26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy 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)
This is one of my favorite scriptures. It could be a one-sentence summary of the church’s purpose. Although it is often erroneously called the Mormon Church, the Church is rightfully named “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Notice that the Savior’s name is right in the center of the name of the church, signifying the place of the Savior in the Church itself.
The Book of Mormon makes it clear that the church, to be the Savior’s Church, must be named after Him:
“And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you; And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.” (3 Nephi 27:6-10, Book of Mormon)”
(This is discussed in more detail in an earlier article: What Should Jesus’ Church Be Named?”)
The Church’s history begins with what is commonly known as the First Vision, when God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith. So, from the first moments of the church’s story, the Savior has been there. Pictures of the Savior adorn the church buildings and even the youngest children are taught to love Jesus. In their classes, young voices sing, “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” and “If the Savior Stood Beside Me.” It’s long been said that if you want a child to believe something, you must teach it to him at a very young age, and so our littlest children are taught to love, honor, and serve the Savior.
If you really want to know what the “Mormons” think of Christ, ask a Mormon. Visit “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” and begin getting acquainted with the Savior the Mormons know and love.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
