3:21; 4:11-16), … 4:35, 39; 6:4; Isa. Mormons are strongly focused on traditional familylife and values. 57:15; 1 Tim. The Missouri stake was relocated to Far West, Missouri, in 1836 and the Kirtland Stake dissolved in 1838. 25:41, 46; Rev. One cannot read the Book of Mormon and honestly come away wondering what the Latter-day Saints believe about the Divine Sonship. The Book of Mormon has a high Christology; that is, the doctrine of Christ is thick and heavy on the pages of this scriptural record, and the testimony of the divinity of the Lord and Savior is powerful and direct. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Mormons claim that “total” apostasy overcame the church following apostolic times, and that the Mormon Church (founded in 1830) is the “restored church.” If the Mormon Church were truly a “restored church,” however, one would expect to find first-century historical evidence for Mormon doctrines like the plurality of gods and God the Father having once been a man. (Note that all the documentation is taken from Mormon writers and Mormon scriptures). Biblically, however, there was nothing noble about Adam’s sin, which was not a stepping-stone to godhood but rather brought nothing but sin, misery, and death to mankind (Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. The views expressed on this website do not necessarily represent the views of the LDS Church or its officials. There is only one true God (Deut. 20:13-15). Mormons believe “the heavenly Father is really an exalted man. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Mormonism is a Christian restorationist religious movement that was founded by Joseph Smith. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Bowman says that at the heart of this misunderstanding is a legitimate question: What does it mean to be a Christian? Mormons believe that the Trinity consists not of three persons in one God but rather of three distinct gods. 5:21; 1 Pet. But the Bible teaches that people have just two possibilities for their eternal futures: the saved will enjoy eternal life with God in the new heavens and new earth (Phil. Copyright © 2021 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. According to Mormonism, there are potentially many thousands of gods besides these. The term “Mormon” comes from the name given to one of their Scriptures, the Book of Mormon. Mormons are some of the kindest and friendliest people we could know. Everything we teach is centered around Him. Mormonism began as part of the Christian restoration movement, which hoped to restore the original practice of Christianity. Belief in Christ, or even in God, is not necessary to obtain immortality in one of these three kingdoms, and therefore only the most spiritually perverse will go to hell. 53:6; John 1:29; 2 Cor. He did not “progress” toward godhood, but has always been God. Mormons would not be telling you this, however, because to date we as a people have lived in a closed and totalizing system. Have you ever wondered how Mormons—properly referred to as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—got their nickname? 5:3-8; John 14:1-3; Rev. Although Mormon is a nickname for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the name actually refers to a prophet who lived in ancient America and who played a vital role in recording the scriptural history of his time, revealed in our day.. More specifically, Mormon was a prophet, military leader, and record keeper in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was also given a subtitle, "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day … 4. 8:14-30; 1 Cor. Biblically, however, salvation by grace must be received through faith in Christ (John 3:15-16; 11:25; 12:46; Acts 16:31; Rom. Basic Mormon Beliefs is a website dedicated to answering these questions. 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Today, 15 million individuals practice Mormonism around the world. Ask me a question, or search on the blog. 1:17) and immutable (or unchangeable in his being and perfections; see Ps. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. ); and teach that Jesus is a created being (Journal of Discourses, vol. A Mormon who writes articles or makes public statements against the church can get in a lot of trouble, and the church is ready to stop them. A “Mormon” is the name given to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Often just abbreviated to just the LDS Church). Mormons believe that the family is an eternal unit and central to God's plan. Don’t see a link to something you’re looking for? We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. And Mary’s conception of Jesus in his humanity was through a miracle of the Holy Spirit (Matt. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. 3:4ff.). 8, p. 115; Mormon Doctrine, p. 547). Both of these moves were in response to the persistent myth that Mormons aren't Christians. “Mormon” is a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.They believe in, hope in, rejoice in, and testify of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the World. Mormons believe that Adam’s transgression was a noble act that made it possible for humans to become mortal, a necessary step on the path to exaltation to godhood. Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary (Journal of Discourses, vol. They think that Christ’s atonement secures immortality for virtually all people, whether they repent and believe or not. God desires humans to humbly recognize that they are his creatures (Gen. 2:7; 5:2; Ps. Young, and 148 Mormons, crossed into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 3:22-24; Eph. Mormon leader Lorenzo Snow’s “sacred communication” summarized a key portion of Mormon belief in a short couplet: As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be. This article inspects th… We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. However, based on the Bible, God is not and has never been a man (Num. If the Mormon Church were truly a “restored church,” however, one would expect to find first-century historical evidence for Mormon doctrines like the plurality of gods and God the Father having once been a man. 345-354. 21:3-7). 20:3). Furthermore, God is eternal (Ps. For the next two decades, wagon trains bearing thousands of Mormon immigrants followed Young’s westward trail. 95:6-7; 100:3). Believers will never become gods. 102:25-27; Mal. 3:6). This is not an official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, New Testament Compilation: The Final Hours of Jesus Christ, 8 Ways to Improve Accessibility and Inclusion for Senior Parishioners, How to Help a Child with a Parent Who Is Struggling with Addiction, The Resurrection: The Final Hours of Jesus Christ – Part 3. The following is a brief overview of the beliefs of Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) believe, along with what the Bible really teaches, printed among the many articles and resources in the back of the ESV Study Bible (posted with permission). Aside from all the commandments and programs in the Mormon Church, one belief is central to it all: a belief in Jesus Christ. The state of the redeemed in eternity will be one of glorious immortality, but they will forever remain God’s creatures, adopted as his children (Rom. Here is a video of evangelist Aaron Shafovaloff talking to Mormons in Salt Lake City about whether it was possible God the Father could have been a sinner in a past probation: Justin Taylor is executive vice president for book publishing and publisher for books at Crossway. The Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. 80 Years Ago C. S. Lewis Warned Against Making Faith a Means to a Political End, Why Those Who Mourn Are Blessed in God’s Kingdom, The Self-Pity and Irresponsibility of President Trump, A Simple Explanation of Divine Simplicity. Mormons believe Jesus is a god, but that any human can also become a god (Doctrine and Covenants 132:20; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p Mormons believe The Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his dealings with ancient inhabitants of the American continent. See also the post on the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 16:18; 28:20; Eph. Mormons, followers of the faith, rely on several religious texts, including the traditional Doctrine and Covenants, Christian Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. The term was originally considered derogatory, but today it is considered acceptable. Mormons attest to the validity of the Bible and modern-day revelation and have a core belief in the importance of eternal families. See more. Let's learn about Mormonism, specifically the Latter Day Saint movement that resulted in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Biblically, however, the description of Jesus as the “only begotten” refers to his being the Father’s unique, one-of-a-kind Son for all eternity, with the same divine nature as the Father (see note on John 1:14; cf. There are a number of splinter groups of the LDS church, such as the Community of Christ, and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which are often mistakenly called Mormons too. John 1:18; 3:16, 18; see also John 5:18; 10:30). 2:8-9), and all true believers are promised eternal life in God’s presence (Matt. Jesus atoned for the sins of all who would trust him for salvation (Isa. Members of the church are often called Mormons. He was later physically conceived in Mary’s womb, as the literal “only begotten” Son of God the Father in the flesh (though many present-day Mormons remain somewhat vague as to how this occurred). 5:12-14). Christians teach that God is the creator of everything. Besides, the Bible disallows a total apostasy of the church (e.g., Matt. 1:10-12; 13:8), meaning he did not progress to deity but has always been God. A guy in a suit and tie on a bicycle usually accompanied by another guy in a suit and tie on a bicycle both wearing yellow backpacks filled with root beer and green jello. We believe He is the Savior of all the world, the Redeemer of all people. This is a good thing in that you have an instant community wherever you go--a group where assumptions are held tacitly and comfortingly. The church has a committee called “The Strengthening Church Members Committee,” which is sort of like a Mormon version of the NSA. God does not look kindly on humans who pretend to attain to deity (Acts 12:21-23; contrast Acts 14:11-15). 3:20; Rev. The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. Brief History of Mormon Stakes. And indeed, they call themselves Christians. 28:19; 2 Cor. Moreover, he is eternal deity (John 1:1; 8:58) and is immutable (Heb. Mormons believe that God gives to (virtually) everyone a general salvation to immortal life in one of the heavenly kingdoms, which is how they understand salvation by grace. Mormon definition, the popular name given to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:18; 46:9; 1 Cor. Joseph Smith, of course, is the founder of Mormonism. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. 90:2; 102:27; Isa. 21:1-4; 22:1-5), while the unsaved will spend eternity in hell (Matt. Aside from all the commandments and programs in the Mormon Church, one belief is central to it all: a belief in Jesus Christ. Mormon beliefs can be summarized succinctly with the Church’s Articles of Faith, listed below: I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and throughout my years, I’ve discovered that often times people have big misconceptions about what we believe. So are there differences between Mormons and Christians when it … For many years, members of the church were known as "Mormons" by those who were not members. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons have a strong belief and faith in Jesus Christ. The Church's first stake was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on February 17, 1834, and Joseph Smith, Jr. was the first stake president.The second stake was organized in Clay County, Missouri on July 3 of the same year, with David Whitmer as stake president. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. Mormon beliefs are many, but you may surprised to find that a lot of them are inline with what you and other Christians believe. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. 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