Years ago, Keith Walker of Evidence Ministries coined the term “Impossible Gospel of Mormonism” to highlight a critical problem: according to Mormon teaching, forgiveness from God is tied to completely stopping sin and never repeating it. In other words, salvation depends on human perfection, a standard no one can meet. The Bible, in contrast, teaches that forgiveness and eternal life come through faith in Christ alone, not by flawless behavior: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Recently, the LDS Church has attempted to soften its message, presenting talks like Bradley Wilcox’s “Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness” at General Conference. At first glance, it may appear that Mormons no longer have to achieve perfection to enter the Celestial Kingdom. However, a closer look at Wilcox’s speech — and what is left unsaid — reveals that the core teaching remains unchanged: repentance is still framed around stopping sin entirely, and salvation depends on human effort rather than Christ’s finished work.
Scripture contrasts sharply with this impossible standard, affirming that salvation is a gift of grace, not works: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Christians can point to this truth to help Mormons see that Jesus’ sacrifice alone is sufficient, and that no human effort or perfection is required for forgiveness and eternal life (Hebrews 10:14).
For a detailed examination of Mormonism’s impossible gospel, see Keith Walker’s work: Questions for LDS on the Impossible Gospel of Mormonism.
