LDS Articles of Faith
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often called Mormons by those of other faiths, accept the principle of continuous revelation as an essential feature of faith in God and Jesus Christ, whose relationship with His children is ongoing, and His words to us, continual.
Joseph Smith, the first prophet and the first president of the LDS Church, received in 1842, from the Chicago Democrat‘s editor John Wentworth, a request for information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his reply, the prophet Joseph Smith included a list of 13 main beliefs of members of the LDS Church. In time this collection of beliefs was formally adopted into the standard scriptures of the Church, and is known today as the Articles of Faith.
While they are not a complete summation of every doctrine of the LDS Church, the Articles of Faith nonetheless provide great insight into the basic theology of The Church of Jesus Christ.
Elder James Talmage, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrote as part of his introduction to his book Articles of Faith, that the articles ”present important doctrines of the Church in systematic order, and they suggest themselves as a convenient outline for a study of the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This section of the website will offer the complete text of his book.
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The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. (Read more)
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. (Read more)
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (Read more)
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. (Read more)
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. (Read more)
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. (Read more)
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. (Read more)
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. (Read more)
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. (Read more)
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. (Read more)
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. (Read more)
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. (Read more)
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. (Read more)
(Joseph Smith).
August 5th, 2010 at 8:51 am
Wow! There are so many wrong ideas about the Mormon Church today. By reading this, I now have a better understanding of what the Mormons actually believe. It helps out a lot. I think religious tolerance is so very important in America today and this reading helps build up that tolerance in a way. (Whether You Be Mormon or Holiness Pentecostal)
August 21st, 2010 at 8:49 am
I know that the Catholic Church and Constantine established Sunday as Sabbath for Christians, who did it for the Mormon Church? The 4th commandment established the 7th day as Sabbath and I have not been able to find anywhere in scripture that it was changed by God or Jesus. Just curious.
September 26th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I thought Lazarus was the first person raised from the dead … by Christ?
September 27th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
The first Mormons converted from various Christian faiths and kept Sunday as their day of sabbath worship. However, Mormons in Israel worship on Saturday, and Mormons in Egypt worship on Friday. The spirit of the law is to worship on the seventh day after 6 days of work.
September 27th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
In the Bible you can find instances wherein Old Testament prophets were able to raise people from the dead. Elijah and Elisha are two. The Book of Mormon also reports instances before the birth of Christ.
September 29th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I am new to the Mormon faith, having recently become aware of their beliefs and motives. If you like, you could call me a convert, for in truth that is what I am. I am greatly interested in becoming a member of the LDS church but am unsure as to where I am to turn to to do this. Can somebody help me please?
With regards.
Falina x
October 10th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Here it is Raylene. The first question is this: Since there will be a judgement, by what measure is God going to judge us? The 10 commandments? If so. what are the 10 commandements? And you are absolutely right, the 4th commandment as given by God to Moses for all mankind states that: Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy. In the Bible this was establish in Genesis 2:3. It said that God saw that everything He has done was Good and He rested on the 7th and He Blessed it. In the book of Isaiah, God said don’t do anything for your good pleasures in my Day. (55/56). So we need to study God’s word to gain knowledge.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:07 am
The Lord judges us by our thoughts, intents, and actions. He knows us personally, inside and out. He also judges us by our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who know nothing of Christ or His gospel are essentially innocent of sinning against Christ’s commandments. God also judges us by the difficulties we face. This is similar to an Olympic judge judging in a diving competition. It matters how the athlete performs, but the difficulty of the dive is also important.
In the Book of Mormon the Lord speaks to two groups of people. The Nephites had the gospel and scriptures and prophets from the beginning. When they sinned, they sinned against knowledge. The Lamanites had split off from the Nephites early on, and were taught to hate and revile everything about the Nephites. Ensuing generations were wicked, not because they sinned against knowledge, but because they knew nothing but the traditions of their fathers. Therefore, assuming both groups were committing the same sorts of wickedness, the Lamanites were the more innocent in the eyes of God.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:24 am
You can contact someone through http://www.mormon.org. Good luck!
November 16th, 2010 at 12:25 am
Why have u found 0 evidence from archeology to support neophytes and lamanites. Also, why don’t you dig in your own hill in America. Why have so many prophecies been inaccurate?
November 18th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Archaeological proofs for the Book of Mormon abound, and many are very recent. And it’s “Nephites” and “Lamanites,” who were descendants of Nephi and Laman, two brothers who were descendants of Joseph.
December 5th, 2010 at 12:01 am
i am a christian in a baptist church. i have a friend that is Mormon. do Mormons believe in praying to God and then God forgiving you of you sins and then you are good again. and do Mormons have the Holy Bible as one of there books
December 6th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Mormons believe in a process of repentance in order to obtain forgiveness for their sins. First, we must recognize that we have sinned and offended God. We need to have the desire to repent and reconcile ourselves with God and His commandments. Then we confess our sins. Minor sins can be confessed in private to the Lord, but major ones must be confessed to church authorities in order to begin a process of supervised repentance. The next step is to forsake the sin and never repeat it. Along with that, we must try to keep all of God’s commandments and live a life of devotion to righteous action. If possible, we must also attempt to restore that which we have harmed. This might include returning stolen money or seeking forgiveness of those we’ve offended.
Yes, Mormons love the Bible and study it two out of every four years in Sunday school. Learn more at http://www.mormonbible.org.
December 10th, 2010 at 8:26 am
I’ve only heard about Mormons a bit and was looking around the internet for info but couldn’t find a direct and ‘to the point’ answer for the question:
What is the MOST central ethos/beliefs to Mormons and the LDS Church?
Just Curious,
CW
December 12th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
The most central belief to Mormonism is the atonement of Jesus Christ. The atonement of Christ enables us to repent, and then through the gift of His grace, to be saved in the kingdom of God. For the very basic doctrines of Mormonism, go to http://www.mormon.org.
December 15th, 2010 at 9:26 am
In your view of salvation, it’s almost like Catholicism (one huge process). Jesus, however, said “ask and it shall be given to you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you”. So basically, just ASK.
God bless
December 18th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I am a new member of the Mormon church. I am happy for the first time in my life. I would love to meet other brothers and sisters out there. I live in Lake Havasu,AZ.Please contact me those of you who attend the Crosspeak Ward.I attend the Acoma Ward. God bless!
December 29th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Hi, Monica. Congratulations. Go to http://lds.net and there you’ll find a fun forum of Mormons and investigators.
December 29th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Jesus was talking about knowledge, which we receive from Him line upon line. Salvation, however, is another matter. Resurrection is free, but exaltation is not. We must repent and keep His commandments. Christ saves us FROM our sins, not IN our sins.
January 1st, 2011 at 2:47 pm
why would you want to become a mormon? I don’t mean any offense,i’m just curious
January 4th, 2011 at 5:55 am
I have not seen anywhere the belief that Jesus Christ will return for His bride (church) to take us out of the tribulation which is now culminating. According to the Holy Bible the “countdown” began at the rebirth of Israel in 1948 and the 7 day war of 1967. Do Mormons believe in the Rapture of the church and the millennial reign as well as eternal hell and heavn?
