Does the Mormon Restoration Fit God’s Restoration Pattern?
When God restored Israel after the Babylonian exile, He didn’t discard His previous commandments or invent a brand-new religion. Instead, He brought His people back to their land, guided them to rebuild the temple according to the Law of Moses, and reinstated the priesthood exactly as He had originally revealed (Ezra 3:2–4; Nehemiah 8:1–3). Restoration in Scripture always means returning to God’s original pattern, not replacing it.
The New Testament continues this same theme. Jesus came not to abolish God’s previous revelation, but to fulfill it:
- “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17)
- “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Through Christ, the door to God’s Kingdom was opened to all people, regardless of culture, gender, or background, just as Paul declared:
- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
In contrast, Mormonism claims a “restoration” that introduces an entirely new set of scriptures, priesthood structures, and temple practices—many of which conflict with God’s prior revelation and have historically included racial restrictions. Instead of aligning with the biblical pattern of restoration, Joseph Smith’s version presents an entirely different religion built on additions and contradictions.
The Bible also teaches that the Christian faith was already fully delivered and does not need to be restored or rewritten:
- “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)
God gives strong warnings about adding to or altering His Word:
- “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
- “Every word of God is pure… Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5–6)
- “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18–19)
This video explores the true biblical pattern of divine restoration and how it contrasts sharply with the LDS version. The God of the Bible restores His people by bringing them back to His original truth in Christ—not by creating a competing gospel or a new set of religious systems.
