Mormon Beliefs Jesus Christ

What do Mormons believe about Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Mormon belief. Joseph Smith said, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” 1

Mormons believe that the Father is “the personal and literal Father of a mortal Offspring born of mortal woman” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., 155). Born to Mary in the city of Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ had both godly and mortal characteristics while on earth. Mormonism teaches that this means he could fulfill His mission as Savior of the World, which mission was laid out by the Father. He would suffer all physical, emotional, and spiritual afflictions possible for man to experience and then would be put to death. He would thus pay the price for all the sins men and women had committed and will yet commit, as well as for their sorrows and grief.

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, is an important book of scripture to Mormons. In it are contained accounts of prophets living in the Americas who knew concerning the birth of Christ. Mormons believe those ancient peoples living on the American continent during the time of Christ’s birth knew about the Savior and looked forward to His coming. The following scripture is from the Book of Mormon:

Helaman 14:5: “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.”

Mormons believe Jesus Christ lived an earthly childhood with his parents Mary and Joseph. When it came time for his mortal ministry to begin, Jesus called twelve apostles and organized His church. He performed miracles and blessed many people while on earth. Records of these miracles are found throughout the New Testament. While on earth, Jesus Christ taught His gospel to all in Judea who would listen.

As His final act as Savior on the earth, Christ performed the Atonement. This great sacrifice included taking upon Himself all the sins of mankind in the Garden of Gethsemane, and later, the crucifixion and death of His mortal body on the cross at Calvary.

The Mormon Church teaches that the Savior performed the Atonement as part of Heavenly Father’s plan, so that one day every child on earth would have the opportunity to return to live with God. Without the Atonement, it would not be possible to be perfectly clean and forgiven of our sins, and we must be spotless to return to the Lord’s presence.

To qualify to receive the blessings made possible by the Atonement, we each must learn about the Savior and follow His commandments. It is Mormon belief that we must be baptized in His name and continually strive to serve and live righteous lives. When we make mistakes, which occurrence is inevitable, the Atonement is there to wipe those sins away, if we repent.

Jesus Christ directs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through direct revelation to His prophets.  The temples built to him in this despensation of time are each the House of the Lord, sacred and holy places where Christ can visit, should He choose to do so.  The Lord’s prophets have written of some of these visits.  Joseph Smith recorded the following visitation in the Kirtland Temple:

The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.  We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.  His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:  I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.  Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.  Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.  For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.  Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy  house (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-8).