Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, primarily call Jesus by the same names and titles used by many Christians, including Jesus Christ, the Savior, the Redeemer, the Lord, and the Son of God. While these titles are familiar, their understanding of Jesus's nature, pre-mortal existence, and divine role carries unique theological distinctions within their faith.
Understanding Jesus in Mormon Theology
The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a specific framework for understanding who Jesus is and His significance. This understanding shapes the reverence and titles they attribute to Him.
Key Aspects of Their Beliefs About Jesus:
- Pre-mortal Existence as a Spirit Child: Before His birth on Earth, Mormons believe Jesus was the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. This concept highlights a divine family structure where humans are also spirit children of these celestial parents.
- Brother to Humanity (and Lucifer): In this pre-mortal state, Jesus is understood to have been a spirit brother to all humankind, including Lucifer (who later rebelled). This emphasizes a common divine lineage for all spirits.
- Proposer of the Plan of Redemption: In a grand pre-mortal council, Jesus proposed a plan for human salvation based on agency and atonement, which was accepted by Heavenly Father. This plan allowed spirits to gain bodies, experience mortality, and return to God. It was Jesus's plan, in contrast to Lucifer's proposal, that "won the designation 'Messiah'" for Him.
- Central Role in Atonement: Mormons believe in Jesus's vital role in overcoming the effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve and providing a way for humanity to be redeemed from sin. His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, described as "atoning sweat in the garden," and His death on the cross, allowed Him to "fill in the gap of humanity's need" by taking upon Himself the sins and pains of all people. This sacrifice enables forgiveness and resurrection for all who accept Him and strive to follow His teachings.
- Divine Son of God: Despite being a spirit child of Heavenly Parents, Jesus is also revered as the literal Son of God, having been begotten by the Father in the flesh, making Him both divine and human.
In essence, while the names used for Jesus are largely consistent with broader Christian terminology, the depth of their meaning is informed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' unique scriptural canon and doctrines, including their understanding of the pre-mortal world, the Plan of Salvation, and the nature of God.
