Unveiling Mormonism

What if the very system you trust to bring you closer to God is actually pulling you away from His grace—and true freedom is found somewhere you might not expect? In Galatians 5, Paul reminds us that true freedom comes not from religious rule-keeping or law-based performance, but from living by the Spirit through faith in Christ alone.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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Galatians 5 | True Freedom in Christ

Section 1: Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1-6)

Galatians 5:1-6 (NLT)

Christ has truly set us free. Paul urges us to stay free and not get tied up again in slavery—this time, not slavery to old sinful habits, but to religious legalism. Both are equally destructive.

Many Mormons follow rules, believing this makes them justified before God. Paul, once a Pharisee, believed the same until he encountered Christ:

Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT): Paul calls his former religious achievements "garbage" compared to knowing Christ.

Relying on works, like circumcision in Paul’s day or LDS temple worthiness today, cuts people off from Christ and God's grace. True righteousness comes by faith alone.

Big Idea: Christ set us free—don’t return to a system of religious control.

Illustration: Jesus didn’t come to give us a new set of religious rules. He came to set us free (Matthew 11:28-30).

Section 2: The Danger of Legalism (Galatians 5:7-12)

Galatians 5:7-12 (NLT)

The Galatians were running well until false teachers led them astray, adding law-keeping to the gospel. Paul warns that even small false teachings spread like yeast.

Who holds Mormons back today? Consider the "Four Horsemen" of LDS control:

1. LDS Leadership
2. LDS Scriptures
3. LDS Temple System (worthiness interviews, temple recommends)
4. LDS Culture and Social Pressure

All these create a performance treadmill, keeping people from the simple gospel of grace.

Paul is blunt: False teachers deserve judgment.

Section 3: Freedom Isn’t a License to Sin (Galatians 5:13-15)

Galatians 5:13-15 (NLT)

Freedom from the law doesn’t mean freedom to indulge the sinful nature. It leads to loving and serving others.

Key Point: True freedom leads to love and service, not selfishness.

LDS Misconception: Evangelicals are often accused of "cheap grace."

Examples:

• Bruce R. McConkie (Book: Mormon Doctrine (2nd ed., 1966), p. 671) : “One of the most pernicious heresies of modern Christendom is the concept that man is saved by grace alone... This concept, as interpreted by modern Christians, removes all the restraints which encourage personal righteousness and offers salvation to the sinner merely for confessing Christ.”
• Spencer W. Kimbal (Book: The Miracle of Forgiveness (1969), p. 206) : “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.”
• True to the Faith (A Gospel Reference (Official LDS Manual, 2004, p. 77): “The phrase ‘after all we can do’(2 Nephi 25:23) teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fulness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with him.”

Paul anticipates this: True gospel freedom produces holiness, not lawlessness (Romans 6:1-2).

Biblical Truth: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live differently—not to earn salvation, but because we already have it.

Section 4: The Flesh vs. The Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

Galatians 5:16-23 (NLT)

The Christian life is Spirit-led, not law-driven. The Holy Spirit guides us, gives us new desires, and directs our lives.

Without the Spirit, we live in the "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:19-21): sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of anger, selfishness, etc.

With the Spirit, we see the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Key Point: Fruit is evidence of a Spirit-led life—not a behavioral checklist for worthiness.

LDS Misunderstanding: Mormonism often presents the fruit as a checklist for earning God’s favor.

Biblical Application: True Christian living is not about trying harder but walking closer with Christ (Gal 5:25).

Galatians 5:24-26 (NLT)

Those who belong to Christ have already crucified their old sinful nature. This is positional truth—the old life is dead.

Now we walk in the Spirit daily—this is practical sanctification: living out the reality of what Christ has already done.

The LDS Contrast: No Finished Work, No Assurance

In Mormonism, justification and sanctification blur together. There’s no "it is finished" moment of assurance (John 19:30). Worthiness is always in question.

Example (Gospel Principles, Chapter 47): "We must strive continually to remain worthy…"

Key LDS mindset: Salvation is always future-oriented and uncertain.

In contrast:

• Biblical Christianity offers freedom through faith in Christ.
• True fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit, not by works.
• Salvation is by grace alone, not grace "after all you can do."
• Obedience flows from love, not fear or duty.

In Galatians 4, Paul draws a bold line between spiritual slavery and true sonship—and if you’ve ever felt trapped by religious performance like in Mormonism, this chapter is your invitation to step into the freedom of being fully adopted by God through faith in Christ alone.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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Galatians 4 | From Slavery to Sonship

Theme: Freedom in Christ vs. LDS Legalism and Spiritual Bondage

Last time in Galatians 3, Paul made it crystal clear: Salvation comes by faith in Christ—not by keeping the law. Paul dismantled the idea that law-keeping could ever make someone right with God.

He pointed to Abraham, showing that even he was saved by faith long before the law was given. Paul explained that the law was like a temporary guardian or tutor, showing us our sin but never designed to save us.

The big takeaway from Chapter 3: We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ—not by religious performance or obedience to commandments.

Where Galatians 4 Picks Up:

Now, in chapter 4, Paul continues that argument—but he shifts the focus to something deeply relational. He introduces the beautiful truth that believers aren’t just forgiven sinners—they’re adopted children of God!

Paul uses family language—sons, heirs, adoption, Abba Father—to contrast the cold slavery of law-based religion with the warm relationship of grace-based Christianity.

This next section will especially hit home for LDS listeners, because Mormonism still keeps people under law, denies full adoption until after lifelong worthiness, and often replaces a personal relationship with God with institutional loyalty and religious performance.

Let’s dive into Galatians 4: From Slavery to Sonship.

Section 1: Galatians 4:1-7 | From Slaves to Sons: Relationship by Faith, Not Law

Paul starts with a cultural illustration. In ancient times, heirs had no more rights than slaves until their father declared them full sons.

• Jewish context: Age 12, "son of the law"
• Greek context: Coming of age around 18
• Roman context (likely Paul’s audience): The father chose the time for full adoption and inheritance

Spiritual point: Before Christ, people lived like spiritual minors—under guardianship, lacking freedom.

Galatians 4:3 says we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world—elemental spiritual forces linked to pagan gods and demonic powers.

Modern LDS Parallel:

Many LDS today engage in spiritualistic practices: energy healing, chakra work, astrology apps, spirit communication, manifestation, and lightworking. Mormonism’s openness to extra-biblical revelation makes this trend possible and widespread.

God’s Rescue Mission Through Christ (Galatians 4:4-5):

Jesus came at God’s appointed time to redeem those under the law. Not just freedom from slavery—but full adoption as sons and daughters.

Result (Galatians 4:6-7):

Believers receive the Holy Spirit, prompting us to call God "Abba, Father." We are no longer slaves but God’s own children and heirs.

Contrast with LDS Doctrine:

LDS salvation is future, conditional, and performance-based. Biblical salvation is present, relational, and grace-based.

Section 2: Galatians 4:8-11 | Warning: Don’t Trade One Slavery for Another

Before Christ, the Galatians were slaves to false gods—demonic powers behind pagan religions. Now that they know God, Paul is shocked they would turn back to "weak and miserable principles."

Expositor’s Insight: Legalism and false religion are weak (they can’t redeem) and miserable (they can’t provide adoption).

LDS Application:

Mormonism today offers another powerless, performance-based religion: temple worthiness, tithing, Sabbath observance, priesthood ordinances.

Paul warns against religious calendar legalism—observing special days, months, seasons, and years—as another form of spiritual slavery.

Section 3: Galatians 4:12-20 | Paul’s Pastoral Plea: Don’t Turn on the Messenger

Paul reminds the Galatians how they once welcomed him like an angel, despite his illness. But now, because he’s telling them hard gospel truth, they’re treating him like an enemy.

Joseph Smith Parallel:

Paul’s words fit what Joseph Smith did—alienating people from gospel-preaching churches and setting himself up as the only voice of truth, introducing a new legalistic, works-based system.

Paul expresses deep emotional pain, longing for Christ—not law—to be fully formed in them.

