LDS Prophets vs. Biblical Truth: What Christians Should Know

LDS prophets play a central role in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). According to LDS beliefs, these modern prophets are called by God to guide the church through ongoing revelation. However, for evangelical Christians who hold the Bible as the final and complete authority of God’s Word, the concept of modern-day LDS prophets raises serious theological concerns. This article explores who these leaders are and how their teachings differ from biblical Christianity, which proclaims salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

What Are LDS Prophets According to Mormon Belief?

The LDS Church teaches that God has called prophets in modern times, beginning with Joseph Smith in the early 1800s. These LDS prophets are believed to speak for God and guide the church much like Moses or Isaiah in the Old Testament. The LDS Church recognizes its current president as a living prophet, seer, and revelator. Their teachings are often considered as authoritative as Scripture itself, and they promote additional books such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.

1. Modern-Day Prophets

LDS members believe that God continues to call prophets today.
The President of the Church is regarded as the current prophet, seer, and revelator.
He receives divine revelation to guide the church and its members.

2. Line of Prophets

The first modern prophet was Joseph Smith, who founded the church in 1830.
A succession of prophets has led the church since then, with each new prophet chosen from the senior members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As of 2025, the current LDS prophet is Russell M. Nelson (since 2018).

3. Duties of LDS Prophets

Receive and teach revelation from God.
Oversee church doctrine and policy.
Provide spiritual guidance to millions of church members worldwide.

4. Living Revelation

Unlike many other Christian denominations, the LDS Church teaches that revelation did not end with the Bible.
They believe the prophet can receive new guidance that applies to the modern world.

How Evangelical Christians View LDS Prophets

From an evangelical Christian viewpoint, the role of LDS prophets contradicts the biblical truth that God has already spoken fully through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1–2 says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Christians believe that Jesus is the final revelation, and the Bible is complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Therefore, the teachings of LDS prophets are not considered equal to or above God’s Word.

How Should Christians Respond to the LDS Church?

While we firmly reject the teachings of the LDS Church as unbiblical, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Members of the LDS Church are people sincerely seeking truth and often live morally upright lives. But sincerity does not equal salvation.

Let us pray for them, lovingly engage in conversations, and clearly present the gospel: that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), and that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

LDS Prophets and the Question of Authority

The authority claimed by LDS prophets challenges the doctrine of Sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone is our highest authority. Evangelicals affirm that no modern prophet can add to or revise God’s Word (Revelation 22:18–19). While LDS leaders may claim divine insight, evangelical scholars and pastors emphasize discernment and faithfulness to the Scriptures alone.

The Bible vs. LDS Prophets’ Additional Writings

LDS prophets rely on more than just the Bible. They frequently quote from LDS-exclusive scriptures, but evangelical Christians are reminded that Proverbs 30:5-6 declares, “Every word of God proves true… Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” We hold that the 66 books of the Bible are God-breathed, complete, and sufficient for teaching and understanding salvation.

What Do Christians Believe About Salvation?

As followers of Jesus Christ, we affirm that:

Jesus is the only way to God: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
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 4:12).
God’s Word is sufficient and complete: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Salvation in Jesus Christ Alone

Perhaps the most important difference between biblical Christianity and the teachings of LDS prophets is the message of salvation. LDS doctrine often emphasizes obedience to church ordinances, works, and continual revelation through prophets. In contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, not based on works or human authority. Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

Why Christians Should Discern LDS Prophets Carefully

Christians are called to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and measure all teachings against Scripture. While LDS prophets may speak in religious language and refer to Jesus, their doctrines diverge from the gospel revealed in the Bible. As believers, we must be lovingly discerning and bold in sharing the truth of Christ with those who follow another gospel (Galatians 1:6–9).

Key Differences Between LDS Beliefs and Biblical Christianity

While LDS teachings may appear Christian on the surface, several core beliefs set them apart from historical, biblical Christianity:

1. Additional Scriptures

LDS theology holds that the Book of Mormon and other writings are divinely inspired. Evangelical Christians, however, believe the Bible alone is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Revelation 22:18–19). We do not accept any additional scriptures.

2. View of God and Jesus

LDS doctrine teaches that God the Father has a physical body and that humans can become gods themselves. In contrast, the Bible teaches that God is Spirit (John 4:24), eternal, and unchanging (Malachi 3:6), and that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10).

3. Salvation

LDS teachings emphasize faith, repentance, baptism by their authority, and obedience to church ordinances as necessary for exaltation (eternal life in the highest heaven). Evangelical Christians believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). No works or human efforts can earn salvation—it is a free gift of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Final Thoughts on LDS Prophets and the Gospel

We respect the sincerity of individuals within the LDS Church, yet we remain firm in our faith in Jesus Christ and the authority of the Bible alone. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:4, we must be cautious not to accept “a different Jesus than the one we preached.” Salvation is found in Christ alone, and God has already spoken through Him. We need no other prophet to complete or revise what God has already finished through His Son.

Christian Books That Examine LDS Prophets and Teach Biblical Truth

These books provide clarity for Christians about the teachings of the LDS Church, its prophets, and how they differ from biblical doctrine:

The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin
- A classic work that examines various religious movements including Mormonism. It outlines how LDS theology differs from the Bible.
Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way Out of the Mormon Church by Lynn K. Wilder
- A powerful testimony from a former BYU professor who left Mormonism for the biblical gospel.
Reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons by Ron Rhodes
- A practical book to help Christians respond to LDS teachings using Scripture, especially when engaging in conversation.
Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson
- Offers clear, biblical answers to common LDS beliefs and how they contrast with Christianity.
Jesus Christ / Joseph Smith by Floyd C. McElveen
- Compares the claims of Jesus and Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, pointing to Jesus as the true cornerstone.
Mormonism Unmasked by R. Philip Roberts
- A theological and historical critique of Mormon doctrines with biblical rebuttals.
Is the Mormon My Brother? by James R. White
- Discusses whether LDS members fall within Christian orthodoxy and affirms salvation by grace through faith alone.