January 4th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Mormons believe that the righteous will be caught up to meet Christ at the moment of His second coming, but they do not believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. Mormons believe in the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Mormons also believe in heaven and hell, but believe that “hell” is reserved for those who “sin against the Holy Ghost.” This means the person has actually seen the Christ, so he or she has a perfect knowledge that He exists, and then chooses to deny Him, thus “crucifying Him anew.” All others will inherit a kingdom of glory. Joseph Smith saw a vision of the kingdoms of heaven and said that even the lowest kingdom is glorious beyond all description.
January 4th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I’m a convert. Every day I thank God that He led me to Mormonism. Knowledge, comfort, healing, power, and joy. That’s why.
January 14th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
so…where does the saving power of the blood of Jesus come into place?
January 15th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Go to http://www.mormonwiki.com/Atonement
January 19th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I am not a Mormom, but i have a question. How do Mormoms choose the church authorities? How do you know that the person you are choosing to guide your church is a prophet or does that person have to be a prophet? Who decides this is the right person? And how do i know its not like some churches i have heard of that priests/prophets use the church to enrich?
January 25th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Mormons do not choose the authorities of the Church, God does. Only the highest authorities of the Church (the apostles and the prophet and seventies who serve for the during of their lives) receive a modest stipend. All other authorities in the Church serve while also engaged in their normal professions and vocations. The Church does everything in its power to avoid what Mormons call “priestcraft,” which is defined as preaching for gain. Gain could be defined more broadly than money; it can also mean prestige or position. Aspiring for position is something Mormons are not supposed to do, and most positions take so much work and sacrifice, Mormons are smart enough not to aspire to them. The following link will take you to an article describing how a new prophet is chosen: http://www.mormonwiki.com/Choosing_a_Prophet
January 31st, 2011 at 10:31 am
Do Mormons believe in three separate Gods instead of the trinity? Also, is it your belief that Jesus was married and if so, who did he marry and does he have any offspring? I have also read that Mormons believe that the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost are different. Can you explain the difference please?
January 31st, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Have Mormons always celebrated the Lord’s Supper since the days of Joseph Smith?
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Yes, the words used in the blessing of the sacramental emblems are found in the Book of Mormon. You can read more about the sacrament and the sacramental prayers at http://www.mormonwiki.com/Sacrament
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
According to Mormon belief, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, one in purpose. The words “Holy Ghost” and “Holy Spirit” refer to the Holy Ghost. However, the word spirit or the phrase holy spirit can also refer to the “spirit of Christ” which all who dwell on earth partake of. We call it conscience. To read more, go to the following articles: http://www.mormonwiki.com/Godhead and http://www.mormonwiki.com/Holy_Ghost
February 8th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
How does the Morman church define minor and major sins? I thought all sin is equal and all fall short of the glory of God.
February 10th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
I am doing a report on mormens for my religions of the world class in school/ I used to go to a Mormon church while we were growing up and have lost touch with everything that Mormons believe in. What sites and materials do you suggest I read and look at?
February 11th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
For the basics, go to http://www.mormon.org. For history, go to http://www.historyofmormonism.com. For Joseph Smith, go to http://prophetjosephsmith.org. Good luck.
February 11th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Why would you think all sins are equal? Is telling a white lie as serious as murder? All do fall short of the glory of God. It takes the atonement and grace of Jesus Christ to qualify us for heaven.
February 11th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
There are many proofs of the Book of Mormon, which is what I assume you are talking about. You can go to http://www.bookofmormonresearch.org to read about some. Archaeological proofs are proliferating, especially in the Middle East, where the Book of Mormon story started.
February 16th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
I do have a question, why must you be subject of Kings, Presidents, etc. Should not we be only subjects of God? And do Mormons revere the Blessed Mother? I was raised Catholic, but am not practicing…searching you might say. Thank you.
February 16th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
do Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is equal to God the Father and the Holy spirit – the triune Godhead?
February 19th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are one in purpose and intent without variation. However, their roles are different. Even in saying they are co-equal, the word “equal” doesn’t quite take into account their differing roles. God the Father is the Creator, but He created all things through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, but He communicates all spiritual things from God to Man.
February 19th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Mormons are good citizens, because it is moral to be so. Sometimes it is more moral to be a political activist, as in the case with Helmut Heubener and two other Mormon teenagers who defied Hitler in Nazi Germany. We are ultimately accountable to God, but that doesn’t mean we should disrespect those in civil authority over us. Mormons salute the flags of their nations and serve in governmental and military capacities.
Mormons honor Mary the mother of Christ as one of God’s most chosen and gifted daughters (Eve was another). We revere her, but we do not pray to her.
February 21st, 2011 at 12:16 pm
According to the belief you state, if a kid steals a lollipop from his sister, ot would be as bad as a man going out and killing someone or worse. We do all fall short of the glory of God, but through His Atonement coupled with our sincere desire to repent, we can be saved from our sins. Major sins require visiting with higher authorities in the church, minor sins only repenting through prayer.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
I have heard that there was once a specific number of Mormons that would be caught in the air upon God’s Second Coming, but the number kept changing as there were more and more Mormons? Is there truth to that? And how can you explain that?
February 28th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
If Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is correctly translated, logically then, Mormons cannot believe in the Bible. It is either the correct word of GOD or it is not. The Bible is either translated by Devine intervention and not subject to mis-translation or the Bible is subject to man’s translation and thus man’s errors and sinful ways and the Bible is incorrect. How can Mormons only believe in parts of the Bible (those correctly translated) and not all of the Bible? Seems like a contradiction.
March 4th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
It’s not a contradiction. The Bible is the word of God, and Mormons study and honor it as such. It is also missing sections (see http://mormonbible.org/holy-bible/lost-books), and there are many errors. Good examples are in the Old Testament where certain prophets preach during the reigns of various kings. Certain incidents are confused to the point of being impossible. References to Jesus as the Messiah were also removed from the Old Testament by Jewish scholars around 100 A.D. as the Christian movement arose.
For a small example of an error, go to Genesis 6:16. It says for Noah to put a window in the ark, but this is a mis-translation of the Hebrew word “Tsohar,” which is a glowing stone, which miraculously gave light to the ark.
“…R. Phineas, quoted by R. Levi, explains that `during the whole twelve months that Noah was in the Ark he did not require the light of the sun by day or the light of the moon by night, but he had a polished gem which he hung up: when it was dim he knew that it was day, and when it shone he knew it was night.’ To illustrate this odd arrangement, Rabbi Huna tells a story: `Once we were taking refuge from [Roman] troops in the caves of Tiberias. We had lamps with us: when they were dim we knew that it was day, and when they shone brightly we knew that it was night.’ The reference to hiding from the Romans shows that this tradition is at least two thousand years old. But all such stories seem to go back to a single source, a brief notice in the Jerushalmi or Palestinian Talmud, which reports that Noah was able to distinguish day from night by certain precious stones he possessed, which became dim by day and shone forth by night.”
The Bible has been subject to men’s mistranslation. Yes the ancient prophets were holy men, but the King James translators just did the best they could. They were not prophets, just believers.
March 4th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
There has never been any such doctrine in the Mormon Church.
March 7th, 2011 at 10:50 am
The second article of faith says we will not be punished for Adams Transgression. What was the punishment for eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Death was the punishment. So if any of you have figured out how to get out of death let the rest of us know. We all die, this is the one thing we share because of Adams transgression. Welcome to the realization that we inherited Adams sin.
