MORMONISM AND OUR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS: TWO GOSPELS, TWO FOUNDATIONS By Josimar Salum

 

MORMONISM AND OUR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS: TWO GOSPELS, TWO FOUNDATIONS

By Josimar Salum 

You asked me, “What difference exists between the Mormon faith and the Protestant?” It’s a great and necessary question, especially as we seek to understand the Gospel in its purity and to discern what is truth from what is another gospel (Galatians 1:6–9).

At first glance, Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) may appear similar to Protestant faith. They talk about Jesus, read the Bible, believe in family values, and engage in religious practices. But upon deeper examination, the differences are not small—they are profound, touching the very foundations of Christian faith.

First, there is a fundamental difference in the view of God. Protestant Christians believe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as One God. This belief is rooted in the Bible and affirmed by the early church. In contrast, Mormonism teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. Even more radically, Mormons teach that God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood, and that human beings can eventually become gods themselves. This is not a small distinction—it strikes at the heart of our faith and the unchangeable nature of God (Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 43:10).

Second, the understanding of Jesus Christ is fundamentally different. Christians believe that Jesus is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1,14), co-equal with the Father, born of a virgin, crucified, resurrected, and returning in glory. Mormonism, on the other hand, teaches that Jesus is the literal spirit-child of God the Father and one of His many children—including "Lucifer," who in their theology is Jesus’ spirit brother. Again, this is not a difference in interpretation but in the very identity of Christ.

Third, the source of authority diverges dramatically. Protestants hold to Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone—as the final and sufficient authority for faith and practice. Mormons accept the Bible only “as far as it is translated correctly,” and place equal or even greater authority in additional books such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—texts which contain teachings that contradict the Bible.

Fourth, the Gospel itself is different. Protestants affirm that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by works, not by human effort, and not by rituals. Mormons believe in a system that includes faith, repentance, baptism (including for the dead), temple ordinances, and obedience to church laws as necessary for exaltation—their highest level of salvation. This blends grace and works in a way that the New Testament warns against (Galatians 2:16).

Fifth, the vision of the afterlife is incompatible. Christians believe in the resurrection of the dead and final judgment, resulting in either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him (John 5:28–29; Matthew 25:46). Mormon doctrine teaches of three degrees of glory—celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms—where most people will go to one of these realms, and only a few to “outer darkness.” This vision undermines the seriousness of eternal judgment and distorts biblical teaching.

These differences show that Mormonism is not simply another denomination. It is a fundamentally different religion, despite its use of Christian language. The Apostle Paul warned that there would be those who preach “another Jesus” and “a different gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6–9), and we must be discerning.

This brings us back to the core of the Christian faith. If people do not accept the truth of the Gospel, they will normally be lost—following the path of perdition, as described in 1 John 2:18 and following. That path belongs to the spirit of antichrist. But those who remain in Christ belong to Christ. The antichrist must always disguise himself and then withdraw, because the light of the Son of the Kingdom exposes all those under the influence od this spirit.

Let us cling to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed in the Scriptures, and test all things by the Word of God. In a world full of spiritual confusion and deception, following Jesus, the Way, the Truth and The Life is all we need.