MORMON BELIEFS

Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost

In 1842, Mr. John Wentworth, a newspaper editor for the Chicago Democrat, wrote a letter to the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith requesting a statement regarding the beliefs of the Mormon Church. In response, the Prophet wrote 13 brief statements, which have become known as the Articles of Faith. These statements summarize some of the basic doctrines of the Mormon Church and have been published and included in the Pearl of Great Price. They are official doctrine of the Church and are considered to be scripture. However, it must be understood that they are not a complete explanation of Church doctrine. Through living prophets today, the Mormon Church is continually guided by revelation and inspiration.            

Article of Faith number four states, "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: 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."1

As it states, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Mormon gospel. It is essential for each individual to obtain salvation. "Salvation cometh to none…except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ."2 The scriptures state numerous times how great things were accomplished through faith: Moses parting the Red Sea, Noah building the ark, Elijah calling down fire from heaven.3 It is faith that motivates us in our daily activities; it is faith that gives us confidence to do the things that we know are true, but cannot see. The Mormon belief is that our faith should be centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. To have faith in the Savior and Heavenly Father is to trust and obey all the commandments given. Increasing our faith requires work; studying the scriptures, praying, and doing all that we are asked.

Repentance is the second principle in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we have faith in the Savior, it, as you would expect, leads to repentance. Because of the love Heavenly Father has for each individual, He has provided this wonderful opportunity – that of repentance. The Mormon belief is that we need to repent on a daily basis, and we need to strive through our mistakes to improve on a daily basis. It would do us no good to repent of saying unkind words to a child, asking the Lord for forgiveness and then turning around and doing it again. With the Lord's help, we can improve and become more like Him.

Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Mormon Church. The Savior taught by example that all should be baptized in order to become a member of Christ Church and to live with our Father in Heaven again. "If we put our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the atonement of Jesus Christ."4 Mormons believe that there is only one way to be baptized; by those having proper priesthood authority, and by total immersion. "The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death and resurrection. Our sins are washed away when we are baptized."4 Baptism in the Mormon Church happens when an individual reaches the age of eight years of age and is responsible for his actions. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Mormon taught that 'baptizing little children is a mockery to God since they are not capable of sinning.'5

The second ordinance in the Mormon Church is the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is member of the Godhead; Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father being the other members. 'He is a spirit in the form of a man. He does not have a body of flesh and bones. He can be in only one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at once.'6 In the Mormon Church it is believed that his mission is to testify of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the truth. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given to a person who has faith in Jesus Christ, who has been baptized and confirmed into the Mormon Church by one having the proper priesthood authority. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of Heavenly Father's greatest gifts to mankind. Through this gift, one is able to know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that his Church has been restored to the earth.7

For more information on the Mormon Church and their beliefs, please see the following websites:

Mormon Church

Basic Mormon Doctrine