What Mormons Believe: Jesus Christ

A video explaining Mormon core beliefs about Jesus Christ, and addressing the question of if Mormons are Christians.

These videos are meant to inform and clear up misconceptions about beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka, "Mormons), and are not intended to convert. Video topics are inspired by questions frequently asked to me or misunderstood by those of other beliefs.

Each video is made independently by me, a Mormon girl with many friends who are not members of the LDS Church who have wanted to learn the truth behind what Mormons believe.

These videos are not officially affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though my top aim is for accuracy.

Sources:
● "Mormons Believe... What?! -- Fact and Fiction About a Rising Religion" Gary C. Lawrence. The Parameter Foundation, 2011.
● "How Americans View Mormonism." Gary C. Lawrence. The Parameter Foundation, 2008.
● "Preach My Gospel." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2004.
● www.LDS.org
● "The Book of Mormon"
● Personal experience. :)

[augustinelieb]

Mormons don't believe that Jesus and the Father are One. They believe that Jesus is completely separate from the Father. In other words, they don't believe in the Trinity, they redefine it making Jesus a creation of God and not God. The Nicene Creed from 325 references Jesus as "one in being with the Father" because of the Arian Heresy.   This is a very significant difference in belief.

[MarcusRitosa]

I have a question: You say that Mormons worship Jesus Christ.  But you also say that Jesus is not God.  Is not worship for God alone?  To me, it seems to be a pretty straightforward contradiction.  How is this reconciled?

[Daboy]

The only way to get to Heaven is to realize that your a sinner and to ask Jesus into your heart and to forgive you for all your sins and accept him as Lord and Savior.

[iamthedib]

How many gods are there in Mormonism? In Christianity there is one God: "before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour" Isaiah 43: 10-11 AND Jesus identifies himself thus "Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58 but in Mormonism there are many gods: "they, that is the Gods, organized and formed the heavens and the earth" Abr. 4:1 So in Mormonism, is Jesus the one true God of the Bible?

[klutzulmaniack]

She should put up a video on how Christmas is celebrated by Mormons as well as Easter. I'd be interested!

[bonniegable]

What you have said is true, if you truly believe you will have works that follow... but this is not faith and works, this is just faith. This concept is summarized in James 4:17 "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." If faith is true it will display itself as works. Faith produces the works, this why Christians say it is faith that alone through grace alone that saves (see also Eph 2:8-9)... since without the faith the works would never come. It's a symptom of a condition

[f.k]

I am a Catholic, and we believe you are saved by both Grace, and works, yet we are considered Christian! I think it mormons are not regarded as Christians due to the belief of the book of mormon. ( I think mormons are Christian).

[andrewcipiti]

In light of scriptures in The Bible which contradict Mormon doctrine, Its just been a little bit I guess bafflling why the LDS church is so committed to teaching what they believe. Here are some verses from the Bible(this is from a website called str.org):
About the nature of God:
Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

[nickpass]

First, let me start by applauding your videos.  They're well thought out and really well done.  I've found them interesting and you should be very proud of your work here.

As a Catholic, I can say that we don't care about the salvation through faith vs. works issue.  For us, a Christian is a person baptized in the name of the Trinity.  Since LDS don't believe in the Trinity and are not baptized in the name of the Trinity, then they can't be considered Christians.

One thing you said in this video did confuse me.  You said that Jesus is the "only begotten Son" and while I agree with that statement, your video on Jesus and satan being brothers says something different.  If Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father, then He's the only Son of God and therefore satan and you and me can't be spirit children of God.

Another questions from the Godhead video is: If the Holy Ghost isn't a physically bodied being, then where did It come from?  Was is created by the Father?

[andrewcipiti]

Hey! Ive been in discussion with some LDS Missionaries and have been trying to do some research on the topic. I think Its awesome how people can have a respectful conversation in life about truth because I think thats what we all want to get at. It's difficult in a way to talk to Mormons and Im sure the other way around, because doctrinally we're pretty similiar. However, issues such as the trinity, and grace are just some of the topics where there is a difference.

[CastleArchon]

I think the question is not that if good works without Jesus is what BotaliaX is referring to. I think the question is do you need Jesus PLUS something more? Can you get into heaven (top floor) by believing alone? That is Christianity to most people. If you veer from that, even a little bit. The recipe is changed and is something else entirely. Even if some things seem the same.

[rohag]

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all …” (1 Timothy 2:5)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

[ariananazario]

Do the Mormon principles declare Jesus Christ as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Or just the Son of God? In other words, do Mormons believe in the Trinity?

[ApologeticsBenJoiner]

If LDS belief that salvation is by Grace AND Works, then does that mean they believe you can earn forgiveness?

[Enca]

I have known and loved my many LDS friends over the years, but cannot agree that the LDS church is Christian. The nature of Jesus and His relationship to the Father, the Spirit, and humanity at large are very different in the LDS church than what is taught in the Christian faith. I appreciate your candid videos, but I do think you have glossed over some significant differences that would better explain why Christians do not consider the Mormon church to be just another Christian denomination.

[creelabellehoward]

I appreciate this video, especially because I served my mission in San Antonio and Austin Texas where I was confronted with this concern a lot.
I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know He suffered for my sins, sorrows, temptations and afflictions in the garden of Gethsemane; I know He died on the cross and He was resurrected (His spirit and body reunited, never to be separated again) three days later and He lives today and governs His church through His chosen servants -- the prophets. He paid the price that none of us can pay. That is why He is called our Redeemer. I am able to repent and be forgiven because of Him. Knowing this and how much my Heavenly Father and Savior love me is the greatest truth I know.  

[CastleArchon]

If someone said to you that the idea of following Jesus Christ was that it is by Grace alone you are saved and any other description is not the same Jesus...what would say?

[MormonsBelieve]

@rohag - I love these scriptures. Thanks for posting!

[jhokey]

I visited temple square in Salt Lake City. After seeing the big statue of the Christ, I was walking to the exit when a LDS couple at an information table kind of waved to us, so we went over to talk to them. They were a very nice couple. During our conversation the gentleman told us that "Heavenly Father" physically came to earth and had relations with Mary and that is why Jesus is called "the only begotten son." Is this true? Is this what the LDS believe?

[MormonsBelieve]

@Bret - We worship God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Both are members of the Godhead.