Christ (a Greek word) and Messiah (a Hebrew word) mean “the anointed.” Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of the Father in the spirit (Heb. 1: 6; D&C 93: 21). He is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh (John 1: 14; 3: 16). He is Jehovah (D&C 110: 3-4) and was foreordained to his great calling before the creation of the world. Under the direction of the Father, Jesus created the earth and everything on it (John 1: 3, 14; Moses 1: 31-33). He was born to Mary at Bethlehem, lived a sinless life, and made a perfect atonement for the sins of all mankind by shedding of his blood and giving his life on the cross (Matt. 2: 1; 1 Ne. 11: 13-33; 3 Ne. 27: 13-16; D&C 76: 40-42). He rose from the dead, thus assuring the eventual resurrection of all mankind. Through Jesus’ atonement and resurrection, those who repent of their sins and obey God’s commandments can live eternally with Jesus and the Father (2 Ne. 9: 10-12; 21-22; D&C 76: 50-53, 62).
Jesus Christ is the greatest being to be born on this earth. His life is the perfect example of how all mankind should live. All prayers, blessings, and priesthood ordinances should be done in his name. He is the Lord of lords, King of kings, the Creator, the Savior, and the God of the whole earth.
Jesus Christ will come again in power and glory to reign on the earth during the Millennium. At the last day, he will judge all mankind (Alma 11: 40-41; JS-M 1).
Summary of his life (in sequence of events): Jesus’ birth and mission were foretold, Luke 1: 26-38 (Isa. 7: 14; 9: 6-7; 1 Ne. 11). Was born, Luke 2: 1-7 (Matt. 1: 18-25). Was circumcised, Luke 2: 21. Was presented in the temple, Luke 2: 22-38. Was visited by the wise men, Matt. 2: 1-12. Joseph and Mary fled with him to Egypt, Matt. 2: 13-18. Was brought to Nazareth, Matt. 2: 19-23. Visited the temple at age twelve, Luke 2: 41-50. Had brothers and sisters, Matt. 13: 55-56 (Mark 6: 3). Was baptized, Matt. 3: 13-17 (Mark 1: 9-11; Luke 3: 21-22). Was tempted by the devil, Matt. 4: 1-11 (Mark 1: 12-13; Luke 4: 1-13). Called his disciples, Matt. 4: 18-22 (Matt. 9: 9; Mark 1: 16-20; 2: 13-14; Luke 5: 1-11, 27-28; 6: 12-16; John 1: 35-51). Commissioned the Twelve, Matt. 10: 1-4 (Mark 3: 13-19; Luke 6: 12-16). Gave the Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5-7. Foretold his own death and resurrection, Matt. 16: 21 (Matt. 17: 22-23; 20: 17-19; Mark 8: 31; 9: 30-32; 10: 32-34; Luke 9: 22; 18: 31-34). Was transfigured, Matt. 17: 1-9 (Mark 9: 2-8; Luke 9: 28-36). Sent forth the seventy, Luke 10: 1-20. Made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Matt. 21: 1-11 (Mark 11: 1-11; Luke 19: 29-40; John 12: 12-15). Instituted the sacrament, Matt. 26: 26-29 (Mark 14: 22-25; Luke 22: 19-20). Suffered and prayed in Gethsemane, Matt. 26: 36-46 (Mark 14: 32-42; Luke 22: 39-46). Was betrayed, arrested, and forsaken, Matt. 26: 47-56 (Mark 14: 43-53; Luke 22: 47-54; John 18: 2-13). Was crucified, Matt. 27: 31-54 (Mark 15: 20-41; Luke 23: 26-28, 32-49; John 19: 16-30). Was resurrected, Matt. 28: 1-8 (Mark 16: 1-8; Luke 24: 1-12; John 20: 1-10). Appeared after his resurrection, Matt. 28: 9-20 (Mark 16: 9-18; Luke 24: 13-48; John 20: 11-31; Acts 1: 3-8; 1 Cor. 15: 5-8). Ascended to heaven, Mark 16: 19-20 (Luke 24: 51-53; Acts 1: 9-12). Appeared to the Nephites, 3 Ne. 11: 1-17 (3 Ne. 11-26). Appeared to Joseph Smith, JS-H 1: 15-20.
