Unmasking Mormonism

How the Simple Act of Stopping to Think Can Discern Truth in the Lies of Mormonism

In this world of many voices, the discerning Christian must weigh each against the unchanging Word of God. Many religions may speak the language of faith, but their paths lead away from biblical truth. Among these is Mormonism, known formally as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To some, Mormonism might seem akin to Christianity. It speaks of Jesus, uses the Bible, and values family. But for those who seek truth, understanding its core teachings reveals a departure from the faith of the apostles. This article will uncover these differences and arm believers with the tools to discern truth.

The Allure of Familiarity: "Borrowed Ideas" and Superficial Similarities

Mormonism uses terms that resonate with Christians, creating a false sense of kinship. These "borrowed ideas" include:

• Belief in Jesus Christ as Savior: Both claim Him, but their understanding of His essence diverges.
• Use of the Bible (KJV): The King James Bible is used, lending a veneer of legitimacy.
• Concept of a Resurrected Life: Both affirm life after death.
• Emphasis on Family: Both cherish family, but for different ends.
• Evangelism: Both spread their message fervently.
• Temples and Apostles: Both have them, yet their purposes differ.
• "Eternal Progression": This echoes spiritual growth but leads elsewhere.

These similarities demand scrutiny. The Christian, anchored in Scripture, must look beyond shared words to the heart of doctrine.

The Bedrock of Truth: Core Doctrines and Points of Scrutiny

Truth stands on the revelation of God in the Bible. When Mormon beliefs are weighed against this, four areas stand out:

1. The Nature of God: Monotheism vs. Polytheism/Anthropomorphism

Conservative Christian Doctrine: There is one God, eternal and uncreated, existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is spirit, incomparable, and without beginning or end (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; John 4:24).

Mormon Doctrine: Mormonism teaches many gods. God the Father was once a man, now exalted. They believe men may become gods, leading to polytheism.

How Conservative Christians Measure Truth:

• Biblical Exclusivity: Does it align with God’s singularity? "Before me there was no God formed" (Isaiah 43:10).
• God's Nature: Is God portrayed as self-existent, or as a being who progressed?
• Logical Coherence: If God was once a man, who created Him? This leads to an endless chain of gods.
• Worship: Can one worship many gods without breaking the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3)?

2. The Nature of Jesus Christ: Unique Deity vs. Spirit Brother

Conservative Christian Doctrine: Jesus is fully God and fully man, eternally with the Father. Born of a virgin, He lived sinlessly, died for our sins, rose again, and will return (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17).

Mormon Doctrine: Jesus is seen as a spirit child, brother to Lucifer, denying His eternal deity. His birth is viewed as a physical act.

How Conservative Christians Measure Truth:

• Biblical Declarations of Deity: Does it affirm Jesus’ deity? "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30).
• Unique Conception: Does it uphold the virgin birth by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25)?
• Sacrifice's Sufficiency: If Jesus is not God, can His sacrifice atone for all sin?
• Distinction from Lucifer: Jesus as a "spirit brother" to Lucifer contradicts His unique divinity.

3. Authority of Scripture: Sufficiency and Infallibility vs. Open Canon

Conservative Christian Doctrine: The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Mormon Doctrine: They claim the Bible is corrupted, supplemented by other texts like the Book of Mormon.

How Conservative Christians Measure Truth:

• Internal Consistency of the Bible: Has the Bible remained consistent and reliable?
• Historical and Archaeological Evidence: Do the claims of the Book of Mormon find support in history? They do not.
• "Another Gospel": Does it preach a different gospel? Galatians 1:8 warns against this.
• Sufficiency of Scripture: Does the Bible claim sufficiency? "All Scripture is profitable" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

4. Salvation: Grace Alone Through Faith Alone vs. "Grace After All We Can Do"

Conservative Christian Doctrine: Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Mormon Doctrine: They teach grace comes after human effort, making works essential for exaltation.

How Conservative Christians Measure Truth:

• The Nature of Grace: Is grace unearned, or is it divine help for human effort?
• Human Inability: Does it acknowledge human sinfulness? "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23).
• The Finished Work of Christ: Is Christ’s sacrifice complete, or does it require more?
• "Boasting": Does it allow for human pride, or give glory to God alone (Ephesians 2:9)?

Measuring Truth: Practical Steps for Conservative Christians

For those seeking truth, these steps provide clarity:

1. Prioritize the Bible's Authority: Hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. Reject any "new" scripture that contradicts it (Revelation 22:18-19).
2. Affirm the Trinity and Christ's Full Deity: Stand firm on one God in three persons and Christ's full deity.
3. Uphold Salvation by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone: Emphasize salvation as a gift, not earned by works.
4. Examine the Nature of God: Is God described as eternal and singular, or as one among many?
5. Question Exclusivity and Uniqueness: Does it claim exclusivity that rejects biblical orthodoxy?
6. Seek Consistency: Are teachings consistent and biblically faithful?

The Plain Truth of It

Mormonism may use the language of faith, but its teachings diverge from the gospel. For the discerning believer, the task is clear. Measure every teaching against the Bible. Hold fast to the faith delivered to the saints. The differences are not minor; they are fundamental. They call for vigilance and faithfulness. The path is narrow, but it leads to life. Step into it.