Mormon Questions: Will I Go to Outer Darkness if I Leave Mormonism?

Oct 21, 2024

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When someone leaves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), one of the most pressing and emotionally challenging concerns is the fear of going to "outer darkness." According to Mormon doctrine, outer darkness is often thought of as a place reserved for the most severe sinners—those who were once believers in the truth of the gospel but later rejected it. This concept can induce significant fear for members who contemplate leaving the LDS church. However, from a biblical perspective, the idea of being cast into "outer darkness" for leaving Mormonism is inconsistent with the broader teachings of Scripture. Let's explore why.

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1. Understanding Outer Darkness in LDS Theology

In LDS theology, "outer darkness" is a term used to describe the ultimate destination of those who commit the "unpardonable sin" of denying the Holy Spirit after having received a perfect knowledge of the truth. This concept is derived from the teachings of Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 76:31-38, 88:24). According to these teachings, those who end up in outer darkness are typically referred to as "sons of perdition" and are believed to be cast off from God forever.

While the LDS church emphasizes grace and various levels of glory in the afterlife, outer darkness is portrayed as a terrifying place of eternal punishment, usually reserved for those who were fully enlightened by the gospel and then rejected it.

2. The Concept of "Outer Darkness" in Scripture

The term "outer darkness" appears a few times in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). In these passages, it refers to a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, often described in connection with those who reject God's invitation or fail to be faithful to His call. However, biblical scholars generally agree that these references to "outer darkness" do not align with the LDS concept of a unique place of punishment for former believers of a particular church.

In biblical terms, "outer darkness" is better understood as a metaphor for the separation from God that comes from rejecting Christ, not for leaving any particular denomination. The ultimate issue in the Bible is not church membership but one's relationship with Jesus. As John 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."

3. Biblical Understanding of Salvation

The Bible, however, teaches a very different perspective on salvation, grace, and eternal security. The central message of Christianity is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This means that salvation is not dependent on one's membership in a particular church or the adherence to specific rituals but is a result of trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

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

Romans 8:1 assures believers that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." If you have put your faith in Jesus, the Bible promises that you are saved, and nothing can separate you from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). This foundational truth contrasts sharply with the fear-inducing idea of being cast into outer darkness for rejecting a specific religious system like Mormonism.

Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4. The Doctrine of Eternal Security

For those leaving Mormonism, the question of whether they will be eternally condemned is addressed by the doctrine of eternal security. Jesus promises that His sheep will never be snatched from His hand (John 10:28-29). When someone truly believes in Jesus, their salvation is secure, not because of their own efforts or church affiliation, but because of God’s sovereign grace.

Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." The emphasis here is on Christ's ongoing work as our mediator and savior. Salvation is a gift from God that He does not revoke because of doctrinal disagreement or leaving an earthly institution.

5. Grace and Assurance of Salvation

The Bible offers profound assurance to those who trust in Jesus Christ. In contrast to the anxiety that can come from believing that leaving a religious organization might lead to spiritual ruin, Scripture provides peace for those who rely on God’s promises. In 1 John 5:13, we read, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."

This confidence is not based on our perfect adherence to rules or affiliation with a specific religious group, but on God’s unchanging character and the finished work of Christ. The Bible makes it clear that believers can have assurance of their salvation through faith, and this assurance does not depend on remaining within a particular denomination or sect.

Takeaway: Freedom in Christ

For those grappling with the fear of "outer darkness" after leaving Mormonism, the Bible offers a message of hope and liberation. Scripture assures us that salvation is found in Jesus Christ, and not in membership in any particular religious organization. The fear of being cast into outer darkness is incompatible with the biblical teaching that God's grace is sufficient, and that through faith in Christ, we can be assured of eternal life.

As Romans 10:9-10 promises, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

For those leaving the LDS church, take heart: you are not condemned to outer darkness for rejecting Mormonism. Instead, turn to the true gospel of Jesus Christ and embrace the freedom, assurance, and grace that He offers through faith alone. The Bible’s message is clear: in Christ, you are safe, loved, and eternally secure.