The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormonism, presents itself as a branch of Christianity, but a deep examination of its core doctrines reveals that it is fundamentally a false religion in direct contradiction to the Holy Scriptures. While the LDS church uses Christian terminology and claims to believe in Jesus Christ, its teachings diverge significantly from biblical truth. The Bible warns against false gospels and other “christs” (Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Corinthians 11:4), making it critical to expose these errors. This article will outline the top 10 contradictions between LDS doctrine and the Word of God, showing why the Mormon faith is not aligned with biblical Christianity.
1. The Nature of God
LDS Doctrine:
The LDS church teaches that God the Father was once a man who progressed to become a god. According to their doctrine, God has a physical body of flesh and bone (Doctrine & Covenants 130:22) and that humans can also become gods one day.
Biblical Truth:
The Bible teaches that God is eternal, unchanging, and has always been God. Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” God is Spirit (John 4:24) and not confined to a physical body. The idea that God was once a man is entirely foreign to Scripture and diminishes His eternal nature.
2. The Trinity
LDS Doctrine:
Mormonism rejects the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. Instead, they believe in three separate gods—God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost—who are united in purpose but not in being.
Biblical Truth:
The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God (Isaiah 44:6, Deuteronomy 6:4), eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are distinct yet one in essence. Jesus Himself declared, “I and the Father are one”(John 10:30), affirming the unity of the Godhead.
3. The Authority of Scripture
LDS Doctrine:
Mormons claim that the Bible is the Word of God only “as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith, 8). They place the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price on equal or higher authority than the Bible.
Biblical Truth:
The Bible is the complete, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s Word declares that nothing should be added or taken away from Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19). Any additional revelation that contradicts the Bible is false by definition.
4. Jesus Christ’s Identity
LDS Doctrine:
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the spirit brother of Lucifer, both created beings by God the Father. They teach that Jesus achieved godhood through obedience and that humans can follow the same path.
Biblical Truth:
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, not a created being. John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Colossians 1:16 confirms that Jesus created all things, including Lucifer, making Him the Creator, not a brother of Satan.
5. Salvation by Works
LDS Doctrine:
The LDS church teaches that salvation comes through a combination of faith, baptism, good works, temple rituals, and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Mormon Church (2 Nephi 25:23).
Biblical Truth:
The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). While good works are the fruit of salvation, they are not the means of obtaining it (Titus 3:5).
6. Multiple Gods (Polytheism)
LDS Doctrine:
Mormons believe in the existence of many gods who rule over different worlds and that humans can become gods themselves through exaltation.
Biblical Truth:
The Bible declares that there is only one true God (Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 44:6-8). The notion of multiple gods is entirely pagan and antithetical to Scripture.
7. Baptism for the Dead
LDS Doctrine:
The LDS church practices baptism for the dead, claiming that living Mormons can be baptized on behalf of deceased individuals to give them a chance for salvation (Doctrine & Covenants 128:16).
Biblical Truth:
There is no biblical basis for baptism for the dead. Hebrews 9:27 clearly states, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Salvation is decided in this life, not after death.
8. Temple Rituals
LDS Doctrine:
Mormons believe that certain temple rituals, such as endowments, celestial marriages, and secret handshakes, are necessary for exaltation in the afterlife.
Biblical Truth:
No such rituals are found anywhere in Scripture. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the only means by which we are reconciled to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). The temple veil was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that no special rituals are needed to access God.
9. Pre-Existence of Souls
LDS Doctrine:
Mormonism teaches that all human souls existed as spirit children in heaven before being born on earth.
Biblical Truth:
The Bible teaches that life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16). There is no mention of human souls existing before earthly life. God alone is eternal—humans are His creation.
10. Heavenly Mother
LDS Doctrine:
The LDS church teaches that God the Father is married to a Heavenly Mother who helps create spirit children.
Biblical Truth:
There is absolutely no biblical evidence for the existence of a Heavenly Mother. God reveals Himself consistently as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—nothing more, nothing less.
Conclusion
The teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are a dangerous distortion of biblical truth. While they often use Christian language, their doctrines fundamentally deny the nature of God, the person of Jesus Christ, and the gospel of grace. The Bible warns that even if an angel preaches another gospel, they are accursed (Galatians 1:8). The supposed revelations of Joseph Smith and the additional scriptures of the LDS church are nothing more than counterfeit gospels that lead people away from the truth of God’s Word.
Christians must be discerning and stand firmly on the Bible as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. The Latter-day Saints offer a false hope based on works, secret rituals, and a distorted view of God. True salvation comes only through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Call to Action
If you or someone you know is caught in the deception of Mormonism, share the truth in love. Study the Scriptures, pray for their eyes to be opened, and boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ—the only way, truth, and life (John 14:6).