A Mormon Claim – Jesus’ Visit to the Americas
The Bible never teaches that Jesus came to the ancient Americas. This is a Mormon teaching. Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, teach that, after the resurrection of Jesus, He came to the Americas to preach the gospel to the ancient inhabitants. Mormons also teach that Jesus was married, had children, and after His resurrection received the fullness of Godhood. But none of these teachings are supported by the Bible.
The Book of Mormon teaches also that the Nephites were the ancient inhabitants in the Americas who came from the Jewish prophet Nephi, son of Lehi. The Nephites separated from the Lamanites (2 Nephi 5:5–17) and were saved because of the prayers of the righteous (Alma 62:40).
Mormons claim that Jesus ministered among the Nephites (3 Nephi 11:1—28:12). And they claim that this group was converted at first but with time they became wicked (4 Nephi 1:43). Their violence was so great (Mormon 2:8) that the prophet Mormon refused to guide them (Mormon 3:9–11).
No Evidence in History or Archaeology
None of the history recorded in the Book of Mormon can be supported from the Bible or from archaeology. There is no evidence whatsoever, outside the Book of Mormon itself, that Nephites ever existed, that they were Hebrews, or that they came from Jerusalem to South America circa 600 BC (1 Nephi 18:23–25).
Unbiblical Doctrines of Mormonism
Mormons teach doctrines that are not supported by the Bible. They teach that in order to attain salvation, believers should have faith in Christ, keep the commandments of the Mormon Church (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p 188; Mormon Doctrine, p. 670), and do good works (2 Nephi 25:23; Alma 11:37; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43; 2 Nephi 9:23–24; Alma 34:30–35; Articles of Faith, p.92). Thus, Mormons believe that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross itself is not enough to bring forgiveness of sins and redemption.
But the Bible states that good works can never earn the way to heaven (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5) and that faith in Jesus Christ alone is the only way to eternal life (John 10:9; 11:25; 14:6; Acts 4:12). Salvation by grace is contrary to salvation by human efforts (Romans 11:6). Good works will definitely follow conversion but they are the natural result of the Holy Spirit working in the heart (Galatians 5:22).
Further, those who follow the Mormon faith believe that Mormons can attain the status of gods in the afterlife through their works here on earth (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345–354). However, the Bible teaches that no man can ever become like God (1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 43:10–11; 44:6; 45:21–22). In fact, this was Satan’s first lie to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5) which led to the fall of the human race.
For more on the founder Joseph Smith, check the following Do you consider Joseph Smith a true prophet?
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
