Hi, I’m Daniel Ortner—a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, and a father of three.
I was born in Israel but grew up in the United States. Raised in a Jewish home, I became an atheist in my youth before converting to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism). For many years, I embraced the LDS faith with sincerity and conviction. But through God’s grace and a deep study of Scripture, I came to know the true gospel: that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
This blog is a place for reflection, testimony, and theological exploration. I write to proclaim the sufficiency of Christ, the glory of God, the beauty of biblical grace, and the joy of boasting in Him alone—not in our works or efforts, but in His finished work on the cross.
I often contrast key differences between LDS teachings and biblical Christianity—not to mock or attack, but to shine light on the freedom and assurance found in the gospel. I also share reflections from my Scripture study and occasionally post poetry. If you’re wrestling with your beliefs, exploring the Bible, or simply curious, I invite you to read, engage, and reach out.
My prayer is that something you read here will help you encounter the radical, freeing, and glorious grace of Jesus Christ.
“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 6:14)
Here are some posts that offer a good starting point:
Why I Left the LDS Church for Jesus Christ– A post describing in detail why I made the decision to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Better than Just a Mediator – In Christ we become adopted as sons and heirs, not as debtors working to pay off a more lenient creditor.
A Greater and More Glorious God – Reflections on how I have been changed and blessed by my more exalted view of God and seeing him as holy, sovereign, immanent, and graceful
Galatians Study Guide – Full Document– A verse-by-verse study guide that I wrote on the Book of Galatians