What Do Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Believe?

Jesus Christ: The Foundation of Our Faith

At the heart of our beliefs is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of mankind. We believe that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, who through His atoning sacrifice made it possible for all people to be forgiven of their sins and return to live with God.

We believe that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, died on the cross, and was resurrected on the third day. Through this Atonement, He overcame both sin and death, making eternal life possible for all of God's children.

The Restoration of the Gospel

We believe that after the death of Jesus Christ and His apostles, important truths and the authority to act in God's name were lost from the earth. This period is known as the Great Apostasy. However, we testify that in 1820, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to a young man named Joseph Smith, beginning the restoration of the fullness of the gospel.

The First Vision

Joseph Smith's First Vision marks the beginning of the restoration. In response to his sincere prayer about which church to join, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him personally. This sacred experience revealed important truths about the nature of God and initiated the restoration of Christ's church on earth.

Modern Revelation

We believe in continuing revelation—that God continues to speak to His children today through prophets, seers, and revelators, just as He did in ancient times. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sustained as a prophet who receives revelation for the entire Church.

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

The Book of Mormon is central to our faith. We believe it is scripture, translated by the gift and power of God through Joseph Smith. It contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and serves as another testament of Christ's divinity alongside the Bible.

The Book of Mormon tells the story of ancient peoples in the Americas and their interactions with Jesus Christ. It provides powerful witness of Christ's mission and teaches principles that can guide us in our daily lives.

Core Doctrines and Beliefs

The Articles of Faith

The Prophet Joseph Smith summarized some of our basic beliefs in what are known as the Articles of Faith. These thirteen statements provide a concise overview of fundamental LDS doctrine:

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.

Living Our Beliefs

Our beliefs are not just intellectual concepts—they guide how we live each day. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to:

• Follow Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments and serving others
• Study the scriptures regularly, including the Bible and Book of Mormon
• Pray daily to maintain a relationship with our Heavenly Father
• Attend church each Sunday to worship and learn together
• Keep the Sabbath day holy as a time of rest and spiritual renewal
• Pay tithing and fast offerings to support the Church and help those in need
• Share the gospel with others through missionary work and Christian example
• Participate in temple worship when worthy and able
• Strengthen families through regular family prayer, scripture study, and activities

Invitation to Learn More

These beliefs have brought countless people peace, purpose, and joy. If you would like to learn more about what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe, we invite you to:

• Read the Book of Mormon and pray about its truthfulness
• Meet with missionaries who can answer your questions
• Attend church services in your local area
• Visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org for more information
• Speak with Latter-day Saint friends or neighbors

We believe that as you sincerely seek truth and ask God in prayer, He will guide you to understand His love for you and His plan for your happiness.