Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 7 Inspiring Teachings

Have you ever encountered a missionary dressed in a crisp white shirt, perhaps seen a beautiful temple with an angel atop its spire, or simply wondered about the unique beliefs of a faith community known for its strong families and vibrant service? If so, you’re likely thinking about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—often referred to as the LDS Church or, more commonly, the Mormon Church.

This isn’t just another Christian denomination; it’s a distinct faith that emerged in the early 19th century, founded on principles of modern revelation, a unique understanding of the Godhead, and a profound emphasis on eternal families. It’s a story of pioneering spirit, unwavering conviction, and a deep commitment to building God’s kingdom on Earth. For many, it offers a comprehensive roadmap for life, addressing questions of purpose, identity, and destiny in a way that resonates deeply.

Understanding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn’t just about learning about a different religion. It’s about appreciating a spiritual journey that has attracted millions worldwide, inspiring incredible acts of service, fostering powerful community bonds, and offering a unique vision of eternal progression. For us here at oracioncristiana.org, exploring such distinct faiths deepens our understanding of God’s diverse creation.

So, let’s pull back the curtain and explore this inspiring faith. Let’s uncover the 7 key teachings and characteristics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that every curious mind should know!

1. The Godhead: Three Distinct Beings

This is one of the most significant distinctions between Latter-day Saint beliefs and traditional mainstream Christianity. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the Godhead as three separate, distinct, and perfected beings: God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit).

While mainstream Christianity affirms the Holy Trinity (one God in three co-equal Persons), Latter-day Saints understand the Godhead differently. They teach that:

• God the Father (Elohim): Is a glorified, exalted Personage with a tangible body of flesh and bone. He is our Heavenly Father, the ultimate Creator.
• Jesus Christ (Jehovah, the Son): Is also a resurrected, glorified Personage with a body of flesh and bone, distinct from the Father but perfectly one with Him in purpose and will. He is our Savior and Redeemer.
• The Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit): Is a Personage of Spirit, without a body of flesh and bone. He is the Comforter, the Revelator, and testifies of the Father and the Son.

They believe these three divine beings are perfectly united in purpose, power, and glory, but are not one in substance in the same way the Trinity is often understood. This teaching stems from Joseph Smith’s «First Vision,» where he reported seeing two distinct Personages (God the Father and Jesus Christ) appear to him. This unique understanding of the Godhead provides a distinct theological foundation for their faith. You can find their official explanation on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ official website.

2. Continuing Revelation: God Still Speaks Today

For Latter-day Saints, the conversation with God didn’t end with the Bible. A core belief of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God continues to reveal His will to humanity today through living prophets and apostles, making the Church a dynamic faith guided by modern revelation.

While they revere the Bible as the word of God, they believe that God still speaks to His children. This means:

• Living Prophets: The President of the Church is regarded as a prophet, seer, and revelator, a direct successor to ancient prophets like Moses and Abraham.
• Ongoing Guidance: God’s guidance is not limited to ancient texts but is continually given to church leaders and to individuals through personal prayer and the Holy Ghost. This guidance addresses contemporary issues and challenges.
• Open Canon: While they have established scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price), they believe more scripture can and will be revealed.

This belief provides a powerful sense of relevance and immediacy to their faith. It means God is actively involved in the lives of His followers and His Church, providing direction for today’s world. This differentiates them from most mainstream Christian denominations that believe public revelation ended with the apostolic age.

3. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Beyond the Bible, Latter-day Saints have another sacred scripture that is central to their faith. The Book of Mormon is revered as «Another Testament of Jesus Christ,» believed to be a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas, providing additional witnesses of Jesus Christ’s divinity.

Joseph Smith claimed to have translated this book from ancient golden plates by the power of God. The Book of Mormon, first published in 1830, is a companion scripture to the Bible, not a replacement. Its purpose is to:

• Testify of Jesus Christ: Its central message is that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and that salvation comes through Him.
• Clarify Biblical Truths: It is believed to restore «plain and precious truths» that were lost from the Bible over time.
• Expand Understanding: It provides additional insights into God’s plan, the atonement, and the purpose of life.

For Latter-day Saints, having multiple witnesses (the Bible and the Book of Mormon) to Jesus Christ strengthens their faith and provides a broader understanding of God’s universal love. It’s a cornerstone of their doctrine and a daily source of spiritual guidance. You can access the full text and learn more about it on the official Book of Mormon website.

4. Eternal Families: A Central Doctrine and Practice

If there’s one thing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known for, it’s their profound emphasis on family. A foundational teaching is the belief in «eternal families,» meaning that family relationships, sealed through sacred ordinances in temples, can endure beyond death for eternity.

