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Mormon Church
The Mormon Church was founded by Joseph Smith who adherents consider a prophet. After the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who wrote thirteen Articles of Faith which are the basic beliefs of the Church. Mormon basic beliefs, help to better understand how a foundation both in ancient scriptures and latter-day revelation makes Mormonism what it is today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on the same principles and doctrines of the Church that Jesus Christ Himself set up when He lived on the Earth.
It is believed that after the death of the Apostles, the authority to lead the Church was lost, and many important doctrines were changed. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the Mormon Church, is Jesus Christ’s Church again established upon the earth. This restoration began through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and revelation continues today. Basic Church beliefs as stated by the Mormon Church:
God is our Heavenly Father This is one of the most basic principles of the Mormon Church. Members are taught that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits. He knows and loves each of us and wants each of his children to return to live with Him again. Jesus Christ is the Son of God Mormons believe in Jesus Christ and believe the teachings found in the Bible. He redeemed all mankind from death through the resurrection. He saves us from sin through the atonement if we will repent. Although many people think Mormons are not Christian, this is not true, belief in Jesus Christ is an essential part of Mormon beliefs. The Holy Ghost The third member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost helps us feel the spirit and influence of God. He is a spiritual being who has the ability to bring things to our remembrance, comfort us, help us to know when something is true, and teach through the spirit of God. Faith, Repentance, Baptism and Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost The Mormon Church teaches that a person must make and keep certain covenants to return to live with Heavenly Father. To do this a person must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins through the proper use of the atonement, enter into the covenant of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost from a person who has the proper authority. There are other covenants that must be made but these are the first and most basic. Restoration of the Priesthood The priesthood authority held by Christ has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The real authority of the priesthood was lost when the apostles of Christ were killed, so the authority had to be restored by Heavenly messengers. These messengers were John the Baptist, the apostles Peter, James and John and others. The Bible is the Word of God The Mormon Church regards the Bible as the word of God, as well as The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. Belief in continuing revelation is why these other books of scripture are accepted as official doctrine. Modern Day Prophets With the restoration of the gospel, God has once again called men like the ancient prophets Moses or Noah, to be prophets. These prophets have the authority to speak to us in God’s name. The prophet on the earth today is Gordon B. Hinckley. Plan of Salvation Our lives have a sacred purpose. We lived with God as spirits before being born into mortality. Mortality is a necessary “test” to allow us to progress to exaltation. By following God’s commandments, and entering into the required covenants, families can be together forever.
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