I get asked quite a bit what I believe, being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church). So I thought this year, I'd share a basic tenant of our doctrine each month, and use the "Articles of Faith" as a guide. The Articles of Faith were published in 1842 by our first Latter-day prophet, Joseph Smith, and explain our basic beliefs and doctrines. The first Article of Faith focuses on the nature of the Godhead. I find this significant.
Article of Faith no. 1: "We believe in God the eternal Father and in His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." Joseph Smith grew up in the burned-over district in New York during the Second Great Awakening. As a teenager, he was confused as his Mom and Dad went to different churches and he listened in on many of these preachers, but wasn't sure who to believe. So he went to the scriptures, which were read often in his family. He came across James 1:5, which states: "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God to giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." Joseph decided to put God to the test and prayed, asking which church was right. His answer came in an unexpected way - God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph and the Father said to Joseph first "This is my beloved Son - Hear Him!" When I learn of this story and ponder it, it reminds me of when Jesus Christ was baptized. As Jesus was getting b, the Father's voice was heard: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17). God is always there and loves us, just as He loves His Only Begotten. At the occasion, the Holy Ghost appeared in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16). The Holy Ghost is wherever there's goodness. I believe the Godhead are separate, distinct beings, but work together in unity as one to bring us back to them. I know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us each so much. All He does is for our good. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way, to go through the earth experience, and to suffer for us through His miraculous atonement, so He can assist us in all we do, help us overcome sin and problems, and guide us on our way back to our Father and families again. The Holy Ghost testifies of them both and other truths, brings peace, helps us learn, comforts, and helps us receive answers to our prayers. I am thankful for the roles they play in my life and don't know how I'd do it without them!
2nd Article of Faith - "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgressions." One of the greatest gifts God has given us is free agency - our ability to choose. We alone are given the task to choose what we will do with that agency. When we make right choices, we have mostly good consequences. When we make choices that are not in harmony with God's commandments, we have some consequences. Ultimately, we will be rewarded or punished based on what we do with what we've been given. Just as I don't put one of my kids in time out for something their sibling did, God doesn't punish us for someone else's actions. Sometimes our choices do affect others, the person in the wrong will be held accountable someday. God is merciful and He is good, but we have to seek out His mercy and goodness and do our part. Luckily, we also have the gift of repentance and can get back on the right path when we slip. Someday, we will be compensated for all we go through and all will be made right. I believe this --> "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." -Joseph B. Worthlin
Article of Faith no. 3: "We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." I am so thankful for the atonement which makes up for what I lack. Christ has never asked us to do anything that He didn't do, but nothing in life comes free. We do our best and forget the rest, knowing He takes care of the rest through the miracle of His atonement. One of our kids' favorite songs is "Gethsemane" by Melanie Hoffman. I love when they sing this and they sing it like they know it! Part of the lyrics say "He felt all that was sad, wicked or bad, the pains we would ever know....the hardest thing that ever was done, the greatest pain that ever was known, the biggest battle that ever was won, this was done by Jesus! The fight was won by Jesus! Gethsemane, Jesus loves me. So he gave His gift to me, from Gethsemane." Because of Jesus, we can have second chances. Because of Jesus, we can live again. Because of Jesus, we can be with our families forever. God be thanked for the gift of His Son and His atonement.
Article of Faith no. 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." Faith is the basis for everything. It is a principle that leads to action. And it is powerful because it is centered in Jesus Christ. We believe in Jesus and believe Him. Believe He came to this world for us, believe He suffered, died and was resurrected for us, believe that He will help us, guide us, love us, give us second chances. Repentance is the process we go through when we make a mistake. I'm thankful for this gift as I make too many mistakes. When I repent, I feel the sweet feeling of the spirit again. I was baptized when I was 8 years old, which we believe to be the age of accountability. I wasn't forced to be baptized, but made the choice and am so glad I did. Best. choice. ever! The promises I made with God at baptism guide my actions every day. Each week as I take the sacrament at church on Sunday, I'm able to remember and renew those covenants. I still fall short, but know that joy that comes from trying to keep them and stay clean. I received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands after I was baptized, which God has promised His Spirit can be with me always if I remember His Son always. What a great promise! When I remember Jesus Christ and try my best to live after the manner he'd have me do, and I can have the guidance, peace, comfort, direction, enlightenment and safety of the Spirit. All of these principles are never ending and support one another. We can strengthen our faith, we repent, we can be baptized or resolve to live baptismal promises, we have the Spirit with us. What beautiful blessings that all work together continually!
