Refuting Mormonism

Refuting Mormonism: A Reformed Christian Perspective.

Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), presents a theology that diverges sharply from historic Christian teachings, particularly those upheld by Reformed Christianity. As Reformed Christians, we hold to the authority of Scripture, the historic confessions, and doctrines such as the Trinity, justification by faith alone, and the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work. This blog will address several key differences between Mormonism and Reformed theology and refute these errors based on biblical principles.

1. The Nature of God

Mormon Belief: Mormons teach that God the Father (Heavenly Father) was once a man who progressed to godhood. They believe that God has a physical body and that humans, if faithful, can also become gods. Additionally, Mormons view the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as separate beings, not united in one essence as in Trinitarian theology.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed Christianity holds to the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, that God is one in essence but exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We affirm that God is spirit (John 4:24), eternal, and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). The idea that God was once a man is contrary to Scripture, which teaches that God is uncreated, eternal, and wholly other than His creation.

Biblical Refutation: The Bible is clear that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) and that He is not a man (Numbers 23:19). Isaiah 43:10 says, "Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me," rejecting the notion that humans can become gods. The concept of God’s unchanging and eternal nature is seen in passages like Psalm 90:2, which declares, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Mormon theology undermines the transcendence and uniqueness of God as revealed in Scripture.

2. The Person of Christ

Mormon Belief: Mormons believe that Jesus is the literal spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, and that He is the elder brother of all human beings, including Lucifer. Jesus, according to Mormon doctrine, is a separate being from God the Father, and though He plays a central role in salvation, He is not viewed as co-equal with the Father.

Reformed Perspective: In Reformed theology, we affirm the full deity and humanity of Christ. Jesus is the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1, Colossians 1:16-17). He was not created but has always existed with the Father, sharing in the same divine essence. His role in salvation is essential, as He alone is the God-man who can mediate between God and humanity.

Biblical Refutation: John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This verse directly affirms the deity of Christ. Colossians 1:16-17 also teaches that "by him all things were created...and in him all things hold together," establishing Christ as the eternal Creator, not a created being. The idea that Jesus and Satan are spiritual brothers contradicts biblical teaching about the uniqueness of Christ’s divine nature.

3. Scripture and Revelation

Mormon Belief: The LDS Church believes in additional scriptures beyond the Bible, including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. They also believe in continuing revelation through their prophets and apostles, who can receive new doctrines or guidance for the church.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed Christians hold to the principle of sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone is the final authority for faith and practice. We believe that the canon of Scripture is closed and that God’s full revelation is contained within the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Any claim to additional or new revelation is to be rejected, as Scripture is sufficient for all matters of faith.

Biblical Refutation: Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding to or taking away from God’s Word. Jude 1:3 speaks of "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints," implying that God’s revelation through Scripture is complete. The Bible is clear that it is the inspired Word of God, and the introduction of new scriptures or revelations undermines the sufficiency and authority of God’s revealed Word.

4. Salvation

Mormon Belief: Mormons believe that salvation involves both faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to various ordinances and works, such as baptism, receiving the priesthood, and temple rituals. They also teach a concept of exaltation, where faithful Mormons can achieve godhood and rule over their own worlds in the afterlife.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed theology teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Human works do not contribute to our justification before God. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, accomplished entirely by the work of Christ on the cross. We are saved not to become gods but to glorify and enjoy the one true God forever.

Biblical Refutation: Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The idea that humans can become gods contradicts Isaiah 45:5, where God says, "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God." Salvation is about being reconciled to God through Christ, not ascending to godhood.

5. The Afterlife

Mormon Belief: Mormons believe in three degrees of glory in the afterlife: the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms. The highest, the celestial kingdom, is reserved for faithful Mormons who have undergone temple rituals and lived in obedience to LDS teachings. There, they believe, they can become gods and rule over their own creations.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed Christianity teaches that there are only two eternal destinies: eternal life with God in heaven for the redeemed, and eternal separation from God in hell for the unrepentant (Matthew 25:31-46). The Bible knows nothing of different levels of heaven or godhood for the saved. Instead, all believers will experience the fullness of joy in the presence of God for eternity (Revelation 21:3-4).

Biblical Refutation: Matthew 25:46 speaks of only two final outcomes: "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Revelation 21 describes the eternal state of all believers in the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with His people. The idea of humans becoming gods and ruling over their own worlds is foreign to Scripture and undermines the biblical teaching that God alone is sovereign and worthy of worship.

Conclusion

Mormonism presents a worldview that is incompatible with historic Christian faith, especially as understood through the Reformed tradition. It distorts the nature of God, the person of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrine of salvation. As Reformed Christians, we must stand firm on the truths of God’s Word and lovingly refute the errors of Mormonism. We affirm that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and that God alone is to be worshiped and glorified. The gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed in Scripture, offers the true and only way to eternal life, and it is this message that we must boldly proclaim.