Mormon vs. Christianity

Mormonism vs. Christianity

Mormonism vs. Christianity

Millions upon millions of people wander this earth with questions. People of all ages and nationalities are looking for the answers. Many believers of numerous religions have been deceived by false prophets. Jesus warns us to pay close attention, for there will be many false prophets who will deceive many people (Matthew 24:4-5). One worldview that has millions of people deceived is Mormonism. The thought of the vast number who are being misled by these false prophets should generate in true Christians a desire to spread the gospel in truth and in love.
Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 after he supposedly received a series of divine revelations. He was visited by God and Jesus Christ and they told him that all other religions were false and he was to deliver the truth. Three years later, Joseph was visited by the angel Moroni. He was informed that he was to discover numerous golden tablets and translate them. From these translations, came The Book of Mormon (Eckman, pg. 99).
The false prophets of Mormonism teach that Jesus Christ was the first spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. He was the spirit brother to Satan. Jesus is separate from God. He was the creator of the world (Eckman, pg. 101).
Their concept of salvation is distorted. They believe salvation comes by faith plus baptism plus works. Their faith is based on four books: The Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The Bible is the word of God but it is not all that God said and did. The Book of Mormon was divinely inspired, and is the Holy Scripture. Doctrine and Covenants includes visions made by God to Joseph Smith. The Pearl of Great Price contains Smith’s writings and translations of some historical records (“Mormons”). Mormons are often challenged to pray with a sincere heart regarding the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. They are also taught that they can be baptized for their ancestors, who will then be saved. In addition, they must also do good works. They believe that Christians can not be saved without works. Salvation without works is cheap grace. “According to the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23 it states “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” “ (Davis, sec. 13).
They believe that salvation is attained by being obedient to the leaders of Latter-Day Saints, tithing 10 percent of their income, baptism, secret temple rituals and marriage (Eckman, pg. 102). If Mormons get married in the temple, they are taught that their marriage is for eternity. They will continue their marriage in heaven, one day becoming a god and goddess, having spirit children and rule over a planet.
The Mormon worldview is based on a false prophet. Yet, “Mormonism is by far the largest and fastest growing [cult], with as many as ten million adherents worldwide” (Eckman, pg. 98). Each individual is lost and in need of a Savior. They are in need of peace and truth. God is not the author of confusion but of love, mercy, and grace.
This love, mercy and grace can only be found in Biblical Christianity. Christianity believes that there is only one God but three persons, in essence, God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
From the beginning, God was. This is evident in Psalms 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God” (Comparative Study Bible). He created the heavens and the earth. He spoke light into the darkness. He created the world and all that it is in it. God created man to have fellowship with him. He provided Adam with a helpmate. God gave them free reign over the Garden of Eden; they could partake of any fruit with the exception of tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan came and deceived Eve into believing that her eyes would be open and they would be gods (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve both ate of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and because they disobeyed God’s commands they would surely die. Because of this original sin, we are all sinners. We are in need of a Savior. The first chapter in the book of Matthew proclaims the good news of Jesus’ birth. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that he was to take Mary as his wife and she being a virgin will bring forth God’s son, and his name would be called Jesus; for he will save people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21). It was prophesized before Jesus was even born, that He was the Messiah, the one who will save us from our sins. On the night of Jesus’ birth, the three wise men brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The greatest gift of all was sent from God to save all of mankind.
Jesus, the Son of God, was more than just a carpenter, a teacher or prophet. He walked this earth speaking words of truth and performing miraculous works; healing the blind man to see, the lame to walk, raising the dead, walking on water, and many more countless works. Thirty-three years after His birth, He accepted His Father’s will and was crucified for the sins of the world. On the third day after his crucifixion, He rose from the dead. Because of His ultimate sacrifice, we can have eternal life. Jesus was and is the Son of the Almighty God.
The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. He is the Comforter, Counselor, and Intercessor. John 14:16, Jesus said that He will ask His Father to provide another Comforter that will be with you forever. The truth comes from the Holy Bible and is the divine Word of God. The Apostle Paul stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 -17,
“Every scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work” (Comparative Study Bible).
To say that any part of the Bible is untrue is to call God a liar.
No one can serve two masters; you are either for God or against Him (Matthew 6:24). There is not a grey area, there is only black or white.
God loves each of us so much, that He sent His Son to accept, suffer and die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). We are all sinners.
One must obtain salvation in order to have eternal life. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father except by (through) Me (Comparative Study Bible). It is by grace that one is saved through faith. Salvation is not obtained by one’s own doing, but salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2: 8-9). One must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He paid the price for our sins on Calvary.
The sinner must ask Jesus Christ to come into his heart and ask for forgiveness of his sins. Once a person receives salvation, he is to believe in his heart that he is saved and keep God’s commandments.
People of all ages & nationalities are roaming the earth looking for answers. They will continue to search for answers until they feel that they have the answer. The question is, is it the truth? Christians are charged to spread the Good News of Jesus with love and compassion to the entire world. We may be the only Jesus they will ever see and it is up to us to speak the truth.

Works Cited

Comparative Study Bible: Amplified Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.
Davis, Michael. Mormon vs. Biblical Teachings about Jesus. 19 Apr. 2009 http://www.leaderu.com/offices/michaeldavis/docs/mormonism/jesus.html
Eckman, James P. The Truth About Worldviews. Illinois: Crossway Books, 2004.
“Mormons.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 1973.

Cited: Comparative Study Bible: Amplified Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999. Davis, Michael. Mormon vs. Biblical Teachings about Jesus. 19 Apr. 2009 http://www.leaderu.com/offices/michaeldavis/docs/mormonism/jesus.html Eckman, James P. The Truth About Worldviews. Illinois: Crossway Books, 2004. “Mormons.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 1973.