Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? If so rejoice—you have overcome the world!! The Holy Ghost revealed through the Apostle John that we overcome the world by believing in Jesus:
“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)
This months Relief Society Lesson states:
“Nobody ought to doubt what Jesus says, and He declares, as recorded in the Revelations of St. John, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.” [Revelation 3:21.] Can anything be said greater than that? Does not that comprehend everything?” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 17: Priesthood—“for the Salvation of the Human Family” p. 210)
What Christ said was thrilling, but Mormonism claims that overcoming the world depends upon us and what we do—our works:
“Testify that those who overcome the temptations and trials of the world will inherit the blessings of eternal life. Remind class members that the Savior’s Atonement provides a way for us to overcome if we repent and are faithful.” (New Testament: Gospel Doctrine Lesson 45: “He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things”. (p. 190)
In contrast, the Apostle John testifies that we overcome the world because of our faith in Christ:
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5)
The very moment the Holy Spirit brings us to faith in Christ, we are “born of God”. That is the only way we become a child of God–through faith! (If you don’t believe me, I challenge you to prove I’m wrong using only the Bible.) Our loving God is the King of Kings. The children of the King inherit all that their Father has; not because of anything they have done, but simply because the King is their Father. This inheritance from our Heavenly Father is an unconditional and free gift.
Christ’s mission was “for the Salvation of the Human Family” “and He declares” that we have eternal life through faith in Him. As Lorenzo Snow said, “Nobody ought to doubt what Jesus says“:
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:14-16)
John also testified that our King has given eternal life to those who believe Jesus is the Son of God: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:9-13)
Our Loving Savior overcame the world for you–in your place!!
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Do you still believe that Jesus is the Son of God; even though His testimony and the testimony of John the Beloved contradict the words of LDS apostles and prophets?
If so, rejoice in the truth that you have already overcome the world and gained eternal life. Then spend the rest of your life serving God—giving Jesus all the glory, honour and praise!