The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, holds a unique and profound set of beliefs regarding Jesus Christ. These beliefs are central to the faith and practice of its members. This article will explore these beliefs in detail, examining the theological underpinnings, scriptural foundations, and doctrinal nuances that define the Mormon perspective on Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ in Latter-day Saint Theology
Central to the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. This belief is consistent with mainstream Christianity, yet distinct in several important ways.
The Divine Nature of Jesus Christ
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God the Father in the flesh. This belief is rooted in the LDS doctrine of the Godhead, which views God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as three separate and distinct beings who are one in purpose and unity. This contrasts with the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which describes God as three persons in one essence.
According to LDS teachings, Jesus Christ existed as a spirit before His mortal birth, living with God the Father in a pre-mortal existence. This pre-mortal Christ is referred to as Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament. Mormons believe that Jehovah, or Jesus Christ, created the world under the direction of God the Father, making Him the Creator as well as the Savior.
The Mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ
The central tenet of Mormon belief is the atonement of Jesus Christ. Mormons hold that Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary was the pivotal event in human history. This atonement makes it possible for all mankind to be resurrected and offers the potential for individuals to be cleansed from sin and to return to live with God.
LDS doctrine teaches that in Gethsemane, Jesus Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world, experiencing intense suffering as He bore the full weight of humanity’s sins. This belief emphasizes the personal and individual nature of the atonement, teaching that Jesus Christ’s suffering was infinite and eternal, encompassing not just the collective sins of humanity but also each individual’s pains, afflictions, and infirmities.
The crucifixion is seen as the culmination of this atoning sacrifice, where Christ willingly gave up His life, demonstrating the ultimate act of love and obedience to God the Father. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a cornerstone of LDS belief, affirming that Christ overcame death and made it possible for all people to be resurrected, thus conquering physical death.
Jesus Christ as Exemplar
In addition to being the Savior, Jesus Christ is viewed as the perfect example for living a righteous life. Mormons strive to emulate Christ’s attributes, including His love, humility, kindness, and obedience to God’s commandments. The LDS Church teaches that by following Jesus Christ’s example, individuals can develop Christlike qualities and become more like Him.
The concept of striving to become like Jesus Christ is closely tied to the LDS doctrine of eternal progression. This doctrine teaches that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings, individuals can progress spiritually and eventually attain exaltation, which is the highest state of salvation and eternal life with God.
Revelation and Continuing Guidance from Jesus Christ
A distinctive belief of the LDS Church is that Jesus Christ continues to lead and guide His Church through modern revelation. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ restored His original Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. This restoration included the re-establishment of priesthood authority, new scripture (such as the Book of Mormon), and ongoing revelation through living prophets and apostles.
The belief in continuing revelation means that Mormons hold that Jesus Christ communicates His will to His followers today, providing guidance that is relevant to contemporary issues and challenges. This ongoing communication is seen as evidence of Christ’s active role in the lives of individuals and the Church as a whole.
Jesus Christ in Mormon Scripture
The LDS Church uses a canon of scripture that includes the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Each of these scriptures provides important insights into the nature, mission, and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Bible
Mormons revere the Bible as the word of God, containing the historical account of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The New Testament, in particular, is crucial for understanding Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry and His role as the Redeemer. Key biblical passages frequently cited by Mormons include John 3:16, which emphasizes God’s love and the gift of His Son, and the accounts of Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross in the Gospels.
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and holds a special place in Mormon theology. It is believed to be a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains many references to Jesus Christ, including prophecies of His coming, accounts of His post-resurrection appearance in the Americas, and teachings that clarify His gospel.
One of the most significant events in the Book of Mormon is the visit of the resurrected Jesus Christ to the people in the Americas, as recorded in 3 Nephi. During this visit, Christ teaches the people, heals the sick, and establishes His church among them. This account reinforces the LDS belief in Christ’s universal mission and His concern for all of God’s children.
The Doctrine and Covenants
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations given to Joseph Smith and other Church leaders. Many of these revelations pertain directly to Jesus Christ, His nature, and His work in the latter days. For example, Doctrine and Covenants 76 offers a detailed vision of the afterlife, including descriptions of Christ’s role in the resurrection and judgment. Another significant section, Doctrine and Covenants 110, records the appearance of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple, where He accepted the temple and provided further instruction to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
The Pearl of Great Price
The Pearl of Great Price contains additional writings of Joseph Smith, including the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, and Joseph Smith—Matthew. These writings offer further insights into the pre-mortal existence of Jesus Christ, His divine role, and His teachings. The Book of Moses, for instance, expands on the creation narrative and the role of Jesus Christ (Jehovah) in that process.
The Role of Jesus Christ in Salvation and Exaltation
Mormon doctrine emphasizes that Jesus Christ’s atonement is central to both salvation and exaltation. Salvation, in LDS theology, refers to being saved from physical death through resurrection and from sin through repentance and the atonement. Exaltation, on the other hand, refers to attaining eternal life with God, becoming like Him, and living in His presence with one’s family forever.
Mormons believe that while Christ’s atonement makes resurrection a free gift to all humanity, individual salvation and exaltation require personal effort. This effort includes faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in faith and good works.
The Plan of Salvation
The Plan of Salvation is a framework in Mormon theology that outlines God’s plan for the happiness and eternal destiny of His children. Jesus Christ is central to this plan, which includes the pre-mortal existence, mortal life, and post-mortal life. The plan emphasizes the opportunity for individuals to make choices, learn, grow, and progress through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Key components of the Plan of Salvation include:
Pre-mortal existence: Mormons believe that all people lived as spirits with God before being born on earth. Jesus Christ, as Jehovah, was chosen and foreordained to be the Savior.
Mortal life: This life is a time of testing and learning, where individuals can exercise agency, make choices, and develop faith in Jesus Christ.
Post-mortal life: After death, individuals await resurrection and judgment. The degree of glory they attain in the afterlife depends on their faithfulness to Christ’s teachings and their adherence to God’s commandments.
Temple Worship and Covenants
Mormon temple worship is deeply connected to the beliefs about Jesus Christ. In temples, members participate in sacred ordinances and make covenants with God. These ordinances include baptism for the dead, endowments, and sealings, all of which are made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
The endowment ceremony, for example, includes a series of covenants that individuals make with God, symbolizing a deeper commitment to follow Jesus Christ and live His teachings. Sealings, or eternal marriages, performed in temples, allow families to be united forever, an integral part of the LDS belief in eternal life and exaltation through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding Jesus Christ are rich and multifaceted, encompassing His divine nature, atoning sacrifice, exemplary life, and continuing guidance through modern revelation. Jesus Christ is not only the Savior and Redeemer but also the central figure in the Plan of Salvation, offering hope, direction, and the promise of eternal life. Understanding these beliefs provides valuable insight into the faith, practices, and aspirations of Latter-day Saints as they strive to follow Jesus Christ and become more like Him.