Evangelical Reflection:

Christians today don’t want to win arguments with Mormons—we want them to experience true spiritual rebirth.

Section 4: Galatians 4:21-31 | Two Covenants: Hagar (Law) vs. Sarah (Promise)

Paul uses the story of Abraham’s two sons:

• Hagar represents the Old Covenant, law, slavery, and earthly Jerusalem.
• Sarah represents the New Covenant, promise, freedom, and heavenly Jerusalem.

Key spiritual point:

Ishmael was born by human effort (law and works), Isaac was born by supernatural promise (grace and faith).

LDS Application:

Mormonism is modern Hagar:

• Founded by human effort and Joseph Smith
• Built on law, temple covenants, priesthood ordinances, and works righteousness

Biblical Christianity is Sarah:

• Supernatural, Spirit-born
• Resting on God’s promise of salvation through Christ alone

Paul ends with a strong command: "Cast out the slave woman and her son… we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman."

Evangelical Call to LDS Listeners:

Leave Mormonism’s slavery. Embrace spiritual freedom, adoption, and grace through faith in Christ alone.

Chapter 4 Summary for Mormons:

LDS Religion:

• Man-made, law-based, performance-driven
• Founded by human effort (Joseph Smith)
• Requires obedience to ordinances and priesthood covenants
• Keeps people enslaved under weak and miserable principles

Biblical Christianity:

• God-made, grace-based, Spirit-born
• Founded on Christ’s finished work
• Offers adoption and freedom the moment you trust Christ
• Grants full sonship and inheritance through the Holy Spirit

God's Word isn't just a collection of wise sayings—it’s alive, powerful, and confrontational. In this episode, we dive into 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16 to explore how Scripture doesn’t merely inform us—it exposes us. From heartfelt conversion to outright rejection, everyone ultimately has to deal with the truth of God’s Word. Are you willing to submit to what it reveals in you?

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

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Title: The Power of God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)

This week: 

• God’s Word doesn’t just inform you—it exposes you.
• Whether you believe it or not, the Word of God will reveal what’s really going on inside.
• You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s Word.
• The power of God’s Word
• Specifically, how it can expose you
• Whether you believe or not, what’s really going on inside you
• I meet with people all the time, and I can’t always tell where they stand
• Some of you might say, “I don’t know myself!”
• But here’s what we can say for sure: 
• God’s Word will eventually expose everyone
• You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s word. 
• Our key verse actually comes from another book of the Bible
• Hebrews, author unknown (possibly Apollos)
• Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
• God’s word draws a line in the sand
• Are you willing to submit to God? 
• We’ll see this in action in our text today
• Start with our question:
• Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you?
• Reading the Bible, finding something objectionable
• Ex: Kenzie reading the Bible in high school…
• Or listening to a sermon…

1 Thessalonians 2:13a Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. 

• Pay attention to two words here
• Received = paralabontes
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The reception of teachings from a teacher by a student was commonly described using the word employed here (paralabontes)... as in the case of Alexander the Great, who "received from his master [Aristotle] his ethical and political doctrines"...
• Intellectual assent
• Accepted = edexasthe
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) While accepted (edexasthe) is almost synonymous with received of the previous clause, the verb commonly places more emphasis on personal appropriation. In other words, they solemnly received the sacred message and appropriated it for themselves.
• Not just head level, but heart level
• Gut-level belief
• IOW Paul is describing their moment of conversion
• They shared the good news about the Messiah (more than philosophy)
• In their words, a human appeal (on the surface)
• But really God’s word, a divine invitation (beneath the surface)
• 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT) 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.
• The Thessalonians received and accepted it
• 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (NLT) 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• This is how God’s Word works for those who believe:
• The External Call: Someone shares the message
• You’re broken, Jesus can save you
• Physical ears
• The Internal Call (Acts 2:37): God Makes It Personal
• The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, opens eyes to the truth of the gospel, and invites the person to respond (John 16:8-11).
• Spiritual ears
• This work is real, personal, and internal—not just hearing a message, but feeling the weight of God's call on your heart.
• Acts 2:37 (NLT) 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
• Faith and Repentance (Romans 10:9): Our Response to God’s Work
• Romans 10:9 (NLT) 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
• God’s word has exposed my innermost thoughts and desires.
• And now I’m responding to it (accepting it)
• Once God gives spiritual life, a person willingly and joyfully turns to Him.
• They repent—turn away from sin—and believe the gospel.
• This is what we usually call conversion: our active response to God’s saving grace.
• Regeneration: God Gives a New Heart
• The person is “born again”, made spiritually alive
• Note: Calvinists would say that regeneration happens before Faith/Repentance
• See Calvinism vs Arminianism (series)
• Changed Life (1 Thess 2:13): Evidence of True Conversion
• New desires, growing obedience, and love for Jesus.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13b And this word continues to work in you who believe.

