We need to point out something before we continue with this series. Mormon missionaries will often ask the homeowner to pray about the Book of Mormon. They depend on that person to feel a “burning in the bosom” to confirm the truth of the book. This isn’t the Christian approach to truth. Christianity isn’t based on an emotional response or praying to find truth. Christianity is based on fact, proven truth claims made in the Bible. Christians are to base what they believe on the Bible alone. It is our standard of truth. Hopefully this blog has shown that over the past six years.
We don’t pray if we should cheat on our taxes or should shoplift a pack of gum. We know it’s wrong because the Bible tells us it’s wrong. Under the same principle, we don’t pray if the Book of Mormon is correct. We look to the Bible to see what it says. That’s why this blog includes Scripture to show the Bible teaches something much different than what we see in Mormon doctrine.
This week we’ll look at the Mormon view of salvation, but first let’s look at the biblical view so we can compare Mormon doctrine to what we already know to be true in the Bible.
Eph. 2:8-9 (ESV) 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.
Titus 3:5 (ESV) he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
Mormons teach first that we preexisted, we were God’s spirit children before we were born into a physical body. Our life here on earth is judged, and after we die there are two levels of salvation. The first is salvation from judgment which is covered by Jesus’ sacrifice. Pretty much all of us get this. We are raised physically at the judgment and enter into one of the three levels of the Mormon heaven. The very evil folks like murders are cast into outer darkness because Jesus’ blood was not enough to cover their sins, but their sins can be paid for by the individual shedding his own blood.
“. . . Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may commit, that they will place the transgressors beyond the power of atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent. Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far as possible in their behalf.” (Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie – member of the Mormon Quorum of the Twelve, Bookcraft Books, Salt Lake City, UT p. 93)
This is why the firing squad is an option for execution in Utah and now in Idaho, a heavily Mormon state (a bill allowing for a firing squad was just signed there in March 23, 2023). The Mormons teach there are sins too evil even for Jesus’ blood to pay for them. This is not what the Bible teaches.
1 John 1:7 (ESV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The Bible, our standard for spiritual truth, says there is no sin Jesus’ blood cannot cover. The limited atonement of Mormonism teaches against the Bible’s clear doctrine.
Mormon men believe they can become gods on the same level as the Father and Jesus upon their death. They believe this because they believe there are many gods and you can become one if you are a right-living Mormon male.
“Then shall [right living Mormons] be gods, because they continue; then shall they be from above all things because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power and the angels are subject unto them.” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:20 – one of the Mormon Scripture)
Why is this important?
Mormons, as a rule, are very fine and moral people, but Mormonism itself is a perversion of the true gospel of Christ. They often present themselves as the true Church of Jesus Christ (Latter Day Saints). We need to know how and why their teachings differ from biblical Christianity in order to share the truth with our Mormon friends and family and to protect ourselves and others from false teachings.
1 Thess. 5:20-21 (ESV) Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
I expect this to be a short series on Mormonism over the next few blogs.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 