As a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (most commonly referred to as the “Mormon Church” or the “Mormons” by the media), I have often been asked if I really thought I was a Christian. The definition of “Christian” according to the Internet is: noun: A person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Jesus Christ and his teaching. As is represented by the full name of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), I believe in Jesus Christ and His teaching; therefore, I am a Christian.
While studying here at BYU, I have the opportunity to participate in a religion class where we focus completely on the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the Book of Mormon. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe the Book of Mormon is another work of scripture that we cherish and study along with the Bible. So, this past week as we have been studying the Book of Mormon, we have discussed a certain tenet of Christian theology: the condescension of God. A main concept of the condescension of God is that Jesus Christ descended from Heaven to become a man and descend below man in order to exalt us mortals. This tenet is embraced throughout the entire world in Christian churches and teachings. However, not always is the tenet properly addressed. Do we truly understand what it means that Jesus Christ descended from Heaven to become a man in order to exalt us? Do we truly understand what sacrifice, heartache, and pain our Savior had to go through by descending to earth and below man?
Jesus descended below all things for us.
Jesus Christ was mocked, humiliated, hurt, and ultimately killed by those who testified they were waiting for a Redeemer. He is the Redeemer, but He allowed himself to be so defiled in order to save the entire world. Jesus Christ prepared the way for all of us who have ever lived on the earth, and for those who have yet to be born to be able to repent of our sins and mistakes and become more like Him. Christ descended below the strength of mortal men and undertook mental and physical abuse because He loves us all. After His death, Jesus Christ overcame the grave and was resurrected to live again. Because of that act, all of us may return to Heaven and live with Christ and our Heavenly Father again.
As we studied the concept of the condescension of God throughout the Book of Mormon here at BYU, I was basically hit in the head with the realization that Jesus Christ descended below any type of hurt, trouble, stress, or heartache I could ever feel, and that He knows exactly what it feels like; He knows all of my sorrows and knows exactly how to comfort me. I am so grateful for a loving Savior and Heavenly Father.
By Erin H.
Additional Resources:
What do Mormons believe about Jesus Christ?
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