While serving in the Philippines I remember starting a conversation with a young lawyer. We were in the lobby of a hotel in heavily populated Manila. During that animated conversation, we talked of many different things until I introduced the reason for my stay in that country. At the same time, I mentioned and made reference to a copy of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ that I had in my hand.
When I mentioned the word "Mormon," the immediate reaction of this young and apparently well-educated lawyer was to tell me, "So you are a Mormon and you Mormons are not Christians."
I have dealt with similar situations in different circumstances and places, and in all of them--in every case--my testimony of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, has been strengthened.
The thought that there are so many people talking about Christ without knowing Him is what has prompted me to talk about Christ, to rejoice in Christ, to preach of Christ, and to testify of Christ.
For this talk, I would like to add to this wonderful audience an imaginary couple who have been influenced by groundless comments--comments without doctrinal foundation--that have frequently referred to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as not being Christians. These, my good friends, can be your friends; maybe they are now in your hometowns, or in the cities where you served as missionaries, or in those areas where you will be going to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
They are our friends, and I am sure that we all want to help them to reconsider, to engage with us under the guidance of the Spirit, to "let us reason together that [they] may understand."[1]
I extend this invitation to reason together because the problem lies in the mistaken understanding they have about Christ and His life, His teachings, His mission, and so forth. This mistaken understanding, this distorted perspective, causes them to misjudge the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as "non-Christian."
In his book An Actor's Life, Garry O'Connor explained the problem in this simple way:
If a man without a sense of smell declared that this yellow rose I hold has no scent, we should know he was wrong. The defect is in him, not in the flower. It is the same with a man who says that there is no God. It merely means that he is without the capacity to discern his presence.[2]
The differences that separate us are not those of procedures and interpretations (those which are found to divide the Christian denominations), but rather those of profound doctrinal character. Upon analyzing and presenting them, the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would appear as un-Christian in the eyes of those who are mentally caught up and absorbed in the incorrect teachings that have persisted since the time Jesus Christ was on the earth.
This explains why accusations that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is non-Christian can originate with different groups and religious denominations. This reasoning finds support in the definitions of Christianity and Christians given by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
Christianity is the religion of the Christians. Hence, true and acceptable Christianity is found among the saints who have the fullness of the gospel, and a perverted Christianity holds sway among the so-called Christians of apostate Christendom.
True believers of Christ . . . were called Christians. . . . As the day of the great apostasy set in, the term Christian continued to be applied to the supposed followers of Christ, even though in reality they had departed from the true doctrines. Today those who purport to believe in Christ, though they may not actually accept Him as the Son of God, are called Christians.[3]
With these ideas in mind and with the help of the scriptures, we will try to speak to our friends who say that the Latter-day Saints are not Christians.
Let us proceed.
If we agree on the idea that Christians are the followers of Christ--and consequently followers of His teachings and principles--then only the church that accepts, promulgates, teaches, and testifies to the principles of Christ can claim to be Christian.
Let's go to the scriptures to learn more about Christ and his life and teachings to know who his true followers are.
Pay attention to the words used by the angel of the Lord announcing to Mary the birth of Jesus Christ. These are fragments of the scripture that can be found in the first chapter of Luke:
And . . . the angel Gabriel . . . was sent from God . . . to a virgin. . . and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled. . . . And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest. . . .
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.[4]
If we are going to consider this passage only on its historical value, we will have lost that which is most important--the doctrine that this passage contains; in other words, the glorious truth that Christ came into this world as the Son of God. Almost one hundred years before Christ's birth, this same concept was magnified and clarified in the prophecy of Alma 7:9-10:
But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying:
Cry unto this people, saying--Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.
And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.[5]
"The Son of God." Regardless of the fact that many people feel offended for even using the word Christmas, how many times, especially during the month of December, is this name-title repeated in carols that are sung, in cards that are written, or in sermons that are pronounced? Even films with those words as a title have been produced.
But, do your friends understand the eternal significance of the words "the Son of God"? Do they have the knowledge in their minds and in their hearts to answer the questions that the Savior asked to the Pharisees, "What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?"[6]
Maybe not; at least not with the same powerful personal testimony of our Redeemer when He said: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."[7]
In this succinct and wonderful description of the plan of salvation, our Lord Jesus Christ mentioned another of His names: "The Only Begotten Son."
With his proverbial clarity of expression, Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the meaning of this name-title, "Signify[ing] that our Lord is the only Son of the Father in the flesh. Each of the words is to be understood literally. Only means only. Begotten means begotten; and Son means son."[8]
President Heber J. Grant, asking various religious ministers some questions, made reference to this subject:
"Do you believe that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God as you are the son of your father? Now I'm not asking if you believe that he was the greatest (moral) teacher that ever lived--that is conceded by all--but as a minister of the gospel, yes or no, was he literally the Son of God who came into the world, with the definitely appointed mission to die upon the cross for the sins of the world?"[9]
Now, when someone claims to worship a God without body, parts, or passions, who fills the whole universe and who is an undefined spirit, this declaration or the fact that they worship this type of person in itself demonstrates that they do not understand, that they can not conceive, that Christ is literally the Son of God in the same manner that you and I are children of our parents.
I think that helps us to understand one of the reasons why some of our friends declare that the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not Christians.
Let's go now to another example in the scriptures that will illustrate this discussion with our friends.
At the beginning of the Savior's ministry, there is an event that clearly highlights erroneous ideas that the sectarian world has regarding Christ, his doctrine, and the ordinances that will take us back to Him. I refer to the Savior's baptism. The story narrated in Matthew 3:13-17 is extremely interesting and informative, and it is very well known in the Christian world; but, is it really understood?
For example, verse 14 says that the Savior went to the river Jordan, and verse 16 says that "Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water."[10]
I am sure that you will notice the demonstrated fact and testimony that Jesus Christ's baptism was one of immersion, with all its symbolic meaning.
So if Christ set the example for us, and "fulfilled all righteousness,"[11] why is it that those who claim that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not Christians are generally the same ones who practice a different form of baptism? Doesn't it seem that if we are going to be followers of Christ we are going to do the same things that He did, "Leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps,"[12] and perform the same ordinances--with the same authority and in the same manner in which He practiced them?
Later, in the same scripture, it is mentioned that "the heavens were opened . . . and he saw the Spirit of God descending . . . and lighting upon him: and lo, a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."[13]
What an inspiring moment. From the heavens, our Heavenly Father, the literal father of Jesus Christ, voices His approval of that which the Son has been doing. The Holy Ghost descends to Christ who is in the water being baptized. These give clear evidence of the distinctness and separateness of each individual. Does this not suggest that the great majority of those who say we are not Christians maintain and preach a confused identity of the members of the Godhead?
If our friends don't know who Christ is, how can they follow Him? Strictly through intellectual means one cannot get to know Him. Paul said to the Corinthians, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."[14] In the Inspired Version, the Prophet Joseph Smith phrased it this way: "No man can know that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."[15]
The same principle, the same promise, has been repeated in this last dispensation in these words, "I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation. . . . This is thy gift. Apply unto it. . . ."[16] This is where we find the reason that many may speak of Christ yet do not know Him.
Our first Article of Faith says, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost," and I bear my testimony that they are three distinct and separate personages, glorified and exalted with the sense of oneness that is found in deity, as the Savior expressed to the Nephites:
And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one;
And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me.[17]
Or how the Savior expressed it as is found in John 17:20-23:
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.[18]
To the extent that His children are one and try to develop that perfect unity, they can achieve the purposes of the Lord and gain exaltation. They can reach that unity that enables them to walk the same paths, receive the same principles and ordinances, be given testimony of those same principles and truths. They can receive that priesthood and can testify of the same God.
To follow the example of the life of Jesus Christ is essential, to understand the concept of being one and to know Him. That knowledge is obtained by obeying the gospel--the true gospel of Jesus Christ. If that is the case, I am sure that we will understand the beautiful eternal promises that the Lord presents in these words; first part of the powerful prayer of the Savior given during the last hours of his mortal life:
Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.[19]
And in this last dispensation, in a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord said:
I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.[20]
What a promise, what a divine destiny to those that accept the call from Jesus Christ, to "follow me."
