Like the title says, I'm a Mormon, or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although I will strive to be accurate in all my commentaries, you need to know that my opinions are not necessarily those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To read more about the church, go to the source at www.ChurchOfJesusChrist.org.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What Do Mormons Believe About Jesus Christ?


“When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:13-16)

Just as Peter testified of Christ’s divinity through the power of the Holy Ghost, being revealed to him by the Father, Mormons believe in the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Christ is at the center of every teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although there are countless ways that Jesus influences individual’s lives, it is easiest to talk about Mormon’s belief in Christ by describing His three distinct roles as Creator, Savior, and Mediator.

Creator
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ created the universe under the direction of the Father. As Jesus did while among mortals, He was about His Father’s business in His pre-mortal state.
During this time before His earthly ministry, Christ was referred to as Jehovah. As Jehovah, Christ was the God of the Old Testament. Truly, He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of Israel. Everything we have in this life was created by The Son.

Savior
Christ was born of the mortal Mary to live with and teach mankind. Inheriting mortal qualities from His earthly Mother, but maintaining his Godly nature from His Father, Jesus led a sinless life. During his mortal ministry he taught us how to best live God’s commands and showed us the path to return to Him. At the close of His life, Christ offered his perfect life as a sacrifice for all sin. He saved man from sin and from physical death. Mormons testify that Christ is the Savior of the world.

Mediator
Mormons pray to The Father in the name of Jesus Christ. We believe He is our mediator with our Heavenly Father. At the Day of Judgment we will account for our time on earth. Christ will be our advocate for us with our Heavenly Father as is only through Him that we can enter into the peace that awaits us with God.

Christ is the center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and worship Him as such.