AM I A CHRISTIAN?

AM I A CHRISTIAN?

There’s been a lot in the news lately about whether we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are “Christians” or not.  I’d like to answer that with several scriptures in the Book of Mormon – ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST.

II Nephi 2:26

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 man look for a remission of their sins.”

II Nephi 2:28

“…For the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not …”

II Nephi 28:14

“ … They have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.”

II Nephi 31:2

“Wherefore the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ …”

II Nephi 31:20

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”

II Nephi 32:3

“Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

II Nephi 33:10

“… Believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ.  And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men to they should do good.”

Now, all these verses have been taken from ONE of Nephi’s sermons … just ONE sermon.  You can find the sermon in II Nephi 25-33.  And I’ve only selected a few of the verses that mention Christ.

I have prayed about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that it is the word of God and that it testifies Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World.  No man can tell me I haven’t felt the promptings of the Holy Spirit as I’ve read it’s holy words. 

There may be some in the world who don’t feel we believe in the “same” Jesus that they believe in.  Well, I believe in the Jesus Christ who revealed himself to the Prophet Joseph Smith on several occasions.  I believe in the Jesus Christ who restored His church on the earth today.  Some may not know it’s been restored, but I know by the promptings of the Holy Ghost it is true.  I would say to those who feel we don’t believe in the “same” Jesus, that “No” we do not.  We believe in a Jesus Christ who reveals his will to living prophets and apostles today.  We have more than the Bible to guide us in a world filled with turmoil and difficult situations.  It would be like a mathematician saying “I believe in arithmetic and there can be no more understanding beyond addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.”  Well, I would say to that mathematician that there is more.  There is geometry, algebra, trigonometry and calculus.  With the understanding of these principles there is so much more to understand about numbers and what they can tell us.  Which begs the question ... "If someone loves the Savior, why wouldn't they want to learn everything they can about him ... especially if it's something they haven't yet heard?

Do I believe in Christ?  Am I a Christian?  I answer with an unapologetic YES!  No one can tell me that the promptings of the Holy Ghost haven’t whispered to my heart that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  I know through his atonement the Holy Ghost has sanctified my soul and that He has forgiven me of many sins and shortcomings.  I’m not perfect, but I know through Jesus Christ I can be.  And if I strive to follow Him I will be able to live with He and our Father along with my family, forever. 

This is why I believe in Christ.