How should Christians view the Book of Mormon?

Quick answer

The Book of Mormon, written by Joseph Smith in the 1800s, claims to be inspired Scripture. However, it contradicts biblical teaching, fails the tests of prophetic authenticity, and promotes a false gospel. While The Book of Mormon shares some similarities with biblical principles, it ultimately leads readers away from God and denies key Christian doctrines such as salvation by grace through faith, the deity of Christ, and the nature of God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible is the inspired and complete Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 22:18-19). It is infallible and self-consistent, while the Book of Mormon contradicts Scripture, denies foundational doctrines such as the Trinity, and introduces unbiblical practices like baptism for the dead. The Bible warns against false prophets and teachings that distort God’s truth (Matthew 7:15; Galatians 1:6-9). Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, claimed to be a prophet but failed the biblical tests for prophetic legitimacy. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 states that a true prophet’s predictions must always come to pass, yet many of Smith’s prophecies were proven false. Additionally, Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that even if a sign or wonder appears true, a prophet leading people to worship other gods is not from God. Smith taught polytheism and claimed that humans could achieve godhood, contradicting biblical monotheism (Isaiah 44:6-8). The Bible affirms salvation through grace alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet the Book of Mormon promotes a works-based path to godhood, fundamentally opposing the gospel.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Deuteronomy 18:21-22: "And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him." Smith's failed prophecies disqualify him as a true prophet of God.

Deuteronomy 13:1-3: "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet." Smith’s teachings of multiple gods and human exaltation are clear violations of God’s commands.

Isaiah 44:6-8: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god." The Bible explicitly denies the possibility of other gods, refuting Mormon theology.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The Bible is sufficient and complete; additional works like the Book of Mormon are unnecessary and often contradictory.

Galatians 1:8-9: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." Paul’s warning applies to Joseph Smith’s claim of angelic revelation that contradicts the gospel.

Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Salvation by grace through faith stands in opposition to the works-based gospel taught by Mormonism.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Book of Mormon and the teachings of Mormonism lead people away from the truth of God’s Word. While it contains some biblical-sounding ideas, it ultimately contradicts Scripture and promotes doctrines that deny the gospel. The Bible affirms salvation through grace alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet the Book of Mormon promotes a works-based path to godhood, fundamentally opposing the gospel. Christians must reject the Book of Mormon as inspired Scripture and hold fast to the Bible as the only authoritative and infallible Word of God (John 17:17).

Christians should lovingly engage with Mormons by pointing them to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes emphasizing salvation by grace through faith alone and the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work. Understanding the differences between biblical Christianity and Mormonism is essential for defending the faith and sharing the truth in love (1 Peter 3:15).

UNDERSTAND

The Book of Mormon contradicts biblical teaching.

The Book of Mormon denies foundational doctrines like salvation by grace, the deity of Christ, and the nature of God.

The Bible is sufficient and complete, warning against false gospels and additional "scriptures" that deviate from God's truth.

REFLECT

How does understanding the sufficiency and authority of the Bible influence how you discern truth from false teachings?

What steps can you take to ensure your faith remains rooted in biblical truth when encountering conflicting teachings?

How does the Bible's message of salvation by grace through faith deepen your trust in Christ's finished work?

ENGAGE

How can we explain the differences between the Bible and the Book of Mormon in a way that is loving yet truthful?

How does understanding the biblical tests for a true prophet equip us to recognize false teachings today?

How can we encourage one another to remain grounded in the gospel and the truth of the Bible when engaging with Mormons?