I want to start by saying this comes from a place of love. There are people in my life who are part of the LDS church, and I care deeply about them. This isn’t about winning arguments or tearing anyone down—it’s about truth, and my genuine concern for where we each stand with God. If I didn’t believe this mattered for eternity, I wouldn’t speak up. But because I believe the gospel is the only way to be saved, I feel compelled to share. Please know this is said with prayerful care and a heart that desires to see people know the real Jesus.
Just a quick note moving forward: When I say “they” in this post, I’m not trying to lump every individual Latter-Day Saint into the same box. I’m specifically referring to what the official LDS Church teaches in its doctrine—not necessarily what every member personally believes or understands. I know there’s a wide range of experiences and perspectives, and I say all of this with respect and care.
LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as Mormonism) is not a Christian denomination.
I don’t say this to be harsh or divisive—it’s just the truth. There are some major, foundational differences between biblical Christianity and what the LDS church teaches. Here’s why:
1. The Jesus the LDS Church believes in is not the same Jesus of the Bible.
- The LDS Church doesn’t believe that Jesus is God Almighty in the flesh.
- They teach that He was created.
- They even believe He’s the spirit brother of Satan.
But Scripture is clear:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” – John 1:1–3, 14 (ESV; emphasis added)
“I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30 (ESV)
2. They teach that salvation is not by grace alone.
LDS doctrine says grace comes “after all we can do.” That’s grace plus works. But God’s Word says something very different:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast…” – Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV)
We’re saved because of what Jesus did—not because of what we do.
3. They believe they can become gods of their own planets or universe.
Yes, this is a real doctrine the LDS church teaches. They believe if a man lives well enough, that he will be exalted to godhood over another planet or universe with his wife and their family to populate it. But God says flat out:
“I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God…” – Isaiah 45:5 (ESV)
There’s only one God. Always has been. Always will be.
4. They deny the Trinity.
Biblical Christianity teaches that:
- The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2)
- Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20)
- The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 3:16)
- And yet, there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5)
That’s the doctrine of the Trinity—not three gods, but one God in three Persons.
This list isn’t exhaustive, but these aren’t minor disagreements—they’re core doctrines. Without them, you don’t have Christianity. You can’t remove the foundation and still call the building a church.
On top of that, LDS theology starts off with the claim that all Christian denominations at the time of Joseph Smith were an abomination to God. Smith claimed he was called to “restore” the true faith because it had supposedly vanished. But Jesus said that would never happen:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
Either Jesus was right, or Joseph Smith was. Both can’t be.
We can’t all be right when our beliefs contradict each other at the foundation. Jesus said:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 (ESV)
He’s not one option among many—He’s the way. And everyone, including those in the LDS church, needs the true Jesus and the true gospel.
What is the true Gospel of Christ?
We’re all sinners. We’ve all lied, stolen, envied, hated. And without a Savior, we’re lost—destined for hell because God is morally perfect and demands the same from His creation. But He knows we cannot attain perfection in this life, so God became flesh in Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died the death we deserved, and rose again to defeat sin and death. He didn’t come to offer a way. He is the way.
Salvation doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from trusting Jesus—like you’d trust a parachute when jumping out of a plane. That kind of faith. Real faith. The kind only God can give through His grace.
If you’re reading this and feel the weight and sorrow of your sins, I say this with love: put your faith in the real Jesus. The only one who saves. Then pray to God to confess your sins and ask for His forgiveness and repent (turn away from your sin).
*A Bible and a local Christian church will be of tremendous help to you going forward! If you need help finding a good local church, I’d love to help. Please reach out!*
I know this is a heavy and touchy topic, but I share it because I care. Truth matters—especially when it comes to who Jesus is and how we’re saved. My hope isn’t to argue, but to point people to the real Jesus of the Bible, the only one who can save. If you’re LDS or have questions, I’d love to talk more. I’m praying that anyone reading this would seek Him with an open heart and come to know the grace, truth, and freedom found only in Christ.
Blessings,
Robin 💜
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