I am a Mormon. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?
As a Mormon, you likely have a strong faith in God and Jesus Christ. However, there are some key differences between Mormonism and Christianity that are worth considering. Here are some biblical reasons you may want to look further into Christianity:
1. The Bible is considered the sole, authoritative word of God in Christianity, not one of many sacred texts.
Christians believe the Bible contains God’s complete revelation to mankind and is the sole source of divine authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While Mormons also value the Bible, they believe in an “open canon” and other books like the Book of Mormon as scripture. However, the Bible writers claimed divine inspiration and unity for the Bible alone (2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16).
2. Christians believe Jesus Christ is the eternal God, not a created being.
The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus has always existed as God (John 1:1) and created everything (Colossians 1:16). However, Mormon doctrine says Jesus was created by God the Father as the first spirit child and is therefore distinct from and subordinate to the Father. The Bible gives no indication that Jesus was created and confirms that He and the Father are equal in essence (John 10:30).
3. Salvation in Christianity is by grace alone, not based on works.
Christianity teaches that we cannot earn salvation by our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 says salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ, not by works. However, Mormons believe they must follow certain rules and rituals to earn God’s full approval and reach the highest level of heaven. The Bible’s consistent message is that our works cannot save us (Galatians 2:16; Romans 11:6).
4. There is no need for a temple, priesthood, or continuing revelation in Christianity because of the completeness of Christ’s work and the Bible.
Mormons have temples, a priesthood, and living prophets to guide them through new revelations. Yet the Bible says Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice fully atoned for our sins (Hebrews 10:10) and God has given us the complete revelation we need in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Because of this, Christianity has no need for a continuing priesthood or temple rituals.
5. Christianity teaches there is only one God in existence, not many gods.
Mormons believe in the possibility of many gods. But the Bible repeatedly affirms monotheism – there is only one true God in existence (Isaiah 44:6; 45:5). God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one God manifested in three persons, not three separate gods.
6. Mormons believe God the Father has a physical body, but the Bible says God is spirit.
Christianity teaches that God is spirit (John 4:24) and invisible (Colossians 1:15). He does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). But Mormonism teaches God the Father has a “body of flesh and bones.” This contradicts Jesus’ own teaching that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).
7. There are major discrepancies between the Mormon view of history and archaeology and that of the Bible.
For example, there is no archaeological evidence for the millions of people and ancient civilizations described in the Book of Mormon. Additionally, the genetic evidence contradicts any link between Native American populations and ancient Israelites. The Bible’s historical claims, on the other hand, have been repeatedly supported by archaeology.
8. Mormon doctrine contains many theological contradictions compared to biblical Christianity.
For example, Mormonism teaches God was once a man who became God. But the Bible says God has been God from eternity past (Psalm 90:2). Mormonism teaches the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods. Christianity teaches they are three persons of the one true God. Mormonism teaches Jesus is the brother of Lucifer. But the Bible says Jesus created all angels, including Lucifer. These ideas contradict the Bible.
9. Christianity teaches humans can only be forgiven of sins through repenting and trusting in Christ.
Mormonism, however, teaches that some sins like murder are unforgivable and people can suffer for their own sins in hell. But the Bible teaches any sin can be forgiven if we repent (Acts 3:19; Luke 7:48). No sin is too great for the sacrifice of Jesus to cover. He took the punishment for all our sins on the cross (1 John 1:7).
10. Mormon doctrine on the afterlife is fundamentally different from the biblical Christian view.
Mormons believe in three heavenly kingdoms achievable based on works and temple rituals. But Jesus taught only two final states – heaven or hell based on receiving Him as Savior (John 14:6). The concepts of a celestial kingdom with many levels directly contradicts Jesus’ teaching in John 14:2 that there are many rooms in His Father’s house – not many kingdoms.
As you can see, Mormonism and Christianity differ substantially in fundamental ways. The Bible warns against adding to or taking away from God’s revealed Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). By continuing to trust in Joseph Smith’s teachings over the Bible, Mormons open themselves up to serious theological error and missing the clear salvation message of the Bible. I encourage you as a Mormon to investigate these differences further and see if biblical Christianity aligns better with the wisdom God has given you (Proverbs 2:6). The good news is that we are saved by grace, not works, and Jesus is eager to free us from the burden of trying to earn heaven on our own (Matthew 11:28-30). I urge you to take to heart the true gospel that God freely offers us eternal life when we turn from self-effort and put our trust completely in Christ and His finished work (John 3:16).