Digital Guide: Are Mormons Christian?
Apostasy & the True Church
Comparing the Differences Between Mormonism & Biblical Christianity
Apostasy & The True Church
What does Christianity teach about the true church?
Jesus promised the church would forever prevail. There can never be a complete apostasy.
Moreover, all who believe in Christ’s redemptive and substitutionary work are members of the invisible (true) church. It crosses denominations and is built on the ‘rock’ of faith. It is not one physical church.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:25
What does Mormonism teach about apostasy & the true church?
Mormonism teaches that for more than 1600 years the church did not prevail. There was a complete apostasy from shortly after the time of the Apostles until Joseph Smith restored the true church, which Mormons recognize as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons believe that no other church or denomination has the fullness of the gospel or the authority given by God.
And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.
1 Nephi 13:26 (Book of Mormon)
Summary
Christianity
There can never be a complete apostasy. All who believe in Christ’s redemptive and substitutionary work are members of the invisible (true) church.
Mormonism
There was a complete apostasy from shortly after the time of the Apostles until Joseph Smith restored the true church.