Q: I don’t know a lot about the Mormon belief. I’ve heard a lot of things, but I never know what’s true and what’s not true… or if all Mormon’s believe the same. I’m Baptist. I am very active in my church and I LOVE it! Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Not as a man, but as the Son of God who came to die for our sins? I’ve heard that Mormon’s don’t believe in Jesus as the Messiah. I’ve also heard that Mormon’s believe that Satan and Jesus are brothers. Is this true too? If you could clarify these rumors that would be great!
A: To answer the first question, it's super simple. We do believe in Jesus Christ. We believe in Him as the Son of God who came to die for our sins. We also believe in Him as the Messiah. As goes for me, I am eagerly awaiting The Second Coming. Click here if you're still having questions as to whether or not Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Mormons also believe that Satan and Jesus are brothers. When you first hear that, it kind of comes at you a surprise simply because Lucifer and Jesus Christ are SO utterly opposed. BUT both the scriptures and the prophets testify that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are indeed offspring of our Heavenly Father and, therefore, spirit brothers. Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning. Lucifer, too, was an angel "who was in authority in the presence of God," a "son of the morning." (See Isa. 14:12; D&C 76:25-27). Both Jesus and Lucifer were strong leaders with great knowledge and influence. BUT as the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus was Lucifer's older brother.
When I think of Jesus and Lucifer being brothers, my mind automatically shifts to the plan. When our Father in Heaven presented a plan of salvation. Jesus sustained the plan and his part in it; however, Lucifer sought power, honor and glory for only himself. (Isa. 14:13-14; Moses 4:1-2). When his modification of the Father's plan was rejected, he rebelled against God and was then cast out of heaven with those that had sided with him. (Rev. 12:7-9; D&C 29:36-37). When you look at other stories in the scriptures, you'll see that it's not completely unusual. Cain chose to serve Satan while Abel chose to serve God. (Moses 5:16-18). Esau "despised his birthright" while Jacob wanted to honor it. (Gen. 25:29-34). Joseph's brother sought to kill him; he sought to preserve them. (Gen. 37: 12-24; Gen. 45:3-11).
I hope this answers your question about Jesus and Lucifer being brothers. Though it may sound crazy at first, looking at the plan and the big picture, it all makes sense. We also believe that each and every one of us are spirit brothers and sisters and that Heavenly Father is 'the father.'
Do YOU have any questions about Mormonism? Email me at we(n)serendipity(at)gmail.com and your question could be anonymously or publicly featured on future Mormon Monday posts!