Mormons interpret the phrase "you are gods" in John 10:34, which cites Psalm 82:6, to mean that humans can become gods in the afterlife. This belief aligns with their doctrine of celestial marriage.
However, Jesus Christ never stated, "You are able to become gods." The phrase, "You are gods," is written in the present tense. This interpretation creates an inconsistency within Mormon theology, as Mormons do not believe that humans currently living on earth are gods. Instead, Mormon doctrine teaches that humans can attain godhood after death, rather than in their earthly existence.
Psalm 82 refers to human judges, divinely appointed but flawed, who would ultimately "die like men" (Psalm 82:7). In John 10, Christ used this reference to highlight the doctrinal errors of the Jewish teachers of His time. These errors mirrored those of the judges in Psalm 82. Jesus was openly critical of the scribes and Pharisees, often rebuking their teachings and behavior. He referred to them as "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:27) and declared that their father was the devil (John 8:44).
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the uniqueness of God. Isaiah 43:10 states, "...before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." Similarly, Isaiah 44:6-8 declares, "Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." These passages affirm that humans cannot become gods in the afterlife. While Christians are promised perfected, glorified bodies in eternity, the truth remains that we cannot attain godhood. There is only one God, and none can compare to Him.
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