What do Mormons Believe?

A brief summary of the beliefs of Latter-day Saints (i.e., Mormons) is outlined below. Further explanation and inquiry into these beliefs will be explored in future posts.

1. We believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. These three beings are separate and distinct, although one in purpose and unity.

2. We believe that all individuals may be saved by the atonement of Jesus Christ. Such salvation comes by grace after we are obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel (e.g., faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, and reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands).

3. We believe in the eternity of the soul. We believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that because of it, all individuals will be resurrected and live forever with a perfected physical body. Whether or not we live forever with God is dependent upon our faithfulness.

4. We believe in the same organization that existed with the Church that Jesus organized while on the Earth. We have a Prophet, Twelve Apostles, Seventies, Patriarchs, Bishops, Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, and so on. All of these individuals are called of God, by the laying on of hands, and serve as unpaid clergy.

5. The current prophet of the Church receives continued revelation from the head of the Church, Jesus Christ. We believe the current prophet is a prophet in every sense of the word, just like Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, or other prophets of the Bible.

6. We believe the Bible is the word of God. We also believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. The Book of Mormon was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith from golden plates in 1829. It is a record of God's dealings with the people of ancient America.

7. We believe that families can be together forever. Families can be sealed together and live together as families for all eternity. This sacred sealing ordinance takes place in temples.

8. We believe in performing saving ordinances for our ancestors. Many who have lived on Earth did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that we can act as proxies for our ancestors in the ordinances of baptism and reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost. These ancestors will have the opportunity to accept our work for them in the spirit world. These sacred ordinances take place in temples.

9. We believe in being good, upstanding citizens in whatever country we live in. We obey laws, participate in local and national elections, serve in the military, receive public and private educations, support the arts, play sports, and live virtually everywhere in the world.

The official Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be read here. The photo of Christ used in this post is from a painting by Heinrich Hoffman entitled "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler."