Biblical Foundations of "Latter Days" and "Saints"

The NASB 1995 Bible translation provides a clear framework for understanding the Bible’s teachings on the "latter days" and "saints." Below is a synthesis of key passages and their implications:

1. "Latter Days" in Scripture

The term "latter days" (Hebrew: acharit hayamim; Greek: eschaton) appears in contexts describing the culmination of human history and the establishment of God’s kingdom:

Deuteronomy 4:30: “When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice.”

Daniel 2:28 “There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days.”

2 Timothy 3:1 “Realize this, that in the LAST DAYs difficult times will come.”

Biblical Definition: The "latter days" refer to the period preceding Christ’s return, marked by tribulation, apostasy, and divine judgment, culminating in Christ’s millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-6).

2. "Saints" in Scripture

"Saints" (Hebrew: kedoshim; Greek: hagioi) denote believers sanctified by faith in Christ:

Ephesians 2:19 “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints.”

Revelation 14:12 “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

Biblical Definition: Saints are all believers redeemed by Christ’s blood, not a distinct group emerging in a specific era.

LDS Church’s Doctrine of "Latter-day Saints"

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) redefines "latter-day saints" as members of a restored church in the "last dispensation" before Christ’s return.

Key Tenets 

Restoration Narrative: Joseph Smith claimed divine revelation in 1823, restoring the "true church" lost after the apostles’ deaths.

Book of Mormon: Purports to be a record of ancient Israelites in America, with Christ appearing post-resurrection to establish His church among them.

Modern Prophets: LDS presidents are deemed "prophets, seers, and revelators" with ongoing authority to revise doctrine.

Joseph Smith’s Original Vision: Smith taught that "latter-day saints" would prepare for Zion (a literal kingdom in Missouri) and usher in Christ’s millennial reign.

Modern Drift

Polygamy Abandonment: Smith’s 1843 revelation on plural marriage (D&C 132) was later revoked in 1890 to comply with U.S. law.

Temple Rituals: Modern LDS temples focus on secret ordinances (e.g., baptisms for the dead, eternal marriages) absent from early Mormonism.

Scriptural Supremacy: The LDS Church now asserts the Book of Mormon "supersedes" the Bible where they conflict, contradicting Smith’s initial claim of harmony.

Contradictions Between the Bible and LDS Teachings

1. Nature of God

Bible: One God in three persons (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3).

LDS Doctrine: God the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are separate beings. Humans can become gods (King Follett Discourse) .

2. Salvation

Bible: “By grace you have been saved through faith… not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

LDS Doctrine: Salvation requires faith, baptism, temple rituals, and obedience to LDS leaders.

3. Authority of Scripture

Bible: “Every word of God is tested… Do not add to His words” (Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19).

LDS Doctrine: The Book of Mormon and "continuing revelation" override biblical authority.

4. Prophecy and Fulfillment

Bible’s Test: “If a prophet speaks… and it does not come to pass, that is a word the Lord has not spoken” (Deuteronomy 18:22).

Joseph Smith’s Failed Prophecies:

Temple in Missouri: Smith prophesied a temple would be built in Independence, MO, "in this generation" (1830s). No temple exists there today.

Civil War Prophecy: Smith claimed God would destroy the South (D&C 87). The war ended via surrender, not divine intervention.

Logical and Spiritual Implications

1. Credibility of LDS Doctrine

Internal Inconsistencies: The LDS Church’s doctrinal shifts (e.g., polygamy, priesthood for Black members) contradict claims of eternal, unchanging truth.

Archaeological and Genetic Evidence: No evidence supports the Book of Mormon’s claim that Native Americans descend from Israelites.

2. Spiritual Ramifications

Galatians 1:8 “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”

2 Corinthians 11:4 Following a "different gospel" risks eternal separation from Christ.

The Bible’s "latter days" describe a period of global tribulation and Christ’s return, with "saints" encompassing all believers. The LDS Church’s redefinition of these terms—rooted in Joseph Smith’s unfulfilled prophecies and extra-biblical revelations—creates irreconcilable contradictions with Scripture.

By elevating the Book of Mormon above the Bible and revising core doctrines, the LDS Church aligns with Paul’s warning about "another gospel" (Galatians 1:6-9). For those adhering to LDS teachings, the spiritual stakes are eternal: trusting in a flawed, human system risks rejecting the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work (John 19:30).

“Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The Bible alone is the “lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105)—not the shifting sands of Mormon dogma.