Since the King James Version translates this as “ye shall be as gods,” both Mormons and New Age followers have interpreted this to mean that humans have the potential to become gods. As taught by LDS leaders and church manuals, 2 Nephi 2:25 in the Book of Mormon says Adam needed to commit the first sin in order for humans to become gods in the next life. Satan, though, is called a “liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). While Gen 3:22 later shows how Adam and Eve did become “like” God since they now understood the difference between good and evil, Satan was only telling part of the truth. Half a lie is still a lie, as Paul compares the “cunning” serpent to false teachers who twist the gospel when they teach another Jesus (2 Cor 11:3-4). Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, “death spread to all men, because all sinned”; from this came judgment that resulted in condemnation for everyone, not godhood (Rom 5:12, 16).

For other passages discussing common passages used by Latter-day Saints, click here.