Who is Jesus? - Truth in Love Ministry
Digital Guide: Are Mormons Christian?

Who is Jesus?

Comparing the Differences Between Mormonism & Biblical Christianity

Jesus

What does the Bible teach about Jesus?

The Bible teaches that Jesus is God from all eternity. He took on human flesh and became man, born of the Virgin Mary. As a man, he served as our substitute by living perfectly under the law in our place and dying for our sins. As God, this ransom could pay the price for all the world. Jesus’ resurrection then proved that sin’s penalty was paid in full, making possible the resurrection of all the dead and life eternal for those who trust in this completed work.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:56-57

As our perfect substitute, the Christian’s faith rests solely on Christ’s saving work. He did all the “do's” and didn’t do all the “don’ts” for us. Put another way, God sent Jesus as the mediator to bring us into God’s presence. He is the final prophet and has revealed all we need in the Bible. The Aaronic priesthood was replaced by the Melchizedek priesthood, of which Jesus is the last and only high priest who made the complete and ultimate sacrifice for the world. Jesus also serves as our final king ruling over all things for the church. Through Jesus, every believer has direct access to God.

What does Mormonism teach about Jesus?

Mormonism teaches that Jesus is the literal son of the Father. He earned his way to godhood in pre-existence before he came to earth. Therefore, he is not equal to the Father. Having achieved exaltation himself, Mormons believe Jesus is the Savior but limit his atonement to providing physical resurrection for all people.

According to Mormonism, Jesus’ sacrifice merely opens the gate to the path that leads to eternal life with God, leaving humanity to earn exaltation.

And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

2 Nephi 31:16

For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.

Doctrine and Covenants 93:20

In other words, Mormonism teaches that Jesus is primarily our example.

Therefore, each Mormon must follow the model Jesus provided to prove their worthiness and eventually achieve perfection. Jesus’ atonement simply refinanced the debt of sin and spread out the necessary payments. In Mormonism, Jesus raises you from the dead and gets you to judgment, but what happens after that depends on what you have been and become.

What a burden to bear!

Rather than being set free, Mormons believe they still have to pay back the debt to Jesus through good work.

Free Booklet

What Bible Verses should you share with a Mormon?

Some Bible passages communicate better than others to Mormons. Our booklet provides 14 practical examples along with ways to explain them that clearly convey God's truth to Mormons.

Why this Matters

Although Mormons may profess belief in Jesus Christ, what their church teaches about who Jesus is, what he did, and his role in bringing about the salvation of humanity prevents this from being faith sufficient for eternal life with God.

Those who trust in Jesus alone receive the forgiveness of sins, Christ’s imputed perfection, and status as children of God and heirs of eternal life with God. Those who trust in anything other than Jesus are not forgiven of their sins, are still in their state of imperfection, and are not children of God and therefore not heirs of eternal life but eternal damnation.

But there is good news, Jesus not only gets believers to judgment day; he gets them through it.

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Scripture References

John 1:1-2
John 1:14
Luke 1:31
Galatians 4:4
Galatians 3:13
Mark 10:45
1 Timothy 2:5
Hebrews 1:1-2

2 Timothy 3:15-17
Hebrews 7:11-19
Hebrews 7:23-27
1 John 2:2
Ephesians 1:22-23
Hebrews 12:2
Galatians 2:16
Ephesians 3:14-21

Summary

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Christianity

Jesus is our perfect substitute. Eternal life in heaven is ours because of his perfect life and sacrificial death.

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Mormonism

Jesus is our example. Mormons must still prove to be worthy through good works.

Are you a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?

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