March 7th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Christ told his followers “render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21). The Latter-day Saints believe in good order and civilization, and in building society rather than weakening it.
We hold great respect for Mary as the earthly mother of our Lord. We do not believe that she is directly involved in our spiritual salvation, however, and we reserve our worship for Jesus Christ and God the Father only.
March 11th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Do mormons really believe they can become Gods?
March 12th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
I hear often that Mormons are sexist. Do they really believe women are meant to work at the home and ONLY a the home or are they encouraged to follow their dreams also?
March 21st, 2011 at 1:45 am
If the Mormons study the Holy Bible, God’s word, then why have they added it it by the Book of Mormon and their other book? God states that no one shall add to or take away from His word. I believe there is one heaven and anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior and confesses their sin will make it to heaven. We don’t get to heaven by doing good works.
March 21st, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Mormons have added nothing to the Bible and love and respect it as the word of God. Mormons believe that God inspires and has inspired holy men to write His word throughout history and we believe that this will continue. The Bible tells us of the Ten Lost Tribes and that they will return miraculously. We assume they will have had prophets who have produced scripture. Will the entire Christian world reject that scripture, just because they have the Bible? Or will they be eager to read about God’s dealings with them?
Mormons also believe that all will go to heaven except those to whom Christ has revealed Himself, and who then go on to reject Him, thus “crucifying Him anew.” No amount of good works will get us to heaven, but God does judge us by our works, thoughts, and hearts. Said Paul: “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds; To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life (Romans 2:5-7).
March 21st, 2011 at 1:47 pm
No, Mormon women on the whole are well-educated and follow their career designs prayerfully. The counsel is the same for Mormon men and Mormon women — No success can compensate for failure in the home. Read more at http://www.mormonwiki.com/Mormon_Women
March 21st, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Mormons believe in the same concept of “theosis” that was taught in Christ’s ancient church. That is that we can become “co-heirs” with Christ. Through the eternities “just men made perfect” in Christ can progress in their comprehension of God’s creations and in understanding of all things. They become god-like. Thus, they can be called “gods.” But nothing and no one can replace God, the creator of the universe.
March 21st, 2011 at 2:08 pm
True, but Jesus Christ has overcome death.
March 21st, 2011 at 10:30 pm
What I’m trying to ask, is will a Mormon woman be expected to stay at home and have children while married? Or can they get a job while married? Will they be EXPECTED to have children?
March 22nd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Thanks, Joy, I guess I didn’t fully answer your question. With every religious and cultural group, there are unwritten expectations (which psychologists and sociologists call “norms”) that kind of dictate what the group considers “normal.” An example comes from the Old Testament where married women suffered when they realized they couldn’t have children — you were kind of a failure if you were married but childless (Hannah, Sarah, etc). Norms evolve over time and with outside influences. The same could be said about Mormon culture, which is influenced by modern trends in the societies where Mormons dwell. In the U.S. Mormon young people are marrying later and having fewer children than did the Mormons of 40 years ago. There are no written expectations of women who are married — no expected number of children. A high number of Mormon wives work outside of the home, careful to make sure that their children’s needs are met. Some Mormon women make do and quit working, because they feel by the spirit that their families need them at home. Probably, more Mormon women are stay-at-home moms than among the general U.S. population, because, if they are able to, they tend to want to be home. If a Mormon woman does not have children, and if she has been married for years, she might have to field some questions from family and associates about that choice. That’s a cultural thing and could be irritating, especially if the woman is trying to conceive and can’t (and because it’s really no one else’s business). BUT Mormons are extremely family-oriented and feel a huge sense of fulfillment with their children and in the home. So most thoroughly desire to bring that family life into fruition.
March 22nd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Hi there,
Just a quick question???
Ok!, if Catholics claimed and proved that Jesus Christ – started Catholic Church through “St Peter” HIS apostle…
“You are Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
(Matt: 16-18) In addition; considering that Jesus Christ is the basis of all christianity faith…. (SO TECHNICALLY – JESUS CHRIST STARTED CATHOLIC CHURCH)THEN…..
WHY THEIR ARE SO MANY CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS SUCH AS MORMONS, METHODIST & ANGLICAN TO NAME A FEW? WOULDN’T YOU PEOPLE BE SO INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT THE TRUE CHURCH OF ESTABLISHED BY JESUS CHRIST ON EARTH… THE TRUE DOCTRINES…RATHER THAN JUST JOINING A CHURCH FOR SOME RANDOM REASONS….
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Yes, Peter’s name means “rock” (Kefa), but Christ is the rock and the sure foundation. The Savior was also referring the the rock of revelation, which also is a sure foundation. Trouble is, when Peter and the other apostles died, church leaders began to rely on intellect and reason rather than revelation to lead the church. If there had been revelation, then doctrine would have been known by church leaders, who could have then passed it on. There would have been no reason for the often angry, vitriolic debate over doctrine. When the creeds were determined and written, they were the result of debate, not revelation. The Protestant churches were founded to protest the errors of the orthodox church, and then you have a multiplication of error, due to the many, often sincere, ideas of men. God restored true doctrine, authority and power in preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ, to reestablish His kingdom on earth.
March 28th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
However, Mormans believe in degrees of glory. There is a peceived progression of righteousness so to speak. God said “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. Romans 9:15
Romans ch2 highlights the central theme of “the law written in thier hearts”. It is a change of spirit, Christ dwelling within you that removes your heart of stone and turns it to a heart of flesh. Abiding by an outer law, other than the commandments of God (which is no longer outer but a part of your heart) is not mentioned in Romans. There are miriads of different laws that must be upheld in order to reach the higher degrees of celestial glory according to the LDS religion? Would you agree?
March 29th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Sorry, Jewel, that I can’t include all of your well-thought-out comments. You’ve done your research, but you still don’t have enough understanding of Mormonism to put Mormon principles into their whole context. The above is a good example.
Paul talked about the Law of Mose in juxtaposition to the law of Christ. Essentially, the Mosaic Law is the outer commandments, a structure and pattern of behavior that helps to identify what is right and wrong and establishes symbolism to testify of Christ. As you say, Christ’s law is written in the heart. A believer in Christ has a thorough change in heart, and he can become “a new creature” in Christ, desiring to do good continually.
Now, you talk about myriads of different laws that Mormons assume they will have to live to attain various degrees of glory, of which there are three main degrees, named by Paul. You seem to think that once someone is born again and has faith in Christ, he is done and saved. Please note that Mormons do not believe that any amount of works will get us to heaven. Our belief is that we are saved by grace. The statement in the Book of Mormon by the prophet Nephi is that “we are saved by grace after all we can do.” This idea is offensive to Evangelical Christians.
Essentially, the job of a converted person is to become more and more centered upon the Savior. In my own life, I have seen a great deal of progress since I was born again. Over the years, I have become more and more attached to spiritual things and less enamored of material things. I have become more patient, more compassionate, more wise, and more temperate. In other words, I’ve been fine-tuning over the years to try to become more Christlike. I was always religious in the big things, but now I’m spiritual in the small things.
Mormonism teaches that pretty much everyone will inherit a kingdom of glory in heaven, but that Christ dwells in the highest kingdom, and the people who will dwell there will be like Him. I’m sure the people you know who are saved are not all the same in their loyalty to the Savior, not all the same at being kind and chaste. In heaven, they will be with people like themselves, where they will be comfortable.
