Apostasy & The True Church
What does the Bible teach about the true church?
Jesus promised the church would forever prevail. Therefore, 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 Jesus Christ himself. It is not one physical church.
This worldwide body of believers encompasses followers of Jesus from all corners of the globe, representing countless denominations, congregations, and fellowships — yet one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, all adhering to the Word of God as their standard for truth. Each one works together to glorify God through the building of his body, the church.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
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)
Why This Matters
Mormonism teaches that the Church, the gospel, and all saving authority were lost and needed to be restored. But this assumes that Jesus’ mission wasn’t enough—that his Church failed, his word disappeared, and his gospel vanished until Joseph Smith brought it back.
But the Bible tells a different story.
The restoration we needed already happened through Jesus. He didn’t just start something fragile that could fall apart. He came to fulfill what was broken, redeem what was lost, and restore sinners to God once and for all. He gave his life, rose in victory, and poured out his Spirit to build a Church that would never die.
That’s why we don’t need a restored church. We need the restoring Christ.
To claim that the true gospel vanished for centuries is to deny the power of God to preserve what matters most. Jesus said his words would never pass away (Matthew 24:35), that his Church would endure (Matthew 16:18), and that he would be with his people always (Matthew 28:20). And he meant it.
Mormonism’s exclusive claim to be the “one true Church” has no historical or biblical basis. Jesus never pointed people to a visible institution but to himself. The true Church—the holy Christian Church—is invisible, known only to the Lord who sees the heart (2 Timothy 2:19). It’s not defined by organizational membership but by faith in Christ.
This view of the Church matters because our confidence doesn’t come from belonging to the “right organization”—it comes from belonging to the right Savior. The gospel isn’t something that had to be found again. It’s something that’s never stopped calling sinners to grace, forgiveness, and eternal life through Jesus alone.
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 3:16
Ephesians 1:23, 4:12
Matthew 16:18
Romans 12:4-5
Galatians 3:26
1 Samuel 16:7
2 Timothy 2:19
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.