Joseph Smith’s First Vision account is one of the key teachings that sets Mormonism apart from historic Christianity. According to Smith, God told him not to join any church, declaring that “they were all wrong” and that all their creeds were “an abomination” to Him. This idea of a complete rejection of all Christian denominations is unique to Mormonism and directly contradicts the Bible’s teaching about the enduring nature of the church and God’s Word.
Mormonism also teaches that priesthood authority was completely lost on the earth after the apostles died, justifying their own claim that Joseph Smith restored the authority to perform the saving ordinances of the gospel. Yet, their own scripture contains contradictions. For example, the Book of Mormon states that some of Jesus’ apostles never died (3 Nephi 28:6–7), which would make the concept of a total apostasy — requiring a restoration through Joseph Smith — logically impossible.
The Bible, in contrast, assures believers that Christ’s church and His Word would never fail: “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18) and “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Scripture also emphasizes that Christ gave His apostles authority that continues through the teaching and witness of His Word, not through a later “restoration” by a modern prophet: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Mormon claims of a universal apostasy and restoration conflict with the clear promises of Christ, highlighting the need for discernment: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Understanding these contradictions can help Christians lovingly point Mormon friends to the unchanging truth of the Bible and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ for salvation.
