Are Latter-day Saints Really “Christians by Every Biblical Measure”?

I recently read a statement from a Latter-day Saint claiming that by “every biblical measure,” members of their faith are Christians. On the surface, it sounds reasonable: they worship Jesus, follow His teachings, repent, get baptized, and strive to live morally. But when you take a closer look at what the Bible actually says, the claim doesn’t fully hold up.

Belief in Jesus

It’s great that you believe in Jesus—that’s the starting point for all Christians. Mormons believe in Jesus—the Son of God, born of Mary, who suffered, died, and rose again. That’s essential. But here’s the catch: biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, one with the Father. Mormon theology, by contrast, presents Jesus and the Father as separate beings and even teaches that humans can eventually become gods¹. That’s a major departure from Scripture. So while they believe in Jesus, their understanding of His nature doesn’t match what the Bible teaches.

Following Jesus

Trying to live like Jesus is definitely important. Scripture calls us to follow Him and obey His commands, but salvation isn’t about how well we follow the rules—it’s about trusting in what He already did on the cross. Mormon teachings mix faith with works, ordinances, and ongoing revelation². In biblical Christianity, good works flow out of true faith, but they don’t earn salvation. Trying to live like Jesus is admirable, but it’s not the same as being saved by Him alone.

Repentance and Baptism

Repentance is about turning from sin and trusting Jesus, and baptism is a step of obedience that follows faith. Mormon theology layers on rituals like baptism for the dead³ and temple ordinances⁴. Those are acts of devotion, yes, but they’re not the same as the Bible’s promise that salvation is a gift of grace through faith alone.

Good Fruit and Changed Lives

It’s true that many Mormons experience forgiveness, healing, and moral change. God can produce good fruit in anyone’s life. But good works or moral change don’t automatically prove that someone has the right gospel. Even false teachers can do good things⁵. Biblical Christianity teaches that the ultimate measure is Christ’s finished work and the gospel He revealed, not simply observable outcomes.

Bottom line

Yes, Mormons sincerely try to follow Christ and live good lives—but when measured by biblical standards, they do not fully match “every biblical measure” of Christianity. Biblical Christianity is faith in Jesus as God incarnate, trusting Him alone for salvation, with good works naturally flowing from that faith.

Belief in Jesus is essential. Following Him is essential. But biblical Christianity is not defined by effort alone—it’s defined by faith in who He really is and what He actually accomplished. That’s the measure we should all use.


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Footnotes

1. "The Nature of God in Mormonism," Pew Research Center. https://www.pewforum.org/2007/10/02/mormon-beliefs/


2. "Salvation by Grace, Rewards of Degree by Works," Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University. https://rsc.byu.edu/let-us-reason-together/salvation-grace-rewards-degree-works


3. "Baptisms for the Dead," The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng


4. "Authority in the Church," Church Newsroom, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/authority-in-the-church


5. "Revelation in Mormonism," Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revelation_in_Mormonism


6. "What Do Mormons Believe About Grace?" The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/mormon-grace/


7. "Mormonism and Christianity: Key Differences," Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/march11/2.64.html

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