In the spring of 1838 Joseph Smith received a revelation that is now recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants section 115. It contained specific instructions regarding the Savior’s newly reorganized church. Included in these instructions was the official name of the church.
“For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” D&C 115:4
Some consider this to be a mouth full. It’s no wonder that many use abbreviated versions when asked what church we attend. “Mormon” is a widely known, but generally inaccurate, term. “LDS” (an abbreviation for Latter-day Saint) is another. Just as another would say “I’m Lutheran” or “I’m Baptist” when asked about their religious beliefs, many of us would first reply “I’m LDS” rather than using the full name of the church we belong to, because our audience generally expects a quick and concise answer. The full title can sometimes feel as if you’re delivering a small speech instead of an identifying factor. As convenient as these abbreviations can be, they are unable to tell a full story unless the person we are speaking to has a good frame of reference.
The name given to this church is very specific and clear and carries a wealth of information. Many, hearing the term “Mormon” assume that means non-Christian. Many hearing the term “LDS” might assume we fumbled our identification of a commonly known street drug rather than our heart felt belief in the Savior. On the other hand, when the full name of the church is identified, there can be no doubt in either party’s mind exactly whom we worship and revere, nor is there a question of our role in that church.
What exactly does it mean to be called a “Latter-day Saint”?
The term “saint” does not refer to one who has achieved an epitome of holiness, or someone who should be worshiped for their goodness. Rather, it is synonymous with the term disciple. A saint is one who believes in, and has expressed a commitment to follow, Jesus Christ. A saint is one who has been:
“called unto the fellowship of … Jesus Christ our Lord” 1 Cor. 1:9
“to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people.” Mosiah 18:8
We are seeking after the way of life that He has shown us is possible. We are striving for goodness, but we are far from perfect.
The term “Latter-day” refers to the time in which we live. As many believe, the world is in its final stages of its mission as a place of trial and experience for God’s children. The final scenes are unfolding that will lead to the second coming. Latter-day expresses our presence in the last days, in the Lord’s reckoning, before that glorious second coming.
When we call ourselves “LDS”, we are really saying we’ve made a commitment to Jesus Christ to stand up for His name, to act in His name, until He comes again. That’s a powerful statement that many miss when we announce our faith in this way. We carry a strong testimony and love for Jesus Christ. We’re trying a little harder every day to give our heart, might, mind and strength every day of our lives. We love, serve, sacrifice, and seek for beauty and purity in the world around us. We come from many countries and many backgrounds. We all have individual weaknesses and challenges, but we are trying because above all else, we love our Savior Jesus Christ.
We are his disciples.
We are Latter-day Saints.
