Copyright © 2021 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. 21:3-7). 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. Mormonism is a branch of Christianity, with a few key differences in their beliefs. Jesus atoned for the sins of all who would trust him for salvation (Isa. Mormons believe The Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his dealings with ancient inhabitants of the American continent. 21:1-4; 22:1-5), while the unsaved will spend eternity in hell (Matt. Furthermore, God is eternal (Ps. 5:3-8; John 14:1-3; Rev. 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. 95:6-7; 100:3). (Note that all the documentation is taken from Mormon writers and Mormon scriptures). We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. 8:4; James 2:19), who exists eternally in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 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. Their views on family and morality is not far different from that of Christians. 28:19; 2 Cor. 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. Bowman says that at the heart of this misunderstanding is a legitimate question: What does it mean to be a Christian? They think that Christ’s atonement secures immortality for virtually all people, whether they repent and believe or not. 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. 3:4ff.). Max Perry Mueller, a historian at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, argues that Mormonism is a quintessentially American religion. Today, 15 million individuals practice Mormonism around the world. 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. Don’t see a link to something you’re looking for? Mormons are some of the kindest and friendliest people we could know. Usage of Mormon and Mormonism 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. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 4. Biblically, however, salvation by grace must be received through faith in Christ (John 3:15-16; 11:25; 12:46; Acts 16:31; Rom. Mormonism is the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As you explore, I hope you'll discover my deep love for Jesus Christ, and come to know that this love and faith is central to the life of every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God desires humans to humbly recognize that they are his creatures (Gen. 2:7; 5:2; Ps. Mormons believe “the heavenly Father is really an exalted man. He did not “progress” toward godhood, but has always been God. 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. Mormon is a term used to describe the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 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. For many years, members of the church were known as "Mormons" by those who were not members. Mormonism is a Christian restorationist religious movement that was founded by Joseph Smith. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was the firstborn spirit-child of the heavenly Father and a heavenly Mother. This article inspects th… The term was originally considered derogatory, but today it is considered acceptable. Mormons would not be telling you this, however, because to date we as a people have lived in a closed and totalizing system. 2:8-9), and all true believers are promised eternal life in God’s presence (Matt. 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. Mormon definition is - the ancient redactor and compiler of the Book of Mormon presented as divine revelation by Joseph Smith. 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. Just click on a link to learn more. American Christians and Islam: From the Colonial Era to the Post-9/11 World, 7 Ways to Kill the Thanksgiving Impulse in Your Life, Life and Books and Everything: John Piper Talks Books, We Must Find a Better Way to Talk About Race, The Danger of Students Taking a “Gap Year” from Church. 4:1). We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 16:18; 28:20; Eph. 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. He is a spirit (John 4:24), and a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). 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. God does not look kindly on humans who pretend to attain to deity (Acts 12:21-23; contrast Acts 14:11-15). But the Bible teaches that the yearning to be godlike led to the fall of mankind (Gen. You can follow him on Twitter. Everything we teach is centered around Him. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day … Besides, the Bible disallows a total apostasy of the church (e.g., Matt. 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 From this conviction in the Savior stems all of our many other beliefs about family, salvation, life and religion—which you’ll find a list of below. 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. 20:3). Members of the church are often called Mormons. Aside from all the commandments and programs in the Mormon Church, one belief is central to it all: a belief in Jesus Christ. Mormons attest to the validity of the Bible and modern-day revelation and have a core belief in the importance of eternal families. So are there differences between Mormons and Christians when it … Mormon beliefs are many, but you may surprised to find that a lot of them are inline with what you and other Christians believe. The Book of Mormon was also given a subtitle, "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." He blogs at Between Two Worlds and Evangelical History. However, trusting in or worshiping more than one god is explicitly condemned throughout the Bible (e.g., Ex. Mormon definition, the popular name given to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 345-354. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. Please make sure all fields are filled out. John 1:18; 3:16, 18; see also John 5:18; 10:30). 90:2; 102:27; Isa. This is a good thing in that you have an instant community wherever you go--a group where assumptions are held tacitly and comfortingly. For example, Mormons reject belief in the Trinity (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 372, Articles of Faith, p. 35); hold to an unbiblical view of the afterlife (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 57:15; 1 Tim. They are now called “Members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints”. 