The youth at Fellowship Bible Church in Fort Smith are learning what makes a cult a cult. Last night we talked about the difference between Christianity and Mormonism. Many evangelicals have a difficult time answering this question. One of the main reasons why is because at one time they have encountered a Mormon who used biblical language to explain his/her belief system. Many find these encounters confusing making it difficult to differentiate between Mormonism and Christianity. The best way to do so is to properly define these terms and compare/contrast the two.
WHAT MORMONS BELIEVE ABOUT...
GOD
- His name is Elohim and he was a man from another planet who by his good life won the right to be god on this planet.
- Do not believe in the Trinity.
- Basic beliefs are polytheistic.
JESUS
- Jesus was a man fathered by Elohim through Mary.
- He was a spirit brother to Lucifer.
SALVATION
- Salvation comes through obeying the Mormon Gospel.
- Including full obedience.
- Baptism for the dead.
MAN
- Man was a spirit being conceived by Elohim.
- Man will one day reach godhood.
"As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become" (Prophet Lorenzo Snow).
WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE ABOUT...
GOD
- Beliefs are monotheistic.
- God has always been God. There has never been a time when He has not existed nor will there ever be.
- Believe that God is one in essence and three in person.
JESUS
- Jesus was not created. He has always existed and will always.
- He is infinitely greater than all spiritual and earthly beings because he has created all things that exist.
SALVATION
- Salvation is by God-given grace through faith in Christ alone.
- Nothing is to be added or taken away from this Gospel.
MAN
- God is infinitely greater than man.
- Man has never been nor will ever be God.
- Man is born sinful and has a broken relationship with God.
- God has done all the work for the relationship to be restored, but it must be received by faith.
