Historical records state that at the beginning of the “Christian era” Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Judea.  The records of His life are so plentiful that there is no argument regarding the fact that He actually lived upon this earth.  Even though there are differences of opinions about minor details in the records, they all record the events connected to Jesus of Nazareth.

The largest differences exist in opinions about exactly who and what He was.  Millions have and do proclaim Him as more than a man:  the Son of God; the Redeemer and Savior of all; Our Judge; the One chosen by the Father – THE CHRIST.  While others believe that He was merely an outstanding man with wonderful qualities and not any more than that.

Historians see His profound influence on world history.  No man or leader has ever been His equal.  Taken only as a figure from history, He is unique.  By general standards even today (or at any time) He stands above any person that ever has or ever will live in His character, His example, the worth and beauty of His teachings, and His influence in the lives of all people.  In addition to this, Christians see Him as much more than a man - they see Him as Lord and God.

Even non-Christians admit to His greatness as a Man and see His influence in world events.  His birth marked a division of time and a new accounting in the calendars of men.    He truly was literally the beginning and the end.  His birth ended one period of time and began another. All events before and after His birth are measured and referenced according to His entrance into the world.  The centuries before His birth are counted backwards.  All of the major events of history are marked on a calendar which was designed around Jesus Christ’s year of birth into this world.  His Return to Earth will also be marked by a new accounting of time and yet another change of calendars.  The opening of the Seventh seal recorded by John the Revelator (Revelations 8:1) marks the beginning of the day of His return.  Surely, He will institute a change in calendar reckoning when He arrives on earth and takes His rightful place as its King approximately 44-50 mortal years after the opening of the seventh seal or 44-50 R.C. (Reign of Christ).

He lived for 33 years.  He only taught and ministered publicly for three of those years.  He died violently as a young man.  While He was alive, He was well-known to only a few people.  His teachings and life gained fame only after His death.

Only a small amount of what He said and did has been recorded and preserved.  Even this small amount is considered to be the world’s greatest treasure.  The best record of His life is in the New Testament and little is said about Him by the Historians of that time period.  However, enough is said by them to confirm that He actually did exist as a real and living person. 

There is very little in recorded history about the boyhood or later life of Jesus.  But even with that lack of information, no man has had more art and literature dedicated to his works and life than has Jesus Christ.  There have been untold numbers of songs written for Him and about Him, many works of art rendering His likeness, and much literature written about His life and teachings.  He is praised by men and women small and great of all faiths and walks of life.

Even those who use His name as a swear word stand as a witness to the greatness of Jesus Christ by their use and knowledge of His name.  (Much like jealous siblings who attempt to besmirch a favored brother’s name….like bullies.)

The purpose of this book is to look at the life and mission of Jesus as the Christ and not merely as a man.  We will use both ancient and modern scripture to do this.  The reader will discover that this use of modern scripture will help us to have a much clearer understanding of the more ancient writings and scripture.  This is especially true for many of the most important matters contained in these Holy Writings.

Instead of beginning this work with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, we shall start with an earlier time.  Let us begin at a time when He was chosen and authorized by God to become the Savior of all of God’s children who would become mortal…while the world was still in its planning stages.  We will look at His role as the creator of the world who carried out the Father’s will in creating a place for God’s children to dwell after they had taken mortal bodies. 

Jesus Christ is also known as Jehovah; the God of Adam and of Noah; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and the God of Israel.  Through Him, God the Father directed and lead His children as they dwelt here on the earth.  By His command, the prophets throughout history have spoken.  He is the God of all nations and will at a future day reign on earth as its King and Lord.  All Kings and Lords shall be subject to Him.

            We shall reverently consider:

1.      His natural birth marked by miracles and wonders,

2.      His pure, sinless life as a near mortal,

3.      His willingness to give up His own life for His brothers and sisters (to enable them to return to their Heavenly Father),

4.      His work among the dead,

5.      His “Resurrection” – the reuniting of His body and spirit into one immortal living being,

6.      His appearances to men after His death,

7.      His continued work among men on the earth as their Lord,

8.      His personal appearance with God our Father to Joseph Smith to reestablish his church and,

9.      His more recent visit to His Temple.

All of these events in the ministry of Jesus Christ have already occurred.  We will also look at future events according to divine revelations.  These future events will include the Lord’s return to power on earth as its King, the institution of a Kingdom of Heaven upon the earth, and the 1000 years of peace and righteousness that will accompany His reign.  Even further than this, we will examine the conflict between good and evil which will occur after 1000 years; Christ’s ultimate and final victory over Satan, sin, and death; and the rebirth of a glorified earth prepared as a home fit for the now immortal sons and daughters of God (us).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints claims the exclusive right to use the name of Jesus Christ as part of its authority given from Him.  Because of this claim, it is wise for the reader to find out what message this church has to give the world about Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Savior of mankind, that would qualify it to make such a claim.  We will find out that this message includes these teachings (and more):

1.      That His mission started before the dawn of time and continues throughout eternity and was assigned to Him by God our Eternal Father.

2.      That He was a God….and that He acted as a God before His birth.

3.      That He was born as the literal Son of God with a human, mortal mother.

4.      That He did actually die then come back to life with a rejoining of body and spirit into an immortal, perfect body (which is resurrection).  By so doing, He has made it possible for all mortals to overcome death.

5.      That He literally took our sins upon Himself and suffered for them in our place (atonement) on the condition that we do as He instructs and live our life according to His laws and dictates in order to live with God again.

6.      That He restored His church in this day and age as it was in His time and with this restoration gave its leader’s authority to act in His name (Priesthood).

7.      That He will literally and certainly return to earth with power to reign as its King and Lord.  This return will be soon and will be in great glory.  We shall know Him as our God.