Are Mormons Christians? (What does the Bible Say?)

Have you ever wondered about the correct answer to the question, “Are Mormons Christians?” The question of whether Latter-day Saints (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as Mormons) are Christians is a topic of debate among different Christian denominations and scholars. Here’s a breakdown of the perspectives:

Latter-day Saints’ Perspective

• Self-Identification: Latter-day Saints consider themselves Christians. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The official name of the church emphasizes Jesus Christ.
• Scripture: They use the Bible and also have additional scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, which they believe is another testament of Jesus Christ.
• Doctrine: They believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, follow His example, and aim to live according to His commandments.

Mainstream Christian Perspective

• Core Beliefs: Many mainstream Christian denominations do not consider Latter-day Saints to be Christians because of significant doctrinal differences. Key points of divergence include:
  • Nature of God: Latter-day Saints have a different understanding of the Godhead (Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost) compared to the Trinity as understood in mainstream Christianity.
  • Scripture: The use of additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
  • Prophets and Revelation: Belief in modern-day prophets and continuing revelation.
  • Salvation: Differences in the understanding of salvation, grace, and works.

Theological Differences

• Godhead vs. Trinity: Latter-day Saints believe in the Godhead as three separate beings, whereas mainstream Christianity believes in the Trinity, which is three persons in one God.
• Additional Scriptures: The inclusion of the Book of Mormon and other texts is not accepted by mainstream Christians.
• Authority and Revelation: Latter-day Saints believe in ongoing revelation through their prophets, whereas mainstream Christians generally believe that the biblical canon is closed.

Common Ground

• Jesus Christ: Both Latter-day Saints and mainstream Christians believe in Jesus Christ and His role as the Savior.
• Bible: Both regard the Bible as holy scripture and foundational to their faith.

Are Mormons Christians?

While Latter-day Saints identify as Christians and share many beliefs with mainstream Christianity, significant theological differences lead many traditional Christian denominations to view them as a distinct group. Whether they are considered Christians often depends on the specific criteria used to define “Christianity.”

However, we are not here to base our answer on what people say, but what the Bible says. So, how can we determine whether Mormons or Latter-Day Saints are Christians? Remember, those who are Christians are called Christians because they follow Christ. So, we should go back to Jesus (Yahshua) to know what it really means to be His followers.

Here’s what the Bible says:

²⁵ Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ²⁶ “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. ²⁷ And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:25-27

Based on these verses, Jesus, whose name is Yahshua, tells us that it is those who love Him and His Father who are considered to be His followers. His disciples love God more than anything or anyone else!

What’s more, Jesus told us to bear our cross. It means that we should live a life of selfless sacrifice, a life that is dedicated to the service of others and God. It means that we must be ready to suffer for our beliefs!

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We also read:

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35

What does this tell us? It tells us that we need to love one another if we are to be called TRUE and GENUINE Christians! You can’t simply call yourself a Christian if you hate your brother.

Another sign of a true Christian is this:

²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. ²² Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Matthew 7:21-23

Let’s digest that:

1. A true Christian is one who does the will of the Father.
2. A true Christian is one who doesn’t practice lawlessness — meaning, someone who keeps God’s commandments.

Finally, we read what makes a person a real Christian:

 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:15

This verse tells us that a person is truly a Christian if he/she has the Spirit and he/she is LED by it!

So, when determining whether latter-day saints are Christians or not, don’t believe the Mormons, the Catholics, or whatever denominations. Believe what the Bible says and by looking at the words of God and His Son, Yahshua, you’ll have the correct answer!

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