How is Mormonism any different than Protestantism, not in theology but in the fact that neither existed 500 years ago much less 2000 years ago? Weren’t all Christians of the Catholic faith for the first thousand years? Should we not reject both Mormonism and Protestantism for the exact same reason? They were both impossible (historically) to be taught by Christ or anyone else in antiquity.

Why are Mormons not considered part of the Christian faith?

We do not suggest that one reject Mormonism simply because it has not existed from the time of Christ. We suggest that biblical Christians reject Mormonism because Mormon doctrine is contrary to what Christ Himself taught in the Bible. Early church Christians likely would have rejected many modern religions had those faiths existed in the 1st Century church if they taught doctrines that were clearly contrary to the teachings of Christ and His Apostles. Any teaching, like Mormonism, that does not adhere to the original Gospel teachings laid forth by Jesus’ original Apostles should be examined. We are warned by the Apostle Paul: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Tim. 4:3). Any faith, Mormonism included, that has perpetuated myths and embraced extra-biblical doctrines that are not in accord with what the original Apostles of Jesus Christ taught as the Gospel must be rejected if one is a Bible believing Christian.

The foundation of the Christian faith was laid, and this foundation is not a religion or an organization, but it is the Word of God. This prophetic Word is the most sure witness we have (2 Peter 1:19). Bible believing Christians do not accept nor attempt to defend anything that does not align with biblical teaching. The original 12 Apostles were commissioned by Jesus Christ to “lay the foundation” for the church, preaching “once and for all” the Gospel taught to them by Jesus himself and brought to their remembrance by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told them: “When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” After Jesus’ death and ascension, the Apostles received the promised Holy Spirit, and were empowered to preach the Gospel to not only the Jews, but the Gentiles as well. Jesus told his Apostles, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” They were commissioned to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

The foundation of the Christian faith has been laid through the teachings of the original 12 Apostles once and for all. “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) The Apostle Paul states: “according to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:10-11). The Apostle Paul’s letters to early Christian churches make up a large portion of the New Testament. He and the other Apostles proclaimed the one and only Gospel established by Jesus. “For I would have you know, Brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:12).

This Gospel is the only one we are to accept and believe. The Apostle Paul warns: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).

What is this gospel of Christ? Here are some key biblical points. First, the Bible teaches that Christ is God and always has been (John 1:1); Mormonism says that Christ was once a man who worked his way to godhood. Second, the Bible teaches that God is a Spirit; Mormons teach that God has a body of flesh and bones. Third, biblical Christians believe in the Trinitarian Godhead who functions as One God; Mormons believe each member of the godhead is a separate god. Fourth, Bible believing Christians believe in the bodily resurrection of those who accept Christ (John 6:40); Mormons believe all will be resurrected and judged and that some will be raised to be angels and others to become gods. Fifth, biblical Christians believe in salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9); Mormons believe one is saved by grace plus their own works. Fifth, Christians believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God; Mormons believe that Bible is only reliable “as far as it is translated correctly.” Sixth, Christians believe Christ’s death on the cross atoned for all sins past and present; Mormons believe there are some unforgiveable sins that Christ’s atonement does not cover. Seventh, Christians believe in a virgin birth; Mormons teach that God the Father impregnated Mary in the “usual way.” You get the picture. There are many other contradictions in basic doctrine between biblical Christianity and Mormonism.

Jesus promised: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Matthew 24:35). God is to be glorified in the church (believers in Jesus) throughout the ages: “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever” (Eph. 3:21). The teachings in the Bible have been preserved throughout the generations, because Jesus promised his words would not pass away. As Christians, we accept the Word of God as the Word of God.