Forgiveness

Recently I've thought a lot about the power of Forgiveness. Forgiveness comes in many forms: seeking forgiveness from another, being able to forgive someone for being wronged, accepting others heartfelt forgiveness, and seeking to be forgiven from God for a wrongdoing. Their is great power in the principle of forgiveness. I believe that forgiveness is one of the noblest attributes that one can develop in this life. Saying sorry to someone that has wronged you is much easier than holding onto a grudge. Our Father in Heaven will forgive us as we forgive others (Matthew 6:14). Being able to forgive someone is not an easy task, but it is something we can accomplish with the Savior's help. We are fortunate to have the perfect example of love and forgiveness as an example to us. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of Forgiveness. In His darkest hour as He was betrayed by His friends and was ultimately killed, He begged His Father to forgive those that were crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). This forgiveness, offered by the Savior, didn't wipe away their sin, but opened the door for them to repent.

Our Heavenly Father

Each of us is a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father. Before we were born we lived with Him in our Heavenly home. He is our Eternal Father and knows what makes you happy, sad, frustrated, annoyed, peeved, hurt, loved, cared for, empathetic, joyful, exhilarated, etc. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows where we've been, where we are, and He knows our potential to become great. This earth life is His plan for us to learn, to grow, experience hardships, success, the good times, and the bad times. How fortunate we are to have someone like Him to be our Father. Each of us can come to better know Him as we strive to become more like Him. He loves us enough to sacrifice His Son so that we may be able to live with Him again. How great is that love? How great is our God to love us that much? What a great opportunity we have to get a small glimpse into what He gets to experience!

Godhead

Webster's defines Godhead as "the nature of God especially as dwelling in three persons." One belief that sets Mormons apart is the nature of the Godhead (God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost). Mormons believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings united in purpose. Each is a separate, distinct being. God and Jesus each have bodies similar to ours (Genesis 1:26); the Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit allowing Him to dwell with us. For centuries many people have been confused about who God is or what He looked like. We were created in His image and we know that He is in human form.

Here is a stain glass depiction of the First Vision (when God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith).

Jesus Christ

The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is centered on the birth, life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is the Savior of the World, the Messiah that was promised from the foundation of the world. He is "the way, the truth, and the light" and the only way back to God. Jesus was born into the world to show us by example how we should live and provide a way for us to return to God. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the way for us to receive forgiveness and continue on the path to our Father in Heaven. Christ is so fundamental to the church, enough that the church is named after him. We believe that the church is literally His church and that He governs it through chosen leaders (Prophets and Apostles). Jesus Christ does live and Mormons revere him as the Savior of all mankind. I know that He lives and the life He lived gives me hope everyday.

One of my favorite pictures of the Savior, Christ by Heinrich Hoffman.

Introduction

During a recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as Mormons), a talk was given on defending the beliefs of the church. I've been thinking for awhile what I could do to define my religion and not let others define the church from the outside. This blog will introduce, support, and defend the beliefs of Mormons. The blog is meant to inform and be a way for others to learn more about the church; it is intended to be simple and not extremely long. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is similar too many other Christian churches. Jesus Christ is central to the church. We believe that he is the literal Son of God, the Savior of the World.