Choosing Truth: A Comparative Look at Mormonism and Protestant Reformed Christianity


 Title: Mormonism vs. Protestant Reformed Christianity: Understanding the Differences

Introduction

Religious beliefs shape how we view God, salvation, and the purpose of life. Two worldviews that often intersect in discussion are Mormonism, represented by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and Protestant Reformed Christianity. While both claim roots in Christianity, their differences are profound and foundational. This blog explores the key distinctions to provide clarity for those seeking truth.

1. Authority and Scripture

Mormonism:

  • Recognizes additional scriptures: The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
  • Believes in ongoing revelation through living prophets, starting with Joseph Smith, who restored the true church after a "Great Apostasy."
  • Accepts the Bible but views it as correct only when "translated correctly."

Protestant Reformed Christianity:

  • Upholds sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the final and sufficient authority for faith and practice.
  • Rejects any additional scriptures or modern revelations, asserting that God’s Word is complete in the canon of the Bible.
  • Believes the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God.

Reflection Question: Where does true spiritual authority come from—God’s unchanging Word or human revelation?

2. The Nature of God

Mormonism:

  • Teaches that God the Father was once a man who progressed to become God and that humans can also achieve godhood (exaltation).
  • Views the Godhead as three separate beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

Protestant Reformed Christianity:

  • Affirms classical Trinitarianism: one God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
  • Proclaims God’s immutability (unchanging nature) and transcendence.
  • Rejects the idea that humans can become gods.

Reflection Question: Is God’s nature shaped by progression, or is He eternal and unchanging?

3. Salvation

Mormonism:

  • Views salvation as twofold: general resurrection for all humanity (through Christ’s atonement) and individual exaltation based on obedience to LDS teachings, ordinances, and covenants.
  • Good works and temple ordinances are necessary for the highest level of salvation (Celestial Kingdom).

Protestant Reformed Christianity:

  • Emphasizes sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone): salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone, not by works.
  • Sees good works as a fruit of salvation, not a condition for it.
  • Holds that justification (being made right with God) is instantaneous and complete in Christ.

Reflection Question: Is salvation earned through human effort or freely given by God’s grace?

4. The Church and Eternal Life

The Church:

  • Mormonism: Claims to be the only true church restored by Joseph Smith, with a strong focus on temple worship and ordinances like family sealings.
  • Protestant Reformed Christianity: Views the church as the spiritual body of Christ, composed of all true believers, with the Bible as its foundation.

Eternal Life:

  • Mormonism: Teaches a multi-tiered afterlife: Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms, with exaltation as the highest goal.
  • Protestant Reformed Christianity: Focuses on eternal communion with God (Heaven) or eternal separation from God (Hell) based on faith in Christ.

Reflection Question: What is the ultimate goal of faith—eternal communion with God or personal exaltation?

Conclusion

The differences between Mormonism and Protestant Reformed Christianity are profound. While both emphasize faith and a relationship with God, they diverge significantly in their view of God’s nature, salvation, and the authority of scripture. Protestant Reformed Christianity points to God’s grace alone as the path to salvation, grounded in His unchanging Word.

Closing Scripture: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9

Invitation: If you’re seeking clarity or have questions about Christianity, consider exploring the teachings of the Bible and connecting with a local church committed to God’s Word. The truth has the power to transform lives.

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