What Latter-day Saints Believe
Simple Statements. Eternal Truths.
When people ask what Latter-day Saints believe, we often begin with the Articles of Faith—thirteen short, powerful statements that outline the core teachings of our faith.
They were written by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1842, in a letter to a newspaper editor who had asked about the Church. Nearly two centuries later, these articles continue to inspire us, teach us, and help us live what we believe.
From faith in Jesus Christ to our commitment to kindness, honesty, and the importance of personal revelation—these Articles are more than a summary. They’re a springboard for deeper understanding and a beautiful way to share our beliefs with others.
The Articles of Faith
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 organization 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, honoring, 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.
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Disclaimers: While I am happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, please note that this site is not an official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And while I strive to live by the doctrine of the church, the views, content, and resources provided here are solely my own and do not represent official doctrine or policy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