Authority: The government shall be upon his shoulder, Isa. 9: 6 (2 Ne. 19: 6). Jesus taught as one having authority, Matt. 7: 28-29 (Mark 1: 22). The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, Matt. 9: 6. Jesus commanded the unclean spirits with authority and they obeyed him, Mark 1: 27 (Luke 4: 33-36). Jesus ordained twelve to have power, Mark 3: 14-15. Jesus’ word was with power, Luke 4: 32. The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son, John 5: 22, 27. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and with power, Acts 10: 38. Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world, 1 Pet. 1: 20 (Ether 3: 14). Christ has the keys of hell and of death, Rev. 1: 18. All men become subject unto Christ, 2 Ne. 9: 5. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ANUS, is the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning, Hel. 14: 12. Christ came by the will of the Father to do his will, D&C 19: 24. Jesus received a fulness of the glory of the Father, and he received all power, D&C 93: 3-4, 16-17 (John 3: 35-36).
Example of Jesus Christ: I have given you an example, John 13: 15. I am the way, the truth, and the life, John 14: 6. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps, 1 Pet. 2: 21. Unless a man follow the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved, 2 Ne. 31: 16. I would that ye should be perfect even as I, 3 Ne. 12: 48. This shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, 3 Ne. 18: 6. I have set an example for you, 3 Ne. 18: 16. The works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do, 3 Ne. 27: 21, 27. True followers of Jesus Christ shall be like him, Moro. 7: 48.
Glory of Jesus Christ: The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle, Ex. 40: 34-38. The whole earth is full of his glory, Isa. 6: 3 (2 Ne. 16: 3). The glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, Isa. 60: 1-2. The Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father, Matt. 16: 27. Glorify thou me with the glory which I had with thee before the world was, John 17: 5. The Holy One of Israel must reign in great glory, 1 Ne. 22: 24. We had a hope of his glory, Jacob 4: 4. The Son of God cometh in his glory, Alma 5: 50. He did expound all things, from the beginning until he should come in his glory, 3 Ne. 26: 3. Mine Apostles shall stand clothed in glory even as I am, D&C 29: 12 (D&C 45: 44). We beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, D&C 76: 19-23. John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, D&C 93: 6 (John 1: 14). His countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, D&C 110: 3. His glory was upon me, and I beheld his face, Moses 1: 1-11. This is my work and my glory, Moses 1: 39.
Head of the Church: Christ is the head of the Church, Eph. 5: 23 (Eph. 1: 22; 4: 15). He is the head of the body, the Church, Col. 1: 18. This is my Church, Mosiah 26: 22 (Mosiah 27: 13). Christ was the author and the finisher of their faith, Moro. 6: 1-4. This Church have I established, D&C 33: 5 (3 Ne. 27: 3-8).
Judge: He shall judge the world in righteousness, Ps. 9: 8 (3 Ne. 27: 16). He cometh to judge the earth, Ps. 96: 13. God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, Eccl. 3: 17. He shall judge among the nations, Isa. 2: 4 (Micah 4: 3; 2 Ne. 12: 4). With righteousness will he judge the poor, Isa. 11: 2-4. The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son, John 5: 22. If I judge, my judgment is true, John 8: 16. He was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead, Acts 10: 42 (2 Tim. 4: 1). God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, Rom. 2: 16. We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, Rom. 14: 10 (2 Cor. 5: 10; Alma 12: 12; Morm. 3: 20; 7: 6; Ether 12: 38; D&C 135: 5). All men come unto God to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him, 2 Ne. 2: 10. Stand before God to be judged according to deeds, Alma 5: 15 (Alma 12: 15; 33: 22; 3 Ne. 27: 14). God and Christ are the judge of all, D&C 76: 68.
Millennial reign of Christ: The government shall be upon his shoulder, Isa. 9: 6 (2 Ne. 19: 6). I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord, Zech. 2: 10-12 (Zech. 14: 9). God shall give unto Jesus the throne of his father David, Luke 1: 30-33. Christ shall reign for ever and ever, Rev. 11: 15. The Saints shall reign with Christ a thousand years, Rev. 20: 4 (D&C 76: 63). Because of the righteousness of the people, Satan will have no power, 1 Ne. 22: 26 (Rev. 20: 1-3). I will dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, D&C 29: 11 (D&C 43: 29-30). Be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, D&C 58: 22 (1 Cor. 15: 25). Christ will reign personally upon the earth, A of F 1: 10 (Isa. 32: 1).
Postmortal appearances of Christ: When Jesus was risen, he appeared first to Mary, Mark 16: 9 (John 20: 11-18). Jesus walked and talked with two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Luke 24: 13-34. Jesus appeared to the Apostles, who felt his hands and feet, Luke 24: 36-43 (John 20: 19-20). Jesus appeared to Thomas, John 20: 24-29. Jesus appeared to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias, John 21: 1-14. Jesus ministered for forty days after his resurrection, Acts 1: 2-3. Stephen saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God, Acts 7: 55-56. Jesus appeared to Saul, Acts 9: 1-8 (JST, Acts 9: 7; Acts 26: 9-17). Christ was seen by more than 500 people, 1 Cor. 15: 3-8. Jesus Christ showed himself to the people of Nephi, 3 Ne. 11: 1-17. 2500 people saw and heard Jesus, 3 Ne. 17: 16-25. Mormon was visited by the Lord, Morm. 1: 15. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw Jesus, D&C 76: 22-23. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw the Lord in the Kirtland Temple, D&C 110: 1-4. Joseph Smith saw Jesus on the right hand of God, JS-H 1: 15-17.
