Are Mormons Christian? Do Mormons and Christians believe the same things?

Quick answer

While the Mormon Church—Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS Church—claims Christian roots, its beliefs significantly deviate from biblical Christianity. Mormons deny that Jesus is fully God, teach that God was once a man, and believe salvation is achieved through works, rather than grace. These doctrines place Mormonism outside orthodox Christianity.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible provides clear teachings on the nature of God, Jesus, and salvation that conflict with Mormon doctrine. Orthodox Christianity holds that Jesus is fully God and fully man, salvation is by grace through faith alone, and there is one eternal God who created all things. Mormonism, by contrast, teaches that God is an exalted man, Jesus is a separate being who is "a god," and salvation requires a combination of faith and works. Below are key differences between Mormons and biblical Christians.

THE NATURE OF GOD AND JESUS

Biblical Christianity: The Bible declares that God is eternal, unchanging, and uncreated (Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8). Jesus is fully God, eternally one with the Father, and came to earth to redeem humanity (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:15–20).

Mormonism: Mormons believe God was once a man who earned his position through righteous living (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345). Jesus is viewed as a separate being, "a god," created as the literal offspring of God the Father and a heavenly mother (Mormon Doctrine, p. 547; Articles of Faith, p. 35).

SALVATION

Biblical Christianity: Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 14:6). Good works are the result of salvation, not its cause (Ephesians 2:10).

Mormonism: Salvation requires faith in Jesus plus good works, including obedience to LDS ordinances, tithing, and participation in temple rituals (2 Nephi 25:23; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43; Mormon Doctrine, p. 670).

SCRIPTURE

Biblical Christianity: The Bible is the complete and authoritative Word of God, sufficient for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Mormonism: Mormons accept additional scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. These texts redefine key biblical doctrines and have undergone changes over time to align with changing LDS theology.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Isaiah 43:10: "Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." This denies the possibility of other gods, or humans becoming gods, contradicting Mormon teachings.
Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." The Bible affirms monotheism, opposing Mormonism’s polytheistic implications.

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 fully God, not a separate being or "a god," as Mormonism claims.
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 is by grace alone, not by works, contradicting Mormonism’s works-based salvation.
John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" Jesus is the exclusive way to God, not one among many paths.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Mormonism differs from biblical Christianity in fundamental ways, placing it outside the bounds of orthodox Christian belief. Its teachings about God, Jesus, salvation, and Scripture contradict the Bible, making it a separate religion, despite its claims to Christian roots. Many Mormons are sincere in their desire to follow God but have been misled by false teachings. Christians are called to approach them with love, patience, and understanding, pointing them to the truth of the gospel. Sharing the biblical message of grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone offers hope and freedom to those caught in the deception of Mormonism.

UNDERSTAND

Mormons believe that God was once a man and that Jesus is a created being, while Christianity teaches that God is eternal and that Jesus is fully God and fully man.
Mormons believe salvation requires faith and works, while Christianity teaches salvation is by grace alone through faith.
Mormons accept additional scriptures that contradict the Bible, while Christianity holds the Bible as the sole authority.

REFLECT

How do you understand the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace alone, and how does that shape your view of your own relationship with God?
How does the biblical teaching that Jesus is fully God and fully man challenge or deepen your understanding of who Jesus is?
How can you show love and patience toward Mormons who say they believe the same things we do, even though they don’t, while also sharing the truth of the Bible?

ENGAGE

How can we lovingly share the gospel with those who follow the teachings of the LDS Church while respecting their sincerity?
What are the key biblical doctrines that differentiate Mormon beliefs from orthodox Christianity, and how can we communicate these clearly?
How do the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity affect our understanding of salvation, and how can this understanding impact our daily lives and faith?