Why This Matters
Many Latter-day Saints believe in Jesus Christ and seek to follow Him faithfully. But are the LDS and biblical understandings of who Jesus is actually the same? This page explores key differences between LDS teaching and historic Christian belief about the identity, nature, and role of Jesus Christ..
LDS Teaching vs. Biblical Teaching
In LDS Teaching
- He is the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father
- He progressed from pre-mortal spirit existence to divine status
- He is eternally distinct from the Father
- He shares the same kind of being as humanity
- He is one of many divine persons
In the Bible:
- Jesus is the eternal Son of God
- He was not created
- He is uniquely divine
- He has always existed
- He is one with the Father
Key Biblical Passages to Consider
- John 1:1–3
- Colossians 1:15–17
- Hebrews 1:3
- John 8:58
- Philippians 2:5–7
- Revelation 22:13
A Question to Reflect On
If Jesus shares the same kind of being as humanity—even if in a more advanced or exalted form—how might that differ from the biblical claim that the Son has eternally shared the very nature of God?