To a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there are few principles as important as the principle of “agency.” Agency is a gift from God to allow us personal growth through liberty and choice. In life, we choose what to be and how to live. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to free us from the bondage of sin and give us liberty through the gospel, but he also knew that oppressive governments would never allow the gospel to flourish. Totalitarian states create systems of control over their populations such that the right to worship is restricted or controlled.

Consider the case of the early settlers of this country. Many of them fled England because their natural rights were being violated. They had no freedom to worship God as they saw fit. To hold political office and influence laws, one had to be a member of the state church, the Church of England.

The Land of Promise

Ancient prophets on the American continent had great views of latter-day America. They saw things concerning the destiny of this country and how God would use it as a base of freedom, both religiously and politically, and called this country “the land of promise.” These prophesies are recorded in The Book of Mormon, another witness of Jesus Christ, and a companion volume of scripture to the Holy Bible.

One such prophet named Nephi, saw in vision the events that would lead up to the founding of this nation. He recorded in 1 Nephi 13 the following events (red text are my comments):

Discovery of America by Columbus

10 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and they divided the Gentiles (Europeans) from the seed of my brethren (native Americans).
11 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.
12 And I looked and beheld a man (Columbus) among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.

Settlers follow

13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.
14 And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten (Some settlers like Cortez wreaked devastation on the American continents).

The people flourish and are righteous

15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.
16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.

The Revolutionary War

17 And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.
18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.
19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.

Nephi sees they have the Bible

20 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land; and I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them.
21 And the angel said unto me: Knowest thou the meaning of the book?
22 And I said unto him: I know not.
23 And he said: Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto me: The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass (these plates were records that Nephi’s family brought from Jerusalem and contained the ancient scriptures from Adam to the time of Jeremiah), save there are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles.

The U.S. Constitution

In 1787 the 13 separate states became a nation with the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. At this moment in history, the Lord brought together an amazing group of men to create a document that would ensure political freedom and guarantee rights to life, liberty, and property.

Modern Day Revelation Affirms the Constitution

In 1820, the Lord opened the heavens in answer to a young boy’s prayer and called him to be a prophet just like prophets were called anciently. His name was Joseph Smith and the revelations he received are recorded in a book of scripture the LDS church uses in conjunction with the Bible and Book of Mormon. That book is known as the Doctrine & Covenants because it contains doctrine and instruction in the covenants of the Lord. There are several references in those revelations to this nation and its founding as well.

D&C 98:4-8

4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.

D&C 101:77-80

77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, [block]17[/block]
79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

D&C 109:54 (This is from the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland, Ohio temple)

54 Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever.

But what about slavery?

Observant readers will notice in D&C 101:79 the Lord says it is not right that man should be in bondage to each other, and yet some say slavery was written into the constitution. At the time our country was founded, we never would have gotten the constitution passed unless there was a provision for the South to keep their slaves. They would never have ratified the document. The 3/5ths clause in the constitution has caused many people to stumble in their understanding that the document was a document of freedom.

The South wanted greater representation in congress and so they wanted to count their slaves as people for purposes of representation in congress. The North then said if the South was going to count slaves, which the South regarded as property, the North would use other objects of property such as animals to increase their representation. This led to a compromise position where the constitution would count 3/5ths of a slave as a person for purposes of representation and thus the anti-slavery North would retain greater representation. It had nothing to do with black men being only worth 3/5ths the value of a white man. It was inherently an anti-slave position to reduce the power of the pro-slavery South if they fully counted slaves. (Click to watch a video clip by David Barton and Glenn Beck to see this explanation)

America is the Promised Land

With the Constitution established, this country became a place of hope and freedom, attracting immigrants from around the world to come and live their dreams in an environment where they could flourish. Their desires to worship God blessed their lives and rooted them in a choice land.

To summarize, in the LDS faith, we believe the Lord prepared this land for a glorious purpose. He established it as a place where political freedom would maximize individual liberty and allow for a restoration of His gospel under the protection of the inspired Constitution. Most people that have never read the Book of Mormon have no idea what it actually contains. They have no idea that it is a Book of Scripture from ancient American prophets who saw our day and wrote the book especially for us. They not only preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as a second witness to the Bible, but also discuss principles of government and the destiny of this nation. I encourage you to get a free copy of the Book of Mormon and read it for yourself. I know anyone who reads it and asks God with an honest heart if it is true will receive an answer that it is.