What about people who reject God’s word? (The Tragic Response of Unbelief)

Let’s read on…

14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. 

• Notice that Paul is calling out those who reject God’s word
• It has a different effect on them
• They heard the same external call
• But instead of responding to the message with faith and repentance
• They killed the messengers
• Prophets first
• 1 Kings 19:10 (NLT) 10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
• Jesus: Matthew 23:37 (NLT) 37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.
• Stephen: Acts 7:51 (NLT) 51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! 
• Resist, reject the internal call (see above)
• Jesus second
• Now some of the believers

The harshest words come next:

15b They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

• The Bible is clear: not everyone is neutral. Some are actively resisting, mocking, or even trying to undo God’s purposes. This was true in biblical times, and it’s still true today.
• Obviously: Persecutors of the Church
• Governments, extremists, or individuals who arrest, silence, or kill Christians around the world today.
• North Korean Government
• Radical Islamist Groups (e.g., Boko Haram, ISIS)
• Also: Militant Atheists
• Some aren’t just skeptical—they are aggressively anti-God and anti-Bible. 
• Richard Dawkins, who calls belief in God a “delusion” and encourages others to mock religion.
• And even: Activists Who Reject God’s Design
• Movements that promote confusion about gender, the devaluation of life, or sexual immorality are often grounded in rebellion against God’s created order (Romans 1:18-32).
• Planned Parenthood promotes and profits from abortion, undermining the sanctity of human life made in God’s image (Psalm 139:13-16).

Some people resist God out of ignorance. Others actively oppose Him with their words, actions, and influence. But no one will stop His plan.

• Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Close: Finish with the next verse

Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

• The Greek term there (“trachēlizō”)
• Hebrews 4:13 (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) "Laid bare" is an unusual word, sometimes used of wrestlers who had a hold that involved gripping the neck and brought victory. So the term can mean "to prostrate" or "overthrow."
• A submission hold in wrestling (and other combat sports like MMA or jiu-jitsu) is a technique that forces the opponent to tap out (submit) because of pain, pressure, or the threat of injury. It's designed to make someone completely surrender control.
• Line in the sand: are we willing to submit?

Bottom line:

Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, believer or doubter, God’s Word will confront you.

You will either resist it, or let it change you.

Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you?

• And then… did you respond with rejection—or repentance?

Galatians 3 is Paul’s bold rebuke to any religion that adds effort to grace—and that includes modern Mormonism. In this episode, we unpack Paul’s powerful message that salvation doesn’t come through priesthoods, ordinances, or performance—but by faith alone. From Abraham to the cross to the new covenant, God’s promise has always been simple: Trust in Jesus, and you belong. Mormonism complicates what God made clear. This chapter shows why that matters.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode, we dive into Galatians chapter 2 and uncover a powerful message about freedom in Christ—a freedom threatened by religious rules, even in the early church. Paul recounts his face-to-face confrontation with Peter over hypocrisy, challenges the idea of adding requirements to the gospel, and defends salvation by grace alone.

For Latter-day Saints, this chapter raises important questions:

• Do we need religious leaders to validate our message from God?
• Are modern commandments—like the Word of Wisdom—spiritually necessary?
• What does it really mean to be “justified by faith”?

