The Community of Christ (RLDS) — What is it?

Quick answer

The Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) is a Mormon offshoot formed in 1860. It shares core Mormon beliefs, including reliance on Joseph Smith's writings, rejection of Jesus's deity, and works-based salvation, but it differs from the larger LDS group in practices like marriage for eternity and temple services. RLDS doctrine diverges significantly from biblical Christianity, which teaches salvation by grace alone through faith in the divine Jesus Christ.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible consistently emphasizes that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone, who is fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14). This foundational truth directly opposes the RLDS teaching that Jesus is “of God” but not one with God. Scripture declares that Jesus is God incarnate, sent to redeem humanity through His sacrificial death and resurrection (Colossians 1:15–20; John 8:58). The RLDS, like the broader Mormon tradition, denies this essential doctrine. Additionally, the RLDS reliance on personal spiritual experiences and works-based salvation contradicts biblical teaching. Salvation is a free gift of grace through faith, not achieved by human effort or subjective experiences (Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5). The Bible calls believers to trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross as the only means of reconciliation with God (Romans 5:8–10).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Isaiah 43:10–11: "Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior." The Bible unequivocally declares the singularity and sovereignty of God, refuting any theology that suggests humans can become gods.

Deuteronomy 6:4–5: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." This foundational truth of monotheism opposes RLDS beliefs that deviate from God’s singular nature.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

John 1:1, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Jesus is identified as fully divine and eternal, a truth altered in the RLDS version of Scripture.

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." Contrary to RLDS teachings, salvation is a gift, not something earned through works.

Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Only Jesus Christ provides salvation, a message diluted by RLDS doctrines.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The RLDS claims to follow Jesus but denies His deity, teaches works-based salvation, and relies on extra-biblical texts, such as Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. These departures from biblical truth lead adherents away from the gospel. Christians must approach members of the RLDS with love and biblical truth, pointing them to Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation (John 14:6). While personal experiences and good works are significant, they cannot replace the finished work of Christ on the cross. Believers are called to uphold Scripture as the ultimate authority, rejecting teachings that contradict its message and sharing the true gospel with those misled by false doctrines.

UNDERSTAND

The Community of Christ (RLDS) split from the LDS Church over leadership and doctrinal disagreements.

The RLDS church follows Mormon beliefs, such as denying Jesus's full divinity, but rejects certain LDS practices.

The RLDS church teaches works-based salvation, contrasting with the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.

REFLECT

How does the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith challenge the idea of works-based salvation?

How can you lovingly engage with those who hold different beliefs, such as members of the Community of Christ?

How does understanding the full divinity of Jesus Christ impact your relationship with Him and your understanding of salvation?

ENGAGE

The RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) split from the LDS Church in the 1840s, primarily over disagreements about leadership and theology following Joseph Smith’s death. The RLDS rejected Brigham Young’s leadership and polygamy, holding instead that Joseph Smith's son, Joseph Smith III, was the rightful successor. They also rejected certain LDS doctrines, such as eternal progression and temple practices, aiming to return to a simpler, more traditional faith, centered on the Book of Mormon and the Bible.

How does the denial of Jesus's full divinity in the RLDS doctrine compare to the teachings of Scripture about the nature of Christ?

Why is it important for Christians to uphold the Bible as the sole authoritative source of truth when engaging with other religious beliefs?