Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormons, believe in the Apostasy, the Restoration, and the Book of Mormon. Their basic beliefs are also summarised in a set of 13 Articles of Faith.
The Mormons are a Christian denomination who declare the divinity of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus is the only source of salvation. Mormons abide by Christ’s teachings.
The organisational structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS Church) is intended to be the same as that which the Lord Jesus Christ organised during his life on Earth. It is purported to be the same because Christ restored his church in these latter-days, and has called living prophets and apostles.
The Church of Jesus Christ Restored
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ called a new prophet in these latter-days, a man named Joseph Smith, to whom he revealed his doctrine and gave his authority. According to Mormons, he called the priesthood to act in his name. Christ directed Joseph to organise and restore his church. This is called the restoration, as Christ's church, authority, and gospel were restored (returned) to the Earth. Joseph Smith's account of being called of God, including his vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ, can be read in his history.
Mormon Living Prophets and Apostles
Mormons suggest that Christ leads his church today through living prophets. The President of the LDS Church and his two counsellors are called the First Presidency, and they are assisted by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Joseph Smith was given, by the Angel Moroni, a set of gold plates which he translated by the power of God. The translation was of The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is an account of God's dealings with different groups of people who lived on the American continent.
The LDS Church Today
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organised on April 6, 1830, with six members in attendance, and has grown to over 12 million members worldwide. Its teachings and basic organisation are the same as the Church that Christ established while here on earth.
The 13 Articles of Faith:
The 13 Articles of Faith, written by Joseph Smith, are the basic beliefs of the LDS Church and constitute a comprehensive summary of what Mormons believe. The Articles of Faith are as follows:
- We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
- We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
- We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe in the same organisation that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
- We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law.
- 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.
Though the Mormon religion has received bad press recently because of allegations of child abuse, polygamy and immorality, it is important to remember that every faith suffers elements of discrimination, and essentially the Church of Latter Day Saints follows ethical Christian beliefs and practices.
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