• Galatians 2:4-5 – “They wanted to enslave us… but we refused to give in.”
• Galatians 2:6 – “They added nothing to me.”
• Galatians 2:11 – Paul opposes Peter to his face
• Galatians 2:16 – “We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.”
• Galatians 2:21 – “If keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”

• Paul's Gospel Didn’t Come from Church Leaders: He didn’t need Peter’s approval—and neither do you need a prophet to affirm what Christ has already revealed.
• Religious Rules Can Undermine Grace: Just like Jewish food laws, modern LDS regulations can create barriers to true fellowship.
• The Word of Wisdom Parallel: Paul would not have endorsed any rule that divided believers or suggested that Christ’s work was incomplete.
• Justification Is Not Earned: We are declared righteous by faith—not after all we can do, but because of what Christ already did.

1. What “modern regulations” might be adding pressure to your faith?
2. Do you relate more to Paul’s gospel of grace—or to Peter’s moment of religious compromise?
3. How would your relationship with God change if you truly believed that Jesus finished the work?

This is Part 2 of the Galatians Challenge for Mormons. Read Galatians 2 this week. Pray honestly. Ask hard questions. The true gospel is worth fighting for—just like Paul did.

👉 Subscribe to follow the full series and share it with someone who’s ready to rethink religion.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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In this kickoff episode of the Galatians Challenge for Mormons, we dive into chapter 1 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians—a bold defense of the one true gospel. Paul says even if an angel preaches another message, let him be cursed. Sound familiar? We explore the striking parallels between Paul’s warning and Joseph Smith’s claims about receiving the “fullness of the gospel” from the angel Moroni.

We also examine Paul’s background as a Pharisee, how the early church responded to his conversion, and why that response stands in stark contrast to Joseph Smith’s rejection of all existing churches. This episode challenges listeners to consider: Are you following the gospel revealed by Jesus—or a different one?

📖 Bible Text: Galatians 1

📚 LDS References: Joseph Smith—History 1:19; Moroni’s message (1838 account)

🔍 Key Questions:

• What does Paul say about authority and grace?
• How should we respond to “new” gospels, even from angels?
• Why did the early church praise God for Paul—but Joseph Smith denounced them?

✅ Perfect for:

LDS truth-seekers, former Mormons, and anyone wanting to understand the unchanging gospel of grace.

🔗 Learn more: PursueGOD.org/galatians-mormons

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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Welcome to Galatians Challenge for Mormons—a Bible study series for Latter-day Saints who are ready to explore the message of grace straight from Scripture. In this first lesson, we dive into Galatians chapter 1 and confront a question that rocked the early church... and still matters today:

“What is the true gospel?”

Galatians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.

• Paul wastes no time making something clear—his message isn’t secondhand, and it didn’t come from church leaders or tradition. It came straight from Jesus Christ.
• 🧠 Evangelical View:
• True spiritual authority comes from God’s direct calling—not priesthood succession or church offices. Paul's authority didn’t come from Peter or James—it came from Christ alone.
• 👀 Mormon Viewpoint:
• The LDS Church teaches that priesthood authority was lost and restored through Joseph Smith. But Paul says his authority didn't come through men at all—challenging the idea that authority must be passed through earthly hands.
• 🔍 Challenge Question:
• If Paul wasn’t ordained by men, what does that say about the necessity of priesthood succession for gospel authority today?

Galatians 1:2-5 (NLT) 2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

• There’s the gospel in simple terms!
• It’s all about Jesus

Galatians 1:6-7 (NLT) 6 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 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.

