Plain and Simple Gospel Truths
Filed under: God in the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
Jacob was the third prophet of the Book of Mormon. He called his people together in the temple to chastise them for their wickedness, and their failure to live the gospel that had once defined them. To help them see the risks they faced, he also prophesied of the future challenges faced by the Jews in Jerusalem, which is where his people had come from themselves. He warned them some of the Jewish people would reject the Savior when He came because they were looking for someone different from the person they saw and for a gospel more complex than what He was offering.
Instead, the Savior would offer a gospel that was filled with plain and simple truths. The complexities of the Law of Moses would be removed. The intellectualism some craved would not be a part of the gospel. Those who wanted a gospel too hard to understand would be disappointed, because the truth is not complex. However, we can see from Jacob’s warning that God would give them what they wanted, if they insisted on it, but to their own detriment.
“14 But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble. (Jacob 4)
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/jacob/4
While God glories in our intelligence, which He gave us, we must not allow intellectualism or a desire for the complex and fancy to overshadow our need for the very basic, very beautiful in their simplicity, gospel truths. Sometimes people who wish to attack the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will focus on small fringe ideas, ideas which were never canonized, but only speculated on by early leaders and others, as intelligent people sometimes do. They entirely miss the heart of the gospel, which begins when a young boy kneels in the woods and God appears, introducing young Joseph Smith to His Son, Jesus Christ. This simple moment in unpretentious, God-made surroundings, teaches the heart of the restored gospel. God lives. Jesus is His literal Son.
From this other simple truths were taught over time. God loves us with all His heart. Jesus redeemed us out of love. God sends prophets to teach us even today because He loves us. He has given us the Holy Ghost, if we choose it, to allow us to communicate directly with God anytime we choose, and this too, because He loves us.
The plain and simple truths of the gospel are the ones centered in love, and they are the heart of the gospel that is truly taught by the restored gospel. Don’t look beyond the mark, as the early Jewish people sometimes did, and miss what is right in front of you: The truth, in all its simplistic glory.
The Law of Moses
Filed under: Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
The people of the Book of Mormon lived in the Americas in ancient times. However, they initially came here from Jerusalem, fleeing around 600 B.C. and bringing with them the scriptures available to that point. As a result, they had the law of Moses and, until the Savior appeared to them between his death and resurrection, they practiced it.
Jacob, the third prophet of the Book of Mormon and son of the first prophet, brother of the second, explained the purpose of the records they kept, which was written for people of a future time (our time), including their descendants.
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
5 Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son. (Jacob 4)
The purpose of the law of Moses was to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Savior. M. Russell Ballard, an apostle of the Lord in modern times, explained:
“…everything about Mosaic sacrifice focused on Christ. Like Christ, the priest acted as the mediator between the people and their God. Like Christ, the priest had to have the right parentage to officiate in his office. Like Christ, the offerer through obedience willingly sacrificed what was required by the law.
The part of sacrifice that most strongly paralleled the Savior was the offering itself. Notice with me some of these parallels.
First, like Christ, the animal was chosen and anointed by the laying on of hands. (The Hebrew title Messiah and the Greek title Christ both mean “the Anointed One.”) Second, the animal was to have its life’s blood spilt. Third, it had to be without blemish—totally free from physical flaws, complete, whole, and perfect. Fourth, the sacrifice had to be clean and worthy. Fifth, the sacrifice had to be domesticated; that is, not wild but tame and of help to man. Sixth and seventh, for the original sacrifice practiced by Adam and the most common sacrifice in the law of Moses, the animal had to be a firstborn and a male. Eighth, the sacrifice of grain had to be ground into flour and made into breadstuffs, which reminds us of our Lord’s title the Bread of Life. Ninth, the firstfruits that were offered remind us that Christ was the firstfruits of the Resurrection.”
(M. Russell Ballard, “The Law of Sacrifice,” Ensign, Oct 1998, 7. Please see article for Biblical references.)
The Nephites, as the people who kept the Book of Mormon record were known, knew of Christ. Their prophets had seen Him in visions, and even knew what His name would be. They knew that someday He would come to them as well, for a brief few days. His coming would be different than that of the time in Jerusalem, since He would come after his death to teach them.
So, although they were far from their first homeland of Jerusalem, they too awaited the birth of a Savior. Through spiritual signs, they would know when He was born and they’d know when He died. When He died, it would finally be their opportunity to learn from Him and to have the church established through His authority, just as the Savior established it in Jerusalem.
In the meantime, the Law of Moses helped them to understand the sacrifice He would make for them and would teach them discipline and obedience. While we don’t know exactly what was in the five books of Moses they brought with them, we can presume it was the Torah or nearly the Torah, and the laws mentioned throughout the book appear to be similar to those practiced in Old Testament times. In addition, they had prophets of their own, of course, and God could communicate to them exactly what was expected.
Feast on the Words of the Savior
Filed under: Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
Have you ever read the stories of people in the scriptures who were privileged to listen to the Savior speak in person, and longed to be among them? When you read of the Sermon on the Mount, do you imagine yourself sitting on the hill, gazing up at the Savior and savoring every word He says?
While we may not be able to travel back in time to sit on a hill with the Savior or to join Him for dinner, listening as He speaks, God, in His kindness, has given us a way to feast on the Savior’s words even today. He instructed His people to keep records, and many of those records include the words of Christ for us to feast upon and treasure.
“Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. “(2 Nephi 32:3 in the Book of Mormon)
The Savior’s words give us a visual understanding of how we are to live our lives on earth. He spoke, often, for example, of how we are to treat the poor and the disabled:
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind (Luke 14:13)
But a careful reading of the scriptures shows us how Jesus Himself carried out this commandment:
Throughout the New Testament, we see the Savior’s kindness to those who were considered unimportant in His community—the poor, the disabled, the sinner. He was kind to them, forgiving, accepting. He included them in His world. He didn’t accept the sins, but He did accept the sinner. He taught the downtrodden by serving them and by treating them with respect, even when others didn’t. I’ve always loved the way He treated the blind man begging on the side of the road. (See Mark 10.)
The man believed that Jesus could heal him, so when He found that the Savior was coming down the road, he called out to Him. Others told him not to bother Jesus. The blind, in those days, were not important members of society, and a blind begger seemed to some to be too unimportant to warrant the attention of someone as important as the Savior. This showed a strong lack of understanding of who the Savior was. Jesus called the man to him and treated him with great respect. He asked what He could do for the man—when was the last time someone spoke so respectfully to this man? Then He told the man it was his (the blind man’s) faith that had healed him. The crowd around him heard that message, and must have looked at the man with a new respect.
The Savior’s treatment of this man mirrored the way He treated everyone at any level of society. This set an example we could see and emulate. Sometimes we humans need a visual to follow when learning what to do.
The scriptures give us a glimpse into the Savior’s life and teachings. Whether or not we see Him standing in front of us teaching, we have His words preserved and reading the Bible and the Book of Mormon allow us to feast on the words of the Savior.
The Voice of Angels
Filed under: Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon, Teachings
2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 2-3, Book of Mormon)
The Book of Mormon teaches us that after we have been baptized and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, we can speak with the tongue of angels. What an amazing gift that is! Of course, such an amazing gift also comes with amazing responsibility. Verse three explains that angels speak only by the power of the Holy Ghost. So what do they speak of? They teach the words of Christ. In other words, they teach the truth.
When we let people know we’re Christians, do we keep in mind that God expects us to speak with the tongue of angels? Do our words adequately represent who we are—a representative of the Savior? Do our tongues speak only the truth?
The first step to learning to speak with the tongue of angels is to find out what the truth really is. If we want to represent him properly, we have a tremendous obligation to find out what is true and to share only that. How do we know what’s true? We can ask someone we know, but people, even famous spiritual leaders, can be wrong. There are millions of people who have preached God’s word, but many of those people contradict each other. God is not a God of confusion. There can only be one truth. If the law of gravity is true, it can’t also be false. It’s our responsibility to find out what is true. Refusing to take on that responsibility makes us an irresponsible representative of the Savior.
So if we can’t necessarily trust men, who do we ask? We ask God, of course. He knows the entire truth, and will never mislead us. We can turn to Him in prayer and ask Him what is true and what we are to share with others. Following His instructions, instructions that came directly from Him, is the first step.
Once we’re on the right path, we must, as Nephi said, feast on the words of Christ. We need to study the scriptures in depth and make certain we know them well. Then we can teach only the truth, as God wants it taught.
From that moment on, we must guard our tongue to be sure it’s always representing God and the Savior well. We must speak with a voice of kindness and love, with an inviting voice, not one that turns people away because of attacks and belittlement.
When we speak lovingly God’s own words, and the words of Christ, we speak with the tongue of angels. What a wonderful gift!
Jesus is the Literal Son of God
Filed under: God in the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. (2 Nephi 31:21)
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called “Mormons,” do not believe in the doctrine of the trinity. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct individuals. So what does the above scripture from the Book of Mormon mean?
On LDS.org, we learn what it means to say God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one God:
“Although the members of the Godhead are distinct beings with distinct roles, they are one in purpose and doctrine. They are perfectly united in bringing to pass Heavenly Father’s divine plan of salvation.”
People learning of the church for the first time are sometimes puzzled by this belief, and it can be helpful to understand more about why we believe as we do on this subject.
Joseph Smith, the first prophet of modern days, learned of the true nature of God and Jesus when he was fourteen years old. Confused about which church to join, he followed the advice of the Bible (James 1:5) and went to the woods to pray about the problem. As he prayed, God and Jesus came to him to answer his question. You can read more about this at Mormon.org.
Because he saw God and Jesus, Joseph understood that they were separate beings. When the Bible speaks of Jesus as God’s Son, Joseph realized this was a literal statement. When Joseph grew up and was called by God to restore the gospel to the earth, He learned more about this fascinating subject.
Harpers Bible Dictionary, a non-LDS authority on the Bible, says the trinity is not found in the Bible. (Paul F. Achtemeier, ed. (1985), 1099) Instead, it was defined as a part of Christian doctrine in 325 BC at the Council at Nicaea. The Nicene Creed, which developed from this council held by various scholars to unify the various Christian beliefs circulating, contained the doctrine of the Trinity and was passed along to Christians as if it had come from the Bible. It is the result of argumentation, debate, and decision, not prayer or prophecy.
There is indeed confusion in the Christian world over this doctrine, but Christ Himself felt no confusion about it. He said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38, King James version of the Bible.) There is no clearer statement that Jesus knew He and God were distinct individuals.
For more on this subject, read Apostasy and Restoration by Dallin H. Oaks.
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Filed under: Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
At the start of His ministry, the Savior went to His cousin, John, and asked to be baptized. John, knowing Jesus’ true identity and perfection, protested, saying it was Jesus who should baptize him, not the other way around. Jesus was perfect, and one purpose of baptism is to wash away sins. He wondered why Jesus wanted to be baptized.
Jesus taught us regularly that we were to follow his example. One reason God sent His Son to be with us is because mortal beings often need a physical example to follow, and this is something the Savior provided us—someone who lived as we did, whose example we could emulate.
8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.
9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them (2 Nephi 31 in the Book of Mormon).
Baptism is an opportunity for us to have all our sins removed from us at once and to start over. Prior to our baptism we learn about God and what He expects of us. Then we begin a process of personal repentance, as we ask forgiveness for previous sins and begin to put our lives in line with God’s plan for us. When we’ve reached a certain level of obedience, we can be baptized.
At the same time, we make covenants with God, our very first ones. A covenant is a two-way promise between us and God. We promise God we will do certain things and He promises to do things for us in return. If we do our part, He will do His.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes incorrectly called the Mormon Church, baptizes people at the age of eight or older. Younger children are pure, free of sin, and therefore do not need baptism. We teach that each person is accountable only for his own sins, and not Adam’s, Eve’s, or any other person on earth. A fair and loving God won’t hold us responsible for something entirely out of our control. He sends children to earth clean and pure, and they remain so until age eight, when they are old enough to know right from wrong. Children who die prior to age eight die in complete purity and return to Heavenly Father without accountability for their actions.
Since Jesus was baptized to set the example for us, members of the Church are baptized by immersion, as Jesus was. At that time, they also promise to take on the Savior’s name and keep His commandments.
7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. (2 Nephi 31)
If the Savior, whose devotion to and love for His Father was never in question, felt the need to make this covenant and demonstrate His commitment to God, we most certainly need to follow that example. The baptism is tangible proof of our willingness to completely to give ourselves to God, to sacrifice our own desires for His and to commit ourselves to building His kingdom.
This baptism must be done by one who has the proper authority from God to perform it. This person must be a worthy priesthood holder, and for this reason, people who were baptized in another church are re-baptized when they join the restored church. This baptism is followed by the confirmation. The confirmation gives the newly baptized person membership in God’s church. It also bestows upon the person the gift of the Holy Ghost.
“You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.”
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 314.)
The Holy Ghost will help us recognize God’s voice when we hear it, make wise choices, recognize truth, and return to our Father in Heaven through our increased ability to know and do what He asks.
Just as the Savior went to his cousin, who was authorized to baptize, we must also go to one authorized to baptize and commit ourselves to our Father in Heaven.
Salvation is Free; Exaltation is Earned
Filed under: God in the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon, Teachings
As Lehi prepared to die, he counseled his sons for the last time. He spoke to Jacob, his fifth son, about salvation.
“…And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.
And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.” 2 Nephi 2:4-7
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently explained this scripture in general conference:
“To be saved—or to gain salvation—means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death. People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him.” –Russell M. Nelson, “Salvation and Exaltation,” Ensign, May 2008, 7–10
We can see that everyone will be saved, good or bad, regardless of choices made here on earth or lives lived. There is no need to say they believe, no need to act in accordance to the laws of God. This gift God gives to each of His children as a gift of pure love. We all agreed to come here to be tested and to try our best to return home, and in return for making the correct choice initially, we’re all guaranteed the right to live forever.
Living forever, however, isn’t what most Christians want most. It’s a wonderful gift, but those of us who love God and the Savior want more than mere life that never ends. We want to be with our Heavenly Father and Jesus for eternity. God cannot be where evil is, and so, this higher gift is one that must be earned. We can’t send evil into God’s presence.
This higher gift is known as exaltation. Exaltation allows us to return all the way home, back to the presence of God. It allows us all the greatest gifts God has to offer his children. There is no curve. Everyone could make it there if he or she chose to do what is required. Jesus repeated again and again during his mortal ministry that we must obey the commandments.
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your ajoy might be full. .”—John 15: 10-11
In order to experience the fullness of joy, we want to abide in God’s love—in His very home when the time comes. How can we proclaim that we love Him and are worthy of spending eternity with Him if we’re not trying to live as he asked us to live? Love involves work, and working for God should not be a hardship. The greater our love, the easier obedience is.
Exaltation is a personal responsibility. No one can exalt you. You must be do the work yourself, over time and often on your knees, building a relationship with God and the Savior.
Some of the steps to exaltation include:
1. Faith in God. Believing in God and learning to trust Him to guide you, rather than any man you might encounter, is the first step.
2. Repentance: We all sin. Part of returning home is to repent of those sins and move closer to perfection. This must be true repentance, not just going through the motions.
3. Baptism: Baptism by full immersion, and by someone given true authority from God is required in order to be exalted. Baptism removes all previous sins from your history—God completely erases them—and allows you to start over, being held accountable for your new knowledge, but not for what happened in the past, before you know what was required of you.
4. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can come to stay with you all the time, guiding and comforting, and helping you get through life successfully. Again, this must be given by one who has true authority from God.
5. Living the gospel to the best of your ability all your life.
The Book of Mormon offers a tremendous guide to the subjects of salvation and exaltation. A careful study of the book will give you a clear understanding of both the Savior’s part and your own in this process.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.
10 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement—
2 Nephi 2:6-10
Saved After All We Can Do
Filed under: God in the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25)
This particular scripture, found in the Book of Mormon, has become a point of controversy among those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some religions teach that no acts of any kind are required to receive salvation. The Latter-day Saints also believe nothing at all—not even the act of accepting Jesus as your Savior—is required to be resurrected from the dead. This is a free gift given by God and Jesus to us. However, most of us want to return to God’s presence, and this indeed requires action.
Those who believe in grace alone generally do actually require one act: Accepting Jesus as their Savior. Therefore, most don’t really believe no acts are required. However, the Bible makes it clear more is required than to say the magic words.
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
(James 2, King James Version of the Bible)
The Bible teaches us many commandments. From the moment Adam and Eve were created, laws and commandments were given, and consequences for obedience or disobedience were explained. God is a God of order, not a God of confusion. We all understand the chaos and danger that would occur if nations and families had no rules, or if there were rules, but no consequences. God understands this too, being perfect. For that reason, He made laws and required us to keep them. He explained through His prophets the blessings that would come if we obeyed and the consequences that would occur if we didn’t. God’s kingdom is one of order and there must be commandments. This is part of the Plan of Salvation.
The scriptures often tell us that if we love the Savior, we must keep His commandments. Our obedience is one way we show God and Jesus we love Them. Not everyone is motivated by love, however, so again, there are consequences. Every story in the Bible is a story of consequences. Noah built the ark when commanded, so he was saved from the flood. Others refused to listen, so they died. Moses took his people on a very long journey and when they were righteous, they prospered, but when they weren’t, they got lost and suffered.
The Savior promised, along this same pattern, that those who kept the commandments (works) would receive the right to return to God’s presence. Those who chose not to obey would indeed be resurrected, and receive a wonderful eternity, except for a very few who have committed crimes so horrible they lose the right to be in heaven, although they still will live. But they can’t be with God. God can’t be where evil is. We will be in Heaven the same person we are now, and if we’re in God’s presence, we must be worthy to be there. If those who choose to live self-centered lives are with God, Heaven will be no different than the life we live right now, surrounded by both good and bad people. Will God spend eternity with those who willfully choose to defy his commandments and who refuse to respect Him?
Nearly everyone, including those who don’t believe acts matter, do believe at least one act is required—that of accepting Jesus as their Savior. However, can they really accept Jesus as their Savior and then do nothing He has asked? Certainly our works, done with the proper spirit, and not one of hypocrisy, are an outward demonstration of inward faith.
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6)
We Talk of Christ
Filed under: Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (2 Nephi 25)
This is one of my favorite scriptures. It could be a one-sentence summary of the church’s purpose. Although it is often erroneously called the Mormon Church, the Church is rightfully named “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Notice that the Savior’s name is right in the center of the name of the church, signifying the place of the Savior in the Church itself.
The Book of Mormon makes it clear that the church, to be the Savior’s Church, must be named after Him:
“And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you; And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.” (3 Nephi 27:6-10, Book of Mormon)”
(This is discussed in more detail in an earlier article: What Should Jesus’ Church Be Named?”)
The Church’s history begins with what is commonly known as the First Vision, when God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith. So, from the first moments of the church’s story, the Savior has been there. Pictures of the Savior adorn the church buildings and even the youngest children are taught to love Jesus. In their classes, young voices sing, “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” and “If the Savior Stood Beside Me.” It’s long been said that if you want a child to believe something, you must teach it to him at a very young age, and so our littlest children are taught to love, honor, and serve the Savior.
If you really want to know what the “Mormons” think of Christ, ask a Mormon. Visit “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” and begin getting acquainted with the Savior the Mormons know and love.
The Prince of Peace
Filed under: Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (2 Nephi 19 and Isaiah 9)
There have been many who didn’t recognize the Savior as the Savior or believe He did what He came to do because, although He was called the Prince of Peace, there has seldom been peace on earth, and certainly none today in his homeland. Those who deny the Savior his glory for this reason misunderstand what He promised. He wasn’t a politician, working to bring a political peace through treaties and negotiations. What He promised us was a spiritual peace if we live the gospel.
Certainly, if everyone chose to follow the Savior, there would be the other kind of peace. Who can love God and start a war against another righteous neighbor, or rob, or abuse? However, we’re not required to wait for the entire world to be converted in order to find the peace the Savior has promised us.
Let’s look at what the Savior Himself said on the subject of peace to understand what He meant.
“34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10, King James version of the Bible.)
Satan doesn’t want us to have peace, nor does he want us to find the gospel. He places many stumbling blocks in our way, and tries to distract us through the taunting of the world. This can temporarily disturb our peace. Even our own personal search for truth can disrupt what we once thought was peace, as we battle past Satan’s interference and make the eternally critical decision to covenant with God to live according to His will.
The Savior explained that His peace was not what we often think of as peace:
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14)
Notice that He doesn’t promise that we will never be troubled or afraid, only that we don’t have to be troubled or afraid. Fear is a choice. The Savior promised to fill our hearts with a personal peace, a gift just for us from Him, but only if we accept the gift and make the choice to trust Him completely.
By doing so, we can have the peace the Savior promised us. He truly is a Prince of Peace, but of a personal peace that comes from knowing you’re doing God’s will and living as God and the Savior want you to live, that you’re in His most capable hands, and therefore safe from danger—not worldly danger, but eternal and spiritual danger.