One of the most frequent responses given by the sincere L.D.S. in an attempt to defend the Mormon faith as Christian, is:

"But we believe in Jesus...the name of JESUS CHRIST is in our Church -- Surely we are Christians."

Although the Mormon Church 'today' bears the name of Jesus Christ, this wasn't always so. When the Church began in 1830 the official name was, "The Church of Christ." (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:1.)

In 1834 a unanimous vote was given by the leaders and members of the Church to REMOVE the name of Christ completely. The official name was changed to, "The Church of The Latter Day Saints." (see History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 63.)

After almost 4 years of existence without the name of Christ, Joseph Smith gave a revelation to reinsert Christ's name into the Church which it is still known by today, i.e., "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (see Doctrine and Covenants, Section 115.)

The following is a photographic reproduction of the title page to the 1835 Edition of the Doctrine and Covenants confirming the fact that the Church was known as, "The Church of the Latter Day Saints."

While the devout L.D.S. would indicate he believes in Jesus, the question which must be asked is: In "which Jesus" are you putting your trust?

The Apostle Paul warned that there would be those who would come and preach "another Jesus" and "another gospel":

"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached,...or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ...For such are false apostles, deceitful workers .... "
(II Corinthians 11:4,13)

Paul further indicated that those who would teach about "another Jesus" would deceive by coming as "ministers of righteousness." (see II Corinthians 11:15.)

To believe basic teachings about Christ which are not true, is in effect believing about "another Jesus," who in fact does not exist and has no power to save.

The following information compares a few of the major differences between "the Jesus of Mormonism" and "the Jesus of the Bible."

A very basic teaching in Mormonism is, Jesus was born in a so-called pre-existance to a "heavenly Mother" and is literally the brother of Lucifer.

Milton R. Hunter, who was one of the General Authorities of the Mormon Church, makes these illuminating statements:

"The appointment of Jesus to be Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer .... this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind." (The Gospel Through the Ages, 1945, p. 15)

The Bible nowhere indicates that Jesus was born in a pre-existance to a "heavenly Mother" or that Lucifer submitted a plan to become Savior of the world. In fact, the Bible teaches Jesus created Lucifer, so they can't be brothers.

The New Testament declares in Colossians 1:16:

"For by him (Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."

One of the extreme teachings of the Mormon Church which separates it from historic Christianity is its view concerning the virgin birth.

Today, the Mormon Church teaches God the Father has a body of flesh and bones, and the birth of Jesus was the result of "natural action" between God the Father and Mary.

Brigham Young made it very plain that the birth of Jesus was not by the Holy Ghost:

"When the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father had begotten him in his own likeness. He was NOT begotten by the Holy Ghost." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, p. 50)

In a sermon given a few years later, he reinforced this teaching by stating:

"The birth of the Savior was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood -was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 8, p. 115)

ApoStle Bruce R. McConkie describes the act that took place between God the Father and Mary in similar terms:

"Christ was begotten by an Immortal Father in the same way that mortal men are begotten by mortal fathers." (Mormon Doctrine, 1979 edition, p. 547)

Apostle Orson Pratt, one of the original Apostles of the LDS Church, was even more specific and makes these unbelievable assertions:

"Therefore, the Father and Mother of Jesus, according to the flesh, must have been associated together in the capacity of Husband and wife; hence the Virgin Mary must have been, for the time being, the lawful wife of God the Father;...Inasmuch as God was the first husband to her, it may be that He only gave her to be the wife of Joseph while in this mortal state, and that He intended after the resurrection to again take her as one of his own wives to raise up immortal spirits in eternity." (Seer, 1853, p. 158)

If this teaching is to be accepted, not only would you have to disregard the Bible as well as your own conscience, but honesty would indicate:

1.) Mary could not have been a virgin after this experience.

2.) God the Father is an adulterer -- because according to Mormon teaching he already had at least one wife and was unfaithful with Mary.

3.) Mary is an adulteress because she was engaged to Joseph.

4.) God the Father would have to be charged with incest, because Mormonism teaches Mary is the daughter of God the Father from a so-called pre-existance.

The following is a photographic reproduction of Apostle Orson Pratt's statements as they were printed in an early Mormon doctrinal book entitled, "The Seer."

The Bible describes teachers who will come and teach such doctrines:

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,...And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way off truth shall be evil spoken off." (II Peter 2:1,2)

The Bible, on the other hand, portrays a Holy, miraculous rather than natural view of the conception of Christ. Not only does the Bible prophesy that the mother of Jesus will be a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), but this is fulfilled in the New Testament, the conception being the result of supernatural intervention "of the Holy Ghost":

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost .... for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.' (Matthew 1:18,20)

Since Mormonism considers polygamy a righteous principle and even accuses God of commanding polygamy (see Doctrine and Covenants 132), it was an easy step to further charge God the Father and Jesus Christ with having many wives.