• Context: Judaizers
• The earliest Christians were Jews. Jesus was Jewish. The apostles were Jewish. And in the beginning, the movement was seen as a sect within Judaism. But then Gentiles started coming to faith—and that’s when things got messy.
• Some Jewish Christians believed that faith in Jesus was not enough. They insisted Gentiles had to become culturally Jewish too—especially by being circumcised and keeping dietary laws and Sabbath observance (see Acts 15:1, Galatians 2:3-5).
• These were the Judaizers.
• They weren’t outsiders. They were part of the early church—but they were promoting a hybrid gospel: Jesus as the Messiah, yes, but only for those who also accepted the yoke of Moses.
• This tension reached a boiling point in Acts 15—the Jerusalem Council. 
• Acts 15:1 (NLT) 1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
• The apostles debated: Do Gentiles have to become Jews to follow Jesus?
• And the answer was a firm no. Peter said:
• “Why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear?” (Acts 15:10)
• Paul's letters, especially Galatians and parts of Romans and Philippians, go on the offensive against this distorted gospel. To Paul, the Judaizers weren’t just slightly off—they were undermining salvation itself.
• Paul warns the Galatians that a new, “improved” gospel is actually no gospel at all. Even if an angel from heaven preached it—it should be rejected.
• ⚖️ Evangelical View: The gospel is about grace—salvation by faith in Christ alone. Adding works, laws, or ordinances twists the good news into something dangerous.
• 📜 Mormon Application:
• Joseph Smith claimed to restore the gospel through an angel (Moroni), including new ordinances and covenants. But Paul says even angels can't change the gospel of grace.
• 📣 “Let him be accursed!”—Paul doesn’t mince words about altering the gospel.
• 🔍 Challenge Question:
• If someone brings a gospel that adds temple rituals or priesthood ordinances to faith in Jesus—how does Paul say we should respond?
• Galatians 1:8-9 (NLT) 8 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. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.

Galatians 1:10-12 (NLT) 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. 11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.

• Interesting: this was Joseph Smith’s claim as well! 
• Here’s the difference: 
• Paul’s revelation aligned with
• Existing scripture
• Existing structure (apostles)
• More on this in chapter 2
• Joseph Smith’s revelation went against
• Existing scripture
• Existing structure (churches)
• Joseph Smith’s revelations changed the gospel over time—first emphasizing the Book of Mormon, then expanding into temple rites and eternal progression. Paul, on the other hand, stuck with one gospel from the very beginning.
• 🔍 Challenge Question: Is your gospel rooted in a changing tradition—or in the unchanging revelation of Jesus Christ?

Paul finishes the chapter by bearing his testimony:

Galatians 1:13-24 (NLT) 13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

• Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a highly trained Pharisee before his conversion to Christianity. He was born into a Jewish family and was a Roman citizen by birth. Paul studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3), which means he was thoroughly educated in the Hebrew Scriptures and the traditions of the Pharisees—one of the most strict and devout Jewish sects.
• As a Pharisee, Paul was zealous for the law and deeply committed to maintaining Jewish purity and tradition. He described himself in Philippians 3:5-6 as:
• "Circumcised the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."
• His zeal led him to become a fierce persecutor of early Christians, believing them to be heretics. But after a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), Paul’s life was radically transformed. He went from persecutor to preacher—turning his deep knowledge of the Law into a powerful foundation for proclaiming the gospel of grace.

15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

• Notice: grace
• Paul is not about Paul anymore. He’s all about Jesus.

When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.

• Again, revelation directly from Jesus. 
• But: Paul was willing to submit to existing leadership
• This is amazing to me!!

21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.

• ✅ Biblical Pattern:
• Paul didn’t oppose or replace the existing church—he joined it. His message matched theirs, and his conversion encouraged them.
• 🚫 LDS Contrast:
• Joseph Smith, on the other hand, claimed that all existing churches were wrong. In his 1838 First Vision account, he said: “I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong... their creeds were an abomination in his sight.” (Joseph Smith—History 1:19)
• 📣 Key Difference:
• Paul was embraced by the church because his gospel aligned with theirs. Joseph Smith rejected all churches, claiming they had fallen away and needed restoring.
• 🔍 Challenge Question:
• When someone claims to preach the true gospel—do they unite with the body of Christ, or declare all others to be false?

Is salvation truly by grace, or is it grace after all we can do? In this video, we take a deep dive into one of the most debated verses in the Book of Mormon—2 Nephi 25:23—and compare the historical LDS interpretation with the biblical gospel.