Article of Faith no. 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." We believe that all those who have callings in life are called of God. As Latter-day Saints, we serve in many capacities and are often asked to serve in different "callings". We don't have paid clergymen and no one who serves is paid. Leaders of our church pray over who should serve in different positions and in a very real way, the Spirit speaks to those in authority as to who needs to serve and when. I have served in many capacities, mostly in our women's and children's auxiliaries (what we call Relief Society and Primary) and have had confirmation that these callings weren't just random, but there were people I needed to serve and serve with, and ways I needed to grow and change because of them. When we receive a calling from our local lay leader (called a Bishop or Branch President), we have the opportunity to accept or reject and it is between us and the Lord. If accepted, each person gets "set apart", where a leader with the Priesthood gives you a blessing by the laying on of hands, giving each individual special promises and help in accordance with your calling and your life. I have been blessed greatly by being able to serve the Lord in many ways, from playing the piano for the children when I was 14, to teaching lessons in the women's organization, playing the organ for our worship services, making programs each Sunday, most recently, teaching the children about the Gospel and helping them learn faith building music each week, and many more opportunities. I have been learned more by serving than I ever could have had learned on my own. I am thankful for the inspiration that leads and guides God's Church.
Article of Faith no. 6: "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is set up as it was in Christ's time. We have apostles, particularly Twelve apostles whose special assignment is to be a witness of Christ. We have prophets, as in the Old Testament times. Just as the people were guided by Moses and other great prophets, God has given us a prophet today for the world. I feel so blessed that we have President Russell M. Nelson, a "watchman on the tower" in our day who does talk to God and helps us see what we can't and help give us vision and direction. Getting to hear from him twice a year in General Conference and reading and watching his words from lds.org and in our Ensign magazine is like a buoy that keeps me afloat in our world. Our Church leadership is on a Church wide level, but we also have regional and local leaders that works under the direction of the Prophet and apostles. Though individuals aren't perfect, the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is perfect to me. It amazes me how productive and unified things run throughout the world. Anyone who serves in this Church has one main goal - to help others come to Christ. It's all about Him and the organization is set up to bring souls to Him.
Article of Faith no. 7: "We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."
We believe that God has given us all gifts to bless and serve one another. Each person is given at least one gift. "God is not dead" is something we hear a lot in our day. Certainly He is not, and it is usually through us humans He works to help us out and build up His kingdom. It is amazing to me to see missionaries going out into foreign lands and just in a couple of months can speak a language fluently. This is the gift of tongues. We believe that the prophet of this dispensation and for the world receives prophecy, revelation, and visions for the world to help and bless us all. Yet God can give us our own prophecies and revelations and visions for our own lives to help, guide and bless during moments we need it. I've seen many be healed physically, emotionally and spiritually, including myself, through the power of the Priesthood, the power of God. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." (Corinthians 12:7) "For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." (D&C 46: 11-12) God gives us gifts to help, strengthen, build, serve. We should use our gifts to not bring glory to ourselves but to bless others and bring glory to Him.
Article of Faith no. 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."
A little preface to all my new friends... Many ask me what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So this year I'm sharing 13 important doctrines that I hold dear. The Bible is a very inspired book and we believe the King James Version to be holy script. However, after getting into the hands of many different translators and men, mostly well-meaning, we believe some of the original meanings have been misconstrued or altered. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ we believe to be true and a great tool God has given us. It was recorded anciently by prophets of God in America. One of these prophets was Mormon, which is where the name came from. We do not worship Mormon, rather we revere him as a great teacher and follower of Christ. He was one of the main compilers and editors of the Book of Mormon. The invitation of the Book of Mormon is to "Come unto Christ" (Moroni 10: 32). It helps affirm His words as given in the Bible. It is powerful. It doesn't take away the truthfulness of the Bible, it adds to it. It clarifies certain doctrine introduced in the Old and New Testament. It bears further witness of Jesus Christ and his divinity and mission and love. It shows that God is "no respecter of person" and loves all His children. It strengthens me. It encourages me to choose our Savior and to repent, renew and recommit to following Him. There is a promise in the Book of Mormon. If any honest seeker of truth reads it, they can know of its truthfulness of it by pondering it and praying about it. I have read, studied, and prayed over the Book of Mormon and the Bible many times and know for myself that they are true and will help us come to Christ.
