Articles of Faith
From MormonWikia
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a set of 13 Articles of Faith. These articles are brief and simple statements of some basic Mormon beliefs. The Articles of Faith do not compose the entire beliefs of the Mormon Church, but they are a good summary of the differences between Mormon doctrines and the doctrines of other churches. They are usually studied and often memorized by children in the Church. The Articles of Faith are printed in the Pearl of Great Price, one of the "Mormon Books."
These statements were written by Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the Mormon Church. They were originally part of a letter written (by the request of George Barstow) to John Wentworth, commonly known as the Wentworth Letter. Joseph Smith wrote these articles to help people who aren’t members of the Church understand how the Mormon Church is different from other churches.
[edit] The Articles of Faith
Here are the Articles of Faith as they appear in the scriptures (minus footnotes and cross references):
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
[edit] A Paraphrase
The following is from a children’s lesson book. It gives simple explanations of what we can conclude from the Articles of Faith.
1. I know who the members of the Godhead are.
2. I am responsible for the things I do.
3. I can understand Heavenly Father’s plan for his children.
4. I can return to Heavenly Father by obeying the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.
5. I know Church leaders are called of God through priesthood authority.
6. I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church Jesus organized when he lived on the earth.
7. I may receive many gifts and blessings through the Holy Ghost.
8. I know the scriptures are the word of God.
9. I know revelation comes from God.
10. I know Jesus Christ will come again.
11. I am free to worship God, and allow others the same right.
12. I need to obey the laws of my country.
13. I can develop good traits that will help me live the gospel and will contribute to my happiness.
(“Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, 204)