—–

This was part 2 of a 2 part series. Click here to read part 1, “Is the United States in the Bible?”

Related Articles:
What does the Book of Mormon teach about Jesus Christ?

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Jacob’s Inspired Blessing to Joseph

In the book of Genesis just prior to the death of Jacob the Patriarch, he called his sons together to bless each of them with prophetic pronouncements. His son Joseph, on whom was the birthright blessing, was given this blessing in Genesis 49.

22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:

23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:

24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

In the LDS faith, we interpret this as being Joseph’s descendents (branches) would be numerous (fruitful). They would travel (run) over an ocean (well of water) which is difficult for a desert people (wall representing the difficulty). They would arrive in a promised land containing everlasting hills and be separated from their brethren in the same way Joseph was separated from his brethren during his life. The American continent is the only one in the world with mountains that run from the top of North America to the bottom of South America. We believe these verses show the promised land given to Joseph was upon this continent.

Interestingly, in the book “The American Covenant” by Timothy Ballard, he references page 28 in “The Freemasons in America” by Paul Jeffers which notes that George Washington took his first oath of office with the Bible opened to Genesis 49 during his swearing in ceremony.

Joseph’s Separation to Egypt

We know during Joseph’s life that he was separated from his family when his brothers sold him into Egypt. That separation later turned to enormous good as Joseph saved his family during a difficult famine in the land. God’s foreknowledge of events provided a great blessing to his covenant people by putting them through a sore trial, especially for Joseph. This separation and later salvation, is a parallel or shadow of events that would take place on a macro-level with the 12 tribes of Israel. Verse 26 above indicates there would be another separation.

The Lord’s House to be established in America

In Isaiah chapter 2 we read another interesting prophesy concerning America.

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Verse 2 shares some of the same language as Joseph’s blessing above. Interestingly, Isaiah declares that the mountain of the Lord’s house would be established in the top of the mountains. That certainly isn’t Jerusalem Isaiah is talking about because it’s pretty much at sea level. So what could Isaiah be referring to?

A mountain is where ancient prophets like Moses went to have holy experiences such as on Sinai where he spoke with God face to face as a man speaketh with another (Exodus 33:11). The Lord’s house is called a temple. In all the world, only one religion claims to have a purpose in building temples and their main temple from which they have established their church is in the Rocky Mountains. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ headquarters is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, where there is a temple built to God and where literally several million people come and visit each year. Nobody else even makes a claim to fulfill this prophecy of Isaiah’s.

Further on in Isaiah 19 and 20, it’s quite possible that Egypt represents modern day America in symbolic imagery. Jesus also speaks of “other sheep which are not of this fold” which he will bring back and you can read more about that in this article “What is a Mormon?“. There are other passages which could be mentioned but this will have to do for groundwork.

America is the Land of Promise for Joseph’s Descendants

The Bible shows that God promised his children various promised lands. The Bible also shows that God spoke with his covenant people through prophets. Joseph’s descendants, as prophesied in the Genesis 49 quote above, separated from their brethren around 600 B.C. just prior to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. They were led by a prophet named Lehi who was a contemporary of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. Both were preaching the destruction of Jerusalem unless the people repented. It was at this time the Lord chose to separate Joseph’s branch from his brothers and took them over the ocean wall to the America’s. Yet in Ezekiel 37:15-19 we read a prophesy that a stick of Judah (ie. the writings of the Jews we have as the Bible) would someday be joined together with the writings from the stick of Joseph (which is the record of Joseph’s tribe which is called the Book of Mormon). In the Book of Mormon we read much about America’s prophetic destiny. Lehi and his family and descendants knew this was a choice land that God appointed for greatness.

America as mentioned in the Book of Mormon

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the writings of the prophets that lived here anciently.

2 Nephi 1

5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

Ether 2

7 And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people.

8 And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them.

9 And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity.

10 For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off.

11 And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done.

12 Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.

Ether 13

4 Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land.

5 And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come—after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto the house of Israel—

6 And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type.

7 For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph that he should perish not.

8 Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away.

Get a free copy of the stick of Joseph, the Book of Mormon

You can get the record of prophets in the ancient Americas by clicking this link for a free copy of the stick of Joseph. There is no obligation. I just encourage you to read it for yourself and make up your own mind about the truthfulness of this book. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that the Bible does in fact mention the United States and the record of ancient prophets upon this continent.

