What We Believe

By Emilia Julian

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often asked a variety of questions about what “Mormons” believe.  Myself, as a convert to the Church, have been loaded with such questions.  “Are you still a Christian?”.  “Do you celebrate Christmas and Easter?”.  “Do you believe in the Trinity?”  These are just some of the questions I would receive from relatives, and school friends (at the time of my baptism, I was still in High School).  It was challenging at times to answer some of the questions effectively because although I had gained a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, I was very young in my gospel knowledge as of yet and didn’t know the best way to explain my beliefs accurately.  All they can see is the newfound joy and peace that radiated through me, and the changes I was gladly making in my life.

Fast forward 30 years.  I am a strong dedicated member of the Church, and I have studied and learned much throughout the years.  I have held numerous Church callings, both in the ward and in the Stake, which has allowed my faith to grow as my knowledge increased and allowed myself to be taught and guided by the Holy Ghost of which is my constant companion.  My testimony has developed tremendously and my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ is solid.  I can’t imagine life without the knowledge and guidance that the gospel brings to me.  The peace it has invited into my life is immense and my greatest wish would be that everyone would allow themselves to partake in the joy I have felt in being a part of Jesus Christ’s only true and living church on this earth since I was baptized many years ago.

As for those that are wondering what we believe in…Our beliefs are profound, but here are a few essential God-given teachings we have been taught.

First, we have the Articles of Faith.  This is a list of 13 statements written in 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ as directed by Jesus Himself.  These statements explain the basic doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They are as follows:

1.  We believe in God the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and 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 t 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 in 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.

Additionally, in 1995, we have been given a proclamation from our First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  This proclamation was not just issued to the members of the Church, but rather, to the world.  It is a declaration and reaffirmation of the doctrines and practices that prophets have stated repeatedly throughout the history of the Church and it contains principles that are vital to the happiness and well-being of every family in every part of the world.  The Proclamation issued is called “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” So there you have it.  Although there are additional doctrines that we believe in, these are the primary teachings and beliefs we have.  There is so much more you can learn!  Do you have questions?  Please ask!  That’s why we are here.