Mormon Questions: Did Humans Exist Before Conception?

Sep 30, 2024

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The concept of pre-mortal existence—that humans existed before their earthly life—is a theological doctrine central to Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). In contrast, the traditional Christian view, rooted in the Bible, maintains that life begins at conception, and there is no pre-birth existence of the soul. In this episode, we explore both perspectives and defend the biblical view against Mormon teachings on pre-existence.

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Pre-Mortal Existence: A Biblical Response to Mormon Teachings

The concept of pre-mortal existence—that humans existed before their earthly life—is a central doctrine of Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In contrast, traditional Christianity, grounded in the Bible, teaches that life begins at conception and denies any pre-birth existence of the soul. This article will explore both perspectives and present a biblical defense against the LDS doctrine of pre-existence.

The Mormon Belief in Pre-Mortal Existence

In Mormon theology, it is believed that human beings existed as spirit children of God before their earthly life. This belief is foundational to their understanding of the purpose of life. Key Mormon scriptures, including Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 and Abraham 3:22-23 (from the Pearl of Great Price), outline the idea that humans lived as pre-mortal spirits in heaven before coming to Earth.

Mormons believe that this pre-mortal existence is essential for understanding why humans are sent to Earth: to receive bodies, face challenges, and ultimately return to God. Life on Earth is seen as a critical step in an eternal journey of progression, where spiritual growth continues after death.

Biblical Refutation of Pre-Mortal Existence

While Mormonism presents a narrative of pre-mortal existence, traditional Christianity finds no biblical basis for this belief. Instead, Scripture presents a clear view that human life begins at conception, and each soul is uniquely created by God.

Several key passages are often misunderstood in LDS theology but, when correctly interpreted, refute the concept of pre-existence:

Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT): “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
This verse, often cited by Mormons, does not refer to a pre-existence. Instead, it highlights God's foreknowledge and His plans for Jeremiah. Similar language is used in passages like:

Romans 8:29: God’s foreknowledge and predestination.
Ephesians 1:4: God’s choice of believers before the foundation of the world. These passages emphasize God’s omniscience, not human pre-mortal existence.

Psalm 139:16 (NLT): “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
This text celebrates God's intimate knowledge and sovereignty over human life, beginning in the womb, not before it.
Galatians 1:15 (NLT): “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.”
Similar to Jeremiah, this passage reflects God’s foreknowledge and plan, not pre-existence.

In all these instances, the biblical narrative is clear that life begins at conception, and God’s knowledge of individuals precedes their birth but does not suggest a pre-mortal life.

The Uniqueness of Christ

A significant theological issue with the Mormon doctrine of pre-mortal existence is that it undermines the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, Jesus is uniquely pre-existent. John 8:58 records Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am.” Unlike any other human being, Jesus existed eternally as God before His incarnation.

John 3:13 further emphasizes this uniqueness: “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” If all humans existed in heaven before their earthly lives, this statement would lose its meaning. Jesus’ pre-existence sets Him apart as the only one who descended from heaven, making His divinity and incarnation singularly significant in the plan of salvation.

Theological Implications of Pre-Mortal Existence

The Mormon doctrine of pre-mortal existence raises two critical theological problems:

The Authority of Scripture:
Mormon teachings about pre-existence are not found in the Bible, but are drawn from extra-biblical sources like the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Orthodox Christianity affirms that Scripture is complete and sufficient, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Adding non-biblical teachings undermines the authority of God’s Word.
Salvation and Grace:
In Mormonism, pre-mortal existence is part of an eternal progression that continues after death. This view stands in contrast to the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning work (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible presents this life as a one-time opportunity to embrace God’s grace, after which comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is no eternal progression or second chance after death.

The Biblical View is Clear

In defending the biblical perspective against Mormonism, it is evident that the Bible teaches a linear view of human existence, beginning at conception and culminating in eternal life or judgment after death. The doctrine of pre-mortal existence as taught in Mormonism is not supported by Scripture. Instead, the Bible affirms that each human being is uniquely created by God, beginning with conception, and Jesus Christ alone pre-existed as the eternal Son of God.

Christians engaging with Mormons on this topic should emphasize the sufficiency of Scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and the centrality of grace in salvation. While discussions on doctrinal differences should be respectful and gracious, they are essential for upholding the truth of the biblical message.