Are the Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus the SAME Jesus? - Truth in Love Ministry

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Are the Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus the SAME Jesus?

Have you ever walked away from a witnessing conversation with a Mormon, thoroughly confused and conflicted because they had done their best to convince you that they believe in the same Jesus as you?

If you have had one (or many) of those perplexing conversations and have been ‘tempted’ to think, “Maybe some Mormons somehow do have saving faith in Jesus,” you are not alone. I have had my fair share of those challenging exchanges and have heard many others express similar sentiments.

Sometimes after those conversations, some Christians conclude that what the average Mormon believes about Jesus and the gospel is not what they had been taught Mormons believe about Jesus and the gospel. Others will bring up the fact that their Momon friends don’t even appear to “believe” what the LDS church official teaches. Because of those personal and professional interactions with Mormons, well-meaning Christians have gone as far as stating, “Don’t focus on the differences, focus on the similarities. The divide is not as wide as it first might appear,” (“How Wide the Divide?: A Mormon & an Evangelical in Conversation”) or “In the end, Mormons and Christians love the same Jesus.” (Dallas Jenkins, LDSLiving podcast interview).

Is it wise, though, to attempt to narrow the divide between Christianity and Mormonism? Is it accurate to say that Mormons and Christians “love the same Jesus?”

One Word Changes Everything

During a lengthy series of written conversations with an LDS missionary, I once shared an explanation article that I thought he would adamantly reject because of the contradictions. But instead, he said, “The LDS church and I believe that same thing. Thanks for sharing that.” To which, I initially thought, “No, you don’t, no they don’t,” until I realized that the whole article hinged on the common word “faith” and a proper understanding of what “faith” is and does.

I then explained what Christians and I mean by “faith,” and he confirmed what the LDS church teaches about “faith.” He then said, “Well, with that meaning of faith, neither the LDS church nor I would agree with that article AT ALL. It’s too easy. That’s not the true gospel. That’s why the restored gospel was necessary. You’re missing the essentials.” 

One word and completely different understandings of it are all that it took for that LDS missionary who said, “We believe the same thing,” to say, “You’re right, I/we don’t believe the same thing at all.”

Knowing how Mormons use familiar Christian words and unpacking them is an essential and challenging part of witnessing. I am constantly referring back to our Dictionary of Mormonese to seek clarity and conciseness. There have been other occasions where the whole conversation came down to different Mormon and Christian meanings for essential concepts like “the gospel,” “salvation,” and “repentance.”

The Same Historical Jesus, But Not the Same Soteriological Jesus

In addition to the confusion caused by ‘the same word, different meaning conversations,’ I can certainly understand those who say, “Not all Mormons know or believe what official LDS doctrine states.” But that is far from saying that Christians and Mormons love the same Jesus.

Like Jews, Muslims, and even demons, Mormons acknowledge that a historical Jesus of Nazareth existed and have a basic understanding of who he is and what he did. In that sense, they believe in or know about Jesus. But that does not mean that Jews, Muslims, demons, and Mormons, love, trust, and worship the same, Jesus.

Mormon soteriology, what they believe and teach about salvation, affects their Christology, what they believe and teach about Christ.

Because the Mormon view of salvation is so vastly different, so is their view of Jesus. Mormons and Christians can be looking at and talking about the same Jesus and not love, trust, and worship the same Jesus at all. One view leads to a belief that results in eternal life in heaven, the other in hell.

Compare the Mormon and Biblical Jesus

As the word “faith” has demonstrated, one seemingly simple word or phrase often distinguishes the Mormon Jesus from the Biblical Jesus, the Mormon gospel from the Biblical gospel.

Biblical Jesus says, “Be perfect.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I have saved you by grace alone.”

Biblical Jesus says, “The gospel is what I have done.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I gave you the gift of salvation.”

Biblical Jesus is our perfect substitute.

Biblical Jesus says, “By nature, you are dead in your transgressions and sins. I can make you alive.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I am God from eternity, who became man to live under the law and die for you.”

Biblical Jesus says, “It is finished. No more can be done.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I am the way.”

Biblical Jesus says, “The Father and I are one.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I paid your debt. Now, you’re set free!” 

Biblical Jesus is the creator of all things.

Biblical Jesus says, “Many will go to hell.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I have gone to prepare a place for you so that you can be where I am.”

Mormon Jesus says, “Be ye perfect, eventually.”