Part 2: Why Do Mormons believe the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God?

Related Articles:
What does the Book of Mormon teach about Jesus Christ?

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As a child, I loved waking up on Christmas morning and coming out to see the presents Santa had brought that special night. It always amazed me how they magically appeared. As I got older, I started to think differently about Christmas but I don’t think I had the maturity to truly appreciate the holiday until I was an adult with children of my own. I’ve learned that Christmas as an adult is better than Christmas as a child. There’s more meaning to it, but also more magic in watching my own children’s delight. The challenge is helping them understand the true reason for the season.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I love the story of Jesus’s birth as portrayed in the Bible. The church just started releasing New Testament videos they’ve produced which also help tell the story of the Savior’s life.

As members of the LDS church, we also have the account of the Savior’s birth as it was recorded in the Book of Mormon by ancient prophets who prophesied of signs to come at his birth, and recorded their fulfillment. Here is part of the account. The non-believers had chosen a day that if the signs that had been given were not fulfilled, they would put all the believers in Christ to death. The prophet Nephi at that time went and prayed to the Lord asking him what to do.

3 Nephi 1 (click to see full chapter)

10 Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.
11 And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers.
12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
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15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.
16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.
17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.
18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.
19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.
20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.
21 And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.
22 And it came to pass that from this time forth there began to be lyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders which they had seen; but notwithstanding these lyings and deceivings the more part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord.
23 And it came to pass that Nephi went forth among the people, and also many others, baptizing unto repentance, in the which there was a great remission of sins. And thus the people began again to have peace in the land.

This Christmas message in the Book of Mormon is a second witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and came to earth to free us from the bonds of sin. It is the witness of another nation of God’s children who God favored with prophets who recorded God’s word to them. The Book of Mormon doesn’t take anything away from the Bible. It supports it and testifies of it. To obtain a free copy of the Book of Mormon, click the link above and to the right and the LDS church will send you a copy free of charge. This magnificent book testifies all throughout its pages that Jesus is the Christ, brings us the true spirit of Christmas. Yes, Mormons do celebrate Christmas, and along with the rest of Christianity believe firmly in Jesus Christ’s true message of hope and salvation.

Related Articles:
What does the Book of Mormon teach about Jesus Christ?

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Do Mormons Believe in Christ?

The short answer is a definite yes, Mormons DO believe in Christ.  However, you are reading this to get a bigger and better understanding of what Mormons really believe.  So, I will continue.

The central belief of Mormonism is that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God on the earth. He was placed on this earth to do several things: gain a physical body and show mankind through His example of how to live, teach us more about our relationship with God, give us ordinances and power to establish His church on this earth, but most of all to atone for our sins and overcome death so that all of mankind will rise up at the resurrection and have an opportunity to live with God and Jesus Christ our Savior.

Do we believe in Mormon or Christ?

It is unfortunate that the members of the church were given the nickname “Mormons” so early in the establishment of this religion.  This is cause for much confusion and misunderstanding about their beliefs and teachings and if they are Christians or not.  The true name of the church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints”.  This is the only name by which the church has ever been established.  The inherited nickname of “Mormon” comes because new scripture introduced to complement the Bible is titled “The Book of Mormon.” It is understood that The Book of Mormon, given to Joseph Smith was a fulfillment of the prophetic scripture in Ezekiel 37:16-18:

 “Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:

And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?

Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.”

Like other Christians do not worship any of the prophets and others who contributed to the Bible, which tells us of Christ, members of The Church of Jesus Christ do not worship Mormon, who was a prophet who abridged books written by prophets and others who lived on the American Continent from about 600 B.C. to 400 A.D. This book, The Book of Mormon, is simply another testament of Jesus Christ, and in fact quotes several similar accounts listed in the Old Testament of the Bible and also has similar accounts to the New Testament that happened in the Americas such as the visitation of Christ to the inhabitants there after his resurrection.

Just as a person belonging to the Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic or Baptist church would be hurt that someone didn’t think they believed in Christ because the name of their church didn’t include his name, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) are saddened by the misunderstanding that stems from the nickname of “Mormon”, because the actual name of the church does specify they believe and follow Christ.

