Mormonism (LDS)
Origins: Mormonism originated in the early 1800s when founder Joseph Smith began having visions at the age of 14 in which Jesus, angels, John the Baptist and various apostles appeared to him to reveal to him the “true” faith.
Beliefs: Mormonism does not subscribe to the doctrine of original sin and does not teach the existence of hell. Instead, those who die enter one of three heavens of escalating value. The third heaven itself has three levels. Those who reach the highest level can receive their own planets where they will become gods and goddesses. Because of the emphasis on works, Mormons tend to be very moral people who strive for sexual purity and abstain from alcohol, tobacco and drugs. They also emphasize caring for the poor.
Their Holy Books: The King James Version of the Bible with Mormon annotations, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Unlike Christianity, which has a closed canon and teaches all revelation has ceased, Mormonism has an open canon and is receptive to new revelation from its leaders.
Who Jesus Is to Them: God is flesh, and Jesus is a created being – the first of God’s spirit children. According to Mormon teachings, God was once man on another planet and became a god through obedience. He begat spirit children through his various wives. The Mormon concept of the Trinity acknowledges not a three-person godhead but three distinct gods.
Followers: 14.1 million
Teachings on Salvation: Salvation, according to Mormon doctrine, is based upon forgiveness of sins and universal resurrection. The term “salvation by grace,” when used within LDS circles, refers to this resurrection. Sacred texts specifically teach salvation is not by faith alone.
The Mormon Path to Accept Jesus Christ as Savior
Of God and Gods
Someday, you hope to be as you believe God is – a powerful creator and with an eternity in which to achieve increasingly greater things. The good news is that God has a wonderful eternity available to you. First you need a right understanding of who He is.
First, the Bible tells us clearly and repeatedly that there is only one God.
This is what the Lord says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: “I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)
There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. (Isaiah 45:21)
To whom will you compare Me or count Me equal? To whom will you liken Me that we may be compared? (Isaiah 46:5)
Second, God is not an exalted man. Nor does He change.
God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)
Third, God is spirit.
God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
Fourth, God is eternal.
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28)
Last, no god will come after Him.
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me.” (Isaiah 43:10)
Of Scripture and Scriptures
“But the Bible is corrupted!” you may exclaim. “Besides, the Bible isn’t the complete revelation of God!” you may add.
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:8)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, instruction, rebuking and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21)
In fact, we face God’s judgment if we add to or take away from
His revelation.
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from his his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
The Bible is, in fact, the single most corroborated work of antiquity. The fact that it has been carefully translated throughout the centuries continues to be affirmed as archeologists discover ancient manuscripts. Secular historians confirm its historical accuracy. And scores of fulfilled prophecies confirm its source could only be God Himself.
Of Sin and Judgment
Sin is real. Judgment is real. And someday you will die, and you will stand before God to answer for your sins.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
. . . just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
God – who is holy and just – cannot allow sin to go unpunished, and He cannot allow sin to enter heaven. But He has made a way.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Salvation is real. It is available to you through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6).
Are you ready to accept the gift of eternal life?