Mormon Jesus says, “Saved by grace alone; after all you can do.”

Mormon Jesus says, “The gospel is what you must do.”

Mormon Jesus says, “I gave you a plan of salvation.”

Mormon Jesus is an example to follow.

Mormon Jesus says, “You are born with divine potential; here are the steps for your progression.”

Mormon Jesus says, “I was once a man who became a god, and you can too.”

Mormon Jesus says, “I started it, now finish the job by obeying me.”

Mormon Jesus says, “I will show you the way.”

Mormon Jesus says, “We have one purpose.”

Mormon Jesus says, “I paid your debt. Now you owe me.”

Mormon Jesus is a created being.

Mormon Jesus says, “Few will go to hell.”

Mormon Jesus says, “In the end, you will go to a place that’s comfortable for you.”

Biblical Jesus says, “Be perfect.”
Mormon Jesus says, “Be ye perfect, eventually.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I have saved you by grace alone.”
Mormon Jesus says, “I have saved you by grace alone; after all, you can do.”

Biblical Jesus says, “The gospel is what I have done.”
Mormon Jesus says, “The gospel is what you must do.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I gave you salvation.”
Mormon Jesus says, “I gave you a plan of salvation.”

Biblical Jesus is a substitute who stepped in to did what we never could.
Mormon Jesus is primarily an example to follow.

Biblical Jesus says, “By nature, you are dead in your transgressions and sins. I can make you alive.”
Mormon Jesus says, “You are born with divine potential; here are some pointers on progression.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I am God from eternity, who became man to live under the law and die for you.”
Mormon Jesus says, “I was once a man who became a god, and you can too.”

Biblical Jesus says, “It is finished. ”
Mormon Jesus says, “I got things started, now obey my commandments to finish the job.

Biblical Jesus says, “I am the way.”
Mormon Jesus says, “I will show you the way.”

Biblical Jesus says, “The Father and I are one.”
Mormon Jesus says, “The Father and I have one purpose.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I paid your debt. Now, you’re set free!”
Mormon Jesus says, “I paid your debt. Now you owe me.”

Biblical Jesus is the creator of all things.
Mormon Jesus is a created being.

Biblical Jesus says, “Many will go to hell.”
Mormon Jesus says, “Few will go to hell.”

Biblical Jesus says, “I have gone to prepare a place for you so that you can be where I am.”
Mormon Jesus says, “In the end, you will go to a place that’s comfortable for you.”

The list could go on and on, but I think you get the point. One word or phrase is often the only difference between Mormon and Biblical Jesus; however, they are not the same. Not even close.

Why does this matter?

Satan has been using subtle deceptions like this for thousands of years.

Sometimes, Satan, the “Father of Lies,” does his work by leading people to think they will find life and salvation by breaking laws, living for themselves, sometimes referred to as “licentiousness.” Other times, the evil “Prowling Lion” leads his prey to believe they will find salvation by keeping the rules, finding pride in themselves, sometimes referred to as “legalism.” And in this case, Satan parading as an “Angel of Light” leads his Mormon victims to think they will find life and salvation in a “lookalike” gospel, a “Me + Jesus” or “Jesus + Me” theology that starts with Jesus but quickly turns back to self and back to rules.

If the “Great Deceiver” can convince a whole worldwide church that they are being saved by their belief in a lookalike Jesus when they aren’t, the result is the same as outright licentiousness and legalism. He gets people to reject God for self-salvation projects that all produce the same outcome, hell, and eternal damnation.

That’s why this matters.

Many Mormons and Christians already have a hard time seeing the vast difference between Mormonism and Christianity, and, often for one reason or another, they don’t want to.

But there is a difference between the Mormon Jesus and the Biblical Christian Jesus. It’s the difference between life and death between eternal life and eternal damnation.

Christians must not, dare not be afraid to call Mormonism what it is, a false, heretical religion that does not love or worship the same Jesus.

Boldly Speak the Truth in Love

Because of this vast wide divide, there is a great urgency to reach those lost in Mormonism’s lies with the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Speaking the truth in love to Mormons at times means being willing to say quite pointedly, “We do not love the same, Jesus. Can I please tell you about the Jesus I love?”

