Who Is Jesus? The Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus

One of the difficulties of talking with our Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness friends is how we each define biblical words and ideas. It’s common to assume that we mean exactly the same Jesus with the same traits and characteristics. In fact, my friends of other faiths will often say, “Yes, I believe in Jesus, too.”  But of course, we know their teachings don’t align with Christian teachings at all.

  • Christian believe Jesus is God incarnate (God in human flesh).
  • Christian believe he is both 100% God and 100% man.
  • Christians believe Jesus is the second Person in the Trinity.
  • Christians believe Jesus alone died on the cross to save the world. And his death atones for all sin for those who believe

In contrast, our Mormon friends have millions of gods…
Guy with a Bible
There is a profound difference between the Mormon Jesus and the real Jesus.

  • Mormonism affirms that “Jesus is the Christ.” But Mormons add that Jesus had to compete with Lucifer to become the savior of the world.
  • Mormonism affirms that “Jesus is the Son of God.” But Mormons would say that Jesus is the “Son” not only because he was born in heaven as a spirit baby to God the Father and one of his spirit wives, but because God the Father had sexual relations with Mary to provide Jesus with an earthly body.
  • Mormonism affirms that “Jesus died for the sins of mankind.” But Mormons typically claim that his atonement took place mostly in the Garden of Gethsemane, not on the cross.
  • Mormonism affirms that “Jesus’ blood covers the sins of mankind.” But the Mormon church adds works—and the personal permission of its founder, Joseph Smith—as requirements for anyone to enter eternal life at the highest level of heaven.

(adapted from Ron Rhodes, Th.D., 10 Keys to Witnessing to the Cults, Rose Publishing)

The Bible says doctrine matters greatly—

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
—1 Timothy 4:16

Love and truth have been major themes of Christianity. Love without truth leads to error. Truth without love leads to arrogance.
The Bible has the solution—

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…

I urge Christians to stand firm for Jesus Christ.


FREE “Christianity and Mormonism” eChart

What are the differences between the beliefs of Mormons (Latter-day Saints) and Christianity? This free comparison chart is focused on the doctrinal differences. Who is God? Who is Jesus? How to be Saved?

Of the core biblical beliefs that Christians hold — and have held for 2000 years — official Mormon teaching rejects or or modifies many of them.

Note: Rose Publishing does not say that Mormonism is a dangerous or sociological cult, nor are we saying that all Mormons hold these teachings. Each person of faith makes their own decision about Jesus Christ. However official Mormon teachings about God and Jesus and salvation do not align with Christian teachings.


For more information about Rose Publishing and its comparison charts of the beliefs of various religions and cults (including Mormonism, Seventh-Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, Islam, Freemasonry, and much more), click here.

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