Finding Jesus in the Book of Mormon

Bryan and Layne explore how the Book of Mormon compares with the Bible—unpacking questions of salvation, the nature of God, and the role of Jesus—to show why true hope is found in Christ alone, not in a system.

DISCLAIMER:

We do not affirm the Book of Mormon as inspired by God or as part of biblical scripture. The goal of this series is to demonstrate how Mormonism departs from its own foundational text and also to see how the Book of Mormon can point us to the true Jesus of the Bible.

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  1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
  2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
  3. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
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Disclaimer: We do not affirm the Book of Mormon as inspired by God or as part of biblical scripture. The goal of this series is to demonstrate how Mormonism departs from its own foundational text and also to see how the Book of Mormon can point us to the true Jesus of the Bible.

Sharing Jesus Through the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 11)

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Layne to explore his unique approach to sharing Jesus with Latter-day Saints—by starting with the Book of Mormon itself. Layne, a former Mormon of 40 years, has a deep love for the LDS community and a heart to help them see how the Book of Mormon points to the biblical Jesus.

The conversation focuses on 3 Nephi 11, where Jesus appears and clearly lays out what He calls His doctrine: faith in Him, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus also issues a strong warning—do not add or take away from these essentials.

For Layne, this simple message contrasts sharply with what Mormonism eventually became: a complex system of extra rituals, rules, and requirements.

The Simplicity of the Gospel

When Jesus speaks in 3 Nephi 11, His teaching sounds very familiar to Christians who know the New Testament. Salvation is not complicated—it comes by trusting Him, turning from sin, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

The Bible echoes this truth:

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NLT)

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

The gospel is a message of grace. It is about Jesus’ finished work on the cross, not about adding human performance on top of it.

Why Mormonism Adds More

Layne recalls how, as a Mormon missionary, he taught people from the Book of Mormon about faith, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Spirit. But soon, the message shifted. Instead of resting in the simplicity of Jesus’ teaching, members were told that true salvation required far more.

Modern LDS teaching includes:

  • Temple ordinances such as endowments, sealings, and baptisms for the dead.

  • Obedience to the Word of Wisdom dietary code.

  • Sustaining living prophets and apostles as ultimate authority.

  • Endless requirements for “worthiness” interviews.

The result? A message that looks less like the simple gospel of Christ and more like a system of burdens.

Trusting Prophets vs. Trusting Scripture

A big part of this conversation centers on authority. LDS members are often conditioned to trust the prophet over their own study of scripture. This means that when contradictions arise—such as between 3 Nephi 11 and later LDS doctrines—many members simply defer to leadership instead of asking hard questions.

The Bible warns against this kind of blind allegiance:

“You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.” 2 Corinthians 11:4 (NLT)

“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NLT)

Faithful Christians are called to test every claim against the unchanging Word of God.

The Problem of Progressive Revelation

Another reason LDS doctrine shifted is the idea of “progressive revelation.” While Christians affirm that God speaks through His Word and Spirit, Mormon leaders often use this concept to justify new teachings that contradict earlier scripture.

For example, 3 Nephi 11 presents Jesus as the eternal and unchanging God. But later LDS teaching describes Him as one of many gods, the literal spirit-brother of Lucifer, and part of a system where men can progress to godhood themselves.

This is not the God of the Bible, nor even the God described in much of the Book of Mormon.

Layne’s Journey: From All-In Mormon to All-In for Jesus

Layne’s personal story highlights what’s at stake. For decades, he was fully committed to Mormonism. But over time, he began to see the gap between what the Book of Mormon taught and what modern Mormon leaders demanded.

Ultimately, he realized that salvation is not about a system—it’s about a Savior.

“You don’t need a system—you need a Savior. Jesus already finished it fully and completely.”

This discovery transformed his life and now fuels his ministry to help other Latter-day Saints encounter the biblical Jesus.

Why It Matters

Your view of salvation shapes your faith. If salvation is based on your performance, you will live under constant pressure and fear of never measuring up. But if salvation is based on Jesus’ finished work, you can rest in His grace and live in freedom.

This episode challenges LDS listeners—and anyone caught in a system of religious rules—to ask: Am I following Jesus, or just following a system?

