Witnessing to Mormons – What is the Key?
The key to witnessing to Mormons is focusing on the gospel of Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible. Here are some important biblical truths to emphasize:
1. There is only one God (Isaiah 44:6, 8). Mormons believe in many gods.
2. God has always been God (Psalm 90:2). He was not once a man who became a god.
3. Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14). Mormons believe Jesus is a created being, the spirit brother of Lucifer.
4. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works don’t earn salvation.
5. The Bible is the sole authority for doctrine and practice (2 Timothy 3:16). Mormons add other texts like the Book of Mormon as scripture.
6. Heavenly Father does not have a physical body and neither does the Holy Spirit (John 4:24, Romans 8:9). Mormons believe God the Father has a glorified physical body.
7. There are no other books of scripture other than the Bible (Revelation 22:18). The Book of Mormon and other LDS texts are false teachings.
8. All people will spend eternity in either heaven or hell (Revelation 20:11-15). There are no other kingdoms or levels like Mormonism teaches.
9. Marriage relationships do not continue in heaven (Matthew 22:30). Mormons believe they will be with their earthly families forever.
10. The church of Jesus Christ began after His resurrection around 33 AD (Acts 2). It did not need restoring as Mormonism claims.
When witnessing to Mormons, focus on Jesus and getting them to see that He is the eternal God-man who offers complete forgiveness and eternal life to those who repent and believe in Him. Contrast essential Mormon doctrines with the Bible’s clear teachings about who God is, who Jesus is, and how one receives salvation by His grace alone through faith alone. Lovingly point Mormons to the Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus created by Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Emphasize that the Bible alone is the true Word of God, not other LDS scriptures which contradict biblical teaching. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to see the glorious gospel revealed in Scripture.
Here are some key Bible passages to reference when contrasting biblical doctrine with Mormon beliefs:
Only One God:
Isaiah 44:6, 8 – Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.”
God Has Always Been God:
Psalm 90:2 – Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man:
John 1:1, 14 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Salvation by Grace Alone:
Ephesians 2:8-9 – 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.
Bible as Sole Authority:
2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
God and Holy Spirit are Spirit:
John 4:24 – God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
Romans 8:9 – You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
No Other Scripture Besides the Bible:
Revelation 22:18 – I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.
Heaven or Hell Only Afterlife Options:
Revelation 20:11-15 – Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
No Marriage in Heaven:
Matthew 22:30 – For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Church Began After Jesus’ Resurrection:
Acts 2:1-4 – When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
These key biblical truths contradict essential Mormon doctrines. Focus on presenting the biblical Jesus Christ and His amazing grace that offers complete forgiveness and eternal life to all who repent of their sins and place their faith in Him. Contrast man-made religions like Mormonism against the sufficient truth of Scripture. Pray for Mormons to see the glorious light of the gospel and be born again by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When witnessing to Mormons, be loving and patient. Avoid being argumentative or attacking. Building relationships of care and concern provides opportunities to sensitively share biblical truth. Ask sincere questions to understand their beliefs and gently point out inconsistencies with the Bible. Share your personal testimony of faith in Christ. Give them quality resources like books or videos that teach biblical doctrine. Invitations to church or small group Bible studies help Mormons experience biblical community.
The key is relying on prayer and the power of God’s Word and Spirit, not just human reasoning and argument. Demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways while speaking the truth in love. Avoid getting bogged down in peripheral issues or church history. Focus on the essentials of the gospel and salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Make sure Mormons understand that trusting in Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, good works, and Mormonism cannot save them, only Jesus and His finished work on the cross can.
Be gracious and don’t expect immediate results. Patiently answer their questions and objections with Scripture. Trust that God’s Word is living and active and able to cut to the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Share your personal experiences of how God has worked in your life. Continually point Mormons back to Jesus, the ultimate expression of God’s love. Though witnessing to Mormons may be challenging, with prayer, love, and sticking to the pure truth of Scripture, the Lord can use us to rescue people deceived by false religion and lead them to salvation in Christ alone.
In summary, the key to witnessing to Mormons is:
– Focus on the Jesus of the Bible – the eternal God-man and only Savior
– Contrast Mormon doctrines with clear biblical truth
– Emphasize salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone
– Show the Bible alone is the Word of God, not other Mormon texts
– Share God’s love and biblical gospel with patience and gentleness
– Ask sincere questions and listen carefully to understand beliefs
– Avoid church history debates and peripheral issues
– Provide quality biblical resources for learning truth
– Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to open blind eyes
– Build loving relationships and share your personal faith story
– Trust God’s Word and Spirit to cut to the heart and save
The key is grace and truth. By relying on God’s power and loving Mormons as He does we can faithfully share the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit uses the Word of God to bring salvation to all who believe.