Why do Mormons refer to themselves as Latter Day Saints?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian denomination based on both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that founder Joseph Smith Jr. restored doctrines and authority to the earth in 1830 after centuries of apostasy. The term “Mormon” comes from the Book of Mormon, which adherents believe contains the writings of ancient prophets in the Americas. The term “Latter-day Saints” refers to the belief that members of the church live in the prophesied latter days before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Use of the Full Name of the Church
Mormons prefer to use the full name of the church, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” rather than the term “Mormon” when referring to themselves and their religion. The Lord revealed this name to Joseph Smith in 1838, signifying the formal organization of Christ’s New Testament church on earth again (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). Mormons revere this divinely appointed name as a sign of the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
While the media and others may use the term “Mormon,” members see their faith as centered on Jesus Christ and His gospel. Using the full name of the church reinforces this Christ-centered identity. Elder Russell M. Nelson stated, “It is not merely a name but truly describes us as a people. The tabernacle of ancient Israel was a type and shadow of the spiritual structure of the restored Church of Jesus Christ” (General Conference, October 1990).
Latter-day Saints
The “latter-day” portion of the church’s name refers to the belief that the true church of Jesus Christ has been restored in the last days before His Second Coming, as prophesied in the Bible. Mormons see themselves as Latter-day Saints who have the fullness of Christ’s gospel and authority to administer saving ordinances.
The apostle Paul prophesied of a falling away from true doctrine before Christ’s return, then a restoration “in the latter days” (1 Timothy 4:1, Acts 3:21). The apostle John saw the power and authority of God brought from heaven by an angel right before the end times (Revelation 5). Mormons believe this Restoration occurred through Joseph Smith, returning doctrines, authority, and keys of the priesthood lost during centuries of apostasy. The restored Church of Jesus Christ authorizes its members to be called Saints.
The term “Saint” comes from Paul’s address to early Christians as “saints,” meaning those sanctified or set apart in Christ (Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2-3). Mormons see themselves as Saints in these latter-days, sanctified by Christ’s restored gospel and authority. They seek to follow Christ’s admonition to “be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
A Distinctive Identity as Christ’s Saints
Being Latter-day Saints gives Mormons a distinctive identity as members of Christ’s true church on the earth today. It sets them apart as Saints seeking godliness before the prophesied Second Coming. Their lives revolve around restored doctrine, priesthood authority, and the saving ordinances of Christ’s gospel.
As Saints in the latter-days, they also have a sense of urgency and responsibility before the impending Second Coming. Saints are to prepare themselves and the world through missionary work, family history, temple work, and Christlike service. Their identity motivates them to follow Christ’s admonition to Peter to “strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). They bless others while progressing toward the day when Christ will return to rule and reign (Articles of Faith 1:10).
The name Latter-day Saints links members to the Savior Jesus Christ, His gospel, and the great prophesied latter-day work leading up to His return in glory. It distinguishes them as sanctified Saints who seek to emulate Him. At the same time, the shared identity unifies faithful members throughout the world as part of the Lord’s restored Church. Though diverse, they worship together as one people under Christ’s name.
Scriptural Support for Latter-day Identity
Several Bible verses support the Mormon identity and mission as Latter-day Saints:
– Acts 3:21 – Christ shall remain in heaven “whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things” (Restoration of Christ’s Church)
– Ephesians 1:10 – In the dispensation of the fulness of times, God will “gather together in one all things in Christ” (latter-days will culminate in Christ)
– Daniel 2:44-45 – In the days of those kingdoms, God will set up an everlasting kingdom that shall break in pieces other kingdoms (latter-day Kingdom)
– Matthew 24:14 – The gospel of the kingdom will be preached to the world, then the end shall come (global proselytizing)
– Revelation 14:6-7 – An angel will fly declaring the gospel to preach to them on earth before judgment comes (urgent missionary work)
– 2 Peter 3:11-12 – As the day of the Lord approaches, Saints are to be “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God” (preparing for Second Coming)
– Ephesians 4:11-13 – Christ organized His church with apostles, prophets, and other offices to bring members to perfection (restored church structure)
– Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21 – In the last days, sons and daughters will prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams through God’s Spirit (restored spiritual gifts)
These and other verses validate for Latter-day Saints that they are Christ’s Saints on the earth in the latter days living according to restored gospel principles as they actively prepare for the Savior’s return.
Becoming a Latter-day Saint
Mormons do not see themselves as just another Protestant denomination. They proclaim to be Christ’s actual restored church, the only authorized administrator of saving ordinances. Those who want to come unto Christ and receive a remission of sins must do so through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Articles of Faith 1:4). These and other essential ordinances and covenants may only be performed in Christ’s true church by those holding restored priesthood authority.
To become a Latter-day Saint requires more than just attending services or self-identifying as a Mormon. It necessitates being baptized into the church by proper authority and receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those holding the Melchizedek priesthood (Hebrews 5:4). It also requires enduring to the end in following Christ’s teachings and commandments as continuously revealed through His appointed servants (1 Nephi 13:37, Matthew 28:20).
Through their covenant relationship with Christ and commitment to living as Latter-day Saints, Mormons experience the sanctifying influence of His grace and Spirit. This purifies and perfects them as they prepare to dwell eternally in the presence of God (Moroni 10:32-33).
Life as a Latter-day Saint
Faithful Saints devote their lives to following Jesus Christ’s teachings and example. They seek daily guidance and strength from the Holy Ghost. Mormons embark on a lifelong spiritual journey of repentance, obedience, service, and righteous living.
Latter-day Saints assemble as a community of Saints each Sabbath to worship, study the gospel, and renew covenants. They participate regularly in temple worship. Through family history and temple ordinances they seek to redeem the dead. Mormons also give Christlike service, share the gospel, and invite others to come unto Christ. They also believe in being honorable citizens and good neighbors in their communities.
In all aspects of life, Latter-day Saints strive to be honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men (Articles of Faith 1:13). They “follow after” Christ and become His Saints through the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (2 Nephi 31:19). By enduring faithfully to the end as devoted disciples, Mormons hope to one day stand spotless before God and hear their Savior say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you” (Matthew 25:34).
Conclusion
Mormons joyfully embrace their divinely appointed identity as Latter-day Saints. This distinguishes them as Christ’s covenant people in these last days who follow His teachings and actively prepare for His Second Coming. Their lives revolve around coming unto their Savior through His restored gospel and helping others to do the same. As devoted Saints, they find purpose and meaning in building up God’s kingdom until the day when Christ will reign personally upon the earth.