Belief

A good friend of mine asked me who Jesus Christ is to me as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is of another Christian faith and has viewed my religion with great skepticism. Many people do. But I have studied the scriptures and prayed and this is my answer. It's long, but if you have a few minutes, feel free to read. This is my own writing, not any official church document. Merry Christmas!

"Hi Marie!
Your question got me thinking, which is why it has taken me a while to respond, not because I question my belief, but more how to articulate it. But, be warned: the answer is very long, and at the end, the question is coming back to you, because I want to know what you believe.

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the prophesied Messiah (Isaiah 53:3-5), who came into the world, under the direction of God, the Father, in order to provide a path to salvation for those that believe (John 3:16-17). In his life he taught the gospel, healed the sick, provided an example of how to live, then suffered and died for every transgression, every folly, and every hurt known to man (Matthew 8:17). After three days, he was resurrected (Luke 24:39) so we can also live again. He created the world, through the power of God, our Heavenly Father (Hebrews 1:2) and he is the Mediator, who will judge us based on our actions and desires (John 5:22). He is divine himself, as God’s Only Begotten Son on earth (John 1:14).

What does he do for us? I know that he is continually aware of our challenges and trials (Isaiah 49:16) and that he cares very deeply about our troubles and our fears. I know this because he has lifted me in my own struggles, big or small. He can cleanse us from our sins if we choose to repent and follow him (1 John 1:7-9). He can save us from death and Hell through his grace, if we exercise faith in him (Ephesians 2:8). We must do things in order to demonstrate that our faith is real (James 2:17-18) How do we show that we have faith? By repenting of our sins, being baptized (Acts, 2:38; Mark 16:16), and obeying his commandments, or living according to his will (John 14:15). Christ is the Great Physician sent to heal and bless us and to provide a way, the only way, back to the Father (John 14:6). All we must do is follow him and do as he did. When we make mistakes, we ask forgiveness (Proverbs 28:13). When we have questions, we ask for guidance (James 1:5-6).

You said that Mormons differ from Christianity. Yes, in some ways we do differ, but I believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer of the world. You may know that ’Mormon’ is not the official name of the church, but rather The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it is the Christ’s church, restored in these, the latter days in history, as opposed the early days of the ancient church. We believe that Christ’s church was on the earth for centuries, as seen in the Bible, though belief and truth waxed and waned through the ages, and many churches sprang up from only believing bits and pieces of the true gospel, though the full gospel disappeared with the death of the apostles.

As God loves all His children, and wants all to come to Him, He chose to restore the full knowledge of His gospel in our time, through another prophet. His love extended beyond the people living around Jerusalem to people living in the Americas, like the ancestors to the native people in North and South American. Their record of God’s dealings is found in the Book of Mormon. God has not limited his word to one place and time, but desires all people to know Him. John 20:31 testifies that “…these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;....” The Book of Mormon shares the same purpose in Mormon 5:14 “…that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God,….” In addition, there are several invitations to the reader to seek truth, one of which is found in 1 Nephi 33:10-11, which invites all to “…hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words, believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe on these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words or Christ, judge ye - for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words….”

Yes, we differ some, but I believe that our love for Jesus Christ is the same. We both believe that he is the way, the truth, and the life. We both believe in prayer and that God answers those prayers. If you are concerned about anything in this message, honest prayer is the key. God will show the way to any earnest seeker of truth, who is willing to act in the manner that God directs. I invite you to pray about it; to pray to know if these things are right. I know the Bible and the Book of Mormon both testify of the reality of our Savoir and that they teach us the way to live in order to return to God with our families. I have prayed about these things, to know if Christ is our Savior and if the Bible and Book of Mormon are God’s word. And It’s true. I know these things are true.

This answer has been long and wide ranging, but thank you for asking, and even more for reading. Who, then, is Jesus Christ to you? What does he mean in your life?"