Mormonism teaches that after His resurrection in Israel, Jesus Christ visited the Americas, established His church (3 Nephi), and ordained Nephite disciples with priesthood authority—some of whom, according to the Book of Mormon, were promised never to die (3 Nephi 28). But is there any evidence to support these extraordinary claims?
In this video, filmed during the October 2023 Mormon General Conference, a Mormon interviewer asked Christians what we think about LDS teachings on apostasy and restoration. Our response focused on the obvious questions: If Jesus truly came to the Americas, where are the archaeological traces like those found in Israel during His earthly ministry? Where are the Nephites who were supposedly granted immortality? And where is the apostle John, who the LDS Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 7) claims was promised to live until Christ’s return?
The Bible makes it clear that Christ’s work was universal and sufficient. Salvation and the authority of His apostles did not require visits to the Americas to complete:
- “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
- “The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19).
- “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Furthermore, Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that God’s plans and promises are accomplished according to His Word—not dependent on hidden peoples or undiscovered civilizations: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void” (Isaiah 55:11).
If Christ’s Nephite disciples were still alive, a restoration of priesthood authority through Joseph Smith would be unnecessary. Yet LDS teachings claim otherwise, creating a contradiction between the narrative of the Book of Mormon and historical reality. Archaeology, history, and Scripture all point to the sufficiency of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the enduring authority of His apostles, without the need for secret visits to the Americas.
This video explores these contradictions and encourages viewers to examine LDS claims critically in light of biblical truth, historical evidence, and archaeological reality. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