It has been believed that Mormons do not believe in the same Jesus as other Christian churches, that each Jesus Christ is different.  Members of the LDS church believe in the very same Jesus Christ that lived over 2000 years ago, was born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, after coming back from Egypt, grew up in Nazareth and during his ministry called 12 men to be his disciples, then suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, died upon a cross in Calvary, and resurrected 3 days later from his tomb. He is our Savior and our Redeemer.  The light of the world!

However, members also believe that He is alive today giving further light and knowledge through modern revelation to current prophets. We believe that Christ revealed himself to other people on the earth other than Jews and that He will return to the earth in glory in what is referred to as His Second Coming. Mormons do not share the same beliefs of the nature of the Godhead as stated in the Nicene Creed. We have a different understanding of the Godhead because of modern revelation and scriptures which add to our understanding of the nature of God, His Son and the Holy Ghost.

As we study the Bible, it also indicates that God has a body:

Exodus 24:10 “And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.”

How could God have feet if he is only a Spirit?

Deuteronomy 5:4 “The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire.”

Face to face? He has a face!

The fact that God and His Son, Jesus Christ are two separate beings is also addressed in the Bible.  Luke 2:49 “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” He clearly understood that he was to do the Father’s work while on this earth, but that He is not his Father.

St. John 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God”

Christ is not the same being as God the Father, why would he need to ascend to Himself?

Matthew 26:39 “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

It is obvious that Christ is praying to someone else other than himself.  He did not pray to himself, He prayed to His Father, Our Father.

Mormons DO believe in Christ

Christ is our Elder Brother, the only Begotten of the Father on this earth. He came to earth and lived perfectly, was baptized by immersion, atoned for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and completed this Atonement through his death on the cross. He then resurrected three days later, a glorified being. I testify that this is true, that Mormons do believe in Christ. That because of our knowledge of revelation, we are able to have a personal witness from the Holy Ghost of his divinity. And, if you would like a personal witness, you too can pray to the Father and receive your own witness that His Son, Christ leads and directs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints today on the earth.  You can also read the Book of Mormon and feel the power of the Spirit testifying to you of its truthfulness as a second witness of Jesus Christ, in addition to the Bible.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

We invite you to learn more about our beliefs by obtaining a free copy of the Book of Mormon. There is no obligation. Just click the link above on the right and one will be sent to you. I know it will help answer your questions about the purpose of life which certainly go beyond “do Mormons believe in Christ?”

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Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints revere and love the Holy Bible as a record of scripture inspired by God and written by his prophets on earth. This short video set to the recent words of one of the members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles on earth today, tells a short story about William Tyndale and his efforts to bring the Bible to the world.

What is a Bible?

The word bible derives from the Greek word “biblia” which translates as “books.” Literally, the Bible is a collection of books, individually written by inspired men of God, and brought together into a collection of writings.

Why do Mormons use the King James Version of the Bible?

What Bible do Mormons use? The church views the King James version of the Bible as doctrinally more accurate than other more recent versions of the Bible. It also uses a powerful prose, which in some cases can make it harder to read, but because of its doctrinal strength, this version of the Bible is used by the LDS church.

Do Mormons regard the Bible as the Word of God?

When Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS church, penned the Articles of Faith, the eighth article reads, “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.”

Why did he write this? From the History of the Church (vol 1:245; 6:57), Joseph Smith taught that “many important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled.” He also said that the Bible was correct as “it came from the pen of the original writers,” but that “ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors.”

For example, there are many lost books of the Bible as show in this post (What about Jesus?). There are also mistakes within the text such as this clear example from Acts on the experience of Saul on the road to Damascus. In the first instance we read:

Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

Then later when recounting his experience he said this:

Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

Which is it? Did the men with Saul/Paul see the light or hear the voice? Joseph Smith authoritatively declared that Acts 22:9 was correct and that the first instance was incorrect.

The use of extra-Biblical records

Two questions often arise about the LDS use of other records and calling them scripture. The first deals with the scripture in the book of Revelation that says one can’t take from or add to this record. As noted above, the Bible is a collection of books and this verse was written hundreds of years before the Bible came together. If you want more of an explanation, see this other post entitled “Why do Mormons use the Book of Mormon instead of just the Bible?”

The second question that arises is what evidence within the Bible is there that there are other authoritative records such as the Book of Mormon? I linked above to an article pointing out the records of prophets recorded within the Bible, but that we do not have. In this article “what is a Morman?” I discuss some specific scriptures that link the Bible and the Book of Mormon together.

