Mormon Beliefs

In 1847, John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, wrote Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church) and asked him what Mormons believed. There was a great deal of prejudice at this time against the Mormons, and Joseph Smith took the opportunity to share with someone willing to ask what the truth was about Mormons, their beliefs, and their practices. What Joseph Smith shared with Wentworth came to be canonized as scripture in the Mormon Church and is known today as the thirteen Articles of Faith. These are listed below as originally written. However, a brief explanation follows to explain where Mormon doctrine differs from other Christian denominations’ doctrine.

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

Unlike the rest of Christendom, Mormons do not subscribe to the Nicene Creed, or any other creed for that matter. The Creed’s definition of the Trinity contradicts Mormon doctrine which states that God is knowable and knows each of us. He has a body of flesh and bone, (as do we, being made in His image). He, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate, distinct beings who make up the Godhead. Though they are separate in being, they are one in purpose.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

Mormon doctrine does not teach the belief of Original Sin. Mormon do believe that Adam and Eve transgressed God’s law in the Garden of Eden by partaking of the forbidden fruit. The punishment for their disobedience was to be cast out of God’s presence and to become mortal. Each of us suffers the effects of both consequences, but both are also rescued from both through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through the Atonement, we will all be resurrected and our bodies and souls will be eternall reunited. We will also be brought back into the presence of God to be judged. Thus, we will be judged and punished for our sins, but will suffer to eternal punishment due to Adam and Eve’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.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ was more than His death and resurrection. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for the sins and pains of all the world. Having been born of God, and thus having an immortal father and a mortal mother, He had the power to give His life. Because He was perfect, He could choose to take upon Himself our sins and pay the price for them. He has taught us that if we keep His commandments and receive all the necessary ordinances of the gospel, including baptism, the intiatory and endowment, and eternal marriage, enduring in faithfulness, we may qualify for the cleansing power of His Atonement and be perfected in Him.

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.

The first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to believe that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Once we have that faith, we must exercise it unto repentance for our sins through the power of Christ’s Atonement. The first ordinance we must receive to obtain salvation is baptism by immersion, as Jesus Christ Himself was baptized. The symbolism of baptism by immersion includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and us, through His power. Confirmation, or the gift of the Holy Ghost, is an essential companion of baptism. The first is a cleansing of the body, the second is a cleansing of the spirit. The Holy Ghost is the comforter which Jesus Christ spoke of and cleanses our souls when we have repented. This is the baptism of fire referenced in the New Testament. In addition, the gift of the Holy Ghost (who does not have a body of flesh and bone like the Father and the Son, but is a spirit) allows those who receive it and keep it worthily personal revelation and protection from the Godhead.

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.

All ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ must be officiated by the priesthood, or the authority to act in God’s name. This power was lost from the earth when the Apostles were martyred. Though some individuals held it, the keys and organization of the priesthood were lost. This power was restored by those who last held it on the earth (John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John) to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The prophet of the Lord, of whom there may only be one at a time, holds all the keys and power of the priesthood. Others who receive the priesthood receive authority to perform and officiate certain ordinances, but always under authorization of the leaders of the Mormon Church. In order to preach in the name of God, one must be called by Him and given His power.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

Jesus Christ organized His Church while He was on the earth. This same organization was restored in our day by Joseph Smith, by the power and authority of God. There has been a living prophet ever since Joseph Smith, and there will continue to be until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Twelve Apostles also lead the Mormon Church today.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

The gifts of the Spirit spoken of in the New Testament are evidence that one has the authority to act in God’s name. All these gifts come with the priesthood. Since the priesthood has been restored, the gifts of the Spirit have also been restored. Many people testify of their personal experiences with the gift of healing, of tongues, of personal revelation, and many other things. One must have faith in Jesus Christ to receive these gifts. While these gifts must come through the priesthood, they may also be received by people not of the Mormon faith, as long as they are given through the power of the priesthood to someone who accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.

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.

Many people accuse Mormons of not believing the Bible. While Latter-day Saints believe that there is additional scripture to the Bible, they still accept the Bible as the word of God. However, Mormon doctrine teaches that many plain and precious truths were lost from the Bible when it was officialy compiled by men. In the early days of the Church, there was no such thing as canon. When men took it upon themselves to decide what was and was not the word of God, they took many things away which they no longer understood. This has led to much confusion and contradiction among Christian scholars, even men from the same denominations. Mormons recognize that God never ceases to speak. The heavens are open today, and God speaks through His prophet. The Book of Mormon was brought forth by the hand of God to be a second witness that Jesus is the Christ. It is a record of Christ’s dealings with the ancient peoples of the Americas.

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.

In addition to the Bible and the Book of Mormon, Latter-day Saints accept other books of scripture as canon, including the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. However, Mormonism is unique in that it has an open canon. Because God continues to speak through His prophet, the prophet may reveal to the world God’s will for men. Though God is unchanging, men are not, and we need guidance in different areas at different times. God will continue to reveal His will to His children as long as they listen.

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.

While much of Christianity believes many things in the Bible to be figurative, Mormons believe nearly all things to have both a literal and a figurative interpretation. Mormon doctrine teaches that the ten tribes of Israel which were scattered before the time of Christ will literally be gathered together again. Latter-day Saints also believe that Jesus Christ lives and that He will come again to the earth in His resurrected form and reign upon the earth.

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.

The history of Mormonism is full of persecution, despite the freedom that the Constitution of the United States offers all people with regard to religion. The Saints were continually denied this freedom as well as the protection of the law when this freedom was denied. Joseph Smith strongly believed in the Constitution and never stopped appealing to the law for aid. Not only do Mormons claim the inalienable right to worship God how they see fit, but they recognize that this freedom applies to others who believe differently than they do.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

Though God’s law transcends all earthly laws, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all people should obey the laws of the land in which they live. No matter what form of government they live in, they should obey the law, as long as it does not conflict with God’s law. Mormons are taught to be honorable people in all their dealings, even if certain levels of dishonesty are not illegal. It is important for peaceful society to obey the law and to respect the rights of others.

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.

Above all things, Jesus Christ taught charity and love for all people, even those who persecute you. Mormonism teaches that charity should be shwon to all people. The gospel of Jesus Christ is full of joy, good news, and happiness. Life should be celebrated, and the best things in life should be sought after. Virtuous things should be shared with those around us and we should help build up our communities with such things.