"Is Mormonism a cult? What do Mormons believe?"

The Mormon religion (Mormonism), whose followers are known as Mormons and Latter Day Saints (LDS), was founded less than two hundred years ago by a man named Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith set out to begin a brand-new religion that claims to be the “only true church on earth.”

The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible.

Christians have no reason to believe that the Bible is not true and adequate.

Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, not just one:

1) The Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.” Which verses are considered incorrectly translated is not always made clear.

2) The Book of Mormon, which was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. 

3) The Doctrine and Covenants, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the “Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.”

4) The Pearl of the Great Price, which is considered by Mormons to “clarify” doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and adds its own information about the earth's creation.

Mormons believe the following about God:

He has not always been the Supreme Being of the universe, but attained that status through righteous living and persistent effort.

In contrast, Christians know this about God:

there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6-8),

He always has existed and always will exist (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17), and He was not created but is the Creator (Genesis 1; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 37:16).

He is perfect, and no one else is equal to Him (Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25).

Mormons believe that there are different levels or kingdoms in the afterlife: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. 

In contrast, the Bible tells us that after death, we go to heaven or hell based on whether or not we had faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Unbelievers are sent to hell or the place of the dead (Luke 16:22-23). There is no second chance for redemption after death (Hebrews 9:27).

Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary.

Mormons believe Jesus is a god, but that any human can also become a god.

Mormonism teaches that salvation can be earned by a combination of faith and good works.

Contrary to this, Christians have taught that no one can achieve the status of God—only He is holy (1 Samuel 2:2).

Jesus and God are one in essence, Jesus being the only One existing before physical birth (John 1:1-8; 8:56). Jesus gave Himself to us as a sacrifice, God raised Him from the dead, and one day everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:6-11).

Clearly, there is only one way to receive salvation and that is to know God and His Son, Jesus (John 17:3). It is not done by works, but by faith (Romans 1:17; 3:28). “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Although Mormons are usually friendly, loving, and kind people, they are deceived by a false religion that distorts the nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation.