Yes, Mormons do believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. This is a fundamental doctrine of the Mormon faith, known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He came to earth to atone for the sins of humanity through His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His death and resurrection.
Mormon beliefs about Jesus Christ
Here are some key beliefs that Mormons have about Jesus Christ:
- Jesus Christ is the Firstborn Son of God the Father in the spirit and is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh.
- Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and perfectly obeyed God’s commandments.
- Jesus Christ performed miracles, healed the sick, and cast out devils during His earthly ministry.
- Jesus Christ suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to His Crucifixion.
- Jesus Christ died on the cross and was resurrected three days later. His resurrection overcame physical death and allows all people to be resurrected.
- Jesus Christ visited the Americas after His resurrection and established His gospel there.
- Jesus Christ will return again in power and glory to reign during the Millennium.
These teachings about Jesus Christ are found throughout Mormon scripture, including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
The role of Jesus Christ as Savior
Mormons unequivocally affirm that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Through grace, made available because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, all people can be forgiven of their sins and return to live in God’s presence.
Here are some ways Mormons recognize Jesus as Savior:
- Christ’s atonement makes salvation possible for all people. By His suffering and death, Jesus took upon Himself the sins, pains, and infirmities of all people. This great act of love and sacrifice allows all to be resurrected and cleansed from sin on condition of faith, repentance, and receiving the ordinances of salvation.
- It is only through Christ’s grace that we can be saved. Our own works are insufficient to earn salvation. Only through having faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of our sins, and following His example can we receive the gifts of forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.
- Christ saves us from sin and spiritual death. Through the Fall of Adam and Eve, all humanity was cut off from God’s presence. Christ’s atonement bridges this separation and allows us to overcome physical death through resurrection and return to God’s presence spiritually.
- Christ enables our potential for exaltation. Mormons believe that humans can progress and develop until they become like Heavenly Father. This theosis or deification is possible only through Jesus’s atonement and grace.
As the Savior, Jesus Christ is at the center of God’s plan for our salvation and exaltation. Mormons turn to Christ daily for forgiveness, guidance, and strength to follow His example.
Jesus Christ as Jehovah
Mormons also believe that Jesus Christ is identical to the Jehovah or Yahweh who is the God of the Old Testament. According to Mormon doctrine, Jesus created the earth under the direction of God the Father. He appeared to prophets and saints in the Old Testament period. All dealings with the God of Israel in the Old Testament were through Jesus, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
A few Biblical passages that support Jesus as Jehovah:
- Isaiah 12:2 – “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
- Zechariah 12:10 – “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”
- John 8:58 – “Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”
Understanding that Jesus is Jehovah gives greater depth and meaning to His role as the God of the Old Testament and the Savior of all mankind.
Jesus Christ central to Mormons
While there are some differences between Mormon doctrines of Christ and mainstream Christian views, Mormons wholeheartedly embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He is the central figure of their theology and worship.
Here are some examples of Christ’s centrality in the Mormon faith:
- Church’s official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing their belief in Christ.
- Temples, chapels, hymns, prayers all dedicated to and focused on Christ.
- Christ’s original twelve apostles appear on the facade of every Mormon temple.
- Statues of Christ adorn temples and meetinghouses around the world.
- Leaders and members testify of Christ constantly in sermons and lessons.
- Missionaries serve under callings from Christ and teach people about Him.
While differences exist between denominations, Christ unifies Christian faiths together. His matchless life, infinite atonement, and triumphant resurrection give hope to all people who accept Him as their Savior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mormons have a strong, dedicated belief that Jesus Christ is their Savior and Redeemer. They affirm Christ as the Son of God, whose atonement and grace make salvation possible for all people. Jesus Christ is central to the beliefs, doctrines, and devotions of Mormons around the world. Although unique perspectives exist, Mormons join with all Christians who worship Jesus of Nazareth as the only begotten Son of God and the long-promised Messiah.