🔥 We’ll expose the modern LDS attempt to reinterpret this verse (“in spite of all we can do”) and show:

• What the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary actually says
• How LDS leaders like Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and Boyd K. Packer taught this verse
• What the official LDS manual True to the Faith says about it
• A full list of salvation requirements added after this verse in Mormon theology
• The biblical gospel of grace — free, undeserved, and available to all who believe

This is a must-watch for anyone exploring the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity.

🗣️ Let’s Talk:

Have you ever wrestled with this verse? Do you think salvation is based on effort or on grace alone? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s have a meaningful conversation.

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this video with someone who’s exploring their faith.

#Mormonism #GraceVsWorks #2Nephi25 #ChristianApologetics #EvangelicalVsLDS #BookOfMormon #BiblicalGrace #GospelTruth

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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Notes

In this episode, Aleck shares her story of coming out of Mormonism and experiencing a real relationship with Jesus.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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Welcome back to the pod! Have you ever wondered how the Bible was written, and how exactly it's structured? Listen to today's episode as we talk about those things, as well as unpacking why it matter to us spiritually.

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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Today we continue our How Stuff Works series with a topic that’s both deeply theological and intensely practical: How the Bible Works. For Christians, the Bible is more than just a religious book—it’s the inspired Word of God. But where did it come from? How is it structured? And how do we read it in a way that transforms our lives?

These are big questions, and this summary explores three essential truths that come from our Bible Basics series:

The Bible didn’t fall from the sky, nor was it just a random collection of human wisdom. Scripture teaches that the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

“Inspired” literally means “God-breathed.” That means the words of the Bible carry the very breath of God, and He speaks to us through its pages.

Jesus affirmed the divine origin of the Old Testament scriptures. The human authors wrote using their own style and voice, but were guided by the Spirit of God.

Verbal plenary inspiration means that the very words (verbal) and all parts (plenary) of Scripture are inspired by God. Though the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, God has preserved His message through faithful transmission and translation.

Translation Types:

• Word-for-Word (Formal): ESV, NASB
• Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic): NIV, NLT

While only the original manuscripts are infallible, modern translations are trustworthy because of careful preservation, thousands of manuscripts, and the sovereignty of God.

The Bible is one book made up of 66 individual books, divided into two testaments:

Old Testament (39 Books): Written over 1,000 years and originally part of the Hebrew Bible, it includes:

• Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy)
• History (Joshua–Esther)
• Wisdom/Poetry (Job–Song of Songs)
• Prophets (Isaiah–Malachi)

New Testament (27 Books): Written within a generation after Jesus' resurrection, it includes:

• Gospels (Matthew–John)
• History (Acts)
• Letters/Epistles (Romans–Jude)
• Apocalypse (Revelation)

Jesus didn’t reject the Old Testament—He fulfilled it. The New Testament reveals how God’s promises culminate in Jesus.

The Bible is not just for study—it’s for transformation. We recommend starting with the Gospel of John and reading through the New Testament one book at a time. Read it like this:

• Start with John, then continue through the rest of the NT
• Mix in a gospel (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) every few epistles
• Repeat the NT before jumping into the OT

As you read, remember that the Holy Spirit not only inspired the Bible—He also illuminates it today. He helps us understand and apply it to our lives.

The goal isn’t just to gain knowledge—it’s to be transformed by the truth.

Most people assume baptism for the dead has ancient roots—but it didn’t even exist in early Mormonism. In this epidsode, we trace the origins of the LDS temple ordinance and compare it to what the Bible really teaches.

We’ll look at:

• The Book of Mormon’s warning against postmortem salvation
• Joseph Smith’s evolving revelations in the 1840s
• Why 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not what the LDS Church claims it is
• And what the Bible says about death, judgment, and salvation

⛔ Don’t miss why this doctrine is more dangerous than it seems.

📖 Scriptures referenced:

• Alma 34:32–35
• 1 Corinthians 15:29
• Hebrews 9:27
• 2 Corinthians 6:2
• Luke 16:19–31
• Doctrine & Covenants 124, 128

✝️ Trust in Christ—not temples or rituals—because eternity starts the moment you die.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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Notes