Mormon Theology no. 14 - Are Mormons Christian?

An article appeared from the Associated Press which states,

"A Presbyterian church was happy to have Jeremy and Jodi Stokes as Cub Scout leaders, at least until officials there found out they are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and told them they would have to step down because the church does not consider them real Christians."

Most Evangelical churches teach that Mormons are not Christians.  They are wrong, and I will say why.

First off, the Mormon Church's official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as received through revelation (D&C 115:4).  What more evidence do you need than that?

Second, I will cite scripture which states our position.  From the Book of Mormon we read, "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (2 Nephi 25:26)"  Also from the Book of Mormon we have the words of the prophet Amulek: "And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it. (Alma 34:8)"

The Bible teaches us, "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)"  From the pen of Isaiah the prophet we read, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)"  He also writes in chapter 9 verse 6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Councellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

In modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith said,  

"The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. (HC 3:30)"

The world's current prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has said,

"I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness and declare that . . . Jesus is . . . the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. (Ensign, May 2007, 22–25)"

I, Clark LeRay Herlin, also know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does indeed teach and preach of Him, and those that say He does not need look again!

Mormon Theology no. 4 - Faith in the Master Jesus Christ

In our previous discussions, we have focused on the Godhead, the Book of Mormon, and the Fall and Atonement. We now focus on how to bring the Atonement into effect.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that faith is the moving cause of all action, both physical and mental, and that if there was no faith, we would cease to exist. He also taught that faith is a principle of power, and that when it is increased or exercised through prayer or reading God's Word, our POWER in Christ actually increases.

Alma 32 is the most prolific and helpful sermon on faith we have on record. The prophet Alma compares faith to a seed or flower bud. In order for a flower to grow, you must weed it, water it, protect it from the elements, and do everything in your power to keep it growing upward so it doesn't wilt and die. So it is with faith: we must pull up the weeds of doubt, pour on the Living Water, protect our faith (or testimony) from the temptations that so easily beset us, and always pray to God that He will help us maintain the Holy Ghost so that our faith increases upward towards Him, therefore obtaining more power of, in, for, and from Christ.

Brethren and Sisters, let us, as Alma admonishes, nurture our faith by study of Christ's Gospel, by prayer, and by Church attendance, and therefore obtain more power in Him. I know that the Savior lives and loves us, and beckons us upward with His words, "Come, follow me." Let us always strive to follow Him in faith, and have that faith increase, I hope and pray, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.