Article of Faith no. 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."
God has revealed so much in the past, starting in the Old Testament when man was put on the earth. Why? Because He loved Adam and Eve and their posterity and wanted to help them on this journey here and to get to their final destination. Then, Jesus Christ was born and lived and died and was resurrected and so much light and knowledge came from that time. After that, there was a dark time, but thankfully for us, He still reveals truth to us. The heavens are still opened and He speaks to us in our day! It makes sense to me. When we go away to college or move to a new place (generally speaking), do our parents forget us and never call/write/text/communicate because times are different? Of course not! That is how Heavenly Father is too. He still cares and wants to help us on our journey here too and give us all the knowledge we need to get back to Him. This is why he communicates. And how does he communicate to us today? As we pray, He reveals things personal to us. As we read His word, we receive promptings and impressions for us individually. Then we have prophets and apostles. Just as Jesus Christ called prophets and apostles in times past, we have true and living prophets in our day to communicate God's will to us, testify of Jesus Christ, and strengthen us. What a blessing He reveals what we need in life so we can be with Him again!
Article of Faith 10 - “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.”
This is an exciting time to be alive! The gathering of Israel is going on as more and more of the tribes of Israel are being "found" and converted to Christ. Someday, Zion (where the pure in heart dwell) will be established and Christ will be the political and spiritual leader for all. Now that's someone who will get my vote! ;) The earth will become as it was in Eden when Adam and Eve were placed on the earth - perfect. There are some scary and crazy things going on right now in the world but we can always have something to look forward to. These things are big things to look forward to for me. I used to be a little scared of the Lord's coming because of the events leading up to it. But more and more now, I pray to bring it on. The hard times will be worth it for these moments!
Article of Faith 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."
Isn't it a great thing that we live at a time when freedom of religion is alive and well is most parts of the world?! But this freedom is being challenged in our day, even in our own country. And some places still don' have this luxury. I am thankful to be able to worship how we would like because of God's great plan and hope we can work together to keep it that way and encourage that in other places that don't currently enjoy freedom of religion and other freedoms we have. What do you believe? I love to hear about other beliefs and ways of worship and I love to share what I believe and know. We are more alike than different. We are better together!
Article of Faith 12 - "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."
It is important to us to obey and honor the laws of the land. Laws are in place to keep us all safe. We also believe it is important to study up on the issues facing our society, make sure we vote based on research and prayer. Governments aren't perfect but we can sustain them and pray for leaders to make good decisions and get involved politically. Send emails, sign petitions, serve on local boards, campaign for good candidates, etc. We can sit by and complain about the state of affairs or we can stand up and do something to make the situation better. I am glad to be an American and thankful we have the freedoms we do and hope we will do our best to obey, honor and sustain leaders and the law.
Article of Faith 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.
This is the last Article of Faith, which expresses my beliefs as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I think this one is so appropriate to end on and inspires the way I live and think. I am grateful for the teachings of the scriptures and ancient and modern day prophets. I am not the best, but I can progress. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which teaches that we don't have to settle, we can get better. With the help of the Savior, we can become who He'd want us to be. We can become new creatures and help each other do the same. He give hope through the good times and the bad. We can do anything asked of us because of who Christ is and what He does for us. As I was reading and thinking about Paul's words this week in Phillipians, I was thinking of how beautiful Paul's letters were. He might have been in his darkest times, being jailed and persecuted, but his words were positive, encouraging, thankful, beautiful. No matter what we are going through in life, we can seek the good and be the good. I myself definitely have a long way to go and I am SO thankful to have the knowledge of the Gospel and the influence of the Savior in my life. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true!
(All art created with the Rhonna Designs app!)
