Elohim

Elohim is frequently mentioned in the Hebrew version of the Old Testament but was deleted when translated to English. Elohim is the plural of the Canaanite word El or the Hebrew word Eloah, both of which which mean God. El is used in many names like Bethel (house of God), Michael (who is like God), Daniel (a judge is God), and Israel (to prevail with God). Christ used the word El on the cross when he said, “Eloi” (Mark 15:34), which means “My God.” Elohim can refer to the plural of God, as in Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning God [in Hebrew, Elohim or literally gods] created the heaven and the earth.” Elohim can also be used for God the Eternal Father, and as such means Almighty, Exalted, Omnipotent, and Supreme.

LDS Doctrine

Non-LDS frequently accuse LDS of believing in plural gods. In one way that is true. LDS believe that godhood is the fully-mature state of development for mankind. However, it is incorrect to condemn LDS as not accepting God the Eternal Father, i.e. Heavenly Father, as their God. Mormons believe that this supreme being will always be their Father and their God and will always look to him as such. His importance to them can never dim. They believe that he is the head of two other gods—Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost—over whom he will always have preeminence, as he will always have preeminence over mankind, even when they achieve godhood. Perhaps it would be easier to understand by comparing these relationships to those in earthly families. Each person born on earth has a father. No matter what happens to that person, even after he achieves the adult status of his father, his father will always be his father. That fact won't—and can't--change. When that person becomes an adult human, he will—or should if the father is worthy—revere, honor, and respect his father. He will listen to his father and follow righteous suggestions and advice. LDS also believe that it is this way in the eternities.

Latter-day Saints believe that God the Eternal Father is just that—he will always be their father. They believe he once was a human man who lived on an earth but through following the principles of righteousness has reached an exalted, perfected, glorified state. Through his own personal resurrection, he received his own tangible body of flesh and bones, so he can be both seen and touched, though people still on earth rarely have the opportunity to know this for themselves. The title Father, LDS believe, should be understood as a literal fact. They believe that he is the father of the spirits of all men, including Jesus Christ (and is literally the physical father of Christ as well), hence the frequent references to the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of men. It's also reflected in the Lord's Prayer that begins “Our Father which art in heaven” (Matt. 6:9). Christ clearly taught this principle throughout his lifetime. He said, “Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God” John 20:17).