Episode 9: Defender of the Faith - Vol 9 | By Dr. Bern Zumpano

For information, books or if you would like to make a love donation, please visit us at https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis critique evaluates Mormonism (LDS), identifying it as a cult that distorts the biblical gospel. The movement, founded by Joseph Smith, claims unique truth while presenting a Jesus who is not eternal God but a created being, spirit brother of Lucifer, and exemplar for human exaltation. Smith is depicted as a false prophet whose revelations established doctrines elevating prophets and additional scriptures above the Bible.Central LDS beliefs include works-based salvation, celestial marriage, and the potential for faithful Mormons to become gods. The “plan of salvation” emphasizes obedience, ordinances, and temple rituals, presenting grace as empowerment to achieve worthiness rather than God’s free gift. This contradicts the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ’s finished work (Eph. 2:8–9, Rom. 3:21–25).Mormonism also teaches that the highest afterlife—celestial exaltation—is reserved for those who fulfill all requirements, including temple ordinances, tithing, and obedience to LDS leadership. Such doctrines place salvation in human performance rather than the cross.The LDS Jesus differs radically from the biblical Christ: rather than the eternal Son of God, He is viewed as one among many “sons of God” who attained godhood. This undermines His unique divinity and the sufficiency of His atonement. The church’s additional scriptures—the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—are considered inspired alongside the Bible, violating sola scriptura and opening the door to doctrinal error.The critique concludes that while many Mormons are sincere and zealous, their faith is misplaced in a counterfeit gospel. By redefining grace, diminishing Christ’s deity, and placing authority in human prophets and works, Mormonism departs from biblical Christianity. True salvation rests not in ordinances, prophets, or human effort, but in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, as revealed in Scripture alone.