Why are there degrees in heaven, as Paul described, if everyone who believes on Christ goes there? Don’t most Christian sects believe that non-believers go to hell? You can read about the degrees of glory at the following webpage: http://www.mormonwiki.com/Celestial,_Terrestrial,_and_Telestial_Kingdoms
April 19th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to them the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book.” Revelation 22:18 & 19.
Do Mormons not believe in the book of Revelation? That line right there proves the entire book of mormon to be false. And the Bible says that if you accept Jesus as your Savior then you will be saved. It doesn’t do a good works thing.
April 20th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Firstly, Mormons have not added a word to the Bible, nor to the Book of Revelation. Secondly, the Book of Revelation was not the last book written in the Bible. Other sections of the Bible were written later, and therefore would be under the curse, as you understand it. Also, the same curse shows up at the end of Deuteronomy, and yet all Christians honor the New Testament.
April 29th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
The bottom line of everything is the HOPE of all Christians, Heaven…what is the Mormon belief about heaven?…how will you get there. Do Mormons belief that this earth will be burned?…and those who are not written their names in the BOOK OF LIFE will be burned in Hell. What is the Mormons belief about Hell?, because I believe if we die, thats the end of your decision making process, you choose where you gonna be while you are living, so if you die, there are two destinations for everyone….The Kingdom of God-Heaven or the place of torment which was made for Lucifer and His Demons-Hell
I heard Mormon believe that Jesus is the brother of Lucifer????? is that true???
May 5th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
If you want to know Mormon doctrine, it’s certainly better to get it from the source — active Mormons — than from people willing to spread and encourage misperceptions about our Church. Many of the latter are leaders of other faiths. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi has a vision of the birth of Christ (this was about 600 years before Christ’s birth), and his vision says the same thing, essentially, as the Bible, that Mary was overcome or carried away in the spirit. That’s all we know, and though a few writers have speculated about the event (as happens with every faith), there is no doctrine that says otherwise. We don’t know how Jesus was conceived.
We believed that we existed before we were born on earth. We were the spirit-children of God. (We also don’t know how He conceived us or formed us as spirits.) In the pre-mortal world, there was a war in heaven (see Isaiah). Satan was defeated by the followers of Christ and cast out of heaven. Most Christians understand or have heard of that. Jesus Christ was the creator of worlds without number, and was the first-born spirit of God, as well as His only-begotten Son on earth. Lucifer was another spirit-child of God in the pre-mortal world, and he is the one who was cast out and became Satan. Now, if God created us all spiritually, then spiritually, we are all brothers and sisters.
May 5th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Galo — I just answered your question about Lucifer in another comment, which you should be able to see. Here is the Mormon doctrine of heaven.
As Paul said, there are three kingdoms in heaven and many mansions. The lowest kingdom is called the “telestial.” Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon experienced a vision of the degrees of glory (http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/76?lang=eng) and saw that even the lowest kingdom of heaven is glorious beyond description. They learned from the Lord Himself that the telestial kingdom is for “liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.” And for those who reject the gospel of Christ. These people, however, will have been “thrust down to hell” before they are resurrected and judged. Because they rejected Christ, they must suffer for their own sins, and will not be resurrected until Christ has finished His work — that is, until after the millennium has ended. In other words, they do not suffer eternally.
A few people will become Sons of Perdition (like Cain). These are those who have a perfect knowledge of Christ (not belief, but pure knowledge) and then deny Him. These will suffer forever.
If you truly understand what I’ve said, you’ll see that Mormons believe that nearly everyone, believer or not, will inherit a kingdom in heaven. Those who die without ever hearing the gospel will have that chance as spirits awaiting resurrection and judgment.
May 20th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I do believe in the mormon book, but i don’t believe that the mormon r the only way… Because many other churches have the Holy Spirit working through them. These are gifts that only can be recieved by God Powers. I believe the the Holy Spirit work with all churches with different gifts to prepare us all..
May 26th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Well I have a question about the blood atonement. I know you don’t practice this now but you did at one point in history. And it kind of goes with your minor and major sins. They believed that murder was so heinous that the blood of Christ could not save them. That they literally had to shed their own blood as a sacrifice to god before they could be forgiven. And another part of morman history is the polygamy. How can you know and attest that this religion is true when there are so many things in the past that are not god like and would be considered sins?
May 28th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Hello Gale, not a question, just a comment. I am a Catholic Christian but I find myself quite interested in Mormonism. Perhaps I am being spoken to or led. I have to say I am impressed with your patience and knowledge, I appreciate the calm and informed method of your response to all the questions, including some obvious belligerent ones. I am happy to have found your site. I am reading a lot of Orson Scott Card novels and continually have to put the book(s) down to research things he says. Keep up the good work, you are in my prayers.
May 30th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Thank you John. If you have any specific questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
May 30th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
You can read about “blood atonement” at http://www.mormonwiki.com/Blood_Atonement. There was never any practice in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding this idea — There was a feeling during the 1800′s that murder was so serious that a person would have to sacrifice his own life to repent, but this never was a doctrine of the Church, nor was it ever a practice in the Church. Polygamy was practiced by the ancient prophets and kings. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of this dispensation of time, inquired of God as to whether this was a sin. The Lord responded that it was a sin, unless the wives were “given of Him,” that is married in a holy ordinance or according to the law He, Himself gave (as with Abraham and Hagar). The Lord told Joseph that He sometimes commands it to raise up seed unto Himself of parents dedicated to the service of God. Thus, polygamy is right only when God ordains it and it is practiced by a moral, God-loving people. Sin is going against the commandments of God.
May 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Hi, Chewy. You’ve sent in three questions, and it looks like you have been reading the Book of Mormon. You say you believe it. If the Book of Mormon is true, then its translator was a prophet, and God has indeed restored Christ’s church upon the earth and has given it the authority to act in His name. All Christian religions promote good and the Spirit does indeed work through them, but Mormonism has a unique claim — that this one church has authority and power from Christ Himself, and revelation through prophets — the whole truth. To be a Mormon, one must not blindly believe that, but ask God whether it is true and receive an answer by revelation.
Marriage is ordained by God, and His commandments forbid sexual unions outside of marriage. Therefore, living together outside of marriage is a sin. To be baptized, a person must repent, and part of repentance is to stop sinning and live God’s commandments. If a person will not lay her sins upon the altar, then she is not willing to reconcile with God, and the baptism is in vain.
June 7th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Can you site the chapter and verse of Deuteronomy?
June 7th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Deuteronomy 4:2 –Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
June 13th, 2011 at 10:21 am
Good Luck?!? lol really? – Someone says (more or less), hey I want to join the church and worship God, so you say, Go to this website, and “Good luck”!
June 13th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Hopefully I don’t seem like a troll, I’m just learning about the Mormon beliefs, and seeing how our interpretations difer.. I actually agree with this Gale… But a little differently… Through what little research I’ve done on this website I have seen nothing of Grace mentioned, even when speaking of Christ being our propitiation and how we might be saved… I believe that when we recieve Grace, Christ saves us FROM our sins, exactly as you said… Grace does not tolerate sin, nor allow you to continue living in sin. It demands obedience and holds you to a higher standard than you were before. Not that we begin to live by laws, but that we begin to live by our new identity found in Christ…
June 14th, 2011 at 11:59 am
Interesting, Zephania. Everything you have said agrees with Mormon doctrine. Christ save us through grace from the punishments we would endure for our sins. Where we differ from Evangelical Christianity is in our acceptance of the statements of James, that we show our faith through our works in addition to our beliefs, and our motives. They seem to believe that it doesn’t matter if you sin, if you only believe. We think it does matter.
