I’m sure most of us know and/or are related to Mormons, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). But what do we know about what they believe? Most Mormons seem very moral, very godly, very nice and sincere people. They even seem to be Christian, but are they? Let’s look as a few of the things they teach to see if they match up with what the Bible teaches.
Before I begin, I’d like to point out the Mormons rely on four “Scriptures” for their doctrine: the Book of Mormon (BOM), Doctrine and Covenants (D&C), Pearl of Great Price (PGP), and the Holy Bible – “so far as it is translated correctly.” I will be quoting from these LDS authorities as well as from Mormon Doctrine (MD) written by Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (1996 edition). Now let’s look at the god of Mormonism. To begin with, the Father has a body:
“The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit.” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 – LDS)
Christians know the Bible teaches God is spirit. Jesus Himself tells us this:
John 4:24 (ESV) “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
As quoted above, Mormons teach the trinity is actually three separate gods, not the one God in three Persons Christians worship:
“There are three Gods – the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – who, though separate in personality, are united as one in purpose, in plan, and in all the attributes of perfection.” (Mormon Doctrine, Bookcraft, 1966 p. 317)
So, Mormons are polytheists, they believe in more than one god. There are millions of gods in Mormon theology, and the men in Mormonism each have a chance to become a god some day. According to Doctrine and Covenants, all Mormon men in good standing (baptized, sealed in marriage in the temple, temple endowment, experienced the laying on of hands, didn’t kill anyone unjustly, among other things) will become gods:
“Then shalt they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shalt they be above all, because all things are subject to them. Then shalt they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject to them.” (D&C 132:20)
The Mormon god the Father, Elohim, is a man like we are. He is exalted, however, just as every Mormon male in good standing may become a god of his own world.
“Man and God are of the same race, and it is within the power of righteous man to become like his Father, that is to become a holy Man, a Man of Holiness.” (MD p. 465, 466)
Is this what the Bible teaches, that there are many gods, that man may become a god if he behaves himself and lives right?
Isa. 43:10 (ESV) “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.”
There aren’t any gods but Yahweh, and there won’t be any more to come. Mormonism is false.
Why is this important?
Mormons seem harmless, and they are if you know what they truly believe. Knowing what they believe helps us both protect ourselves from the influence of false teachings and sharing the truth with those who are deceived.
We need to know who we are talking with when we talk with people who present themselves as Christian. Not everyone who claims to be Christian is Christian.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 