mormonism recognize Lucifer (Satan) as the adversary of God, but they differ significantly in their beliefs about his origins, role, and relationship to humanity.

Lucifer’s Origin in Christianity

In traditional Christianity, Lucifer is believed to have been a high-ranking angel who rebelled against God due to pride. The Bible alludes to his fall in several passages:

• Isaiah 14:12-15 (often interpreted as referring to Lucifer’s fall): “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! … For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…”
• Ezekiel 28:12-17 (seen as an allegory of Satan’s rebellion): “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
• Revelation 12:7-9 describes Satan being cast out of heaven: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…”

Christian theology teaches that Lucifer became Satan after his rebellion, and he was cast out of heaven along with his followers (fallen angels).

Lucifer’s Origin in Mormonism

In Mormon theology, Lucifer is considered a spirit son of God, meaning he was originally part of God’s family in the pre-mortal existence alongside Jesus and all human spirits.

• Rebellion in Heaven (Doctrine & Covenants 29:36-37): “A third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency…”
• Lucifer’s Proposal (Moses 4:1-4, Pearl of Great Price): “Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him…”

Unlike traditional Christianity, Mormonism teaches that Lucifer and Jesus were spirit brothers, with Jesus accepting God’s plan and Lucifer rejecting it. As a result, Lucifer was cast down, along with those who followed him, and became Satan.

Satan’s Role in Christianity vs. Mormonism

• Christianity: Satan is portrayed as the prince of darkness who tempts, deceives, and opposes God’s will (1 Peter 5:8, John 8:44).
• Mormonism: Satan and his followers were denied physical bodies and now work to tempt and deceive humanity from the spirit world.

3. Authority of Scripture

Traditional Christianity holds the Bible as the inspired and sufficient word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Mormonism accepts the Bible but also includes extra scriptures:

• The Book of Mormon
• The Doctrine and Covenants
• The Pearl of Great Price

Pearl of Great Price is one of the four books that make up the standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It contains a collection of religious texts, including:

• The Book of Moses: A narrative similar to Genesis, with additional revelations.
• The Book of Abraham: A text Joseph Smith said he translated from Egyptian papyri, discussing Abraham’s life and teachings. Although nothing exists to test this theory as Smith returned the papyri to an angel in Heaven.
• Joseph Smith—Matthew: An excerpt from Smith’s revision of the Gospel of Matthew.
• Joseph Smith—History: An autobiographical account of Joseph Smith’s early experiences, including his First Vision.
• The Articles of Faith: A summary of LDS beliefs.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price appears in Matthew 13:45-46. In this parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a merchant searching for fine pearls. When the merchant finds one of great value, he sells everything he owns to purchase it.

The lesson behind this parable is that the Kingdom of Heaven is so precious that it is worth sacrificing everything to obtain it. It emphasizes the idea of total commitment to God and the willingness to prioritize spiritual treasures over earthly possessions

Galatians 1:8 KJV “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

This verse strongly warns against accepting any gospel message that differs from the one originally preached by the apostles. Paul emphasizes that even if an angel were to present a different gospel, it should be rejected.

4. Salvation

Christianity teaches that salvation comes by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10).

Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “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.”

This means that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our good deeds or efforts. While good works are encouraged as a reflection of faith (James 2:17), they do not earn salvation—grace is freely given by God’s love.

Mormonism teaches grace plus works, including baptism, obedience, temple rituals, and good deeds (2 Nephi 25:23 in the Book of Mormon states, “We are saved by grace, after all we can do”). We can do nothing without the Holy Spirit.

5. The Afterlife

Traditional Christianity teaches a Heaven and Hell model, emphasizing eternal consequences based on faith and actions.

Christian doctrine presents a clear distinction between two final destinations:

• Heaven, where believers experience eternal joy in the presence of God, and
• Hell, a place of punishment and separation from God for those who reject Him.

Biblical Foundation for Heaven and Hell

• Matthew 25:46 (KJV) describes the final judgment: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
• Revelation 20:15 warns about the fate of the unrighteous: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

These verses highlight the eternal nature of both destinations—Heaven as a place of reward and Hell as a place of separation from God.