He is showing the way. As we walk on that path of faith, hope and obedience, following His example, we learn of Him, more and more we will know Him, and some day in the divine timetable of the Father the promise of becoming the sons of God will be a reality, or in other words, eternal life.When we think of this journey to eternal life, our hearts and minds go to Jesus Christ, the long awaited Messiah, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Through His Atonement and by obedience to gospel laws, men and women have the power to become the sons and daughters of God. Of the Atonement, President Brigham Young said, "The Latter-day Saints believe . . . that Jesus is the Savior of the world; they believe that all who attain to any glory whatever, in any kingdom, will do so because Jesus has purchased it by his atonement."[21]
It is impossible in my inadequacy to describe the price paid by the Savior, but these words of a beloved hymn help in part to do so:
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me,
I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.
I think of his hand pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.
Oh, it is wonderful, that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful for me![22]
To portray the Resurrection in its fullness of glory and hope is, I believe, beyond the ability of mortal man. It is simply more than even the best of us can understand; we cannot grasp it fully, try as we will. "No man can describe it to you--no man can write it."[23]
The reality of the Resurrection is for us an object lesson in faith and hope. Increasingly, as the world ripens in iniquity, faith in Christ for many people is becoming an antique, and with that dimming of faith there are not many of the children of God who can answer positively the question of Job--"If a man die, shall he live again?"[24] To that question Christ's reply, as is always the case, is applicable at this time--"Because I live, ye shall live also."[25]
We have been talking of some--not all--of the names, titles, and responsibilities of our Lord Jesus Christ, but before concluding, we need at least to make reference to one that lies yet in the future. That will be his glorious status as the Millennial Messiah. When that day comes, the earth will be changed. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain."[26]
Then Jesus will return to the earth. "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."[27]
Then, "the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."[28] In that day he will bear new titles and be surrounded by special Saints. He will be known as "Lords of lords, and King of kings."[29]
We have been talking of Jesus the Christ--our Master who said, "I am the Son of the Living God, that I was, that I am, and, that I am to come."[30] As His witnesses, and with our faith centered on Him, we want to demonstrate to our friends that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church that "is called in my name,"[31] is true and is the legal administrator of the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We want you, our good friends, to know what we know by the mediation of the Spirit--that God the Eternal Father lives and that Jesus Christ, his Only Begotten Son, is our Redeemer; to know that we, the members of His Church, have taken upon us His name in the waters of baptism. And yes, we are Christians.
And now, with all those good members of the Church who every Sunday renew the covenant that "they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him,"[32] let us conclude with the surety that lead President Joseph Fielding Smith to declare:
Let it be uppermost in your minds, now and at all times, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to lay down his life that we might live. That is the truth and is fundamental. Upon that our faith is built. It cannot be destroyed. We must adhere to this teaching in spite of the teachings of the world and the notions of men, for this is paramount, this is essential to our salvation. The Lord redeemed us with his blood; He gave us salvation, provided--and there is this condition which we must not forget--that we will keep his commandments and always remember him. If we will do that, then we shall be saved, while the ideas and the foolishness of men shall perish from the earth.[33]
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] D&C 50:10
[2] Garry O'Connor, An Actor's Life, 1997, 253
[3] Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1966, 132
[4] Luke 1:26-35
[5] Alma 7:9-10
[6] Matthew 22:42
[7] John 3:16
[8] Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1966, 546-547
[9] Heber J. Grant, Church News, 3 Sept. 1938
[10] Matthew 3:16
[11] Matthew 3:15
[12] 1 Peter 2:21
[13] Matthew 3:16-17
[14] 1 Corinthians 12:3
[15] Joseph Smith, Jr., Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1938, 223
[16] D&C 8:2-4
[17] 3 Nephi 28:10-11
[18] John 17:20-23
[19] John 17:1-3
[20] D&C 35:2
[21] John A. Widtsoe, Journal of Discourses, 13: 328
[22] "I Stand All Amazed," Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 193
[23] Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 368
[24] Job 14:14
[25] John 14:19
[26] Isaiah 40:4
[27] Isaiah 40:5
[28] Isaiah 9:6
[29] Revelation 17:14; 19:16
[30] D&C 68:6
[31] 3 Nephi 27:8; D&C 115:4
[32] Moroni 4:3; D&C 20:77
[33] Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 302