Refuting Mormonism

City of Refuge Ministries
Jun 26
5 min read

What Is Mormonism?

Mormonism, also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), was founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith in 1830. Smith claimed to have received divine visions, including one from God the Father and Jesus Christ, who told him that all existing churches were false.

He also claimed to have translated The Book of Mormon, a text said to be a record of ancient American civilizations and their dealings with God, revealed to him by an angel named Moroni. Many Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon is Scripture and carries the same (and many times more) authority than the Old and New Testament Scriptures.

Why Refute Mormonism

The Bible, in 1 Peter 3:15, tells us to be ready to defend ourselves to everyone who asks about our hope. Not only does Mormonism express a false gospel, but its proponents are called to go door to door to spread their beliefs. Christians must be ready to share the truth of the Gospel and refute that which twists Scripture and gets the gospel wrong.

Let's be clear, when we are talking about refuting, we are not talking about personal attacks on the person or people that uphold Mormonism or any group that holds to heretical views. The Mormons I have met, sat with, and talked with in my home and church are some of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. However kind they might have been, I still had to challenge those things that were untrue as they pertained to God's word.

Below you will find a list of core beliefs in Mormonism and Biblical core truths that refute these Mormon beliefs.

Mormon Core Beliefs (Compared to Christianity)

Doctrine	Mormonism	Biblical Christianity
God	God the Father was once a man who became a god. He has a physical body.	God is eternal, unchanging, and spirit (John 4:24; Psalm 90:2).
Jesus	Jesus is the literal spirit-brother of Lucifer, a created being who became a god.	Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and uncreated (John 1:1–3, Col. 1:15–17).
Holy Spirit	A separate being from God the Father and Jesus.	The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God (Acts 5:3–4).
Trinity	Denies the Trinity. Believes in three separate gods.	Believes in one God in three persons (Matt. 28:19; Deut. 6:4).
Salvation	Faith + good works + ordinances (baptism, temple rituals, etc.). Everyone is resurrected, but only worthy Mormons get the highest heaven.	Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).
Scripture	The Bible (as far as it's translated correctly), The Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.	The Bible is the only inspired, sufficient, and final authority (2 Tim. 3:16–17; Jude 3).

Major Differences Between Mormonism and Christianity

As you can see, Christianity has a vast difference in doctrinal beliefs that force the two sides to be opposed to each other. The Nature of God, the deity of Jesus, the authority of the Bible, and the means of Salvation are at the top of the list of disagreements. It is important not only that Christians understand what Mormons believe but that they are equipped to refute those beliefs that challenge their own.

Ask Questions: When confronting or refuting these groups, it is important not to assume anything but to ask questions:

1. What do you believe about God or the nature of God?

2. Who do you believe Jesus is?

3. What is your view about salvation? What must one do to receive salvation?

4. How do you view the Old Testament & New Testament Scriptures?

5. What is the Book of Mormon?

6. Who is Joseph Smith, and do you put him on the same authoritative level as Jesus and the Apostles?

As to the Nature of God

Mormonism teaches polytheism—many gods exist.
Christianity teaches monotheism—there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5).

Isaiah 43:10 – “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”

As to the Nature of Jesus

Mormonism teaches that Jesus is a created being, the spiritual brother of Lucifer.
The Bible teaches Jesus is the eternal God, uncreated and co-equal with the Father. (Hebrews 1)

John 1:1–3 – “In the beginning was the Word... and the Word was God.”

As to Salvation

Mormonism requires faith, works, and temple ordinances for full exaltation.
The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith in the finished work of Christ.

Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works.”

As to Scripture

Mormons believe in additional scriptures: The Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, and many times place them as equally authoritative as the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament.
The Bible warns against adding to God’s Word and teaches that Scripture is sufficient.

Revelation 22:18–19 – “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”

2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed... that the man of God may be complete...”

Errors concerning "The Book of Mormon"

The Book of Mormon's Claims

Claims to be another gospel, which was initially engraved on gold plates and translated by Joseph Smith, and thus the word of God was given to Smith.
Claims to be “another testament of Jesus Christ.”
Teaches that ancient Israelites migrated to the Americas and were visited by Jesus after His resurrection.
Introduces teachings not found in the Bible, such as:
- Pre-mortal existence of souls.
- Three levels of heaven.
- God (The Father) was once a man who progressed to being the exalted God.
- Deny the Triune Nature of God (That they are 3 persons in one God) and claim that Father, Son, and Spirit are three gods.

Biblical Response

Galatians 1:8–9 – “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”

Hebrews 1:1–2 – “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son...”

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"

Why This Matters for Christians

Understanding the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity is essential because:

It helps protect the integrity of the gospel.
It enables believers to witness lovingly and truthfully to Mormons.
It reminds us to stand on God’s unchanging Word, not new revelations.

2 Corinthians 11:3–4 – “But I am afraid... your thoughts will be led astray... to a different gospel.”

Hold Fast to the True Gospel

John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”