Talking Points:

  • Jesus preached a simple gospel—faith, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Spirit—warning not to add or subtract. Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-9

  • Mormonism added heavy requirements, layering rituals, codes, and authority structures that shift salvation from grace to performance. Matthew 23:4

  • Mormonism teaches that we should trust prophets, while the Bible calls us to test all teaching against God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

  • Progressive revelation created contradictions, recasting the eternal Jesus of scripture as a changing figure among many gods. Hebrews 13:8

  • The true gospel is about a Savior, not a system—Jesus’ finished work brings grace, assurance, and freedom, unlike works-based religion. John 19:30, Galatians 5:1, Romans 5:1-2

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. How does 3 Nephi 11 compare with what the Bible teaches about salvation?
  3. Why do you think religions often add more requirements to the simple message of grace?
  4. How does trusting prophets instead of scripture affect LDS members’ view of truth?
  5. What does it mean for you personally that “Jesus already finished it fully and completely”?
  6. If salvation is found in Christ alone, how would you explain that to someone caught in a religious system?

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Disclaimer: We do not affirm the Book of Mormon as inspired by God or as part of biblical scripture. The goal of this series is to demonstrate how Mormonism departs from its own foundational text and also to see how the Book of Mormon can point us to the true Jesus of the Bible.

Salvation in the Book of Mormon vs. the Bible

In this episode, Bryan and Layne continue their series on the Book of Mormon and what it teaches about salvation. At the heart of the discussion is 3 Nephi 11, where Jesus Christ appears to the people and lays out what He calls His doctrine.

His teaching is surprisingly simple:

  • Faith in Him

  • Repentance

  • Baptism

  • Receiving the Holy Spirit

Jesus also issues a strong warning not to add or take away from these essentials. 3 Nephi 11:39-40

For Layne—who spent decades as a committed Mormon and even served a mission—this passage has taken on new meaning since leaving the LDS church. He reflects on how the simplicity of Jesus’ message contrasts with the many layers of requirements added later by Mormon leaders.

The Simplicity of the Gospel in 3 Nephi 11

When Jesus speaks in 3 Nephi 11, His words echo the New Testament. The gospel is centered on trusting Him, turning away from sin, being baptized as a sign of new life, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This is exactly what the Bible teaches. The Apostle Paul wrote:

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

And again:

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

The gospel is clear. It is about grace, not works. Jesus finished the work of salvation at the cross, and our response is to believe and follow Him.

How Mormonism Complicates Salvation

Layne explains how, as a Mormon missionary, he used to teach 3 Nephi 11 as the foundation of the LDS message. But over time, he realized that the system required far more than what Jesus outlined.

Mormonism teaches that to achieve exaltation—living forever with God in the highest degree of glory—members must:

  • Participate in temple ordinances like endowments and sealings

  • Obey the Word of Wisdom dietary code

  • Sustain modern prophets as the ultimate authority

  • Keep countless rules and covenants added over time

In other words, what begins simply in 3 Nephi 11 eventually expands into a complex system of works and rituals. This is a far cry from the Bible’s consistent message of salvation by grace through faith.

The Nature of Jesus: Unchanging or Redefined?

Another striking difference arises when comparing how Jesus is described.

  • In the Book of Mormon and the Bible: Jesus is the eternal God, unchanging and the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

  • In later LDS teaching: Jesus is redefined as a created being, the literal spirit-brother of Lucifer, and one of many gods in a system of eternal progression.

Layne points out that progressive revelation in Mormonism has shifted the doctrine of Jesus away from both the Bible and even parts of the Book of Mormon itself.

A Challenge for LDS Listeners

This conversation is not about attacking Mormons. Layne’s heart is full of love for his former community. His challenge is simple: Are you following Jesus, or are you following a system?

Jesus made it clear in both the Bible and even the Book of Mormon: His gospel is not complicated. It is not about rituals, temples, or extra layers of law. It is about faith in Him and the new life that comes through His Spirit.

As Layne puts it:

“You don’t need a system—you need a Savior. Jesus already finished it fully and completely.”

For those wrestling with their LDS faith, this episode is a call to return to the simplicity and sufficiency of Jesus.

