10. I believe in the Christ who said that God is our Father and that Christ is our brother.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

Again and again, Christ and the prophets have told us that God is His Father and our Father, and that we are God's children.

“Ye are the children of the Lord your God….” (Deuteronomy 14:1)

“Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? …” (Malachi 2:10)

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”(Matthew 23:9)

“…in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.” (Hosea 1:10)

Because both Jesus and we are children of God, Jesus is our brother.

“For both he that sanctifieth [Christ] and they who are sanctified [us] are all of one [of God the Father]: for which cause he [Christ] is not ashamed to call them [us] brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name [Father’s name] unto my brethren [us]....” (Hebrews 2:11-12)

Because Christ is the only begotten Son of God in the flesh, I cannot be God's fleshly child. Instead, I am his spirit child.

“Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9)

Because we are God's spirit children, we inherit spiritual attributes of God our Father.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17)

“...as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” (Acts 17:28-29)

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” (Psalms 82:6)

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9. To understand how Christ and his Heavenly Father, being two men, yet are one, I prefer the direct teachings of the Bible to the negotiated conclusion of a council of theologians three hundred years after his resurrection.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

A.  I believe that Christ and His Father are one in the way described by Christ himself—in the same way that we may be one with them:

“Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11 emphasis added)

“Neither pray I for these alone [the apostles], but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us….” (John 17:20-21)

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;” (John 17:22-23)

B. I believe that Christ and His Father are one because they know each other totally:

“and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” (Luke 10:22)

C. I believe that Christ and His Father are one because, although Christ has a will separate from His Father, Christ has completely submitted his will to His Father:

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:41-42)

“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38)

“and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.” (John 14:1)

“…the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” (John 14:24)

“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.” (John 10:37)

“But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.” (John 5:36)

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” (John 8:28-29)

“Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (John 5:19)

D. I believe that Christ and His Father are one because the Father has shared with Christ all that the Father has:

“All things that the Father hath are mine….” (John 16:15)

“All things are delivered to me of my Father….” (Luke 10:22)

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me….” (John 6:37)

“For it pleased the Father that in him [Christ] should all fulness dwell….” (Colossians 1:19)

“The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” (John 3:35)

“And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.” (John 17:10)

I believe that we, with our limited, mortal minds, cannot begin to comprehend the extent to which Jesus Christ's thoughts, will and purpose are one with God the Father. I believe that understanding this is the key to understanding how God the Father and Jesus Christ are indeed "one God" and how there is only "one God."

I believe in Jesus Christ and in God the Father. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.

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8. I believe in the Christ who said that He and His Father are “two men,” but who also said that He and His Father are one.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

The scribes and Pharisees, arguing against Jesus, said "Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true." Jesus responded by citing their law:

“It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” (John 8:17-18 emphasis added)

Yet, Christ on another occasion said:

 “I and my Father are one.” (John10:30)

I believe Christ. I believe he never contradicted himself.

How Christ and His Father are "two men" and yet "one" is found in the scriptures. If the scriptural answer contradicts creeds negotiated by theologians 300 years after His resurrection, I will believe the scripture and not the creeds. I plan to share my beliefs on this in upcoming posts.

I believe in Christ. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.

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7. I believe in the Christ who acknowledged that his Father was greater than He.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

“If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all.” (John 10:29)

 “If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” (John 8:42)

I believe in the Christ who acknowledged that his Father was greater than He. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon. 

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6. I believe in the Christ who often referred to God as his Father, who prayed to his Father, and who habitually spoke of himself and his Father as distinct beings.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father….” (John 10:15) 

“As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father…” (John 6:57) 

“I speak that which I have seen with my Father….” (John 8:38)

“I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” (John 16:28)

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:9)

“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father….” (John 20:17)

“But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.” (John 5:36)

“And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” (John 8:16)

“And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (John 16:3)

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” (Luke 10:21)

“And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:16)

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35)

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)

“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)

“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” (John 12:27)

“For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” (John 16:27)

“…I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.” (Matthew 11:25-26)

“Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (John 5:19)

I believe in the Christ who often referred to God as his Father, who prayed to his Father, and who habitually spoke of himself and his Father as distinct beings. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.

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5. I believe in the Christ born of Mary, who—pregnant with God’s only begotten Son—was still a virgin.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

However it was that Mary conceived, she remained a virgin even after conceiving and while pregnant.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew1:22-23)

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke1:26-27)

 “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus…. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke1:31, 34)

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.” (Luke1:46-49)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18-20)

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” (Matthew1:24-25)

I believe in the Christ born of the virgin Mary. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.

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4. I believe in the Christ who is God the Father’s only begotten Son.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

“Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob” but God the Father begat Jesus Christ. When the angel told Mary she would conceive and give birth to a son, she asked how this could be, as she was a virgin. The angel’s answer was simple, and it is all we know about how this miracle was performed: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee,” and because of that the child shall be the “Son of God.”

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9 emphasis added)

 “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman” (Galatians 4:4)

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus…. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:31, 34-35 emphasis added)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18)

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 emphasis added)

“For unto which of the angels said he [the Father] at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” (Hebrews 1:5)

I believe in the Christ who is God the Father's only begotten Son. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.

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3. I believe in the Christ who, before this earth was made, was God, and now, is God.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

“…and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 emphasis added)

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:14)

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)

“The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:25-26)

I believe in the Christ who, before this earth was made, was God, and now, is God. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.


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2. I believe in the Christ who, before this earth was made, was with God.

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch, 1873

“…and the Word was with God…” (John 1:1)

"I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: ..." (John 16:28)

“…glorify thou me…with the glory which I had with thee before the world was….” (John 17:5)

I believe in the Christ who, before this earth was made, was with God. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.





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1. I believe in the Christ who existed before this earth was made

Christ and the Young Child, by Carl Bloch 1873

“In the beginning was the Word…”  (John 1:1) 

“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38)

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:5) 

I believe in the Christ who existed before this earth was made. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon.

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