It is common for the people to have the same question “Do Mormons Believe In Jesus?”. Well, the answer to this situation is really simple. They do believe in Jesus Christ but their understanding of him is quite different. According to Mormons, Jesus is their Messiah and Son of God. While there may be similarities between Mormons and Christians, some of their ideologies are entirely different.
For example, the meaning and concept of eternal for Mormons is entirely different. They believe the eternal nature of God to be outside of human understanding, space, and time. If you are interested in understanding more about this topic, stay tuned. This blog discusses “Do Mormons Believe In Jesus?” and much more.
Do Mormons Believe In Jesus?
They certainly believe in Jesus Christ and he is a prominent figure in their Mormon faith. He is mostly addressed as the Son of God. Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection are real events in their history.
Their source of salvation is also Jesus Christ. Mormons are known to mostly accept the New Testament and all the biblical mentions of Jesus’ life. He is addressed by many names and titles like Savior, Redeemer, and Head of their Church.
History Overview – Do Mormons Believe In Jesus?
Evidently, Mormonism is a religious tradition originating from Restorationist Christianity. To be specific, it is the Latter Day Saint movement as a theology. Many of their beliefs are known to match with Christianity. According to Mormons, Jesus lived a mortal human life and was born from a virgin named Mary.
After growing up, he taught many things to humans and gave them wisdom. To earn their trust, Jesus performed several divine miracles. In their faith, Jesus Christ died for the sins of humanity. Just like Christians believe, he was crucified and buried for political charges of sedition. Thereafter, Jesus Christ was resurrected specifically on the third day.
There are many more similarities between them. In a way, even the Mormons consider themselves to be Christians. In their belief, Jesus’s atonement made it possible for humanity to achieve salvation. And, a chance at reconciliation with the Almighty God. Mormons are taught in the same way to have faith and follow God’s teachings.
Additionally, they acknowledge all the New Testament Gospels including Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It is even considered to be a historical record of Jesus’ ministry. Through Jesus’s life on earth, Mormons are taught moral behaviour for a long time. The core understanding of Christianity matches with their ideologies. In contrast, there are some distinctive beliefs as well. Let’s explore the different beliefs between Christianity and Mormons.
Which Mormon Beliefs About Jesus Christ Are Different?
They understand the nature of God and Jesus Christ as entities differently. Mormons consider them to have physical bodies as mentioned “flesh and bone”. Also, they believe that God and Jesus Christ are two different people. Hence, not the same being or entity. These ideologies conflict with the doctrine of the Trinity. For Mormons, the Almighty Father, the Son of God (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit/Ghost have the same purpose. But, they are individual beings. They are united in terms of love, will, and purpose. However, not the same person.
According to sources, Mormons also deny that God is a spiritual being and rather believe him to be a mortal person with flesh. Mormons are taught that humans like Jesus Christ existed before the time of mortal birth. They are referred to as the spirit children of Almighty God. Every human born after them were mortals. In simple words, Mormonism claims the premortal existence of Jesus Christ. That’s how they explain the divine potential of Jesus Christ and other spirit children of God.
Mormons claim that Jesus was chosen by God during the premortal era. The purpose given to the Son of God was to become the Saviour of humankind. According to their belief, it is a full cycle and a plan of salvation. In simple words, humans are born on earth in physical bodies. They have enough time and opportunities to explore. With the purpose of learning, growing, choosing, etc. In the end, every human will return to God with Jesus Christ as a medium. In the Christian history, there is no mention of premortal life. And, everything is narrated quite differently in these aspects.
How Do Mormons Perceive Jesus Christ & Christianity?
What you learned so far is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more Mormon beliefs that make them stand apart. They do not regard many Christian Scriptures along with some parts of the Bible. Mormons somewhat favour the New Testament but their beliefs are different. They are against the Book of Mormon and consider it to be misleading. In their historical records, the early Christian Church a.k.a Apostolic Church died out at one point. Consequently, it led to a “Great Apostasy” as they say.
It refers to corrupt practices, false doctrine, and loss of authority. Mormons beyond that Jesus restored his original Church back to its prime along with his authority. He was responsible for providing the right teachings to the humans. Meanwhile, the Mormons reject that salvation/redemption can come from just faith. They emphasize on repenting, exercising their faith, and follow everything taught by God. Lastly, Mormons have a strong belief of resurrection being the final destiny of humans.
Conclusion
Even though Mormons do believe in Jesus Christ, it is intriguing how their understanding is different. Many of their beliefs are known to overlap and conflict with Christianity. Mormons have a different ideology about God’s nature. The historical records and context are miles apart. Despite the differences, Mormons consider themselves to be associated with Christians.
FAQs
1. Do Mormons Believe in Jesus?
Yes, the Mormons believe in Jesus Christ and refer to him as the Son of God.
2. What is their perception of Jesus Christ and God?
Mormons think that God and Jesus Christ were mortal beings with physical bodies.
3. Do they accept the book of Mormon?
Yes, it is a holy scripture for them. But some Mormons have selective beliefs that are different.
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