Mormonism

Does It Pass God's 3-Question Test for Truth?

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Introduction

Mormonism is a name often used to describe the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also called "LDS Church" or "Mormon Church"). Mormonism claims that all other religions are false and that man cannot come to true salvation outside of the Mormon Church. If Mormonism is true, then it must be the only true religion. 

The claim that Mormonism is the only true religion began with Joseph Smith, Junior, the founder of the Mormon Church. He said that all the creeds of the Christian denominations are an abomination to God. This claim was part of the "first vision" of Smith which is the foundation upon which the Mormon Church is built. Mormon "scripture" contains the following description of that event.

My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right…. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt…. (Pearl of Great Price, 1981, Joseph Smith-History 1:18-19)

Since all the creeds of other religions are supposed to be an abomination, Smith claimed that God restored the true gospel through him. Mormon missionaries use this vision and the claim by Smith of restoration to encourage people to leave their churches and join the Mormon Church. If their claims are true, everyone should become a Mormon.

Joseph Fielding Smith, who later became the Prophet of the Mormon Church, said that there is, "… no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith." (Doctrines of Salvation, by Joseph Fielding Smith, 1954, vol. 1, page 189) He claimed that a person cannot be saved if he does not accept Joseph Smith as a true prophet of God and a restorer of the gospel. Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie agreed with this doctrine by declaring that there is no salvation outside the Mormon Church in the following quote.

If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd Edition, Bruce R. McConkie, 1966, page 670)

If Mormonism is true, we should accept its teachings. If Mormonism is a false religion, we must warn others so they will not be deceived by it. How can we accurately tell if Mormonism is true or false?

The following information explains how Mormonism teaches people to determine if it is true. Following that, the three-part test that God provided for determining if Mormonism is true is applied. The clarity of the answer may surprise you.

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Mormonism, Does It Pass God's 3-Question Test for Truth?

Attention: The material in this book attempts to accurately describe official Mormon doctrine in certain important areas. Therefore, quotes are included from several authorized sources of Mormon doctrine. However, this book does not claim to be authorized by or endorsed by the Mormon Church.

Copyrights of quoted Mormon materials belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) or the copyrights are under their control.

Quotations from the Bible are from the King James Version.

If you have questions or comments, please check the Frequently Asked Questions page or check the links to Related Sites.