First Four Basic Principles of Mormonism

LDS Emphasis on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Ghost

Aug 14, 2009

Thirteen statements called the Articles of Faith explain what Mormons believe. The fourth lists and explains the four basic building blocks of Latter-day Saint religion.

The basics of Mormon doctrine are best explained by looking at the Articles of Faith, a collection of 13 declarations of Latter-day Saint belief. They were written in 1842 by the founder and first prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith.

The Fourth Article of Faith is particularly important to Latter-day Saints because it spells out the four most important and basic parts of the gospel of Jesus Christ as they see it.

The LDS Fourth Article of Faith

The 4th Article of Faith examines the four basic building blocks of a gospel-centered life and membership in the LDS church.

It reads, "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."

Principle vs. Ordinance

In Latter-day Saint terminology, a "principle" is a precept, axiom, or truth. An "ordinance" is a religious ceremony or ritual performed by priesthood holders in the church.

In the Fourth Article of Faith, faith and repentance are principles. Baptism and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost are ordinances.

Mormon Emphasis on Faith in Jesus Christ

Mosiah 3:9 in the Book of Mormon reads that Jesus Christ "cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name." Latter-day Saints believe absolutely that the only way to gain eternal life is to cultivate faith in Jesus Christ, for "without faith it is impossible to please him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Mormons define faith as trust in God and Jesus Christ. Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit that can be cultivated by studying the scriptures, praying, and hearing the testimony of others. God usually works according to a person's faith, meaning that the greater peoples' faith the more they will see God's hand in their lives.

To Latter-day Saints, "faith" is a verb. It is more than mere belief in that it motivates people to keep the commandments and try to live a more Christ-like life. As they do this, their faith naturally increases.

Mormon Beliefs About Repentance

True faith is believed to naturally bring about repentance, which is renouncing a sin and turning to God. Everyone who is mentally capable of understanding the meaning of his actions will fall prey to sin - Jesus Christ is believed by Mormons to be the only perfect person that ever lived.

Repentance is a necessary condition of salvation. In the Book of Mormon, Christ teaches that "no unclean thing can enter into his [God's] kingdom, therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins." (3 Nephi 27:19)

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, true repentance is taught to have five steps. Fully repenting of a sin includes not doing it again, or else the weight of the former sins return. (D&C 82:7)

Baptism into the LDS Church

Baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is done by full body immersion under the water by someone with priesthood authority.

Since Mormons believe in "baptism unto repentance" (Moroni 8:11), they do not practice infant baptism. By revelation from the prophet Joseph Smith, 8 years of age is the prescribed age of accountability.

Mormons believe that children younger than 8, as well as those without the mental capacity to understand right and wrong, are not capable of sinning and therefore do not need baptism to be saved. Mormons believe that the atonement of Christ is sufficient for them.

Mormon Gift of the Holy Ghost

After baptism, people then receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. One or more priesthood holders lay their hands on a person's head to confirm him or her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and confer the gift of the Holy Ghost on them.

Before being given the gift of the Holy Ghost, all people can feel His influence from time to time. However, after receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, they have the right to His constant companionship as long as they are keeping the commandments.

The 4th Article of Faith explains a lot about Mormon beliefs and outlines the steps necessary for joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are the first four building blocks of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The copyright of the article First Four Basic Principles of Mormonism in Mormonism is owned by Jenny Evans. Permission to republish First Four Basic Principles of Mormonism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.