John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, asked Joseph Smith for some material on the history and teachings of the Mormons. He was helping a friend write a history of the state. Joseph did so, but the material ended up being published in the church’s own newspaper, Times and Seasons. This document included the Articles of Faith, thirteen statements of core beliefs of the Mormon church.
The church has a supplementary text called the Pearl of Great Price. In 1851, it was published in the British Isles, and the Articles of Faith were included in it. The Pearl of Great Price was canonized in 1880, making them official church doctrine for the first time.
While not a comprehensive outline of church beliefs, it is a good introduction to those beliefs considered most important when the church was first restored. All items are recognized today, and are given an important place in church doctrine.
Following is an outline of these articles of faith:
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
This, of course, is the core of the religion. Mormons refer to these three beings as the Godhead. They do not accept the post-Biblical teaching of the Trinity, but instead teach that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, but entirely unified in purpose and doctrine, as taught by the Bible:
“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20) This scripture makes clear the statements that the Father and Son are one, since Jesus Christ certainly wasn’t saying the apostles were also part of that trinity.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
Mormons do not teach the doctrine of Original Sin. While we all suffer the effects of the fall-meaning that we all die-we believe that God will judge us for what we ourselves do, because He is completely just. This negates the post-Biblical teachings that children who die without baptism are denied the fullness of God’s blessings.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Mormons believe that through Grace, everyone is resurrected and will live forever. In addition, grace makes it possible to repent. However, the scriptures repeatedly warn us to repent and to live the gospel and then, when we’ve done all we can do, grace and the atonement make up the difference. This teaching is exemplified by a sermon given by Jesus’ brother, James:
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (James 2, King James Version of the Bible)
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.
These four steps lead a person to becoming a member of God’s church, and must be done in order. Each one builds on the other.
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.
The Mormons teach that no man can choose to become a leader in God’s church, but must be chosen by God, and then given the “keys” (authority) to do so by someone who has the authority to do this. God’s church is one of order, and only He can choose who will lead it.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
As you study the Bible, you’ll see the church of Jesus Christ had many specific positions to be filled, including prophets and apostles. A church that claims to be the Church of Jesus Christ must follow the pattern the Savior established.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
Each of these gifts of God is found in the Bible, and are a sign that the church the Savior established is again on the earth.
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.
It is a misconception that Mormons don’t believe in the Bible, or that the Book of Mormon is the “Mormon Bible.” Mormons use the King James version of the Bible in English, and other versions in other languages. The Book of Mormon is an additional scripture. The Bible was translated by men, and while it was perfect as it was originally written, we know books are missing from it, because writings are mentioned that we no longer have. We also know the translators never claimed to be prophets, and so they translated to the best of their ability, but were subject to the errors of men. The Book of Mormon was translated into English by a prophet, guided by God, and so, in English, it is perfectly translated.
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.
Throughout history, God has spoken to His children through prophets, teaching them the gospel and giving them specific instruction for their own times (such as building an ark or leading the people to Jerusalem.) As we prepare for the second coming, we have a great need to receive instruction specific to our time, and so God has restored prophecy to the earth.
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.
This teaching refers to the events of the last days of the earth-the gathering of Israel and the return of the Savior .
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.
Freedom of religion has not always been given to Mormons. There was even a time when Missouri legalized the murder of any Mormon simply for being Mormon. However, Mormons are strong believers in freedom of religion, both for themselves and for others.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Mormons live in all over the world, and they’re taught to follow the laws of their own country. When laws need changing, they’re taught to use the system. Mormons don’t live in isolated religious communities, so they must obey the law, which Jesus also taught, when he said to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.
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.
This article of faith is a basic summary of the morality of Mormon beliefs. It outlines the type of life Mormons try to live and what their attitude toward life should be. The last sentence is often used as a ruler for choosing what to allow into their lives.