If you grew up in the LDS church, this question can feel confusing.
You were likely taught that:
- God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings
- Jesus is divine — but not the same God as the Father
- He is, in some way, a separate being who progressed
So when Christians say, "Jesus is God," it can sound strange — or even wrong.
Let's slow this down and look at what the Bible actually says.
What Christians mean when they say "Jesus is God"
Christians don't mean that Jesus is the Father. And they don't mean there are multiple gods.
What they mean is this:
There is one God, and He exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Not three gods. Not one person wearing three masks. But one God — relational in His very nature.
And Jesus — the Son — is fully God.
Jesus is not just like God — He shares God's nature
The Bible doesn't present Jesus as someone who became divine over time. It shows Him as someone who has always been God.
"In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God."
— John 1:1"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
— John 1:14That means Jesus didn't grow into godhood. He stepped into humanity.
Jesus used God's own name
In Exodus, God reveals Himself as:
"I AM WHO I AM."
— Exodus 3:14But later, Jesus says:
"Before Abraham was born, I am."
— John 8:58The people listening understood exactly what He was claiming — and they tried to stone Him for it. Not because He was unclear… but because He was making Himself equal with God.
His followers believed He was God
After Jesus rose from the dead, one of His disciples, Thomas, said to Him:
"My Lord and my God."
— John 20:28Jesus didn't correct him. He received it.
Why this matters more than it seems
This isn't just a technical theology question. It changes everything about the gospel.
If Jesus is not truly God:
- His sacrifice would be limited
- His authority would be partial
- His ability to save would be incomplete
But if He is God in the flesh…
Then what He did on the cross is enough. Fully. Completely. Finally.
What's different from what you may have been taught?
If you've been wondering whether Jesus is different from LDS teachings, these three contrasts are where the road most clearly bends:
Where does that leave you?
You don't have to sort all of this out at once. But you can begin with a simple question:
Who does Jesus say He is?
Try reading the Gospel of John slowly — just a little at a time — and watch how He speaks, what He claims, and how people respond to Him.
One small step
You're allowed to take your time. You're allowed to wrestle with this. You don't have to force belief.
Just stay open — and keep looking.