For Latter-day Saints, understanding the nature of God and Jesus Christ is at the heart of our theology. We believe earnestly in the teachings of the Apostle John:
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
Easily summed up in the first Article of Faith, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” This seems simple enough, but many other Christians question our view of God. What are the differences that cause this? In a doctrinal essay by the Church, “Where Latter-day Saints differ from other Christian religions is in [our] belief that God and Jesus Christ are glorified, physical beings and that each member of the Godhead is a separate being.”
While we believe this true doctrine has been restored through modern-day revelation, primarily in the First Vision experienced by Joseph Smith, a closer study of scripture helps reveal the distinct nature of each member of the Godhead. Nowhere is that more clear than in the baptism of Jesus.
In both the accounts of Christ’s baptism in Matthew and Luke, we see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost represented in separate ways.
As Christ emerges from the water, Matthew tells us “the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove…and lo a voice from heaven, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Luke records that “the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”
Though we cannot comprehend all things, a loving God has always made essential truths clear for His children. By studying the baptism of Christ, we see that the Godhead is made of “distinct beings with distinct roles” and “they are one in purpose and doctrine. They are perfectly united in bringing to pass Heavenly Father’s divine plan of salvation.”
Learn more about the Godhead here.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