Talking Points:
  • In 3 Nephi 11, Jesus identifies four essentials: faith in Him, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. 
  • Jesus warns not to add or take away from these principles, pointing to a simple and unchanging gospel. 
  • Later LDS doctrine introduces extra requirements—temple ordinances, priesthood authority, exaltation, and ongoing revelation—that complicate salvation.
  • The Bible consistently teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith, not works. Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10
  • Jesus is presented in the Bible as the eternal and unchanging God, yet later LDS teaching shifts His identity and nature. Hebrews 13:8, John 1:1-3

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. According to 3 Nephi 11, Jesus listed faith, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Spirit as His doctrine. How does this compare with what the Bible teaches in Romans 10:9-10 and Ephesians 2:8-9?
  3. Why do you think Mormonism adds so many extra requirements (temple ordinances, Word of Wisdom, prophets, etc.) to what Jesus called the essentials?
  4. How does the Bible’s teaching that salvation is a free gift of grace challenge systems that emphasize worthiness, rituals, or performance?
  5. Later LDS teachings redefined Jesus as a created being and spirit-brother of Lucifer. How does that contrast with the Bible’s (and even the Book of Mormon’s) picture of Jesus as the eternal God (Hebrews 13:8, John 1:1-3)?
  6. Layne said, “You don’t need a system—you need a Savior.”When you think about salvation, do you feel peace and assurance in Jesus’ finished work, or do you still feel pressure to measure up? Why?

 

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Disclaimer: We do not affirm the Book of Mormon as inspired by God or as part of biblical scripture. The goal of this series is to demonstrate how Mormonism departs from its own foundational text and also to see how the Book of Mormon can point us to the true Jesus of the Bible.

Who Is God According to the Book of Mormon?

In this episode, Bryan and Layne take a deep dive into one of the most important theological questions anyone can ask: Who is God?

The conversation traces how Joseph Smith’s view of God shifted dramatically between 1830, when the Book of Mormon was first published, and 1844, when he delivered the King Follett Discourse—just months before his death. The result is a striking contrast between the eternal, unchanging God of the Book of Mormon and the progressive, exalted man described in later Mormon scripture and teaching.

Joseph Smith’s Changing Theology

When the Book of Mormon was published in 1830, it repeatedly described God in terms that closely mirror the Bible: eternal, unchanging, and all-powerful. For example, passages emphasize that God is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Moroni 8:18; 2 Nephi 27:23).

But over the next decade, Joseph Smith’s teachings began to evolve. By the time he preached the King Follett Discourse in April 1844, he was openly declaring that God was once a man who achieved godhood and that humans could also progress to become gods themselves. This represented a radical departure from both the Book of Mormon and historic Christian belief.

The Book of Mormon vs. Later Mormon Scriptures

Layne and Bryan point out that the Book of Mormon’s portrayal of God aligns much more closely with the Bible. Both describe God as eternal and unchanging.

The Bible declares:

“I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6 (NLT)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

In contrast, later LDS scriptures such as the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price reflect the evolving theology of Joseph Smith. God is no longer the eternal, self-existent Creator but rather an exalted man who attained divinity.

The King Follett Discourse

One of the most significant moments in Mormon history is the King Follett Discourse. Preached in April 1844, just three months before Smith’s death, it presented the idea that:

  • God was once as we are now.

  • God became God by progressing from mortality to exaltation.

  • Humanity has the potential to follow the same path and become gods.

For many LDS members, these teachings are embraced as beautiful and hopeful. But they also create a deep contradiction with earlier scripture, raising the question: Which version is true?

Contradictions and Questions

Latter-day Saints who study these changes often experience tension. On one hand, they are taught to trust modern prophets and revelations. On the other hand, they can see clear contradictions between the God of the Book of Mormon and the God of later LDS teaching.

How do LDS leaders address this? Often, they appeal to the idea of “continuing revelation”—that God reveals truth in stages and that newer teachings supersede earlier ones. Yet this creates a serious problem: if God is unchanging, why would His nature itself appear to change over time?

The Bible encourages believers not to blindly accept claims but to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 NLT). This includes evaluating whether a teaching aligns with the eternal Word of God or contradicts it.

Why It Matters

Your view of God shapes everything—your worship, your faith, and your eternal hope. If God is eternal, unchanging, and unique, then He is utterly unlike us. He alone is worthy of our worship.