In his zeal to condone polygamy, Jedediah M. Grant, second counselor to Brigham Young, made these statements:

"The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based on polygamy .... A belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus, and his followers. We might almost think they were 'Mormons." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, p. 346)

Apostle Orson Hyde even indicated who some of Jesus' wives were:

"...Jesus Christ was married at Cana of Galilee, that Mary, Martha, and others were his wives, and that he begat children." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 210)

When "Christendom" spoke out against polygamy and called it one of the "relics of barbarism" Brigham Young replied:

"Yes, one of the relics of Adam .... of Jesus, and his Apostles." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 11, p. 328)

Apostle Orson Pratt taught both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ were married and polygamists and will spend eternity with their wives:

"...the great Messiah who was the founder of the Christian religion, was a polygamist .... the Messiah chose to take upon himself his seed; and by marrying many honorable wives himself, show to all future generations that he approbated the plurality of Wives .... God the father had a plurality of wives,...the Son followed the example of his Father, and became the great Bridegroom to whom kings' daughters and many honorable Wives were to be married. We have also proved that both God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ inherit their wives in eternity as well as in time;..." (Seer, p. 172)

Nowhere in the Bible does God command polygamy or indicate the Father and Son are polygamists.

Following the creation of Adam and Eve, God gave the standard:

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his WIFE..." (Genesis 2:24)

Although some people in the Old Testament did enter into polygamy, this was never preferred by God. The Lord indicated His displeasure of many wives in Deuteronomy 17:17:

"Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away:..."

With the coming of Christ, New Testament believers were instructed to be the "husband of one wife":

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of ONE WIFE,...Let the deacons be the husbands of ONE WIFE .... "(I Timothy 3:2,12)

The following is a photographic reproduction of page 172 of "The Seer."

Although Mormon leaders have taught God the Father and Jesus are polygamists, some Mormons may raise the objection that these teachings do not represent the 'official doctrine' of the Church today.

Whether these teachings are accepted or not, the inescapable conclusion is; they were taught and accepted as Church doctrine by men who represent the highest authorities of the Mormon Church who are supposed to be guided by God Himself.

The New Testament warns of those who will not be satisfied with "sound doctrine":

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto tables.' (II Timothy 4:3,4)

From the time of Joseph Smith to the present, Mormonism has taught that God the Father was once a man and men may become Gods. Because of this teachlng the leaders of the Mormon Church have likewise taught that Jesus progressed to become "a God."

Milton R. Hunter, who was one of the General Authorities of the Mormon Church, gives this information:

"Jesus became a God and reached His great state of understanding through consistent effort and continuous obedience to all the Gospel truths and universal laws." (The Gospel Through The Ages, p. 51)

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie makes it plain that Jesus is only one of 3 Gods that is to be worshipped:

"--Father, Son, and Holy Ghost--comprise the Godhead .... To us, speaking in the proper finite sense, these three are the only Gods we worship." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 576, 577)

To teach that Jesus is one of many Gods is to deny the most foundational teaching in the Bible.

The Bible emphatically declares there is only one true and living God. In Isaiah 44:6, the Lord Himself pronounces:

"... I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."

Even though the Bible does not explain how God exists in three persons and yet is "one God," it is nevertheless taught in scripture. To say that they are 3 Gods, one in purpose, is definitely opposed to Biblical teaching. Although Jesus is not the Father, he does share the same 'nature' with the Father as well as the Holy Ghost which we refer to as diety, or God. God has always been God and knows of no other Gods (Psalms 90:1,2 & Isaiah 44:8). These three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not simply one in purpose, but are truly the "One God."

A glimpse of the triune nature of God can be partially understood by considering the states of water. Solid, Liquid, and Gas. Each is different, yet all share the same nature, H20. Likewise, Jesus is not "a God" but he is the "true God." (see John 1:1)

Most Mormons would be quick to point out they believe in Jesus Christ as "Savior." But exactly what was Jesus' part in their salvation?

The third article of faith of the Mormon Church explains that more than faith in Christ is necessary to be "saved":

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."

Joseph Fielding Smith expounds on this "Individual Salvation" as follows:

"--that which man merits through his own acts through life and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p. 134)

In contrast to this, the Apostle Paul describes the Gospel (Good News) without laws and ordinances:

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you,...By which also ye are saved,...how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (I Corinthians 15:1-4)

The L.D.S. position is also found in the Book of Mormon which indicates that we must earn part of our salvation:

"... for we know that is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (II Nephi 25:23)

Yet, the New Testament tells us that we are saved by the grace of God which is offered as a GIFT that cannot be earned:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

We find further how we are justified:

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)

Some may raise the objection that a person only has to say he believes in Jesus and then can live like the devil. This is certainly not true. One who has received the "real Jesus" as "Savior and Lord," is a new creature and will produce good works because he HAS eternal life.