June 14th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
If you want to join the Church, I would do way more than that! I didn’t understand that was your desire. Why didn’t you click on the “contact a missionary” link? Are you visiting with Mormon missionaries now? Or just investigating online?
June 17th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
I do not completely understand this. Will the judgement you speak of decide whether or not one receives salvation? Doesn’t one’s faith determine salvation? The New Testament repeatedly says we are saved by grace, not by works. Doesn’t the book of Mormon add to the New Testament as the New Testament adds to the Old Testament?
June 19th, 2011 at 8:36 am
I have reading all the reality of the airticles of faith and mormon beliefs I myself am mormanism .. I have passion for wanting to read the pearl of the price i have not yet reading …can you sending me for ur information and I also would like very much to have doctrine of convent …. thank you for read my message thank you
June 20th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
You can read all the scriptures online at http://lds.org. Click on the Menu and then on “Scriptures” under the study section.
June 20th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
The New Testament also says that faith without works is dead, and that we are to be perfect, even as Christ is perfect. We believe in repentance, and we believe charity is the pure love of Christ. Charity and repentance are the works we refer to. We believe that we are saved by grace, but belief is not faith without repentance.
No, the Book of Mormon does not add to the New Testament, but it does have some very clear explanations of New Testament concepts, such as resurrection, and the Plan of Salvation. It is meant to be a second witness for Christ. After His resurrection Christ visited branches of Israel that had been broken off — a group of Josephites in the Americas, and then the Ten Lost Tribes — as He said in John 10:16 — “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” The Israelites in America recorded His visit in the Book of Mormon, and the Ten Lost Tribes will bring their scriptures with them when they return.
July 6th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Why is it that the book of Mormons mention so many places and people in the Americas and NONE of them have ever been discovered by archeologist. Yet, the bible mentions so many places and tribes a d people, and archeologists have found historical facts that support the bibles claims. If nothing supports the book of mormon except a story from a 14 year old, why believe it ?
July 7th, 2011 at 8:05 am
I was told by a Catholic that there was no Biblical basis for changing the Sabbath from Friday/Saturday (Jewish and original Sabbath) to Sunday.
“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.”
I agree with everything but the what. What do you mean by worship what they want? That could fall under idol worship.
July 11th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
It’s true that there is no biblical basis for the change of worship from Saturday (in Hebrew, the days are day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, Shabbat) to Sunday. Sunday was chosen by Christians presumably because it was the day of the resurrection and to differentiate it from Judaism. Remember that at the beginning, the followers of Christ were merely a sect of Judaism.
Free agency, the ability of men and women (and all the elements of the universe) to choose, is an immutable law of God. The gospel is based on our decision to choose Christ and reject the world. Mormons want to be free to worship according to their conscience, and allow all men and women that right. Yes, some will choose idol-worship. Satan’s plan was to force all of God’s children to conform. That robs people of their free agency, and disables their progress made by making choices. Any system of force is against the plan of Heavenly Father.
July 11th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
The Middle East has been populated and history kept for thousands of years. Part of the Book of Mormon occurs in the Holy Land, Arabia, and Oman, and the sites mentioned have indeed been found and archeological evidence provided. In the Americas, however, all the geography presented is relative. For instance, a phrase like “we went south to the river and then north to the sea” tells you nothing about the actual geographical location, especially because the Israelites called lakes “seas.”
The Book of Mormon peoples were a small group who certainly encountered other groups already there. Also, there was a huge earthquake that “changed the face of the land” just before the visit of the resurrected Christ to this branch of Israel in the Americas.
Much archeological evidence has been found for the Book of Mormon, and legends of many American Indian tribes cite incidents from the Book of Mormon, especially the visit of the resurrected Christ — the “Great White God.”
July 12th, 2011 at 10:12 am
I don’t believe that nearly everyone will inherit the Kingdom of God. It clearly tells us in God’s Word. In 1 Corinthians 6:9&10 it says ” Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols,or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people- none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” Also Revelation 21:8 says “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers, and all liars- their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
The only thing you need to believe is God’s Word. Numbers 23:19 says “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” If God said he was going to do something, He will do it.
You should always question something that does not line up with God’s Word. If it is in the Bible, trust in it. It is true. The only book you need is the Bible.
July 13th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
You are correct. You just need to understand Mormon vocabulary and remember that there’s not space to go into deep doctrine. Here’s a simplified explanation. The “first death” is the death of the body, which has been overcome by the atonement of Christ, which provides us all with resurrection. The “second death” is separation from God. Now, God dwells in the highest kingdom of heaven, which Paul calls the “Celestial” with the glory of the sun. All those who are saved into lower kingdoms, even though they are glorious, are in essence, experiencing the second death, because they do not dwell in God’s presence.
Also, all those who reject the saving power of Christ must suffer for their own sins, and the wicked must wait until after the millennium to be resurrected. This suffering is like a lake of fire and brimstone. We have the biblical quotes, and so do you, so here are a few from other scriptures:
“Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.
“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-19).
The following refers only to those who commit what Mormons call “the sin against the holy ghost,” wherein a person gains a perfect witness of the Savior and then denies Him. This is the unpardonable sin:
“That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;
“Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him. Wherefore, he saves all except them—they shall go away into everlasting cpunishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment—” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:41-44).
August 5th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Hi, I was wanting to ask some questions about the mormon religion. Why dont the mormons believe the bible to be the living word of God and why dont they believe that God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one? In 1 John 5:7 says; There are three that bear witness and they are God the Father, The Word (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit these three are one. I have seen where this religion and the Faith are simular on some areas but have major differences when it comes to the Holy Bible and Prophets. Just trying to get some inside refrences as to why this is religion belives the way they do.. Thank you to anyone who can answer my questions.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
sorry another question, lol.. my faith believes (Baptist) once saved always saved, does mormons believe that? The reason why we do is from scripture in Romans 8:38,39. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So do mormons believe in loosing salvation?
August 9th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Mormons have several definitions for “salvation” — 1) being saved from the effects of Adam’s fall (“original sin”); 2) being resurrected; and 3) inheriting a kingdom of heaven. All of these were given to us by the atonement of Jesus Christ. The only (very few) people in the world who will inherit eternal damnation are those who commit “the sin against the Holy Ghost,” which is to have a perfect witness of Jesus Christ and then to deny Him, thus crucifying Him anew. Exaltation is another thing, however. One must endure to the end in faith and righteousness in order to be exalted to the highest kingdom of heaven, and one may surely fall from that, by committing grievous sin and then not repenting for it, or by refuting one’s faith in Christ. So you could be saved all the time, but fall from your exaltation. Hope that answers your question.
