In Mormonism, the Great Apostasy refers to a complete falling away from the truth that is said to have occurred after the deaths of Jesus’ apostles. Latter-day Saints teach that during this time, priesthood authority, pure doctrine, and the true church were lost from the earth. They believe this total apostasy made it necessary for Joseph Smith to restore Christ’s church in the latter days, beginning with the restoration of the priesthood.
This belief shapes much of LDS identity. Mormons see all other Christian churches as products of the Great Apostasy—well-intentioned but lacking divine authority. It’s also why the LDS Church claims to be “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30).
Biblical Christianity, however, teaches that while false teachers and corruption would appear, Christ’s church was never destroyed. Jesus promised that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The Holy Spirit has continued to preserve the gospel and sustain the Church throughout history. The idea of a complete apostasy denies both Christ’s promise and the enduring power of God’s Word.
