What are the Articles of Faith?

I am aware that there are numerous bits of information flying around on the internet about what Latter-day Saints believe. Therefore, I feel prompted to start a weekly series about the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. The most basic list of LDS beliefs is found in a document known as the Articles of Faith, located in the Pearl of Great Price.

Historical Context

Joseph Smith, the prophet through whom Jesus Christ restored His gospel and organized His Church – even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – was asked by a newspaper editor named John Wentworth what the early Saints believed. Joseph answered the question in a letter to Wentworth, which is simply known as the Wentworth letter. A summary of the basic beliefs of the Latter-day Saints accompanied the letter. The Articles of Faith were first published on March 1, 1842, in the Times and Seasons newspaper.

Content and Significance

The Articles of Faith are contained in thirteen concise statements, each of which clearly states a fundamental Latter-day Saint belief. They are a summary of the doctrines, principles, and ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ. They are also an excellent introduction to interested friends of the Church. Each Article of Faith except one begins with the words “We believe,” and the exception begins with the words “We claim.”

Development and Publication

Joseph Smith authored the Articles of Faith, which were published in 1842. However, four other Church leaders had previously written similar summaries. It is likely that Joseph drew from their outlines. In 1880, they were canonized as part of the Pearl of Great Price, one of the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ. 

The Articles of Faith are not considered to be a formal creed, but they are a vital resource to members of the Church. They are a summary of the teachings and principles of the Church.

I will include the Articles of Faith in this essay, but I plan to expound more on each article in later essays. 

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

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.

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.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

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.