August 9th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Mormons believe the Bible to be the Holy word of God. We study it two of every four years in Sunday School. However, depending on the Bible for truth has resulted in hundreds of Christian churches, all claiming the truth, but opposing each other from what they find in the Bible. Prophets and added scripture help us understand what the Bible is really saying. In numerous places in the Bible, it is absolutely apparent that Jesus and the Father are two separate beings. Modern prophets have seen them, so they can testify that this is the truth.
August 14th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Who are we, as humans, to decide what constitutes a small or large sin? It’s God that holds judgement, not us and CERTAINLY not the church congregation.
August 17th, 2011 at 12:22 am
Gale, I have a question about your comment, because does it not say in the bible that no sin is greater than the other? Therefore none is any more or less guilty than the other.
August 17th, 2011 at 12:27 am
But it says in Romans in the bible that “if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” I am not trying to argue…I am just curious as to what Mormons believe and why.
August 24th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Mormons believe that salvation has many meanings. One is to be saved from the effects of the transgression of Adam, called by some, “original sin.” Christ’s atonement saved us from original sin — we are responsible only for our own sins. A second meaning is resurrection, which because of Christ’s atonement, is a free gift for all living, both the righteous and the wicked. A third definition is to be saved into a kingdom in heaven. Mormons believe that all will be saved into a kingdom of heaven, except the “Sons of Perdition” — those who have gained a perfect knowledge of Christ and then denied Him, thus “crucifying Him anew.
Those who reject a mere belief in Christ will not receive His suffering in their behalf, so they must suffer for their own sins, but will still gain a kingdom in heaven.
But faithful Mormons are striving for exaltation, also, which is to be saved into the very highest kingdom of heaven in the presence of God. This takes more than belief. We must repent and keep God’s commandments to be exalted.
August 24th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Will you tell us what scripture that is? I know that all sin disqualifies us to be in the presence of God, so that His grace must make us for our deficiencies. But doesn’t murder seem more serious to you than stealing someone’s pencil? Should they be treated equally when we come to the judgment bar of God?
August 24th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
God is the one who has told us which are the most serious sins, through His living prophets. The most serious is the “sin against the Holy Ghost,” to gain a perfect knowledge that Jesus is the Christ and then to deny Him, thus crucifying Him anew. Second is murder. Third is adultery. Along with adultery comes fornication, both heterosexual and homosexual. Abortion is next to murder in its seriousness.
August 26th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I am not a Mormon, I am not a Christian – But I do love and revere the words of Jesus… And I have studied the bible cover to cover many times. Jesus said it clearly in his parables, particularly in Mathew – Where those who called him “lord” but did not minister to the needy “I was starving and you did not give me food” “When did we see you starving and not give you food” IN AS MUCH AS YOU DID IT TO THE LEAST — YOU DID IT TO ME! DEPART FROM ME YE ACCURSED..!
Oh man – this delusion that if you go through the ‘conversion’ ritual and “accept Jesus into your heart” you are free to live a selfish life without regard for others – and will go to heaven – where do you guys get this from? NOT FROM THE BIBLE! – And NOT FROM THAT INNER VOICE WHICH YOU CHOOSE TO IGNORE! You KNOW that having many more coats than you need, and many more possesions than you need, while people are suffering and dying for want of clean water IS GOING TO DAMN YOU – NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU SPOUT “Jesus is Lord!”
For me, I wish there was going to be a day of judgement – but I dont think there will be.
August 31st, 2011 at 7:17 am
You’re right. God holds judgement. In the end, we’re all judged by Him. But we have Him with us, and His spirit guides us. So, He speaks through our bishops and stake presidents and apostles to us when we have done something wrong. And it’s not like they punish us, unless we have no remorse, they’re kind of like counselors. They help us recover from our sin, if it’s major. If we “confess and forsake our sins” then we are forgiven. Going to the bishop is confessing and forsaking. And I never said the congregation holds judgement. It’s just one man with the Priesthood in a higher office. And no, we don’t decide what sin is small or large, but isn’t that kind of obvious?
September 1st, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I’m only on here to do my homework…
My friend is a Mormon and she doesn’t drink tea because it’s against her religion. I don’t understand that…
ANYWAY does anyone know what the Mormon’s view of slavery was in 1850?
September 5th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
If being good and virtuous, and such.. why do we need Jesus Christ?
I mean, if it is in us to be good, doesn’t that make us kinda our own God?
September 10th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I Personally World Like To Know What All We Can’t Do After We Are Baptized, And WHY….
September 16th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
i am a baptist, but what is different between the two beliefs
September 20th, 2011 at 11:39 am
I would so love to be part of the Mormon faith, intellectual. You all are wonderful people who are very supportive of one another and of your communities. Your faith is absolutely unshakable. But my heart just cannot accept some of the details of the faith. My Chaplain would call it gravy… the meat of what we believe about Jesus is the same, but the gravy… all the little extras are just too different. It makes me sad because yours is a community I want so much ti be a part of. But which is worse… jouning in, talking the talk, walking the walj, but betraying my heart (because I believe that is wherw faith comes from) or not jouning at all? Thia is rediculous… I am sitting here crying iver what my head says to go for but my heart tells me is wrong.
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Another website that I’ve visited states that Mormons believe that Jesus and Satan are spiritual brothers, both sons of God the Father. Would you please elaborate on this and clarify your theology on this matter for me? Thank you.
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
The Bible talks about a war in heaven and the fall of Lucifer, who became the devil. Mormons believe that everything was created by God spiritually before it was created physically, and that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, that we lived with Him in a spiritual realm (the “pre-existence”) before being born on the earth with physical bodies. Please understand that we are all eternal, and we all existed as individual intelligences before we were created as spiritual beings. Now, we are mortal, physical beings, and after death, because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we will be immortal, incorruptible resurrected beings and continue on into eternity. We call this the plan of progression.
Jesus Christ was the first-born in the spirit and then the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh. God has created worlds without number, and all of them through the Word, Jesus Christ. In the pre-existence, Lucifer was a “Son of the Morning,” referring either to the time of his spiritual creation, or his talent and intelligence. He rebelled and was cast out with his followers to become the devil and his minions. He is the father of lies and would do anything to ruin the work of God.
In this sense, then, Jesus Christ is our spiritual elder brother, and we are spiritually related also to Lucifer, and Lucifer and Christ are spiritually related to each other.
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
I once had a friend who was deeply committed to her Jewish faith. She spent 5 months holed up in a country barn studying the scriptures, her own faith, and the Bible, the New Testament, and Mormonism. The spirit was telling her that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was true, but the trappings, the traditions, the health laws, the “gravy” as you say, were holding her back. It took an angelic visitor to make her realize that it would all be OK. We are all travelers, and joining the faith is a beginning, not an end. We all have gravy problems, but the spiritual witness is the core. Once you receive it, that’s the meat. The rest will come.
September 22nd, 2011 at 3:03 pm
The Baptist faith is a branch of Protestentism. The various Protestant churches were founded in an attempt to reform the orthodox Christian faith, which had become corrupt, and which didn’t seem to be true to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Protestant Reformation was the result of many reformers, some of whom lost their life in the effort.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that after the death of the apostles the Holy Spirit and spirit of prophecy were lost, and miracles ceased in the orthodox church. Mormons call this “the Great Apostasy” and realize that it took place gradually beginning even while the apostles were preaching. In this, we agree.