In the LDS church we also believe in modern day prophets who receive revelation and record inspired writings. We have canonized many revelations Joseph Smith received in a book called the “Doctrine and Covenants” (D&C). Twice a year we have a general conference of the church which we also regard as scripture per this verse from the D&C.

D&C 68:4 “And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.”

We also have a small book entitled “The Pearl of Great Price” which is a short collection of inspired writings including the book of Moses, Abraham, the Joseph Smith history, an inspired version of Matthew 24, and the 13 Articles of Faith.

Learning More than What Bible do Mormons use

Would you like to learn more than just what Bible do Mormons use? You can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon or have the missionaries stop by if you’d like by following the links above and to the right. My testimony of the Bible has grown so much by coupling it with the Book of Mormon and modern day scripture. All of these records testify of the mission of Jesus Christ and help us draw near to him.

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John 21:25 “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”

Could it be true? Is it possible that if the works of Jesus were written that the books would fill the world? How could the life of a man who only lived to be 33 fill the world? If all we consider is the mortal life of Jesus, it may be difficult to fill the world with his works, but the disciple John knew more. These closing words provide a fitting summary of Jesus Christ. His works would truly fill the books of the world and we only have a tiny sampling about Jesus and what he has done.

While serving a mission to Houston, Texas, I was serving in College Station where Texas A&M is located. One of the people we were teaching was a student who participated in online bulletin board forums in the very early days of the internet. One particular individual on the forum was disparaging Mormon’s extra scriptural canon and this young man responded by saying, “what’s the big deal? Mormons just think God has more words in his mouth than you do.” We got a chuckle out of that when he shared it with us.

Are teachings about Jesus Limited?

It is hard for me to understand when people say the Biblical canon is closed and there can be no more word of God. Where did they arrive at that knowledge? Did God tell them? If so, then they should accept that God can and does speak to man today. God hasn’t cut off himself from mankind. Typically, people refer to this scripture in the book of Revelation as support for this theory which says:

“…if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19)

The problems with this approach to these verses are:

1) The apostle John wrote this book (Revelation) while he was banished to the Isle of Patmos. There was no Bible in existence. It was written as a stand-alone testimony of latter-day prophecy.

2) Moses said essentially the same thing in Deuteronomy 4:2:

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

If we take John’s words as literal to the entire compiled Bible of 66 books which didn’t occur until 300 A.D., that means we would have to take Moses’ words as literal and discard the great majority of the entire Bible. It is obvious that what they are both referring to is their own writings and that no one had authority to add or diminish from what they wrote in those specific books. Else how would John’s statement above have any meaning that if the works of Jesus were all recorded they would fill the earth? If there is that much more about Jesus then we would be at a great loss to reject it.

What about Jesus’ teachings in other books of scripture?

Is it possible there are other scriptural records we don’t have? The Bible tells us that’s true. The following verses mention writings of prophets that have been lost to the ages.

Exo. 24:7 – book of the covenant

Num. 21:14 – book of the wars of the Lord

Josh. 10:13 – book of Jasher

1 Chron. 29:29 book of Gad the seer

2 Chron. 9:29 – book of Nathan the prophet

2 Chron. 12:15 – book of Shemaiah the prophet

2 Chron. 13:22 – story of the prophet Iddo

2 Chron. 20:34 – book of Jehu

2 Chron. 33:19 – the sayings of the seers

Imagine all the epistles of the disciples of Jesus that we don’t have. The list could go on. The doings of the Lord for his children have no bounds.

What about Jesus’ other sheep?

One other record mentioned in the Bible is the stick of Joseph (Ezek. 37:15-19). Mormons believe this record of the tribe of Joseph is the Book of Mormon which was prophesied to be joined with the Bible in the last days. I’ve already written a post about it so I’ll link to it here without reiterating the Biblical scriptures in support of the book. (What is a Mormon?)

In the Book of Mormon, one ancient prophet on the American continent where the Book of Mormon transpired said this of the Bible and the latter-day wrangling over the book.

6 Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?

7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.

10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.

11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

(2 Nephi 29:6-11)

God’s word isn’t just for a small group of people in the Middle East. God has spoken to prophets in many places and they testify of the goodness and greatness of the Lord and his atoning sacrifice. This same prophet wrote this testimony of Jesus at the closing of his book (2 Nephi 33:10-11):

10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.

11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye-for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.

