September 20 — A friend shared an image of Jesus on her Facebook page today. It’s a painting that most Christians are familiar with, depicting Jesus at the door. The picture made me think of a conversation I had with Michelle. It also reminds me of a similar painting I saw of Jesus in the Mormon Church. 
As you can see, the two pictures differ in that one shows Jesus wearing a white robe, while the Mormon Jesus is depicted in red. As I look at both images, I wonder if the Mormons understand the message behind the painting.
Did you know that Revelation 3:20 is the inspiration behind the painting? It reads –
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
As I ponder the meaning of this verse, I think about salvation for the unbeliever. It reminds me of Jesus’ desire for a personal relationship with us. It’s comforting to know that if we open our hearts to Jesus, he will be with us, and we will have eternal life with him. It makes me wonder what the Mormons think of when they see their picture of Jesus.
Knowing that for them, he only plays a small role in their salvation. I can’t help but wonder what they think about when they hear that Jesus is knocking at the door of their hearts.
Another thing I think about when I see the painting of the Mormon Jesus is, why is he dressed in a red robe? Mormon painter Del Parson painted one of the most popular Mormon images of their Jesus, as well as this one of him at the door. Both show him wearing a red robe. Another Mormon artist, Minerva Teicher, also painted an image of Jesus dressed in a red robe.
As I researched why the Mormons depict Jesus in red, I didn’t find anything official from the Church. I did find something in their D&C that might have an answer.
In Doctrine and Covenants 133:48 it says –
“And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine-vat.”
I also read on the blog page Ask Gramps-
“The color red is intrinsically linked to blood, a symbol of both life and sacrifice. Christ’s red garment may reflect His suffering and the blood He shed, which is foundational to the doctrines of atonement and redemption. It serves as a reminder of the cost of salvation and the lengths to which Christ will go to achieve humanity’s reconciliation with God.”
For Mormons to use the example of his shed blood as the reason behind the red robe is baffling to me. This isn’t something they hold dear; it’s only one piece they need for their exaltation into godhood. For them, it’s not by his sacrifice that they are saved but through their own works.
I pray for them to research the things they are being taught and truly study the Bible. Jesus is enough; His sacrifice is enough.
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes
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