However, Mormons believe that to get back to the original church of Christ and the apostles, it takes authority and revelation directly from God — men’s ideas are not enough. Therefore, a reformation would never be enough. It took a complete “restoration” of Christ’s ancient church, and this is needed to prepare for His Second Coming. This restoration of authority, power, miracles, and the like began under the direction of Christ and heavenly messengers in 1820 and continues. So Mormonism is not a Protestant church.
Mormons and Baptists both reject infant baptism. Mormonism teaches that little children are innocent and cannot sin until they know right from wrong, and until they can understand the process of repentance. So Mormons baptize at age 8, which we call “the age of accountability.
September 23rd, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a covenant, wherein we promise to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. In return, Christ promises that we will always have His spirit (the Holy Ghost) to be with us. Therefore, we must do the three things we promised to do. We do them to be part of God’s kingdom on earth, to have the spirit to prompt us, to be numbered among the children of Abraham and the children of Christ, and to be counted among the Saints, ever walking in a state of salvation.
September 23rd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Not at all. No matter how good or virtuous we are, we can never be pure enough to return to God’s presence. Because of the fall of Adam, we suffer two kinds of death: physical death, because we all die, and spiritual death, because we are separated from God. The infinite atonement of Jesus Christ for our sins overcame physical death. We will all be resurrected to a perfect, immortal body. And He overcame spiritual death — through His sacrifice and grace, we can repent and believe on His name. If we do so, then we will not have to suffer for our own sins, and we can return to the presence of God. Only Christ could do this for us.
September 23rd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its leaders and members were completely anti-slavery. When the Latter-day Saints dwelled in the state of Missouri, Joseph Smith, the church’s organizing prophet, wanted to create a plan, wherein the freedom of slaves would be purchased with donated money, and they would be brought to Missouri to live as freedmen. Most Missourians wanted a slave state, and this is one of the reasons the Latter-day Saints were so severely persecuted.
September 23rd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Mormons are not among those Christians who think a mere belief in Christ will save them. Mormons are “anxiously engaged” in a good cause and are constantly at work trying to improve the conditions of the poor and needy. We have our own welfare program, give millions annually for humanitarian aid, and are constantly involved in a myriad of hands-on projects to aid the suffering. Learn more at the following link: http://lds.org/service/humanitarian?lang=eng
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Nice to see a discussion of Faith occurring. I am a Catholic Christian…but that doesn’t mean I don’t love ya’ll who search in earnest for God, and do His will to the best of your ability; I do love you, and I do love your effort. I don’t accept that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and I have some “gravy” problems with Mormonism. And it’s not just Mormonism; I’m disappointed that the original church ever became divided; I wish we had one single church on Earth.
Jesus taught in parables for only 3 years. His teaching was direct, concise, simple. It’s there we need to focus. The many parts of the Bible are helpful in terms of us understanding those 3 years of his life, but they are Inspired Works of God…Jesus himself never wrote anything but some lines in the sand. He is in our hearts. Seek Him there first. If Joseph Smith, like any modern-day preacher, can help us find Him in our life…fantastic. But lets not get caught up on too much Dogma, Rules, Articles, etc…Jesus told us to love our enemies and very few of us can get that right…so why don’t we focus on that and then get to these other books. Peace Brother and Sister Seekers of Truth.
October 9th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Just for reference, the books of Romans through Revelation were written to CHRISTIANS (people/churches of people ALREADY saved). They were written to help remind them and “teach them to obey” Jesus’ words (like Mt 28:20). If you want to know about how to be saved, it’s all in Acts 2:38 (with Acts 1:1-2:37 as the in-context backdrop). This was the FIRST SERMON of the church. People wanted to know, “What do we do?” And Peter told them right then, right there.
Anything else, any other ideas of how to be saved, would be taking scriptures out of context and applying them in ways they were never meant to mean. All the references people use to claim salvation that come from Romans through Revelation have missed the most basic point…they are not how to BE saved but how to STAY saved and all precurse back to Acts 2:38.
October 11th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Passages of Scripture such as Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Colossians 2:16-17, and Revelation 1:10 indicate that, even during New Testament times, the Sabbath is no longer binding and that Christians are to worship on the Lord’s day, Sunday, instead.
In addition every early writing of the Church Fathers and followers of the Apostles, hundreds of years before Constantine, speak of the Lord’s Day and not the Sabbath.
October 11th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Grace is God’s undeserved favor. When the bible says that we are saved by grace, it is saying that God showed us favor that we did not deserved because of our sins, but he sent His son Jesus to die for us anyway. So there is no work that we can do to earn salvation, it is Gods gift that He gave us by the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus. We have to beleive, repent & then live our lives according to his word.As for grace not tolerating sin; it is the righteousness of God that does not tolerate sin. So for God to satisfy His righteousness without destoying all of mankind like He did with the flood,His grace(undeserved favor) stepped in & sent Jesus to take our place, so that His righteousness will be satisfied. As for grace demanding our obedience,it is really our love for Him that demands that we be obedient to His commands. In John 14:15; Jesus says;If ye love me,keep my commandments.So it is our love that demands our being obedient.
With loving respect your brother in Christ.
October 11th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
With all due respect not all Evangelical Christians think that all you have to due is believe in Christ and if you sin in doesn’t matter. The ones who do this have not truly had their heart changed. As I’m sure even you yourself have probably seen Mormons who have tried to be slick when it comes to keeping what the Book of Mormon teaches so they can do something that they enjoy doing, that they know that they should not. This happens in all Faiths because some do not what to completely let go of sin.So we should all be careful not to judge everyone that’s in a different Faith by the actions of some. I’m sure you know what that feels like.
With loving respect your brother in Christ.
October 11th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
um ok What archaeological proofs are there? I do not see any. The only hing that mormonism is based on is Joseph Smiths word. Mormons believe that every thing before the 12 disciples is correct but Joseph Smith wrote his own version of the Bible and added prophesies about himself. So his word is not very accurate. Joseph Smith supposedly got these golden tablets fron the angel gabriel. Did any of his friends see these tablets and write about it? no. If there are any proofs respond to this as to what they are.
October 12th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Sorry, Ashley, but your information is not correct. In preparation for His Second Coming, Christ restored His gospel in its purity on the earth. He did this through heavenly beings who formerly held certain priesthood keys when they lived on earth, and who are now resurrected beings. Moroni was the last prophet to write in what is now the Book of Mormon, and it was he who led Joseph Smith to the record. If you would read the Book of Mormon, you would easily see that Joseph Smith did not write it. There were also many witnesses to the book and the work, who saw the pages and hefted the book, who helped translate or protect the plates, who have borne that witness to others and recorded that witness for all to see.
There are many archaeological proofs of the Book of Mormon, and more are being found all the time. Recently, the route of the original family that left Jerusalem for the new world has been retraced through Arabia, and geographical locations identified just as they were recorded in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon contains many internal proofs, such as chiasmus — ancient Hebrew poetic style, and Egyptian names. Joseph Smith was a frontier lad with only 3 years of primary school education.
There are still many scriptures still hidden from us, and the Lord will reveal them in due time. Some of these will be brought to us by the Ten Lost Tribes, predicted in the Bible to miraculously return.
October 12th, 2011 at 10:50 am
I like this, Dennis. Thanks for your comment.
