The book of Galatians is one of the clearest biblical refutations of false gospels, and it directly challenges the core teachings of Mormonism. Written by the apostle Paul, Galatians warns against adding anything to the gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone. Paul rebukes those who introduce “another gospel,” saying they are distorting the true message of salvation (Galatians 1:6-9). This is highly relevant when evaluating Mormonism, which presents a gospel of works, temple ordinances, and additional revelations beyond Scripture.
Galatians Condemns “Another Gospel”
Paul’s strongest words in Galatians are aimed at those who preach a gospel different from the one originally given. He writes:
“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.” (Galatians 1:6-8, NLT)
Mormonism claims that an angel, Moroni, appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him a “restored gospel.” Yet, Paul explicitly warns against believing even an angel if it brings a different gospel. This alone should cause concern for those who follow the teachings of Mormonism.
Salvation Is by Faith, Not Works
One of the foundational teachings of Mormonism is that salvation requires obedience to laws, ordinances, and good works. However, Galatians repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law. Paul writes:
“Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” (Galatians 2:16, NLT)
Mormonism teaches that exaltation (becoming like God) requires obedience to commandments, temple ordinances, and the priesthood. But Paul completely rejects any system that mixes faith with works for justification. If righteousness could be gained through works, Christ’s death would have been meaningless (Galatians 2:21).
The Law Cannot Save
Mormonism places a heavy emphasis on laws and ordinances, teaching that they are necessary for full salvation. However, Paul explains that the law was never meant to bring salvation but to point people to Christ.
“Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised… If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it.” (Galatians 3:19, 21b, NLT)
Mormonism teaches that one must follow laws to attain exaltation, but Galatians makes it clear that righteousness comes through faith, not by observing religious rules. The law was only a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24-25).
We Are Children of the Promise, Not of a Religious System
Paul contrasts those who live by faith with those who try to earn their place in God’s kingdom. He uses the story of Abraham’s two sons—Isaac, the child of promise, and Ishmael, the child of human effort—to illustrate the difference between grace and works-based religion.
“The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of his promise… So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:23, 31, NLT)
Mormonism, like many other religious systems, relies on human effort to achieve divine favor. But Galatians teaches that believers are children of God by faith, not through religious performance.
True Freedom Is in Christ Alone
The message of Galatians is a call to freedom in Christ. Those who trust in works remain in bondage, but faith in Jesus brings true freedom. Paul warns:
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1, NLT)
Mormonism places heavy burdens on its followers—temple requirements, tithing obligations, and striving for perfection. But the gospel of Jesus offers complete freedom through faith in Him.
Takeaway
The book of Galatians exposes the false gospel of Mormonism by emphasizing that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Paul’s warning about “another gospel” fits Mormonism’s teachings perfectly. No angel, prophet, or religious system can add to the finished work of Christ on the cross. Those who seek salvation through works are rejecting the true gospel.
