What do Mormons believe about Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Mormon belief. Joseph Smith said, "the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it." 1
Mormons believe that the Father is “the personal and literal Father of a mortal Offspring born of mortal woman” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., 155). Born to Mary and Joseph in the city of Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ had both heavenly and mortal characteristics while on earth. Mormonism teaches that this means he could fulfill His mission as Savior of the World, which mission was laid out by the Father. He would suffer all physical, emotional, and spiritual afflictions possible for mankind to experience and then would be put to death. He would thus pay the price for all the sins men and women had committed and will yet commit.
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, is an important book of scripture to Mormons. In it are contained accounts of prophets living in the Americas who knew concerning the birth of Christ. Mormons believe those ancient peoples living on the American continent during the time of Christ’s birth knew about the Savior and looked forward to His coming. The following scripture is indeed from the Book of Mormon:
Helaman 14:5: “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.”
Mormons believe Jesus Christ lived an earthly childhood with his parents Mary and Joseph. When it came time for his mortal ministry to begin, Jesus called twelve apostles and organized His church. He performed miracles and blessed many people while on earth. Records of these miracles are found throughout the New Testament. While on earth, Jesus Christ taught His gospel to all who would listen and obey.
As His final act as Savior on the earth, Christ performed the Atonement. This great sacrifice included the taking upon Himself all the sins of mankind in the Garden of Gethsemane, and later, the crucifixion and death of His mortal body on the cross at Calvary.
The Mormon Church teaches that the Savior performed the Atonement as part of Heavenly Father’s plan so that one day every child on earth would have the opportunity to return to live with God. Without the Atonement, it would not be possible to be perfectly clean and forgiven of our sins, and we must be spotless to return to the Lord’s presence.
To qualify to receive the blessings made possible by the Atonement, we each must learn about the Savior and follow His commandments. It is Mormon belief that we must be baptized in His name and continually strive to serve and live righteous lives. When we make mistakes, which occurrence is inevitable, the Atonement is there to wipe those sins away, if we repent.