Who Is the Mormon Jesus?

What Mormons Believe About Christ

Nov 1, 2009

Some Mormon beliefs about Jesus are different from mainstream Christianity, but many are the same. What does LDS theology say about Christ's birth, life, and identity?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, worship Jesus Christ as their savior and redeemer. Their Sunday services, prayers, scriptures, and even the name of their church focus on Him. But do Mormons worship a different Jesus than the rest of mainstream Christianity?

Pre-mortal Identity of Jesus in Mormonism

Mormons believe that everyone is a spiritual son or daughter of God the Father, including Jesus. Jesus occupies a special place among those spirit children because He is the firstborn spirit child of God and the older brother of humankind (Doctrine & Covenants 93: 21.)

He was also the only begotten son of God in the flesh. He loves all people unconditionally and is believed to have been chosen in the premortal existence to be the Messiah.

Mormon Doctrine on Jesus' Role in the Godhead

Though they don't accept the trinity, Mormons believe that Jesus is one in purpose with the Father and currently occupies a throne at God's right hand (see Acts 7: 55.)

In Mormonism, Jesus is believed to be the Jehovah or "I am" of the Old Testament (see Exodus 3:14 and John 8:58.) Under the direction of Elohim, or God the Father, Jesus created the earth (see scriptural references to "us" and "our" in Genesis 1: 26.)

Mormon Beliefs About Jesus' Birth

New Testament accounts tell how Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born in Bethlehem to the virgin Mary. Many miraculous events accompanied His birth, both in Jerusalem and to Book of Mormon people in the Americas (Helaman 14: 3-6).

From statements recorded in the Bible, Jesus evidently knew about His divine identity and mission from His youth (see Jesus' answer to Mary in Luke 2: 42-49.)

Ministry and Life of Jesus

In His early thirties, the New Testament says that Jesus began His ministry. Mormons believe the gospel accounts of Jesus being baptized by immersion in the Jordan River, calling and organizing 12 disciples to assist Him, performing miracles, and preaching about human salvation.

Mormons believe that Christ was partially sent to earth to set an example for loving others and submitting to God's will.

Mormon Beliefs on Jesus' Death

Mormon doctrine holds that the primary objective of Christ's life was to redeem humankind from sin and death. His suffering, death, and resurrection is known to Mormons as the Atonement. Mormons today remember Christ's Atonement at church each Sunday with bread and water representing His sacrifice.

The New Testament tells that Jesus appeared to his disciples in Jerusalem before ascending to heaven. Mormons believe that Book of Mormon people, some of the "other sheep" spoken of in John 10: 16, were also visited by Jesus in America after His resurrection.

Mormonism on Jesus' Role Today

Mormons differ from other Christians most widely when it comes to perceptions of Jesus Christ's role today. Mormons believe that in 1820, Jesus and God appeared to Joseph Smith and told him that no church on the earth at that time was fully true. Under His direction, Smith is believed to have restored the gospel and formed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormons today follow a prophet believed to act under the direct instruction of Jesus Christ. In the words of church authority Joseph B. Wirthlin, Jesus "stands at the head of this church and directs it through His servants." Mormons look forward to Jesus Christ's second coming to the earth, when He will rule as king. Mormons also believe that Jesus Christ will conduct the final judgment of each person after they die.

Although members of the LDS church would never use the term "the Mormon Jesus Christ," non-members of the church sometimes do. Mormons accept all that is written about Christ in the Bible, and additional Mormon beliefs about Jesus are informed by modern revelation from the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The copyright of the article Who Is the Mormon Jesus? in Mormonism is owned by Jenny Evans. Permission to republish Who Is the Mormon Jesus? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.