Question
Gramps,
Was the Church of Jesus Christ established in the Old Testament?
C. Julius
Answer
C. Julius,
The history and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are deeply intertwined with the teachings and principles found in the Old Testament. While the Church itself, as instituted by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, was formally established in the 19th century, its roots can be traced back to the foundational teachings, covenants, and prophetic traditions of ancient scripture.
The Old Testament, revered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not just an ancient historical record; it serves as a bridge that connects the teachings of early prophets with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Within its pages are the seeds of doctrine that would later blossom into the teachings embraced by Latter-day Saints. This relationship emphasizes the continuity of God’s plan and the role of covenants throughout history. Understanding this connection enhances our appreciation of the gospel message and the importance of the Old Testament in the Latter-day Saint faith.
In the New Testament, the word “church” is derived from the Greek term *ekklēsia*, which means a gathering or assembly of believers. This concept is mirrored in the Old Testament, where similar gatherings of God’s people are identified in Hebrew as qāhāl and ‘ēdâ. These terms signify not just physical assemblies but spiritual communities bound by faith and covenant. The Old Testament establishes the idea of a chosen people, a theme that resonates through the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Prophetic leadership is a central theme in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with roots firmly planted in the Old Testament. The lives of prophets such as Moses and Elijah exemplify the divine calling to lead God’s people. As articulated in Public Square Magazine, “The Latter-day Saint notion of a prophet is grounded in the Old Testament!” These prophetic figures not only guide their contemporaries but also set a precedent for ongoing revelation and leadership within the Church. The doctrines established by these ancient prophets continue to inform the Church’s understanding of divine authority and guidance today.
At the heart of Latter-day Saint belief is the Abrahamic Covenant, first articulated in the Old Testament. This covenant is viewed as a divine promise encompassing land, seed, and blessings, pivotal to the identity and mission of Latter-day Saints. President Russell Nelson has emphasized, “The Abrahamic Covenant looms large in everything we do as a church and individually.” This covenant not only shapes individual identities but also aligns with the Church’s mission to gather Israel and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ, connecting ancient promises with modern-day fulfillment.
The relationship between the Old Testament and other Latter-day Saint scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon, reveals a profound interconnectedness. The teachings found in the Old Testament serve as foundational ideas for later revelations, with familiarity assumed in the language of the Book of Mormon. This scriptural synergy illustrates how the Old Testament informs the doctrines, practices, and cultural understanding of modern Latter-day Saints.
Central to the faith of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ, who frequently referenced and taught from the Old Testament during His earthly ministry. As noted by the Church, “Jesus expressly taught in his mortal ministry from the texts that make up the Old Testament.” This continuity of teaching highlights the importance of the Old Testament in understanding the mission and divinity of Jesus Christ, thereby reinforcing the belief that the gospel has always been part of God’s plan.
The Old Testament describes the Israelites as a covenant community chosen by God, a concept that parallels the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The notion of a chosen people persists in Latter-day Saint theology, with modern adherents viewed as a continuation of this covenant relationship. This perspective connects the ancient covenant community with the present-day Church, reinforcing the belief that the same God who guided Israel now leads His people today.
Latter-day Saints believe that following the death of the apostles, a great apostasy occurred, necessitating the restoration of the true Church in the latter days. This restoration is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the gathering of Israel and the establishment of God’s kingdom in the last days <sup>1</sup>. Thus, while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not established in the Old Testament, its teachings and principles are deeply rooted in the ancient scriptures, which lay a prophetic foundation for modern faith.
In conclusion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while formally established in the 19th century, shares a profound connection with the teachings and principles of the Old Testament. The covenants, prophetic traditions, and scriptural interconnections highlight the continuity of God’s plan throughout history. As Latter-day Saints study the Old Testament, they not only gain insights into their faith but also embrace a legacy of divine guidance that began long before the Church was organized. This understanding invites all to explore the depth of the gospel and encourages a deeper relationship with the scriptures, ultimately strengthening their faith and commitment to God’s enduring promises.
Gramps
