In today’s episode, Bryan and Layne explore how the Jesus of the Book of Mormon compares with the Jesus of modern Mormonism and the unchanging Jesus of the Bible.
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Finding Jesus: Book of Mormon Jesus vs. Modern LDS Jesus vs. the Bible
When it comes to Jesus, definitions matter. In this episode, we explore three portraits: the Jesus often taught in modern-day Mormonism (LDS), the Jesus presented in the Book of Mormon (published in 1830), and the Jesus revealed in the Bible. Understanding the differences isn’t just academic—it’s the difference between a gospel of human progress and the good news of divine rescue.
The Modern LDS View (as many were taught)
Many lifelong Latter-day Saints were taught a framework where Jesus (Jehovah) is a created spirit-son of Elohim and a Heavenly Mother, the elder brother of all humans—and even of Lucifer. In that system, God the Father Himself once progressed to Godhood, and Jesus is likewise on a path of progression. This view filters into temple endowment language about “organizing” existing matter, reinforcing the idea that God is more architect than Creator. The result? A Jesus who feels closer to us by nature, but further from us in power—a Savior on the way up, rather than the eternal Lord who stoops down to save.
The Book of Mormon’s Higher Christology
Interestingly, the earliest Book of Mormon language often sounds more like historic Christian claims about Christ’s full deity. For example, passages highlight worship directed to Jesus and language that closely parallels biblical titles for God. Whatever one concludes about its origins, the Book of Mormon’s Christological tone (especially early editions) frequently reads closer to biblical Trinitarian language than to later LDS teachings. That’s a crucial observation for anyone comparing sources within the broader Latter-day Saint tradition.
The Bible’s Timeless Witness about Jesus
Scripture presents an unchanging Christ—from eternity past to eternity future. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1-3 NLT. Jesus isn’t created; he is the eternal Son through whom all things were made. “So the Word became human and made his home among us” John 1:14 NLT. The New Testament repeatedly ascribes to Jesus names, works, and worship belonging to God alone. He is “the exact likeness of God,” the preeminent One through whom and for whom all things were created Colossians 1:15-17 NLT. He bears the personal divine name “I AM” John 8:58 NLT and claims the titles “Alpha and Omega…the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 NLT.
This has massive implications. If Jesus is uncreated, then salvation rests not on our ascent to Godhood, but on God’s descent to rescue sinners. The torn temple veil at Jesus’ death dramatizes this shift from ritual ladders to a Person—direct access to the Father through the finished work of the Son (Matthew 27:51) NLT.
Why This Matters for You
If your background trained you to “follow the prophet,” the Bible gently but firmly redirects your trust: “Long ago God spoke…through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son” Hebrews 1:1-3 NLT. Christianity is not a pyramid of worthiness requirements; it’s a cross-shaped gift of grace. “God saved you by his grace when you believed…It is a gift from God” Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT. And that gift is received personally: “Those who listen to my message and believe…have eternal life” John 5:24 NLT.
A Path Forward
If you’re LDS or formerly LDS, consider this: Which Jesus can actually save—an exalted being on the way up, or the eternal Son who came down? The Bible’s Jesus doesn’t evolve with leadership changes or new essays; he is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) NLT.