Mormonism

Mormonism

General Information:

Other names: Also known as “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”. (Note: This cult very much wants to be considered a Christian denomination.)

Beginning: Founded by Joseph Smith in New York in 1830. He claimed that an angel directed him to some buried golden plates. He wrote the Book of Mormon and claimed it was a translation of those plates. He died in 1844 in a gunfight where Joseph Smith killed two men. In his death he left more than 40 wives (at least seven of these were married to other men at the time).

Below is a summary of some of the false teachings of the Mormon cult:

What are the key Mormon writings? The Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants; Pearl of Great Price; the KJV Bible or Joseph Smith’s “Inspired Version”. (Note: Mormons teach that the Bible is incomplete and has serious errors.)

Who is God the Father? He is a man who progressed to be a god. He (“Elohim”) has a wife called “The Heavenly Mother”. He has a physical body that limits him to being at one place at a time (he is not “omni-present”). Earthly men who live a worthy life can also become a god.

Who is Jesus? He is not eternal. He is the spirit child of “Elohim” and the “Heavenly Mother”. He is the oldest brother of all men and spirits. He received his body through “Elohim” having physical sex with Mary. Jesus was married – he was the Groom at the marriage in Cana of Galilee recorded in John Chapter 2. His death on the cross did not fully atone for all sin – it just atoned for Adam’s initial transgression in the Garden of Eden. His death did provide for everyone’s resurrection.

Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is not God. “It” is an impersonal influence that flows or radiates from God. (Note: The Mormons do not believe in the Trinity – they believe this is a “pagan” teaching.)

How is Salvation received? You are resurrected by grace; however, you are “saved” (exalted to be gods) by your works. These works include: faithfulness to church leaders, receiving Mormon baptism, tithing, marriage, secret temple rituals, etc. Women can not be saved unless their husbands call them from beyond the grave. No one can have eternal life without Mormon membership.

Below is a few of the additional erroneous teachings that reveal the true nature of Mormonism:

1. The world was created as a result of the “head god” and his “council of the gods” having a meeting to plan the creation.

2. Jesus and Satan are brothers. Satan is angry because he wanted to be selected as the savior of mankind.

3. Joseph Smith is one of the final judges and no one can enter into the “celestial kingdom of God” without the consent of Joseph Smith. He is regarded as a prophet greater than Jesus Christ.

4. The black race is a cursed people. Additionally, people of African descent were not even granted full access to Mormon priesthood and privileges until 1978.

Summary:

Mormonism is not Christian – it is a cult. Mormons proclaim a different “god” and a different Jesus. They teach that men can become gods. They place doubt on the validity and truth of the Bible. They claim to have other “Holy Scriptures”. They use Christian terms; however, these terms have different definitions in Mormon teaching.

Witnessing to Mormons:

Matthew 7:15 says “Beware of false prophets that come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” This is an accurate description of Mormon missionaries. They are very sincere and will tell you they are “sheep” (Christians). They look, act, and talk like many professing Christians – but they are not. Underneath their disguise, they are truly wolves. Only Biblical truth and the power of God can break through their self-deception and the satanic bondage they are in.

You do not need to confront them on every teaching of Mormon doctrine. Just help them to be honest with you and themselves – the Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ will do the work. Here are some pointers for witnessing to Mormons:

(1) Do not try to impress them with your depth of knowledge. That would be a prideful motive. Instead, seek to reach them in the love of God.

(2) Pray. Remember that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

(3) Begin by seeking to show them that they are not a “Christian sect”. You do this by persistently getting them to acknowledge their teachings noted above. Since these teachings are in direct opposition to the true Christian faith – this will reveal their deception of claiming to be just another Christian denomination – when, in fact, they deny and oppose the cardinal Christian doctrines.

(4) Stay on tract. They will seek to divert the attention away from their teachings that oppose the Christian faith. Remember to lovingly and persistently seek to expose that error – ask questions (i.e. Doesn’t the Mormon Church teach?....)

(5) Emphasize Jesus throughout the encounter. Talk about Jesus as much as possible. The Mormons have “another Jesus” and are not familiar with the Gospel of Jesus Christ revealed in the Bible. Share your testimony of what Jesus has done for you and tell them of your personal relationship with Him.

(6) Be aware of the “Mormon Testimony”. When a Mormon runs out of answers, it will often trigger their mechanical “testimonial” response (i.e. “I bear witness that I know this is the true church…”). This is an indicator that they are in trouble and they are trying to cling to their beliefs in blind obedience. Stop the “testimony” by asking loving questions (i.e. What makes you so sure it is the ‘true church’? What evidence do you have?)

In summary, you want to cause them to doubt their false teaching and you want to share the Lord Jesus Christ with them. Remember that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the “power of God unto Salvation” (Romans 1:16) – not your ability to argue. Lovingly and prayerfully share the Gospel and leave the results to God.