Why Mormons are Christian
The answer is in the name of the church. The official name for the Mormon Church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mormons believe that the Mormon doctrine and gospel is the same that was taught by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. He is the core of the Mormon faith. We believe in the Bible. We believe in the New Testament. Mormons believe that Christ is the Savior of the world. Each week, Mormons partake of bread and water that symbolizes the flesh and blood of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This is called the sacrament. Mormons believe that after Jesus Christ left the earth, the world fell into a state of corruption. False doctrine was being taught. Prophets were fake. Wickedness flourished throughout the earth. The gospel was pulled from the earth and preserved for a later day, so it would not be ruined. It was Joseph Smith who later restored Christ’s message on the earth. We are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for he was the first to be baptized.
Some Christian groups strongly believe that Mormons do not meet the criteria of Christianity. Mormons believe that man must keep the commandments to be saved. Many Christian groups hold the notion that man is saved simply by the grace of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that it is a combination of good works and Jesus’ grace that will get us into heaven. The Bible and New Testament tell us this. In Matthew 19:16-22, a follower inquired of Jesus Christ, asking what he specifically needed to do to have eternal life. Christ answered: "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Through our own actions and Jesus’ atonement, we are saved. What would be the purpose of life if we were not being tested by our actions? Why would Heavenly Father give us agency in the first place? We should not have an attitude such that we live our lives thinking, “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” We should make decisions in our lives knowing that we are being watched and tested by our Heavenly Father. If we were judged on actions alone, we would never be worthy to enter into heaven because we are human and are bound to make mistakes. Through good works and Jesus’ sacrifice, we are saved and can be worthy to enter into the kingdom of God. We must accept Christ by following his example and strive to live the way he did.
Many Christian groups claim that we could not be Christians because we do not believe in the trinity. Most Christian groups believe that God the father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost make up one man. Mormons believe that God the father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct men, who are united in their purpose. The three of them make up the Godhead. Many Christian groups argue that the scriptures prove that the three men are encompassed in one man, quoting such scriptures as "all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me; that they also may be one in us." Many Christian groups interpret references that refer to the Godhead being “one” and “united” as evidence for the trinity. However, Mormons believe interpret these passages to mean that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are unified in purpose, intent, and heart. They are three, separate men who are united in purpose. If they were not three distinct people, why would Christ have prayed to his father in the Garden of Gathsemene? Christian scripture specifies that God and Jesus Christ are separate personages. For example, Stephen of the Bible looked up toward the heavens before being killed and saw both God and Jesus standing side by side as two separate men. This passage can be found in Acts 7:55-56. Mormons believe that when Joseph Smith prayed in the Sacred Grove of trees to know which church to join, he saw two personages, Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon gives evidence that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings as well. Mormons believe that God created the world with Jesus’ help.
Mormons believe that God and Jesus Christ have tangible bodies of flesh and bone and that the Holy Ghost is a spirit who can dwell within us. Mormons and some Christian groups disagree on this. Some Christian groups have attacked the Mormon belief that men can become Gods someday. We believe in following the example of Christ. We believe that as mortal men, we should strive to live lives similar to Christ’s during his earthly ministry and that we can become eternal, resurrected beings. We will still worship God the father. The statement that we can become Gods someday is just stating that we will continue to progress forever, and acquire God-like attributes.
Returning to the original question, are Mormons Christian, we can conclude that Mormons are indeed Christians. Many Christian groups may disagree or claim we are not Christian simply because we do not interpret the Bible exactly the way other Christians do. But when one studies the Mormon belief, it is apparent that we are indeed Christians. We seek to follow his example in our daily lives. Mormons are encouraged to participate in service, show kindness toward our fellow men, and live according to God’s principles.