Mormons often claim to be Christians, using similar terms such as “Jesus Christ,” “salvation,” and “scripture.” Yet behind these familiar words lie radically different meanings. In this debate and discussion between a Mormon and a Bible-believing Christian, we explore the crucial questions: Who is God? Who is Jesus? And what is the true gospel?
- Do Mormons Believe in a God Who Changes?
The Mormon Church teaches that God was once a man who progressed to godhood and that human beings can likewise become gods. Joseph Smith declared, “As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may become.”
The Bible flatly rejects this idea.
“Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.” (Isaiah 43:10)
“I am the LORD, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6)
“God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent.” (Numbers 23:19)
The God of Scripture is eternal, uncreated, and unchanging, not an exalted man who achieved divinity.
- Who Is the Mormon Jesus?
In Mormonism, Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer, a created being who progressed to godhood. The Jesus of the “First Vision” told Joseph Smith that all existing Christian churches were wrong and that their creeds were an abomination.
But the Bible teaches a very different Jesus — the eternal Son of God, not a created being.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“For by Him were all things created… all things were created by Him, and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
The true Jesus doesn’t tell people to reject His church; He builds it:
“I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
- Was Joseph Smith a True Prophet of God?
Joseph Smith claimed divine authority and introduced doctrines such as plural marriage, temple rituals, and the idea that men can become gods. Yet the Bible warns about false prophets who preach another gospel.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
His polygamous practices (including marrying other men’s wives and teenage girls) directly contradict God’s standards for church leaders:
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife.” (1 Timothy 3:2)
- Was Joseph Smith a Martyr?
Joseph Smith died in a battle after firing a gun to defend himself — not as a peaceful martyr for his faith, but as a man entangled in violence. True Christian martyrs, like Stephen and Paul, died without retaliation, faithfully witnessing for Christ to the end.
“When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.” (1 Peter 2:23)
- Are Prophets and Apostles for Today?
While God continues to guide His Church through His Word and the Holy Spirit, the foundation of the Church was laid by the original apostles and prophets of Scripture.
“Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 2:20)
No modern prophet has the authority to add new revelation that contradicts the Bible.
“Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6)
- Did Mormon Temples Once Include Oaths of Vengeance?
Historical records show that early Mormon temple rituals included oaths calling for vengeance on the United States for the death of Joseph Smith. This spirit of retaliation stands in stark contrast to the command of Jesus Christ:
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” (Matthew 5:44)
Conclusion: The True Gospel of Grace
Mormonism offers a god who changes, a Jesus who is created, and a gospel that must be earned. The Bible offers the opposite — an unchanging God, an eternal Savior, and a gospel of grace received by faith alone.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
In the end, the question is not whether Mormonism is “Christian,” but whether it teaches the same Christ and gospel found in the Bible.