II Corinthians 5:17 describes this new life in Christ:

"Therefore it any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Ephesians 2:10 clarifies further:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works .... '

Mormonism teaches there are many other requirements which are necessary besides faith in Christ in order to spend eternity in the presence of God.

Apostle Bruce McConkie claims you must be a member of the Mormon Church:

"There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 670)

Joseph Smith taught your own salvation was in jeopardy if you weren't baptized in behalf of your dead ancestors. He made this statement concerning baptism for the dead:

"Those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 193)

He also made it plain there was something more important than preaching Christ to the living:

"The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." (Ibid, p. 356)

Milton R. Hunter made this statement about the importance of a "temple marriage":

"Marriage is not only a righteous institution, but obedience to this !aw is absolutely necessary in order to obtain the highest exaltation in the Kingdom of God." (Gospel Through the Ages, p. 119)

Contrary to the authorities of the Mormon Church, when the Apostle Paul and Silas were asked the question by the Phillipian jailer, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) Instead of mentioning laws and ordinances, baptism by someone with the proper authority, temple work in behalf of the dead, celestial marriage, belief in a special prophet, etc., etc., -- The answer was simple. "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,..." (Acts 16:31)

When Jesus Christ Himself was questioned: "... What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" (John 6:28) Again, the simple message:

"... This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent." (John 5:29)

In many ways Joseph Smith has a position equally as important as Jesus Christ in the salvation of men.

Joseph Fielding Smith, who became the 10th Prophet of the Mormon Church declared:

"No Salvation Without Accepting Joseph Smith. If Joseph Smith was verily a prophet, and if he told the truth .... No man can reject that testimony without incurring the most dreadful consequences, for he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 190)

Apostle Bruce McConkie adds:

"If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 670)

Obviously these men do not believe Acts 4:12 which states:

"Neither is there salvation in any other [Jesus].For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Brigham Young delivered a sermon where he taught his people that the consent of Joseph Smith was necessary to enter into the presence of God when this life was over:

"...no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith.... every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are -- I with you and you with me. I cannot go there without his consent." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 289)

In contrast to this, the Bible makes it plain that Christ is the ONLY mediator between God and man:

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)

Among the many times Joseph Smith boasted in himself, was a sermon delivered where he boasted of doing a greater "work" than Jesus. He makes this tremendous boast:

"I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor JESUS ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of JESUS ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet .... When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go." (History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 408, 409)

Another area where Joseph Smith is exalted is concerning Creation.

Even though the first four verses from the first chapter of the book of John prove Jesus made "all things" and "without him was not any thing made that was made," Mormon leaders insist the creation involved the help of Joseph Smith.

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie explains it like this:

"...Joseph Smith, and many other 'noble and great' ones played a part in the great creative enterprise." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 169)

While the Mormon Church places considerable importance on Joseph Smith, the Bible tells us eternal life is dependant upon a single individual:

"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)

For well over a century and up to the present, Mormon leaders have insisted that "certain sins" are "beyond the reach of the atoning blood of Christ."

Joseph Fielding Smith gives this information:

"Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may commit, that they will place the transgressors beyond the power of the atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent. Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far as possible, in their behalf." (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p. 135)

A similar admission is made by Apostle Bruce McConkie:

"But under certain circumstances there are some serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate, and the !aw of God is that men must then have their own blood shed to atone for their sins." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 92)

President Brigham Young, who was one of the greatest advocates for the doctrine of blood atonement made these shocking statements:

"Will you love your brothers and sisters likewise, when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their blood? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? .... This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth in order that he may be saved, spill it." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 4, pp. 219-20)

Joseph Fielding Smith also fails to understand the impact of the finished work at the cross. In a three volume work by him, he instructs the Mormon people that "the law of sacrifice will have to be restored" and further states that Sacrifice by the shedding of blood was instituted in the days of Adam and of necessity will have to be restored" (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, p. 94)

It's almost unbelievable that the leaders of the Mormon Church, who claim to be guided by God Himself, would attempt to lead their people so far from the Holy Word of God, the Bible.

I John 1:7 makes it plain that the blood of Jesus is sufficient for "all sin":

"...the blood off Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from ALL SIN."

We are told further:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Ephesians 1:7 states:

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches off his grace."

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him, he pronounced the very heart of the Christian message:

"...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

If as Joseph Fielding Smith informs us that "the law of sacrifice will have to be restored," or if we could somehow pay for "certain sins" by shedding our own blood, or even if we could earn a portion of salvation by "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel," then Christ is dead in vain:

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galations 2:21)

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel off Christ, who is the image off God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:3,4)