Mormons (LDS) are Christians

Photo By Cory Maylett - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Written by Daniel Justice

I know, I know, I can almost hear the echoing voice of the mob. 
“Marmins aint Chrischen” 
as they drag me out of the church, but I want you to put your pitchforks and torches aside for a second and think with me. What IS a Christian? 

In it’s primary definitions Merriam Webster defines a Christian as;
A. One who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ
B. A Disciple of Christ.

You would have to make a very strong case to exclude the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” as not professing in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I am betting it is the other definition that has a bee in everyone’s bonnet. This isn’t the statement being made though. People like pastor Mark Driscoll are saying outright that Latter Day Saints aren’t saints at all. He says they aren’t saved. It is my understanding that salvation is not for theologians or pastors to decide but is up to Jesus Christ. 

John 5:22-23 (KJV):
"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him."
This shows that God the Father has given all judgment to Jesus, indicating His authority over salvation and condemnation.

I don’t see pastor Mark’s name in there, do you? I don’t see my name either.
So if salvation is Christ’s alone we have to assume everyone who professes Jesus Christ and is walking in the spirit producing fruit is a saved soul.

However, I am no stranger to the LDS doctrine. I can only imagine the e-mails I will get from people who only read the title of this article. I don’t believe Joseph Smith. I could go on and on about evidences against him. I just don’t think that if you do believe him, that can magically remove the blood of Jesus Christ over your sins. Now is the harder question for the LDS to answer. If Joseph Smith was a liar, just theoretically; would you still cling to Jesus Christ? Would you still hold to His Holy words and Commandments? If so, then you are Christians. But. If Joseph Smith is necessary to your belief in Jesus Christ, please ask YOURSELF, “am I following Jesus, or Joseph Smith”? 

1 Corinthians 1:12-13 (KJV):
"Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"

Was Joseph crucified for you? Were you baptized in his name? God forbid.
Following Jesus is what makes someone Christian. Walking in His Spirit, producing fruit. Growing in relationship with God. Crucifying the flesh, daily. Putting on the mind of Christ. If you’re following Him don’t worry about what anyone labels you. Paul tells us in

Galatians 1:10 (KJV):
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."

If you are one of my brothers in the faith reading this and you thought that moments after a terror attack was a great time to launch a secondary assault on the “Marmins”, I say “Shame on you”. Please repent of your hate. No one can hear the love of the gospel through your clenched teeth and jeers. If you believe LDS aren’t saved Christians you should have double shame. You would run them away from Jesus if they didn’t have Him already.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.