What do Mormons Believe?
May 9, 2012
Filed under Mormon Beliefs
 |
“Mormons” are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church is the full restoration of the Primitive Church of Jesus Christ organized by the Lord Jesus through His original apostles. As predicted by Paul, there was a falling away even while the Lord’s apostles were visiting the congregations as often as they could. Within a few hundred years of the Lord Christ’s death and resurrection and organization of His church, the philosophies of Greece and Egypt, and the Roman Emperor Constantine had mingled with true doctrine. Many simple truths were lost, and many were changed. As Protestants believe, so do Mormons, that the apostolic authority was lost. This idea caused many protestant reformers to come forward to try to reclaim lost truth. However, a reformation of ideas and policies was not enough. A full restoration of lost power and authority was necessary.
Mormons believe that conditions were right in the early history of the United States for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to survive. Persecutions had always followed the reformers in Europe, and that was the very reason they left Europe for a free America. During the Second Great Awakening in the early 1820′s in the northeastern states, there were many who believed a reformation of Christianity was not enough. Some had revelations that God would soon restore the gospel in its fulness. Many of those converted to the Church of Jesus Christ when it was introduced to them.
A visit from the Lord Jesus Christ to a boy of fourteen who was confused by the many disagreeing sects of Christianity put to rest one tenet of creedal beliefs — that of a trinity — God as a spirit without body parts or passions who could manifest Himself on earth as Jesus Christ, therefore God incarnate. When Joseph Smith prayed to know which religion he should affiliate with, two personages appeared to him in a pillar of flaming light — God the Father introduced His Son, Jesus Christ, and told Joseph to “hear Him.” Although glorious beyond description, these two beings were resurrected men. It seemed logical to Joseph, who knew from the Bible that the resurrected Christ had ascended to heaven before the eyes of the apostles and had promised to return in like manner. Christ Himself had said during His ministry that He did the work of the Father, the same Father He had petitioned in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the brutal cross.
God the Father and God the Son told Joseph he should join none of the churches, but that the true and miraculous Church of Jesus Christ was about to be restored in preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord. This restoration, guided by Jesus Christ Himself, necessitated the return of proper authority, and it took heavenly messengers to confer that authority, since there was no one on earth who had it. John the Baptist conferred the lesser, preparatory priesthood, so that the ordinance of baptism could be performed. Peter, James, and John conferred the high priesthood, so that the Holy Ghost could be conferred upon the newly baptized, and miracles could become common once again.
The Lord has revealed His will line upon line and precept upon precept to ensuing prophets and apostles. Previously hidden scriptures have been revealed and more are promised. The work has gone forth and will continue to go forth until it fills the earth.
Mormons Believe in the Biblical Christ
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was and is who the Bible says He is — the Creator and Savior. Mormons believe that He did the will of His Father who sent Him. Mormons believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem and was crucified in Jerusalem. Mormons believe that the Lord Jesus Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world, that we might not suffer, if we would repent and keep His commandments. Mormons believe that Christ will return, destroy the wicked, and establish one thousand years of peace and rest on the paradisaical earth. Mormons believe that the miracles performed by Christ and the original apostles are the right of holders of the Holy Priesthood — the power and authority to act in God’s name — and that this priesthood has been fully restored, along with miracles in these modern times.
Mormons believe the heavens are open and that God’s words are endless. Mormons believe in prophets and scriptures and revelation, both for the church and for each individual human being on earth. Mormons believe that God loves His children.
Additional Resources:
Leave a Reply