Premortal existence of Christ: The Lord appeared unto Abram, Gen. 12: 7 (Gen. 17: 1; 18: 1; Abr. 2: 6-8). The Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, Ex. 33: 11 (Deut. 34: 10; Moses 1: 1-2). I saw the Lord standing upon the altar, Amos 9: 1. In the beginning, the Word was with God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, John 1: 1, 14 (1 Jn. 1: 1-3). Before Abraham was, I am, John 8: 58. Glorify thou me with the glory which I had with thee before the world was, John 17: 5. Isaiah verily saw my Redeemer as I and my brother Jacob have seen him, 2 Ne. 11: 2-3. On the morrow come I into the world, 3 Ne. 1: 12-14. Christ was before the world began, 3 Ne. 26: 5 (John 6: 62). As I appear unto thee will I appear unto my people in the flesh, Ether 3: 14-17. Enoch saw the Lord and walked with him, D&C 107: 48-49. My Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, Moses 4: 2. The Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me, Abr. 3: 27.
Prophecies about the birth and death of Jesus Christ: A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, Isa. 7: 14 (1 Ne. 11: 13-20). Out of Bethlehem shall come forth a ruler in Israel, Micah 5: 2. Samuel the Lamanite prophesied a day, a night, and a day of light; a new star; and other signs, Hel. 14: 2-6. Samuel the Lamanite prophesied darkness, thunderings and lightnings, and shaking of the earth, Hel. 14: 20-27. The signs of Jesus’ birth were fulfilled, 3 Ne. 1: 15-21. The signs of Jesus’ death were fulfilled, 3 Ne. 8: 5-23.
Taking the name of Jesus Christ upon us: There is no other name whereby we must be saved, Acts 4: 12 (2 Ne. 31: 21). The Apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name, Acts 5: 38-42. This is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, 1 Jn. 3: 23. Witness that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by baptism, 2 Ne. 31: 13. I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, Mosiah 5: 6-12 (Mosiah 1: 11). Whosoever was desirous to take upon them the name of Christ did join the Church of God, Mosiah 25: 23. All those who were true believers in Christ took upon them the name of Christ, Alma 46: 15. The gate of heaven is open to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, Hel. 3: 28. Blessed is he who is found faithful unto my name at the last day, Ether 4: 19. They are willing to take upon them the name of the Son, Moro. 4: 3 (D&C 20: 77). Take upon you the name of Christ, D&C 18: 21-25.
Testimony borne of Jesus Christ: Paul testified that Jesus is the Christ, Acts 18: 5. Even the evil spirits testified that they knew Jesus, Acts 19: 15. No man can say that Jesus is the Lord except by the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 12: 3. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, Philip. 2: 10-11. We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, 2 Ne. 25: 26. The Book of Mormon is to convince the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, 2 Ne. 26: 12 (Book of Mormon title page). The prophets and the scriptures testify of Christ, Jacob 7: 11, 19. Seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, Ether 12: 41. We saw him and heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten, D&C 76: 20-24. This is eternal lives—to know God and Jesus Christ, D&C 132: 24. We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, A of F 1: 1. We believe that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, A of F 1: 10.
Types or symbols of Christ: Abel offered the firstlings of his flock, Gen. 4: 4 (Moses 5: 20). Take thine only son Isaac, and offer him for an offering, Gen. 22: 1-13 (Jacob 4: 5). The Lord commanded the children of Israel to sacrifice lambs without blemish, Ex. 12: 5, 21, 46 (Num. 9: 12; John 1: 29; 19: 33; 1 Pet. 1: 19; Rev. 5: 6). This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat, Ex. 16: 2-15 (John 6: 51). Smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people might drink, Ex. 17: 6 (John 4: 6-14; 1 Cor. 10: 1-4). The goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities, Lev. 16: 20-22 (Isa. 53: 11; Mosiah 14: 11; 15: 6-9). Moses lifted up a serpent of brass to save those who look at it, Num. 21: 8-9 (John 3: 14-15; Alma 33: 19; Hel. 8: 14-15). Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days, Jonah 1: 17 (Matt. 12: 40). This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, Moses 5: 4-8.