October 12th, 2011 at 10:53 am
There has been a little debate among comments to this site, most not published, regarding the Lord’s day, with Seventh-day Adventists substantiating the history of the change to Sunday and promoting Saturday as the only day appropriate for the Sabbath. We won’t enter the debate, especially since our calendar is a contrivance of man, and only useful in mortality to arrange our lives. Every seventh day, we should rest and worship, according to the Lord’s commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. Thanks, Silvan.
October 12th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Acts 2:38 says the following:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the Holy Ghost.
This is the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first principles of the gospel are first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion by one having authority from Christ; and fourth, the receipt of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
In Acts we read that there were some who had been baptized, but who had not received the Holy Ghost, because it took someone who had authority to confer that gift.
Enduring in righteousness, firm in one’s commitment to Christ, means that we lived our lives in a state of being saved and can constantly call upon the grace of Jesus Christ to help us through our walk on earth.
October 13th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
im new also vbaptise on the 30th god is so wonderful i use to drimk smoke have sex out of marriage now that has all changed im pure wow hevanly father has watched over me all the years now 53 im more happy than i have ever been.
October 17th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
I have only one question, the answer to which is the only mitigating factor in trying to develop my spiritual beliefs;
Is belief in Jesus the only way to heaven? (personally I believe that all roads lead to God).
Thank you,
JLH
October 17th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Thanks, James, for visiting our unofficial site and for your honest inquiry. Your question is a key one, critical for your progression, as you noted, and for each of us to spiritually progress. I’m happy to share with you my thoughts, reflections, and witness as s a lay member and convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (The official site is found at lds.org).
Yes, Jesus Christ is the only way to God and to salvation and exaltation (eternal life with God and redeemed loved ones). That is truly the short answer, James, though it’s brevity is not meant in any way to diminish the sincerity of your question. It’s a powerful, right question which we are grateful, again, that you posed.
It may seem comfortable to believe that all roads lead to God, but depending on how you mean that, that is not the case. There is to be one faith, one baptism, and there is one kingdom of God. That said, I’d like to make one clarification, and perhaps we can say this much in regard to those taking other roads: Everyone who follows the light within them, to the extent that they understand and receive it, they will automatically progress in their knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. Those practicing other faiths, living according to the light they have, will continue to receive light that they can act upon or not act upon. If they continue to act upon it, it will lead them to Christ and to His gospel, His Church, and His fulness.
Ultimately, though, that means that the truly honest seekers will find Jesus Christ, for as He said, He is the “Way, the truth, and the life.” Salvation comes by none other. The reason this is the case, and that it is true, is because Jesus is uniquely the Son of God, fore-ordained and chosen to become the Savior and Redeemer of the World. Were He just a wise man or sage, He would not be able to make any such claim about being the Author of our salvation, but He is more than that! He is the literal Son of God, the Redeemer of the World, the resurrected Being who is now glorified at the right hand of God. He came to earth willingly, as Son of God, to suffer and die for our sins and to satisfy justice which was imposed through each of our sins and fallen activities. That atoning sacrifice allows Him to offer us entrance to the kingdom of God through repentance and the mercy He can offer us. Justice was satisfied once and for all through His infinite sacrifice. Only that sacrifice could open the door back to God”s presence. Nothing short of that would do.
It’s true, we can come to know something of God through the light of Christ and living decent lives, but we will never know Him fully unless we come to know, accept, and follow Jesus Christ whom He sent. As is written, “Now this is life eternal: that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3).
I hope this begins to answer your question, and look forward to continuing the conversation, or answering additional questions, if you have them. God bless you in your walk today.
October 24th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
In the front of every Book of Mormon ever published you will find the “Testimony of the Three Witnesses” and the “Testimony of the Eight Witnesses.” These are the words of eleven other men who actually saw and handled the golden plates.
Joseph spoke to the Angel Moroni (not Gabriel) about the plates. When he was done translating them, he gave the plates back to Moroni. Joseph, as a prophet, also explained and clarified many biblical passages and conveyed revelations from God in his own right. However, just because he testified or prophesied of himself doesn’t make him inaccurate. After all, the Savior testified of Himself, too.
The true proof, however, won’t be found in archaeological relics, ancient artifacts, or even angelic visitations. The only way to find the truth of spiritual principals is through the Holy Spirit. If you read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or any other text, then humbly ask God for yourself if it’s true or not, and if you sincerely listen for the answer, He’ll let you know. (See James 1:5)
November 3rd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Hello there, I discovered your web site by way of Google while searching for a comparable topic, your website came up, it seems good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:03 am
Thanks.
November 25th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Hello, I have talked with many ex-Mormons and was told that the Mormon faith believes that there are different heavens for certain ethnic groups, is that accurate? and if it is, where in the Bible do you support that? Thank you
December 1st, 2011 at 2:22 am
You are talking to the wrong people. There are NOT different heavens for different ethnic groups. Mormons have a more inclusive doctrine of heaven than any other Christian group.
January 12th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
I have been blessed to have friends who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I do not have the same beliefs, but I have great respect for their beliefs, largely because they are admirable people. I would strongly oppose anyone who would oppose someone with their beliefs for any job or public office, including the Presidency of the United States. I never met a Mormon I didn’t like.
March 26th, 2012 at 6:47 am
Gale,
in response to your comment, #130:
The LDS conception of Heaven and Hell doesn’t make Heaven more inclusive, it just makes Hell all inclusive and with nicer levels above. This is certainly true from a Christian perspective.
From a Christian perspective, Heaven is the presence of God. So only the Celestial Kingdom would count. From a Christian perspective, Christ saves us all the way to the Father and we share in all the inheritance of the Son. So only the top-most level of the Celestial Kingdom would count.
From an LDS perspective, only the Celestial Kingdom and really only the top-most level of it counts because… well, just ask any LDS “Do you want to be in the Terrestrial Kingdom?” Their answer will always be “no.” Why?
Because LDS know that everything below the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom is a form of damnation, mostly referred to as “limitation” or something like that. Unless you are on your way to godhood and eternal progression and fruitfulness then you are limited and damned.
Just because the Terrestrial and Telestial are comfortable doesn’t make them any less the real LDS Hell.
PS-since one of the moderators has confirmed repentance as stopping the sin and the Book of Mormon says you have to repent, then no one is going to be in the Celestial Kingdom, let alone the top-most level. So Hell, even the nice levels, is going to be completely full, and God the Father is going to be awfully disappointed.
April 12th, 2012 at 5:31 am
Not so. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon experienced a vision of the kingdoms of heaven and said that the lowest, the telestial, is glorious beyond description. That’s a lot more than “comfortable.” Those who deny Christ on earth and after death and refuse to repent or to believe in Christ’s saving power will inherit this kingdom. The fact that it is so glorious demonstrates that God’s influence is there, otherwise there would be no light at all, which is the case in hell, also called “outer darkness,” into which Satan and his angels will be cast. The only others who will inherit a kingdom without glory are those who commit “the sin against the Holy Ghost,” which is to actually be in the presence of Christ on earth and then deny Him. This sounds merciful to me, more merciful than that of any other theology. To live forever in the actual presence of God defines the celestial kingdom, and it appears that a suffering of soul occurs when there is any degree of separation from God, it is true. The word “damned” is sometimes used by Latter-day Saints and in the Doctrine and Covenants to refer to any degree of separation from God, but all realms of heaven are wonderful and glorious.