GN: LDS claim that Elohim (God) had two sons: Jesus and Lucifer. This is different than the biblical account. Explain the differing opinions?

PP: When the Bible talks about Lucifer in Ezekiel 28:14-15, it teaches that he was a created angel. “I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian … You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:14-15).

In Micah 5:2 we are told that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, but it also tells us that He has existed for all eternity past. If one is a created angel and the other is described as God existing for all eternity, they simply cannot be brothers.

GN: Mormons hold that salvation happens over the course of a lifetime as followers align their actions with God’s will and engage in temple rituals. Don’t Christians ascribe to a similar grace and works theology?

PP: Biblical Christianity holds that we are saved and then do “good works” because we are saved, but not to get saved. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8&9).
The Bible goes to great lengths to make sure that we don’t attach works to being saved. That’s important because Romans 11:6 teaches, “… it is through God’s kindness … not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is – free and undeserved.”

GN: Are Mormons Christians?

PP: When we look at the Bible and the teachings of Mormonism, the two gospels are very different and incompatible.
In Mormonism, a man can become a god. In Christianity, God became a man.

It’s a very different Jesus, a different gospel and I hold that it comes from a very different spirit. So different that if one is true, the other cannot be.

GN: How can we gingerly share truth with our Mormon friends? 

PP:  We are told to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

People come to Christ because God’s Spirit draws them (John 6:44), never because we out-argued them. We pray and trust that God is working in others just as He worked in our lives.

Further research on this topic can be found at www.dabneyland.com.

What are your thoughts on Christianity and Mormonism? The Good News wants to know – email us at [email protected].