The Mormon Religion

 The prophet Joseph Smith first organized the Mormon religion in 1830, after having received priesthood authority from God. Mormons believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the fullness of Christ's gospel restored to the earth.  As stated in the fourth Article of Faith, "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

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a requirement to gain salvation. Having faith in Jesus Christ means accepting Him as the literal Son of God and the Savior of the World.  Mormons believe that faith needs to be accompanied by works. For "faith without works is dead." ¹ These works include service to others and trying to keep Christ's commandments. For as Christ said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." ²  Faith is developed through scripture study, prayer, service, meeting attendance, and obedience to God's commandments. 

 Repentance

Repentance is the washing away of personal sins through the application of the Atonement. Mormon belief teaches that repentance is a three-part process: sincere regret for the sin committed, providing restitution when possible, and then not committing the sin again.  The first part of the repentance process requires the person to sincerely pray, confess their sin, and ask the Lord for forgiveness. Some sins that are more serious in nature require a confession to a Bishop, their congregational leader, who will help them work through the repentance process. Since sinning is a part of being human repentance is an on-going process, with a person striving to be better on a daily basis.

Baptism

The Book of Mormon teaches that baptism is a necessary ordinance for salvation. The Mormon Church baptizes by immersion in water. After a person is baptized all prior sins are washed away.  At the age of eight children are accountable for their sins and in Latter-day Saint families eight years old is the typical age of baptism. Children under the age of eight do not need baptism for they cannot discern right from wrong, and hence have no sin.  Because baptism is a necessary ordinance members are baptized in behalf of those who have died and were not able to perform the ordinance for themselves. This practice is referred to as baptism for the dead and is performed in Mormon temples. The baptism only takes effect if the deceased person chooses to accept the ordinance.

Gift of the Holy Ghost

After baptism members of the Mormon Church are given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands with those having priesthood authority from God. The gift of the Holy Ghost entitles the member to the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead. The Holy Ghost acts as a comforter, teacher, and guide. As long as the member lives worthy the Holy Ghost resides with them.  After baptism, members are taught to "endure to the end" which means that throughout their lives they have to: actively exercise their faith in Jesus Christ; repent of their sins; honor their baptismal covenants; and be worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 (1) James 2:26

(2) John 14:15