Mormonism’s Gospel and Salvation

The Gospel

As defined by Bruce McConkie in Mormon Doctrine, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of salvation. It embraces all of the laws, principles, doctrines, rites, ordinances, acts, powers, authorities, and keys necessary to save and exalt men in the highest heaven hereafter. It is the covenant of salvation which the Lord makes with men on earth.” Notice that their gospel includes many rites and works performed.

When we look to the Bible for the Christian definition of the gospel, what do we find? In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul defines the gospel in verses 3-4 as being, “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…” And when we look to the Bible as to what rites or works are required we find that the only requirement for salvation is defined plainly in Romans 10:9: “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” As to works, we are also plainly told in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Even Isaiah 64:6 tells us that, “all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” before God.

Salvation

Eternal salvation for the Mormon depends on baptism and obedience to the ordinances and discipline of the church, and upon a life of good works. "The Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the plan of salvation. It is a system of rules by complying with which salvation may be gained." (E.F. Perry, The Scrapbook.) "It embraces all of the laws, principles, doctrines, rites, ordinances, acts, powers, authorities, and keys necessary to save and exalt men in the highest hereafter... It is found only in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 331-334.)

In the Christian church, salvation is based only on faith in Christ, that one believes He was crucified for our sins and died and was raised from the dead. (John 3:16; Rom. 5:12-6:23; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:1-8, et al). The Bible is replete with passages telling us that faith alone saves, and that our works are only evidence of that faith.

As you can readily see from this synopsis, when speaking with a Mormon about the Gospel or salvation, you need to define your words. They use the same words, but they mean something totally different. Their gospel is what Paul warned us against in Galatians 1:6-9, and their mode of salvation has no similarity at all to what Scripture says.

Proof again that Mormons are not Christians.