Jesus Christ

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in Jesus Christ. We are Christians, and we believe in the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth, mortal life and ministry, atoning sacrifice, death, resurrection, and prophesied return. We also believe that, as the Head of His Church, Jesus Christ has revealed himself to prophets in modern as well as ancient times.

Jesus Christ was miraculously born to Mary, a virgin, in Bethlehem of Judea. He lived a sinless life and set an example of wisdom, worship, and charity. He taught His gospel, called apostles, organized His Church, and performed miracles. He suffered for the sins of all men and women and was killed by crucifixion. After three days, he rose again from the dead and ascended to heaven.

We believe that Jesus Christ is part of the Godhead, which also includes God the Father and the Holy Ghost. The members of the Godhead are separate in being, but united in purpose. Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God. Though we are all God’s spirit children, Jesus Christ is the Firstborn in the spirit and the Only Begotten of the flesh. As such, He was uniquely qualified to be the Savior of all mankind—a role He was called to perform before the Earth was created.

We are all children of God, and our purpose on earth is to learn of Him that we may return to live with Him. Because sin makes us unworthy to live in God’s presence, Jesus Christ voluntarily performed a vicarious sacrifice for all sin. As the Son of God and the only sinless individual, He was the only person who could have performed this sacrifice. Called the Atonement, His sacrifice makes it possible for all of us to repent and return to live with God. His resurrection also makes it possible for each of us to be resurrected, meaning that one day we all will have our bodies and spirits reunited in a perfect form, never again subject to death.

Jesus Christ not only suffered for our sins, but He also experienced all of the pain, suffering, and trials that we face in our lives. Having experienced our suffering for Himself, He is able to understand, comfort, and strengthen us when we struggle.

As members of His Church, we seek to learn more about Him through the scriptures, prophets, and personal revelation. We preach, pray, and perform sacred ordinances in His name. We strive to live the gospel and keep the commandments He taught and to follow the example He set. We look forward to the unknown day that He will return to Earth in glory and reign over all people. We hope to live with Him, as well as with God the Father and our own families, eternally.

Though many BYU Speeches bear testimony of Jesus Christ, these addresses specifically center on aspects of His life, Atonement, and role in our lives. We hope that as you read them you too will be able to develop and strengthen your faith in and love for the Savior.