But if God is simply one exalted man among many, as later LDS teaching suggests, then the foundation of faith is radically altered. Instead of resting on God’s eternal perfection, salvation becomes about following a path of progression toward exaltation.

This episode challenges listeners to wrestle honestly with these questions. Who is God according to the Bible? Who is God according to the Book of Mormon? And why do later Mormon teachings seem to contradict both?

The answer matters—not just for theology, but for life and eternity.

As Bryan and Layne emphasize, the unchanging God revealed in the Bible is the only true source of salvation and hope:

“You don’t need a system—you need a Savior.”

Talking Points:
  • The Book of Mormon portrays God as eternal, unchanging, and consistent with the Bible. Malachi 3:6
  • Joseph Smith’s theology shifted over time, culminating in the King Follett Discourse where he taught that God was once a man.
  • Later LDS scriptures describe a progressive God who contradicts the eternal God of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Hebrews 13:8, John 1:1-3
  • LDS leaders appeal to continuing revelation, but the Bible calls us to test every teaching by God’s unchanging Word. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • Your view of God shapes everything about your faith and eternal hope—making this the most important question you can ask.

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. How do you respond to the claim that God was once a man who became divine? What biblical passages challenge that view?
  3. Why is it significant that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon describe God as eternal and unchanging?
  4. How do contradictions between LDS scriptures affect your trust in them?
  5. Why does the Bible emphasize testing every teaching? How does this safeguard us from false doctrine?
  6. How has your personal view of God shaped your faith and your daily walk with Him?

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The Holy Ghost: LDS Teaching vs. the Bible

In this episode, Bryan and Layne tackle a key question: Who is the Holy Ghost, and what does He really do? For many Latter-day Saints, the Holy Ghost is experienced primarily as a “burning in the bosom”—a feeling that validates the truth of the LDS Church. But in practice, that “confirmation” is not enough. Modern Mormonism teaches that you also need prophets, temples, ordinances, and priesthood authority.

Yet the Book of Mormon itself speaks differently. Passages like 2 Nephi 32:5 and Moroni 10:4-5 describe the Spirit much more like the Bible does: as sufficient to lead believers into all truth, without the need for extra rituals or institutions.

The Bible consistently affirms this picture. The Spirit is given when we believe (Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3). He permanently indwells every believer, guiding us into truth, glorifying Jesus, and assuring us of salvation. The Spirit is not an “it” but the third Person of the Trinity—God Himself dwelling in us.

Later LDS revelations complicate the picture. The Doctrine & Covenants portrays the Spirit as temporary, conditional, and dependent on temple ordinances and priesthood authority. Instead of pointing believers directly to Christ, the Spirit’s role is redefined to point them back to the institution.

This is why the simplicity of Christ matters. Both the Bible and even the Book of Mormon highlight the “plain and precious” truth: the Holy Spirit Himself is enough to guide and teach. Jesus promised the Spirit would never leave us (John 14:26, John 16:13). When religion adds more requirements, it distracts from the sufficiency of Jesus and His Spirit.

Why This Matters

If you’re LDS, former LDS, or just curious, this conversation raises an important question: Is the Holy Ghost enough, or do we need more than the Spirit to truly connect with God? Bryan and Layne show how the answer you give will shape your entire understanding of salvation, faith, and your relationship with God.

Talking Points:
  • Many LDS members see the Holy Ghost as a “burning in the bosom,” but in practice, modern Mormonism adds prophets, temples, and ordinances.
  • Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon describe the Spirit as sufficient to guide believers into truth. John 16:13
  • The Spirit is not temporary or conditional—He permanently indwells every believer at the moment of faith. Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3
  • Later LDS teaching complicates the Spirit’s role, making Him dependent on rituals and authority structures.
  • True assurance comes from the simplicity of Christ and the sufficiency of His Spirit, not from religious systems. John 14:26

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. How have you heard the Holy Ghost described in LDS settings compared to biblical teaching?
  3. What does it mean that the Spirit permanently indwells believers at the moment of faith (Ephesians 1:13)?
  4. Why do you think religions often add rituals and requirements to the work of the Spirit?
  5. How does understanding the Spirit’s role as sufficient and permanent change the way you live out your faith?
  6. If someone believes they need “more than the Spirit” to connect with God, how would you point them to the sufficiency of Christ?
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