Please watch this short video introduction to the Book of Mormon by a modern day apostle of Jesus Christ.

What about Jesus’ other works?

So now I wouldn’t want to leave this post without addressing the first point, that the works about Jesus would fill the world if they were all written. Mormons not only believe in the Bible and Book of Mormon, but we also believe in latter-day prophets (see Amos 3:7 and Ephesians 4:11-13) who have recorded the word of God today. Joseph Smith was one such prophet who translated the Book of Mormon, but also received other revelations which include this inspiring passage from an experience that Enoch the prophet and seer had when the Lord showed him his works throughout the universe.

Moses 7:30 “And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;”

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we declare to the world that Jesus has more to tell us than solely what is recorded in the Bible. Indeed, the question “what about Jesus?” cannot be answered fully in this life. We have only a glimpse of the many wondrous creations the Lord has given us and the things he has done.

Get a free book about Jesus and his other sheep in ancient America

If you would like to learn more about Jesus and his teachings to his people in the ancient Americas, you can click here to obtain a free copy of the Book of Mormon. I have come to know more about Jesus by reading the Book of Mormon than what I have learned solely in the Bible, and like the Bible, I know it to be a true book. I know anyone in the world who reads the book and prays to God with real intent to know if it is true, will have their prayers answered and be satisfied that the book really is what it purports to be, another testament about Jesus Christ. Through this record, you can receive a much more complete answer to the question “what about Jesus” than you can by limiting yourself to only one compilation of scripture about Jesus.

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What is a Morman or who are the Mormans?

In short, a Morman is a husband who overachieves at housework.

In reality, it’s a misspelling. When people hear the word Mormon, it may sound to them like Morman because they haven’t seen the word before. To my knowledge there isn’t anything about Mormans in history except an ancient king’s name and a battle in France.

What is a Mormon or who are the Mormons?

A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Members of the LDS church have been nicknamed “Mormons” since the beginning of the church in 1830 due to the publication and use by the church of The Book of Mormon as another book of scripture. Members of the church believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and the dealings of prophets from the ancient Americas with God. We view several sections of the Bible as support for this belief.

Joseph is a fruitful bough

First, in Genesis 49 when Jacob (Israel) was blessing his sons before he died, he blessed his son Joseph with these promises:

22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

Mormons view this promise to Joseph that he would be blessed to have his descendants (branches) go over the ocean (wall to a desert people) to a land of everlasting hills (the Americas have a chain of mountains that runs the height of the North and South Americas). In the Americas, his descendants would flourish and Joseph would be separated for a time from his brothers, the same way he was sold into Egypt but eventually reunited with them. Anciently, the reunion of the family provided a physical salvation during the time of great famine in the land. In the latter days, there is a famine as well, but a spiritual one.

Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

Joseph provides salvation from spiritual famine | Two sticks are joined

In our day, we believe the parallel to this will be that Joseph’s descendants provide a spiritual salvation to the rest of the House of Israel just as Joseph provided a temporal salvation anciently. This happens through the record of Joseph which was prophesied by Ezekiel to come forth in the latter days.

Ezekiel 37
15 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

A few verses further, after Ezekiel declares that God will gather the children of Israel, he says,

24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Two things to note here.

First, the stick of Judah is the record of the Jews, or as we call it, the Bible. The record of the stick of Joseph is the Book of Mormon which contains the writings of the prophets who were among Joseph’s descendants who came to the America’s during the time of Jeremiah in the Old Testament (about 600 B.C.).

One fold and one shepherd

Second, the reference to Israel having one shepherd is something Jesus mentioned as well. In John 10 we read:

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Who were the other sheep Jesus mentioned? They were not the gentiles because Jesus clearly said to the gentile woman whom he initial refused to bless:

Matt 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

So who are the lost sheep who were not of the fold of Judah (the tribe inhabiting the land Jesus lived in)? They were the other of the 12 tribes. The Book of Mormon fully reveals this when Jesus visited the Americas after his resurrection. You can read the account here and what he told the people (Jesus tells the ancient Americans they were the other sheep he mentioned).

