Discussing the Mormon Jesus and the First Vision
When speaking to a group of youth in Utah, Marshall Almarode tackled two vital issues in Mormonism: (1) the differences between the Mormon Jesus and the Jesus of the Bible, and (2) the problems in Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” and the claim of a total apostasy.
1) The Mormon Jesus vs. the Biblical Jesus
Mormon leaders have historically taught that Jesus Christ was conceived in a physical, natural way — that God the Father, viewed as an exalted man, literally fathered Jesus with Mary. This doctrine was taught openly under Brigham Young and later reaffirmed by LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie in Mormon Doctrine.
But this false teaching directly contradicts Scripture. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus’ conception was a miraculous act of the Holy Spirit — not the result of a physical relationship:
📖 “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:20, KJV)
📖 “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35, KJV)
The biblical Jesus is eternal God, not a “spirit child” of a Father and Mother in heaven. John’s Gospel declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14, KJV).
While many modern Latter-day Saints may not know or accept the historical LDS teaching of a physical conception, the fact remains: the LDS Church has never officially repudiated it. By contrast, Christianity affirms the virgin birth and divine nature of Jesus Christ, who alone is fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9).
2) Joseph Smith’s First Vision and the Claim of a Total Apostasy
According to the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith’s First Vision taught that all existing Christian churches were corrupt, their creeds were “an abomination,” and their leaders were “all corrupt.” This forms the foundation for the Mormon doctrine of a “total apostasy” — that the true church disappeared from the earth and needed to be restored through Joseph Smith in 1830.
But this claim flatly contradicts the promises of Jesus Christ. He assured His disciples:
📖 “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, KJV)
If Christ promised His church would never be overcome, then it is impossible that it vanished for 1,800 years. The New Testament further declares that the faith was “once for all delivered” to the saints (Jude 1:3). There was no need for a new prophet or restored gospel — only the continued proclamation of the same gospel given by Christ and His apostles.
Paul also warned against those who would introduce 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, KJV)
Mormonism’s claim of apostasy and restoration, along with its altered view of Jesus, falls directly into the category of a “different gospel.”
Conclusion
Marshall’s teaching reminds us of two essential truths:
- The biblical Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by a physical act, and He is the eternal Son of God made flesh.
- The true church of Christ never disappeared and never needed “restoration.” The gospel was delivered once for all and remains unshaken because Jesus Himself preserves His church.
The challenge for Christians is to lovingly but boldly point out these differences to our LDS friends. As Paul wrote:
📖 “Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15, KJV)
