Before moving on, some have brought up the concern of
Mormons worshipping a “different Jesus,” thus suggesting that it does not
matter how much we appeal to the name Jesus Christ if it is the wrong Jesus
anyway. In my afore mentioned manuscript, I spend over 20 pages responding to
this argument, including a table showing the characteristics of Jesus listed in
the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and “The Living Christ,” showing that they are
indeed the same Jesus. Perhaps one day my arguments in that regard will see the
light of day, but for now, I’m only interested in making my case for Mormons as Christians, not refuting
the case against it. That has been
done before, and I’m quite content to direct readers to the previous efforts of
others.
Mormons Make Covenants
in the Name of Jesus Christ
At the very core of LDS theology is the making
of covenants through Jesus Christ, which reconcile us back to God. It ought to
be clear from this fact that we are Christians, but our critics are never
satisfied. Thus,
we shall explore this concept in the New Testament, and see how the Latter-day
Saint understanding compares.
The
Bible and the Gospel Covenant
The
Apostle Paul taught that Jesus was the “mediator of the new covenant” (Heb.12:24), which is also called the “better covenant” (Heb. 8:6; also see Heb.8:7-10, 13; 7:22), and an “everlasting covenant” (Heb. 13:20); and that Christ
brought about this covenant by means of His death and atoning blood (see Heb.9:15-20; 13:20). Jesus Himself taught His disciples during that great and last
supper that the emblems which he had administered to them (the bread and the
wine) were symbolic of the new covenant which was to be wrought through His own
blood (see Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; cf. 1 Cor. 11:23-25).[1] It is by
virtue of this covenant that we are granted a remission of sins (see Matt.26:26-28) and made perfect by Christ’s blood (see Heb. 13:20-21).
Latter-day Saints and Covenants
For
Latter-day Saints, the ordinance of baptism represents the formal entry into
the new and better, and everlasting covenant which was mediated through Jesus
Christ’s atoning blood. Upon baptism, the Latter-day Saint covenants to: (a)
take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ (see Gal. 3:27); (b) always
remember Christ (see Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25); and (c) to keep Christ’s
Commandments (see John 14:15; 15:10; 1 John 2:3; 3:22; 5:2-3). In turn, God
promises the following for keeping this covenant: (a) the remission of our sins
(see Acts 2:38; Matt. 26:26-28); (b) that we will receive the Gift of the Holy
Ghost (see Acts 2:38); and (c) be born again (see John 3:3-5; cf Rom. 6:3-4)
To the Latter-day
Saint, the Sacramental emblems of Christ body and blood serve as a symbol of
this covenant, just as Christ Himself taught in the New Testament (see Matt.26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; cf. 1 Cor. 11:23-25), and
partaking of the Sacrament weekly allows the repentant sinner to re-new this
covenant and once again demonstrate their willingness to follow Christ (see
Moro. 4:1-3; 5:1-2; D&C 20:76-79).
Latter-day Saints further make formal covenants “confirmed before of God
in Christ” (Gal. 3:17) through ordinances in the Temple.
The
Christian nature of this covenant is self-evident. Would non-Christians
formally take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ; and strive to remember
Him and follow Him? Whether or not one agrees with the LDS Church about baptism
being the formal entry of the “holy covenant” (Luke 1:72) which Christ
delivered; whether or not one agrees that the LDS covenant is in fact the New
Testament gospel
covenant; one must agree that, in its very nature,
this is clearly a Christian covenant.
Conclusion of Part 2
The
New Testament is clear that through the Atonement, Jesus Christ delivered and
mediated a new and better covenant, and that by this covenant we may be
cleansed of our sins and inherit eternal life. Consistent with this teaching,
Latter-day Saints formally enter into a Christian-natured covenant via baptism.
Therefore, I suggest that according to this New Testament based practice,
Mormons are Christians.
Other
Reasons
LDS Scripture Testifies of Christ
LDS Prophets and Apostles Testify of Christ
Jesus Christ as the Only Means of Salvation
LDS Prophets and Apostles Testify of Christ
Jesus Christ as the Only Means of Salvation
[1] In the King James text of the New
Testament, the word diatheke is
translated as both covenant and testament. Diatheke literally means covenant or “contract” (see Strong, Transliterated Strong’s Greek-English
Dictionary of the Greek New Testament, g1242). Hence, while these passages
have been rendered as testament in
the KJV, covenant would be an equally
accurate translation of the Greek text. The same is applicable for Heb. 7:22;
9:15-20
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