So to conclude, Mormons are a group of people who believe God had more to say to his children on earth than what some others presently believe. God didn’t quit speaking just because a group of men who got together around 300 A.D. decided God had quit. The name Mormon comes because one of the ancient prophets in the Americas who lived around 400 A.D. compiled the history of his people onto a set of metal plates containing the most precious teachings and it was called The Book of Mormon just as one would refer to the Book of Isaiah or Books of Moses for those prophetic writings. Today, there are prophets on the earth again who receive revelation from God. Joseph Smith was the first of these who also translated the Book of Mormon into English as part of his divine calling.

What is the Mormon religion?

Following ALL of the teachings of Jesus Christ that have been given to prophets in any day and age and location of the world.

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When thinking about joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) I needed to know what they stood for and their belief in Jesus Christ.  I wanted to know what do Mormons believe in? It was very comforting to discover that they believed in a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally and His Son who saved us from death by overcoming it through the Resurrection.  They also believed we can return to live with God and Jesus by obeying God’s Commandments.

I learned that The Bible testifies of Jesus and so does the  Book of Mormon. I believe that these books are the Word of God.  We can know of their truths by relying on the Holy Ghost to help us recognize them.

I  also found out  that  the gospel of Jesus  Christ was restored to the earth through a prophet of God after a falling away. Prophets are how God reveals His will to men today as He did anciently.

It was very comforting to get answers to questions such as: where did I come from?  Why am I here? Where am I going after this life?

I also learned that families can be together forever.  As we try to be more like Jesus we can become closer to Our Heavenly Father.

These are some of the reasons I joined this church over 33 years ago and have never regretted doing so.  I know this gospel is true because it makes me and my family happy. These are a few things Mormons believe.

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In 1842, the editor of the Chicago Democrat newspaper, John Wentworth, wrote a letter to Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and asked concerning the history of the church and what Mormons believe in.  Joseph replied with a letter known in the church as the “Wentworth Letter”. The reason this letter is so well known is that part of it contained a list of statements which the church later canonized and put into the printed scriptures as core tenets of our beliefs. Today we call these the Articles of Faith and starting in Primary our children work on memorizing them.

The Articles of Faith

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

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.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

What Mormons Believe In: Jesus Christ

One of the things that always surprises me in conversations with people is how our nickname, “Mormons,” has prevented people from understanding our deep belief in Jesus Christ. The actual name of the church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,” so written as to distinguish the church from that in former-days when Christ Himself organized the church when he walked the earth.

As shown above in the Articles of Faith (AOF), we believe in Jesus Christ (AOF 1) and that it is only through the atonement of Jesus Christ that anyone can be saved (AOF 3) and that the first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ (AOF 4). We also believe he is coming again to reign personally on the earth as Lord of Lords and King of Kings (AOF 10). These points are fundamental to what Mormons believe in.

What Mormons Believe In: Scriptures

Aside from these core principles of belief, there are many other things that members of the church believe in. We have 4 different books of scripture that we use:

Bible: Old and New Testaments provide God’s word as delivered to the ancient people of the Bible through Christ’s ministry around Israel.

Book of Mormon: Contains records of two groups of people that were:

1. led away from the Tower of Babel (around 2600 BC) to the America’s and were known as the Jaredites
2. led away from Jerusalem to the America’s around 600 BC and were known as the Nephites and Lamanites

The book contains the writings of the prophets that were among these people and includes the visit of Christ to the ancient America’s. The book ends in 421 AD with the prophet Moroni (son of the prophet Mormon who compiled the record) burying the plates until they were revealed to Joseph Smith in 1827. He then translated the plates by use of an ancient holy device called the Urim and Thummim (translated as “lights” and “perfections” respectively and was worn as an emblem of complete truth. See Exodus 28:30, Ezra 2:63, 1 Sam. 28:6).

Doctrine and Covenants: This book contains modern day scripture as revealed to Joseph Smith and other prophets just as we regard the writings of ancient prophets as scripture such as Moses, Isaiah, Peter, etc…

Pearl of Great Price: The smallest book of the 4 which contains a prophetic inspired translation and revelation of the books of Moses and Abraham, an inspired revision of Matthew 24, Joseph Smith’s history, and the Articles of Faith as listed above.

Click this link if you would like to better understand why we use the Book of Mormon and not just the Bible.

If you would like a free copy of the Book of Mormon to see what it says for yourself, you can read it online for free (Book of Mormon online) or request a paperback book to be sent to you for free. You can also read the other scriptures online at the LDS church’s website. This website contains a number of questions and answers, but this post just addresses some of the core things people wonder about when they ask what Mormons believe in.

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