Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the "LDS Church" or the "Mormon Church", is the largest and best known denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement (a form of Christian Restorationism). The church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel

The fourth Article of Faith states that Latter-day Saints "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."

Related Topics:
Article of Faith - Faith - Repentance - Baptism - Gift of the Holy Ghost

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Faith

Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Jesus is a fundamental requisite to Salvation. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, ?The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.? (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 121).

Related Topics:
Salvation - Joseph Smith

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The Lectures on Faith teach that faith is a principle of action and of power, in both the temporal and the spiritual realm. Ultimately, faith is ?the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things.? (Lecture 1). For Latter-day Saints, the historical basis of faith comes from the record in the Bible, which leads to a personal Theophany.

Related Topics:
Bible - Theophany

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The Lectures on Faith explain:

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:Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation:

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:First, the idea that he actually exists.

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:Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.

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:Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Lecture 3)

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The character and attributes and perfections of Christ are Knowledge, Faith (or Power), Justice, Judgment , Mercy , and Truth. By the operation of the Holy Ghost, the miracle of the Atonement, and personal sacrifice, we can develop the same character and attributes of God, and become like Him.

Related Topics:
Knowledge - Faith - Power - Justice - Judgment - Mercy - Truth - Holy Ghost - Atonement - Sacrifice

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Faith in Jesus Christ means accepting Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Messiah. This includes two parts: 1) the belief that all who live on Earth are granted salvation from death (physical resurrection) through the Atonement, the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and 2) that salvation from sin (or spiritual death) is obtained through sincere repentance, resulting in forgiveness for sin through his grace, and by following the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints are encouraged by church leaders and the LDS culture to develop their faith through study, prayer, service, and obedience to God's commandments. Faith is a form of spiritual work, and character-shaping, in conjunction with the miracle of Christ's Atonement.

Related Topics:
Messiah - Death - Resurrection - Sin - Grace

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Latter-day Saints often refer to their personal faith as their "testimony" and refer to telling others about their faith as "bearing testimony."

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Repentance

Latter-day Saints believe in the principle of repentance, which for them includes a sincere regret, or "godly sorrow", as well as restitution when possible and abstinence from the sin. Key to the repentance process is a person's personal, prayerful confession to God, which includes asking for forgiveness and resolving not to repeat the mistake. It is important to confess serious sins to a bishop, who can offer advice and encouragement. Consistent with the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which it is translated, repentance denotes "a change of mind", "a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined." Thus, a return to sin shows that the repentance process is not truly completed. Repentance is for small and large sins and is an ongoing process.

Related Topics:
Repentance - Hebrew - Greek

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Baptism

The Church of Jesus Christ practices baptism by immersion as Christ was baptized. Baptism is symbolic of burial and rebirth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Like many Christians, Latter-day Saints believe that a person who repents and is baptized has all prior sins remitted.

Related Topics:
Baptism - Christian

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Baptism is never performed before the eighth birthday. The age of eight was given in latter-day revelation as the age when children become accountable for their sins, that is, they are able to discern between right and wrong. If a person is unable to discern between right and wrong (ie. those with severe mental retardation, etc.) they are deemed unaccountable for their sins and are not baptized, regardless of their age. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation specifically forbids the practice of infant baptism. (See Doctrine and Covenants 68:27 and Moroni 8:4-23.) Baptism is recognized only when performed by one holding the proper authority, contained in the office of a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or a higher office.

Related Topics:
Infant baptism - Aaronic Priesthood

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They also practice Baptism for the dead, a practice that is unique to the LDS Church.

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Gift of the Holy Ghost

Following baptism by immersion, individuals are confirmed members of the church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by Priesthood bearers worthy to do so. Latter-day Saints believe that this blessing entitles the newly confirmed recipient to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as a guide and guardian so long as the recipient lives worthy of the gift. Moreover, members believe that those who have not been confirmed may still receive inspiration and a witness from the Holy Ghost but are not entitled to constant companionship available through the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Related Topics:
Holy Ghost - Priesthood

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Resurrection and Judgment

Joseph Smith taught, ?The Doctrines of the Resurrection of the Dead and the Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.? (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 149).

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The Book of Mormon defines the Resurrection and Judgement as follows:

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The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.

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Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (Alma 11:43-44)

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Enduring to the End

Members of the Latter-day Saints also believe that life involves enduring to the end, and is not just a "one-time" religious experience. This is the daily spiritual maintenance, charitable works, and personal development ? social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development. It also involves overcoming personal trials, attending church and temple, rearing families, and doing work for the dead. Ultimately, the goal is for sanctification, the process of having the same character that God has: perfect love, perfect mercy, and perfect truth.

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