8, p. 115; Mormon Doctrine, p. 547). The name "Mormons" is simply no longer a name for them. 53:6; John 1:29; 2 Cor. 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). 20:13-15). 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. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. The term “Mormon” comes from the name given to one of their Scriptures, the Book of Mormon. 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). 102:25-27; Mal. Mormonism began as part of the Christian restoration movement, which hoped to restore the original practice of Christianity. Brief History of Mormon Stakes. For the next two decades, wagon trains bearing thousands of Mormon immigrants followed Young’s westward trail. 15:42-57; Rev. 5:12-14). There is only one true God (Deut. “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. 3:20; Rev. Young, and 148 Mormons, crossed into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 25:41, 46; Rev. 3:6). Mormons are strongly focused on traditional familylife and values. Mormons believe that the family is an eternal unit and central to God's plan. 8:14-30; 1 Cor. 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. And Mary’s conception of Jesus in his humanity was through a miracle of the Holy Spirit (Matt. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. 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. Mormons believe that the Trinity consists not of three persons in one God but rather of three distinct gods. The church has a committee called “The Strengthening Church Members Committee,” which is sort of like a Mormon version of the NSA. 4:35, 39; 6:4; Isa. 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. Have you ever wondered how Mormons—properly referred to as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—got their nickname? ); and teach that Jesus is a created being (Journal of Discourses, vol. 23:19; Hos. Mormons believe that humans, like God the Father, can go through a process of exaltation to godhood. Jesus then progressed to deity in the spirit world. Mormons claim that God the Father was once a man and that he then progressed to godhood (that is, he is a now-exalted, immortal man with a flesh-and-bone body). 1:10-12; 13:8), meaning he did not progress to deity but has always been God. Such evidence is completely lacking. However, based on the Bible, God is not and has never been a man (Num. 1:17) and immutable (or unchangeable in his being and perfections; see Ps. 21:3-7). Moreover, he is eternal deity (John 1:1; 8:58) and is immutable (Heb. Belief in Christ is necessary only to obtain passage to the highest, celestial kingdom—for which not only faith but participation in Mormon temple rituals and obedience to its “laws of the gospel” are also prerequisites. 3:21; 4:11-16), warning instead of partial apostasy (1 Tim. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 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. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. 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. Believers will never become gods. We believe He is the Savior of all the world, the Redeemer of all people. It is also referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Ask me a question, or search on the blog. 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). Both of these moves were in response to the persistent myth that Mormons aren't Christians. Besides, the Bible disallows a total apostasy of the church (e.g., Matt. According to Mormonism, there are potentially many thousands of gods besides these. 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. 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. 1:20). Aside from all the commandments and programs in the Mormon Church, one belief is central to it all: a belief in Jesus Christ. Basic Mormon Beliefs is a website dedicated to answering these questions. Let's learn about Mormonism, specifically the Latter Day Saint movement that resulted in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mormons believe that most people will end up in one of three kingdoms of glory, depending on one’s level of faithfulness. Joseph Smith, of course, is the founder of Mormonism. Christians teach that God is the creator of everything. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons have a strong belief and faith in Jesus Christ. Such evidence is completely lacking. The Missouri stake was relocated to Far West, Missouri, in 1836 and the Kirtland Stake dissolved in 1838. They opposeabortion, homosesxuality, unmarried sexual acts, pornography, gambling, tobacco, consuming alcohol, tea, … See also the post on the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 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. One cannot read the Book of Mormon and honestly come away wondering what the Latter-day Saints believe about the Divine Sonship. 5:21; 1 Pet. Mormon beliefs are many, but you may surprised to find that a lot of them are inline with what you and other Christians believe. 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). The Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary (Journal of Discourses, vol. 11:9). And indeed, they call themselves Christians. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. See more. 3:21; 4:11-16), … Mormonism also called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), teaches the following non-Christian, non-biblical doctrines. 13:14). Mormonism is the religious tradition and theology of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity started by Joseph Smith in Western New York in the 1820s and 30s. How Bad Is This Moment in American History? 3:22-24; Eph. Mormons claim that “total” apostasy overcame the church following apostolic times, and that the Mormon Church (founded in 1830) is the “restored church.”. 16:18; 28:20; Eph. 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As members of the Church ( e.g., Matt spirit-child of the heavenly Father is really an exalted man of. Luke 24:39 ) of Mormonism good report or praiseworthy, we seek after things!