Difference between revisions of "Savior"

Revision as of 14:37, 21 March 2006

Mormon doctrine proclaims that the Savior is “[o]ne who saves. Jesus Christ, through his atonement, offered redemption and salvation to all mankind. ”Savior” is a name and title of Jesus Christ."[1] The mission and the atonement of the Savior, Jesus Christ, is the central act in human history and, according to Mormon teachings, provides the only way for mankind to be forgiven of their sins and saved in God's Kingdom. The Doctrine and Covenants, one of the four books which Mormons regard as scripture contains these words as spoken by Jesus to his prophet, Joseph Smith: "Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds" (D&C 43:34).

The Savior is central to Mormon doctrine and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Jeffery R. Holland bore this testimony about the Savior's role in the Church:

In a world of unrest and fear, political turmoil and moral drift, I testify that Jesus is the Christ-that He is the living Bread and

living Water-still, yet, and always the great Shield of safety in our lives, the mighty Stone of Israel, the Anchor of this His living Church. I testify of His prophets, seers, and revelators, who constitute the ongoing foundation of that Church and bear witness that such offices and such oracles are at work now, under the guidance of the Savior of us all, in and for our very needful day (Jeffrey R. Holland, "Prophets, Seers, and Revelators," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 9).

Every person born into this world is cut off spiritually and physically from the presence of God because of the Fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus is our rescuer or Savior because he saved the body of every person from physical death and has provided the means by which people can be saved from their sins and enjoy Eternal Life with Him and His Father. Resurrection, or immortal life with a body of flesh and bones, is a gift given to all as a result of Jesus' resurrection. Spiritual death, which means being cut off from the presence of God, remains. Jesus has also saved us from this fate, through the atonement. First he atoned for Adam's Fall, meaning that man is born into this world pure and untouched by sin. Mormons reject the doctrine of original sin. As Jesus declared to His disciples: "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:3). Mormon doctrine procailms that all children are saved by Jesus' atonement, but that adults are accountable for their sins. The second Article of Faith proclaims that "men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." Jesus suffered for our sins that we may repent and be able to return to live with God. Jesus is the only person through whom we may be saved from both physical and spiritual death. His role as our Savior was given to him before the world was created. He was the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev. 13:8) chosen to be the Savior of the World.

The First Presidency of the Mormon Church gave this testimony of the Savior’s mission:

We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth. He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10)" (see The Living Christ).