November 27, 2003

  • Are Latter-Day Saints Christians? by Daniel Embree

    Because members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormons) are different from traditional Catholics and Protestants, many have mistakenly believed that they are not Christians. To them I would point to the principle Christian Doctrines as they are presented by Jesus himself and his apostles in the Bible.

    The term Christian was first spawned in 43 A.D. at Antioch, Syria. Though the term was probably created contemptuously, Christ’s disciples adapted the term as a fitting title. Before the term was created (and after) the members of the original Church of Jesus Christ were referred to as saints. In fact, the Bible refers to them as Saints more often then it does Christians. Is is any surprise that the members of Christ’s Church in these modern, or latter, days would likewise be known as Saints?
    (see Romans 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 1:2)

    Let it first be made clear that the Latter-Day Saints believe in Christ (the same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem to the virgin Mary). The first article of faith (an explanation of LDS belief) states that “We [Latter-Day Saints] believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” One who believes in Christ and acts accordingly, is a Christian be definition; what then prevents members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from being Christians?

    When Paul was brought before Agrippa, he was permitted to describe himself to the court as a Christian. His explanation, found in the 26th chapter of Acts, is one of the best descriptions of Christianity (in fact, the Agrippa himself was almost converted). He includes in his speech the following principle Christian doctrines:

    The Atonement of Jesus Christ (vs. 23)
    Forgiveness of Sins (vs. 18)
    Resurrection (vs. 8, 23)
    A Witness of the Savior (vs. 13-16)
    Conversion
    Obedience (vs. 16)
    Missionary Work (vs. 16)
    Belief in the Prophets (vs. 27)
    (see Acts 26)

    If members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are truly Christians, then they would accept all of those doctrines.

    The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the center of Latter-Day Saint belief. Every other doctrine, ordinance, or practice is an appendage to it. The third article of faith (an explanation of LDS belief) states that “We believe through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” Latter-Day Saints believe that Jesus was the Christ, the begotten Son of the living God, that he suffered for our sins, and that his eternal sacrifice makes our salvation possible. The Mormons believe that the Atonement of Jesus Christ was a crucial part of God’s plan around which the Gospel revolves.

    The Atonement allows us to be saved through repentance. Latter-Day Saints believe that one may receive a forgiveness for ones sins when one repents. Without the Savior’s sacrifice and forgiveness, we would not be able to become clean, and no unclean thing can dwell with God.

    Latter-Day Saints also believe that after Jesus Christ was crucified, he was resurrected. The Church places a great deal of emphasis on the resurrection. Like the first Christians, Latter-Day Saints believe that all men will be resurrected as a direct result of Jesus’ own resurrection.

    The Apostle Paul was a witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Latter-Day Saints likewise bear witness that Jesus is the Christ. The witnesses of Jesus Christ in latter days parallel the witnesses of Christ in the days of the early saints. Mormons believe that as long as Christ’s Church is on the Earth, God will bring among his saints witnesses of Jesus Christ. They teach that everyone can receive a personal witness of Christ through the Spirit; Latter-Day Saints believe that through sincere prayer to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost will make manifest the truth concerning Jesus Christ, his church, and his scriptures.

    The key to Paul’s teachings lie in his conversion; his conversion provided the foundation of his testimony and his actions. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints likewise teach that all people (member and nonmember alike) should be converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Conversion is a principle based off the witness of the Holy Spirit, which testifies in the heart and mind that Jesus is the Christ. Many Latter-Day Saints often describe that witness as a burning in the bosom that ideally brings about a change of heart.

    Once converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one grows to love the Savior. He declared “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). A key principle of the Gospel is “obedience to [its] laws and ordinances” (A of F 3). Mormons make sacred covenants to keep the commandments of the Savior and obey God.

    Another key concept of the Christian Gospel is missionary work. Literally meaning “good news,” the gospel brings all Christians, including Mormons, great joy. Because it makes them so happy, they want to share its message with all the world; in fact, they have been commanded to do so. Latter-Day Saints are commanded (as all Christians) to spread the good news. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has over 66, 000 worldwide missionaries; in fact, all young men are commanded to serve a mission, most often at the age of 19. Member missionary work is also encouraged, and thus the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints increases exponentially, currently adding a million members every three years (the current population near 12 million).

    The final Christian belief that Paul shares in Acts 26 is in the prophets. Like the rest of the Christian world, Latter-Day Saints believe in the prophets, recognizing their authority from God and honoring their teachings. Latter-Day Saints believe that as long as God’s church is on the Earth (and that has been since Adam), he will speak to his servants, the prophets.

    Christian Doctrines are also summarized in the 6th chapter of Hebrews. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaches all of the doctrines listed, which are:

    repentance (vs. 1)
    faith in God (vs. 1)
    baptism (vs. 2)
    laying on of hands (vs. 2)
    resurrection of the dead (vs. 2)
    eternal judgment (vs. 2)
    an oath (covenant) for confirmation (vs. 16, 13)
    (see Hebrews 6)

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also contains the following key parts of the first Christian Church:

    Apostles- just like the first Church had apostles, the restored church has apostles. When apostles died in the New Testament, new ones were called to fill the vacancy in the quorum of 12. Latter-Day Saints believe that Christ Church should always have 12 apostles, for “also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute” (Luke 11:49). Latter-Day Saint apostles and prophets, including Joseph Smith, have been persecuted and martyred just like the ones of old. (see also 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 2:20 and 4:11)

    Baptism by Immersion- Latter-Day Saints are baptized following the example of Jesus Christ. “Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). (see also Matthew 3:15, Acts 2:38, 10:28, and 22:16)

    Authority from God- the 5th Article of Faith states that “We [Mormons] 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.” This is just like the practices of the original Christian Church. As the Apostle Paul told the Hebrews, “no man taketh this honour [priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4). The priesthood is then described in chapters 5 and 7. The authority Latter-Day Saints profess is passed the same way it was in the primitive church. (see also Matthew 16:19, 10:1, Acts 6:5, 13:3, Ephesians 4:11)

    Miracles- Latter-Day Saints believe that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (see Hebrews 13:8) and that because he was a God of miracles in the Old and New Testament eras, he is a God of miracles in these modern eras and will be forever. Mormons witness countless miracles wrought by faith, and continuously see the Lord’s hand in their lives. (see also John 3:2, Acts 6:8, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 12:29, Hebrews 2:4)

    Persecution- the followers of Christ have always been persecuted, and Latter-Day Saints are no different. They have fallen victim to genocide, massacre, scorn, torment, forced migration, etc. just as the early Church of Jesus Christ. (see also Acts 8:1, Romans 8:35)

    Prophets- “And God hath set . . . in the church . . . prophets” (1 Corinthians 12:28). Latter-Day Saints believe that in every dispensation God will talk to his servants, the prophets. Even as Israel (God’s covenant people) and the early Church of Christ had prophets who testified of Christ, the Church in the latter-days has prophets who testify of Jesus Christ. Again, since the Lord is the same today as he was yesterday (see Hebrews 13:8), it makes little sense that he speak through prophets yesterday but not today. (see also Matthew 21:26, Luke 1:70, Ephesians 3:5, 4:11)