In the 18th century, a young American boy yanked himself out of the stream of orthodox Christian churches. The many points of scriptural disagreement and understanding during those years fueled his exit. The zeal to know God’s mind in these matters opened the heavens to him. His major question was, “which church is true?”
This American was
known as the Prophet Joseph Smith. He witnesses that he saw the heavenly father
and his son, Jesus Christ. He also claims that Moroni, a prophet who once lived
as a human many generations before, now glorified as an angel, was sent to him
by God. He was directed to written words, principles and teachings hidden away for
many years without being known to all modern men These scriptures and others
were inspired writings of an older generation comparable to the teachings of
the Bible. These writings, that the prophet translated by divine guidance and
the ministrations of the Holy Spirit, attracted a little flock of believers.
The murder of the prophet did not quench but enhanced the testimonies of
believers and great crowds of people of all races. Today, more than three
hundred years later, the little flock now comprises millions of followers
worldwide.
Author John G. Turner, in his
all-time, bestselling book titled “The Mormon Jesus,” boldly testifies
to the latter-day saints’ firm confession and belief that Jesus Christ is the
true son of the Heavenly Father and the glorified senior brother of all others
of God’s children. This son of God is whom they must strive to become like.
This ideal stands as the most significant in their teachings. More so, in the
Doubleday edition of the LDS Book of Mormon, it is well stated that this book
is regarded as the companion to the Bible and is regarded as scripture and as
being the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Within this edition of the
book, the church is recorded as one of the largest-growing denominations
worldwide!
Yes! They believe in
Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Yes! They believe in his crucification for the sins
of the world. Yes! They believe he has resurrected! Yes! They believe in and
study the Bible. Yes! They believe that Christ will return and will establish
his millennial reign on earth! And yes! They believe in the tribulation before
the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for a thousand-year peaceful reign
on earth with the righteous.
Do Mormons believe in a
rapture? When is their own set time for the "catching up" experience
to meet Christ? When are Mormons expecting the return of the Messiah? Why
aren’t they sounding the trumpet of the Rapture and the second coming of Christ
like evangelicals? Do Mormons teach salvation by being born again? Can Mormons
be called Christians? When will the world end?
From the scriptures of the Latter-Day Saints, here is what the Apple Book store reveals.
Do Mormons
believe in a Rapture?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not use the word rapture, but it does describe a similar event: the righteous being "caught up" to meet Christ at His Second Coming. Both the living righteous and the resurrected righteous will be "caught up" to meet Him. This happens at the sound of the trumpet, a common symbol in apocalyptic and Second Coming scriptures. The "catching up" experience is not an escape from tribulation, but part of Christ’s visible, triumphant return. [D&C 88:96-98].
When is their set time for the "catching up" experience to meet Christ?
For them, the event occurs at the Second Coming of Christ [D& C 45:45–46]. Both the living righteous and the resurrected righteous will be "caught up" to meet Him.
When are Mormons expecting the return of the Messiah?
The LDS Church teaches that we are living in the “last days”, a period before Christ's return. The return could happen soon or in decades, but Mormons are taught to live as if it could happen at any moment, while still building for the long term.
Why aren’t they sounding the trumpet of the Rapture
and the second coming of Christ like
evangelicals?
Members are specifically warned not to speculate about the exact timing, which no one will actually know till he comes [D& C 49:7]. But to focus on preparation, not prediction [President Dallin H. Oaks, 2020].
Do Mormons
teach salvation by being born again?
The Latter-Day Saints doctrine accepts this teaching literally and doctrinally. In fact, it's foundational. To them, being born again is a package of actions that must include Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism by immersion (water) and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) by the laying on of hands. None is to be left out [2 Nephi 31:17].
Can Mormons be called Christians?
Yes, members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do consider themselves Christians, and their
doctrine is centred on Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Saviour, and Redeemer of
the world. [ 2 Nephi 25:26]
When will the
world end?
The earth, as we know it, was created in 7 days; this organization will exist for seven thousand years. The messiah will return for a thousand years of righteous, peaceful reign at the beginning of the seven thousandth year. [D&C 77&78].
Get these books from the Apple stores, Follow Links
John G. Turner [2025]
Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet
Link: https://apple.co/3UBMiFq
Richard E. Turley Jr. [2025] In the Hands of the Lord:
The Life of Dallin H. Oaks (Unabridged) Link: https://apple.co/46Zkr9y
Joseph Smith [2023] Book of Mormon. Link: https://apple.co/3V0zgBo
Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 1
Movie ∙ Documentary ∙ 2022
Link: https://apple.co/45RgX7T
Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 2
Movie ∙ Documentary ∙ 2022
Link: https://apple.co/3V1yCDA
Joseph Smith [2020] The Doctrine and Covenants of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Link: https://apple.co/4oFryKv
John G. Turner[2016] The Mormon Jesus
Link: https://apple.co/45ArbbD
Patrick Q. Mason & John G. Turner[2016] Out
of Obscurity
Link: https://apple.co/4mLrozF