Introduction
Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have come into the spotlight lately because of the nomination of Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for President and the possibility that we will have our first Mormon President of the United States.
Let me first off state for the record that Mormons have many admirable qualities.
They are family orientated, clean-cut, hardworking, and savvy in business.
They are fervent about their religion and in many ways nice people.
Because of this, many people assume that they are just a different breed of Evangelical Christianity.
They think that the theological differences in belief aren’t enough to really matter. Unfortunately, this is just not true when talking about eternal matters.
The Differences Between Evangelicals And Mormons
According to the Bible, being a good person, going to church, having family values, and being fervent about your religion does not make you a Christian.
We can admire and respect the way people live but that does not place them in the broad spectrum of Evangelical Christianity.
I am going to share with you the differences in belief in just the definition of who and what God is.
If I went into greater detail then this would be a book and not a blog post.
Comparing Beliefs On God Between Mormons And Evangelical Christians
Who is God?
Mormons believe that God is the ruler of planet Earth. He is not the ruler of the Universe but just this particular planet. He earned that right of rulership over a period of time. They believe that God has a physical body that consists of flesh and bone.
Evangelicals believe that there is only one true God. (Deut. 6:4-6) He is the creator of the universe. (Heb. 1:2) He is one God in three forms: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19)
Who is Jesus?
Mormons believe that Jesus is God’s firstborn spirit son and that Satan is his spirit brother.
They believe that Jesus, in the same manner, that God did, was a human being but attained his status of God by living an upright life.
They believe that his death provided for the physical resurrection of everyone.
However, that does not mean that everyone goes to heaven.
They believe that there are three places people go after they die and are resurrected. These are called the telestial heaven, terrestrial heaven, and celestial heaven.
Evangelicals believe that Jesus has always existed. (John 1:1) and is one with the father and not an offspring. (John 10:30)
He was born of a virgin through a miraculous non-sexual union. (Luke 1:35)
He is above the angels and angelic beings including Satan and his fallen angels or demons. (Heb. 1:1-13)
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Mormons believe that the Holy Spirit is not a person like God or Jesus. They believe that the Holy Spirit is nothing more than a spirit manifestation that is sent from the Father.
Evangelicals believe that the Holy Spirit is just as much part of God as the Father and the Son and is equal to the Father. (Acts 5)
The Holy Spirit is a person. (Eph. 4:30) and is part of the Trinity. Matt 28:29)
Are Mormons And Evangelicals Compatible Theologically?
As you can see there is wide differences between Mormon beliefs on who God is and Evangelicals.
It is clear that Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity is not compatible.
For more information about the differences between Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity you can visit 4truth.net which is a website that is part of the Southern Baptist Convention.
When Dealing With Mormons, Remember The Great Commission.
Please remember, Jesus died for those deceived by Mormonism. Our differences in theology just point out the deception. It is not ammo to blast Mormons or belittle them.
You can use this information to help them come into a personal relationship with the God of the Bible, Jesus Christ.
Show your Mormon friends genuine interest and respect.
Allow them to share their beliefs and then succinctly and lovingly share your personal testimony about your personal faith in Christ and the peace you have with God because of it.
Make sure you let them know that they can have the same experience as you.
When the conversation moves to differences between Mormonism and Christianity, explain how these are very serious differences.
Share with your Mormon friend how they can have true salvation by having faith in Jesus as He is portrayed in the Bible and not any other book.
Honestly, can there be a greater love that you can show to your Mormon friends and neighbors than taking the time to introduce them to Jesus, the real way, truth, and life?
I can’t!
Pastor Duke.
You can get more information on how to share your faith with Mormons or any other faith by getting this great book at Amazon. How to Share Christ with Your Friends of Another Faith
