Before discussing Mormon beliefs, I must clarify that “Mormon” is a slang term for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church’s name has Jesus’s name in it, and we are very Christian. Some people in the past thought we worship Mormon because of that nickname. In fact, I remember growing up in the Bible Belt and having a friend’s parents tell her she couldn’t play with me because I wasn’t Christian. Jesus means so much to me. It really hurt.

Jesus Christ

Jesus played a huge role in our lives before Earth. (I mentioned that in Part 1.) Let’s move on to His mission here on Earth and His work beyond this Earth life.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the restored church of Christ on the earth today. We call it the “Latter-Day” because it’s modeled after the church Christ established in Jerusalem when he was on Earth. Jesus lived a perfect life, and His example is still inspiring people.

The Bible shares His story and the teachings He shared. As I watched The Chosen I loved seeing people light up as they heard the truth from Jesus. It was so different than the law of Moses.

The Bible

In fact the 13 Articles of Faith state that:

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

Jesus taught love and light to everyone who would listen. I wish I could have heard Him teach. I am so grateful for the Bible and all His teachings there.

On a personal note, I can’t imagine how hard and intimidating it was to be Jesus’s parents. I feel overwhelmed sometimes being the mother of my child and his special needs. I can’t imagine being the mother of the Son of God. But I digress.

The Spirit World

After the Savior was crucified, we know through revelation, that He visited the Spirit world. Additionally, He taught those there about the Gospel.

And He set up missionary work. You see, many have come through this world without the opportunity to learn about the Savior.

Over time, I’ve learned over time that our bodies and this earth sometimes color our ability to learn about Jesus in this life. And after death, we may have a clearer vision, or an easier time learning about Him. I am really glad to know there is missionary work in the Spirit world.

Visiting the Nephites

After Jesus was crucified, the American continent experienced earthquakes, fires, floods, and three days of deep darkness. It must have been awful! The scriptures talk about how you could hear people crying.

The most beautiful part of the Book of Mormon shares Jesus’s visit to the Nephite people. In 3 Nephi 11: 6-12 it says:

3 Nephi

6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:

7 Behold my ^aBeloved Son, ^bin whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they ^asaw a Man ^bdescending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

11 And behold, I am the ^alight and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter ^bcup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in ^ctaking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the ^dwill of the Father in all things from the beginning.

12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude ^afell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been ^bprophesied among them that Christ should ^cshow himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.

Jesus spent time with them and taught them the Gospel. It’s further proof that God loves all His children.

The Resurrection and Judgement

Jesus is our advocate with the Father. He will stand beside us at the final judgment. We will get to review our lives together. Some see the final judgment as a time of fear. I found an article that explains the resurrection and judgment beautifully. It says in part:

It is at the time of resurrection that each of us will be judged individually by Jesus, our Savior. This final judgment will be based on our desires, actions, and choices.

Only God and Jesus know our hearts and our life circumstances perfectly, so only they can judge us perfectly. This judgment will be one of mercy, healing, and love (see Revelation 21:4).

God’s ultimate goal is to help all His children return to live with Him in the celestial kingdom. Yet it is our choices here and now that will shape where we spend eternity. We must believe in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized in His name, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We also need to keep the commandments throughout the rest of our lives—and repent when we fall short.

God loves Us

It has been an honor to discuss with you our Savior Jesus Christ and some of His roles in the eternal progress of God’s children. As we get to know Him and become more like Him, we become more like God. And in the process, we live a higher way of life and find true joy.

If you have any questions about how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints views the Savior, I encourage you to go to churchofjesuschrist.org. There’s some great stuff there.