Christian View of Heaven

Heaven is described as a place of perfect peace, joy, and communion with God:

• John 14:2-3: Jesus promises many mansions in His Father’s house.
• Revelation 21:4: God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or pain.
• Philippians 3:20: Believers have citizenship in Heaven, awaiting Christ’s return.

Christian View of Hell

Hell is presented as a place of eternal separation from God, often described as fiery and tormenting:

• Mark 9:43-48: Jesus warns about the fire that never shall be quenched.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:9: The wicked will suffer eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord.
• Luke 16:19-31: The parable of the rich man and Lazarus emphasizes torment in Hell and the finality of judgment.

Final Judgment and the Book of Life

Christianity teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those whose names are found in the Book of Life will enter Heaven, while those who reject salvation will face judgment (Revelation 20:12-15).

Mormonism on the afterlife

Mormonism teaches a three-tiered heaven, which is different from the traditional Christian belief in heaven and hell. According to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), after the resurrection and final judgment, individuals will be assigned to one of three degrees of glory based on their faithfulness and acceptance of the gospel. These kingdoms are described in Doctrine and Covenants 76, a revelation received by Joseph Smith.

1. Celestial Kingdom (Highest Level)

The Celestial Kingdom is the highest level of heaven, reserved for those who have faithfully followed Jesus Christ, accepted LDS teachings, and participated in required ordinances, such as baptism and temple covenants. Those in this kingdom will live in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

• Those who attain exaltation within this kingdom can become gods in their own right, continuing creation and progression in the afterlife (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20).
• Those who were righteous but did not fully receive LDS teachings in life may still be able to enter through posthumous acceptance of the gospel.

2. Terrestrial Kingdom (Middle Level)

The Terrestrial Kingdom is for individuals who were generally good and moral but did not fully accept the LDS gospel or were not as devoted in their faith.

• Those in the Terrestrial Kingdom will be separated from God the Father but will still receive visitation from Jesus Christ.
• This kingdom is for those who accepted Christ but were not faithful enough to qualify for the Celestial Kingdom.
• It also includes people who rejected the gospel in life but later accepted it in the spirit world.

3. Telestial Kingdom (Lowest Level)

The Telestial Kingdom is for those who lived sinful lives, rejected Jesus Christ during their mortal existence, and did not repent. However, it is still a place of glory, rather than the suffering traditionally associated with hell.

• Those in the Telestial Kingdom will not receive the presence of God or Jesus Christ but will be ministered to by the Holy Spirit.
• This kingdom is for individuals who completely rejected the gospel yet did not commit the unpardonable sin (which would result in Outer Darkness).

Outer Darkness (The Closest Concept to Hell)

While Mormonism teaches multiple levels of heaven, there is one place outside of these kingdoms—Outer Darkness. This is where Satan and his followers, as well as those who knowingly and completely rejected God, will dwell.

• The people in Outer Darkness are known as sons of perdition, having fully denied Christ after knowing the truth (Doctrine and Covenants 76:30-38).
• This state is eternal separation from God and considered the most severe punishment.

Final Thoughts

Christianity and Mormonism both uphold moral teachings and express deep reverence for Jesus Christ, but beneath these similarities lie profound theological differences. These distinctions shape fundamental beliefs about God, salvation, scripture, and the nature of Jesus Himself.

For those evaluating their faith journey, understanding these differences is crucial. The contrast between traditional Christian doctrine and Mormon teachings should prompt serious reflection, guiding individuals toward a faith that aligns with biblical truth. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), whereas Mormon doctrine includes additional requirements such as temple ordinances and works-based righteousness.

While faith is a deeply personal choice, exploring these differences with an open heart and a desire for truth can empower individuals to make an informed decision about their beliefs and spiritual path. The pursuit of authentic biblical Christianity offers clarity, assurance, and confidence in God’s grace, unshaken by human traditions or additional revelations outside of Scripture.

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