Loving Mormons at times means being like Peter in the Sanhedrin, boldly proclaiming, “The stone you builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Peter made this incendiary statement to the rulers, the elders, and the teachers of whom many would have said, “They love the same God.” But then, after calling their lookalike unbelief for what it was, he pointed them to Jesus and stated, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12) Boldly, trusting in the power of God’s Word, we can do the same, confidently declaring Jesus’ true and saving name.

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Article Summary

Is it accurate to say that Mormons and Christians “love the same Jesus?" Why does this matter? How can one word make all the difference?

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8 thoughts on “Are the Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus the SAME Jesus?”

  1. Interesting take on the “Mormon Jesus.” It seems to me that Mormons take Christ more literally. When He says He is the Son of God, Mormons believe that. Who is Jesus praying to in the Garden of Gethsemane? When Jesus said not to call Him good, for there is only one good, and that is God, who did He mean? Yet, some would have the world believe that Mormons take a word or two out of context? James said faith without works is dead. No one in their right mind would take that to believe that a person can work their way into Heaven, but it stands to reason that we must DO something, such as repent daily, try to keep the commandments, and actually follow Christ.

    1. No one is disputing the relationship Jesus has with his Father in heaven. Everything he did (e.g. “call God good”) was to bring glory to his Father.

      The Bible also describes Jesus as: the eternal God without beginning or end (John 1:1–2), “Immanuel (which means God with us)” (Matthew 1:23), “My Lord and my God!” (Thomas’ confession) (John 20:28). Jesus had characteristics only true of God and performed actions only God can do. It would be a false dichotomy to imply Jesus is either the Son of God or the one true eternal God; the Bible proclaims both to be true.

      That said, the statements “we can’t work our way to heaven” and “we must DO something” cannot be reconciled. They are contradictions. We’re either saved entirely by grace or entirely by works (Romans 11:6). Biblical Christians recognize reason must submit to God’s own Word, which clearly proclaims that we are saved by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8). Works are the fruit of faith, not the root. They are the result of salvation, not its cause. Click here to learn more.

      1. So nothing need be done to be saved? It requires no action, mentally, physically or seriously?

        I suppose all will be in heaven then, and none in hell. Good to know.

        1. The Truth in Love Ministry Team

          Eric,

          Many cling to their own efforts and sideline Christ. Many others do not believe in him and hope they will be good enough. This will all fall short of a holy God on Judgment Day who has clear expectations: “Be perfect” (Matthew 5:48). As a result, many will go to hell (Matthew 7:13).

          Adding our imperfect works to Christ’s perfect works for us insults God and implies Jesus is not enough. You cannot mix grace and works (Romans 11:6). Trying results in losing Christ completely (Galatians 5:4). Jesus + anything = nothing.

          We receive the benefit of Christ’s saving work through faith. The only way to stand before a holy God on Judgment Day is to cling to Christ’s substitutionary perfection for you (Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Trust in him alone and you have all you need. (Romans 3:21–24). Jesus + nothing = everything.

          Our sincere prayer for you is to discover the depths of God’s love and know that Jesus is enough.

  2. The question should be: Does God Jesus love ALL His children (Evangelicals and Mormons alike) and the answer is clearly yes. Because people do take words or sentences they read in the Bible out of context, all these divisions in Christianity occur. The command is LOVE GOD, LOVE U NEIGHBOUR…not love only Evangelicals (which I btw am)

    1. The Truth in Love Ministry Team

      The Bible is clear that all people are God’s creation (Colossians 1:16), and that God loves the entire world (John 3:16), but only those who have faith (trust) in the work of Jesus are children of God (John 1:12; 11:52; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1-10).

      Trust in Jesus and his completed work is what makes one a child of God. Those who do not trust Christ and Christ alone are not God’s children but rather are God’s enemies who will be eternally separated from him in hell.

      Hearing that we were not born as children of God is frightening. But when we dig a little deeper to understand how God makes people his children, we find lasting comfort. We were his enemies, but God lavished his love upon us by adopting us as his children and making us righteous through faith in the finished work of Jesus. God calls those who trust in Jesus “sons” and “daughters” and declares them to be heirs of eternal life with him.

  3. Amen Jon! Is it safe to say the authors/owners “The Chosen ” must proceed with caution. I believe they have the opportunity to introduce the True Gospel, the True Jesus to Mormons.

  4. Years ago, I was a Mormon and was delivered and saved by the real Jesus Christ. I KNOW that the “Mormon Jesus “ is NOT the real, biblical, historic Savior Jesus Christ.

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