This doctrine shapes their entire approach to family life:

• Sacred Marriage: Marriage is seen as a sacred covenant, intended to be eternal, not just «till death do us part.»
• Temple Ordinances: Specific, sacred «sealing» ordinances performed in their temples (which are distinct from regular meetinghouses) are believed to bind families together forever. These ordinances are for adult members in good standing.
• Family History (Genealogy): Members are strongly encouraged to research their family history and perform temple ordinances for their deceased ancestors, believing that family bonds can extend across generations, living and dead. Their FamilySearch website is the world’s largest genealogical library.
• Family Home Evening: A dedicated evening (often Monday) each week for families to gather, learn gospel principles, play, and strengthen their relationships.

This belief provides immense comfort and purpose, knowing that the love and connections forged in this life can continue forever. It fosters exceptionally strong family bonds and a deep commitment to nurturing relationships within the family unit, which they see as foundational to God’s plan of happiness.

5. Temples: Sacred Houses for Eternal Ordinances

Distinct from their local meetinghouses (chapels), temples hold a unique and sacred place in Latter-day Saint worship. Temples are revered as dedicated «houses of the Lord» where sacred ordinances and covenants are performed for both the living and the dead, empowering individuals and binding families eternally.

Latter-day Saint temples are not open to the general public during regular worship services (unlike their chapels). They are reserved for sacred rituals that:

• Connect to God: Members make solemn covenants (promises) with God.
• Receive Blessings: Participants receive knowledge, power, and blessings to help them return to God’s presence.
• Eternal Family Ordinances: As mentioned, family sealing ordinances are performed to bind families for eternity.
• Ordinances for the Dead: Members perform baptisms, endowments, and sealings vicariously (by proxy) for their deceased ancestors, offering them the same blessings they received.

These temples are essential to the Latter-day Saint understanding of salvation and eternal progression. They are places of peace, revelation, and profound spiritual significance, serving as a powerful visual symbol of their commitment to eternal covenants and family relationships. With over 170 temples currently operating worldwide (and many more under construction), they are a global testament to their faith. You can learn more about Latter-day Saint temples.

6. Missionary Work: Sharing the Restored Gospel Globally

If you’ve encountered Latter-day Saints, chances are you’ve met their missionaries! Missionary work is a cornerstone of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with thousands of young men and women volunteering for full-time missions worldwide to share their faith and the restored Gospel.

This commitment to missionary service is a defining characteristic of the Church:

• Global Presence: Tens of thousands of missionaries serve at any given time, spreading their message in over 150 countries.
• Voluntary Service: Young men (ages 18-25) typically serve for two years, and young women (ages 19-29) for 18 months, at their own expense or with family support.
• Sharing the «Restored» Gospel: Missionaries teach that the original church established by Jesus and His apostles was lost through apostasy after their deaths, and has been restored through Joseph Smith.
• Focus on Jesus Christ: Their message centers on Jesus Christ, His atonement, and the blessings available through Him.

This dedication to spreading their teachings reflects a deep conviction in the importance of their message and a desire to bring others to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and His restored Church. It’s a powerful testament to their commitment and a visible representation of their global reach.

7. Self-Sufficiency and Community Service: A Life of Practical Compassion

Beyond individual spiritual practices, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places a strong emphasis on practical living and helping others. Members are taught principles of self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and extensive community service, reflecting a life of practical compassion and preparedness.

This commitment manifests in various ways:

• Welfare Program: The Church operates a vast global welfare program, encouraging members to live providently and contribute to a system that cares for the poor and needy within and outside the Church. This includes food production, processing, and distribution centers.
• Humanitarian Aid: The Church is renowned for its global humanitarian efforts, providing disaster relief, food, water, and medical supplies to people of all faiths (or no faith) worldwide. Their «JustServe» initiative connects volunteers with local service opportunities.
• Preparedness: Members are encouraged to be prepared for emergencies by having food storage, financial reserves, and practical skills.
• Volunteerism: Most leadership and teaching positions within the Church are filled by unpaid volunteers, demonstrating a deep commitment to service within the community.

This focus on practical compassion and preparedness is a hallmark of Latter-day Saint culture. It empowers members to take care of themselves and their families while also extending generous and proactive service to the wider community, exemplifying a faith that is lived out in tangible actions. You can find more on their humanitarian efforts from Latter-day Saint Charities.

What Inspires You in the Latter-day Saint Faith?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a distinct and inspiring approach to spirituality, deeply rooted in its unique understanding of the Godhead, continuing revelation, and a profound emphasis on eternal families and selfless service. It’s a faith that calls its followers to a life of dedication, learning, and active participation in building a better world.

May this exploration deepen your understanding and appreciation for this vibrant global faith and the incredible commitment of its members. What a rich tapestry of belief to behold!

Now, I’d love to hear from you. The comments section is open!

→ Which of these 7 inspiring teachings or characteristics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resonated most deeply with you, or surprised you the most?
→ How does the emphasis on «eternal families» or «continuing revelation» challenge or inspire your own understanding of faith and divine guidance?
→ What’s one practical way you feel inspired to serve your community or strengthen your family bonds after learning about the Latter-day Saint approach?

Let’s share our insights and encourage one another in our oracioncristiana.org community!