Mormons believe in—Scripture

In the {Article of Faith #7} we learn about Gifts of the Spirit, as described to us by the prophets and apostles in the scriptures. Scripture is so important! It is a sacred record of God's dealings with His people since the days of Adam and His revelations and commandments. I revere and love the Bible and the Book of Mormon for just those reasons.

Our church uses the King James version of the Bible. The translation began in 1604 and took 7 years to complete. This was the third translation into English to be approved by the English Church authorities. King James gave the translators instructions, with the intent to guarantee the new version would conform to the ecclesiology and episcopal structure of the Church of England. This translation took 47 scholars, all of whom were members of the Church of England. Like most other translations of that period, the New Testament was translated from Greek; the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew.

While we believe the Bible to be the word of God, we also realize that there are bound to be errors as a result of translating from one language to another, personal agendas, and imperfect understanding. This is not a critique on those who worked so hard to give us the Bible in the English language; merely a reasonable conclusion based on what we know of the situation.

The prophets and apostles who recorded the stories and revelations did so under the direction and guidance of God. Of that I have no doubt. Scripture is holy because it is the word of God. When it was first recorded by the prophets and apostles it was undiluted truth. But what was lost through the imperfect translations of many men? What if the scriptures could have been translated into English and retained their full power and meaning as God intended?

The Book of Mormon is just such a book of scripture: translated by the power of God through a prophet of God. I know such a statement may be met with skepticism and possibly even downright derision. I'm ok with that. Bear with me just long enough to ask: Could such a book of scripture exist? 

Let me tell you a little bit about this translation: Joseph Smith, at the age of 24, spent 65 working days translating the Book of Mormon (between April 7 and June 30, 1829). It took him only 65 days to translate a book that, in the current edition, is 531 pages long. That's 8 pages a day! (Ensign, Jan. 1988). Ok let's postulate that he wasn't translating, but he was really just writing this book himself with the intent to pass it off as scripture. Compare that with how long it took for the Bible to be translated: The Bible is about 1600 pages long. I'll be generous and say it took the 47 scholars only 2 years to translate 530 pages of that. I throw that information out there just as something to think about, not as proof that the Book of Mormon is scripture.

What could it mean if Joseph Smith's story is true, and the Book of Mormon is pure scripture? The only way to truly know if any book is scripture is to read it and ask God if it's not true. This is a promise made in James 1:5-6 and it is made again at the end of the Book of Mormon in Moroni 10:3-5. In my limited experience, God always keeps His end of the deal. And when it comes right down to it, learning more about God is between you and God. No one knows us better, and no one can answer our questions with more authority than Him. Never be afraid to ask, and always have faith that He will answer.

Continue Reading: {Article of Faith #9} God communicates with us through revelation.

Mormons believe in—Gifts of the Spirit

{Article of Faith #6} proclaims our belief in the Primitive Church as it was organized and maintained by Christ and the apostles. Linked inseparably to Christ and His church are the many miracles recorded throughout the New Testament.

The question I want to ask is: How did Christ perform miracles? Was it just because He was the Son of God? While there's no denying that He was perfect, and thus the perfect example of all things, He was not the only person given power to do miracles such as healing the sick and casting out devils. The prophets throughout the Old Testament performed miracles, as did the prophets and apostles during the time of Christ. What they all had in common was the authority, given them by God, to preach the Gospel {Article of Faith 6}. A result of that authority is receiving gifts of the Spirit. As in all things, Christ was the perfect example: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;`for God was with him" (Acts 10:38).

The abilities to prophecy, heal, see visions, and so on are manifestations of gifts of the Spirit. "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit . . . covet earnestly the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:4, 31). Different gifts may be given to different people, but we are all encouraged to attain more. This cannot be for worldly power or personal gain. It must be in pursuit of serving God, for that is the only way God will allow us to use His power, through the Holy Ghost, to bless His children.

Are gifts of the Spirit just for prophets and apostles? Nope! Seeking after these gifts is a righteous desire. Consider this story from the days of Moses: There were two regular, ordinary men in the camp, "and the spirit rested upon them . . . and they prophesied" (Numbers 11:26). One of Moses' servants, when he heard, told Moses to make them stop. "And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29).

So can miracles still happen today? Are gifts of the spirit available to us, now? I cannot say it with enough emphasis: DEFINITELY! The prophets and apostles did mighty miracles; Jesus Christ did mighty miracles; God is a God of miracles—So why not now? God is unchanging, thus, He is and always will be a God of miracles.

While God does not change, we must admit that man does change. Frequently. On a daily, even hourly, basis. We doubt. We fear. We worry. We second guess ourselves. You get the gist.

"The reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.

Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth" (Mormon 9:20-21).

Belief leads to action. Faith leads to baptism. And then the Lord has promised: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18).

When I read a promise like that in the scriptures, I believe it. The stories in the Bible and the Book of Mormon are examples that I can use and apply in my life. Scripture is not meant to tell us of things that once were and never will be again. They are meant to help us better understand God, the Gospel, and how to live now so that we can someday return to live with Him. Despite the span of generations separating us from the authors, the principles are still true, the Gospel is still true. That will never change, and it is my testimony that when we follow the prescribed steps, partaking of the ordinances by those with authority, then the gifts of the Spirit are made manifest as promised.

Keep reading: {Article of Faith #8} The Bible—Is something lost in translation?

Mormons believe in—Christ's Church

{Article of Faith #5} discusses our belief in authority, and why authority is a necessary component in the Kingdom of God. Correct authority upholds the organization of The Church, as shown throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. Without it, there would be chaos and confusion, and neither of those are characteristics of God.

Since the days of Adam, there has been an order, given to man through prophets of God. When Christ came to earth He became The Prophet and continued in building and organizing the Church. Because He fulfilled the Mosaic Law, some aspects of the Jewish faith were no longer required and new direction was given. So how was Christ's church organized? Here's what we learn from the scriptures:

1. I believe this is the most important one to understand and believe in—"Christ is the head of the Church" (Ephesians 5:23). He is called "the Chief Cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). A cornerstone is the first point set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. 



A representation of a cornerstone.

2. The church is also "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 2:20). The foundation is built outward from the cornerstone and provides the structural integrity for the rest of the building. As we all know, without a foundation the building will be incredibly unstable. This is a principle Christ taught in the parable of the wise man and the foolish man. The wise man build his house upon the rock and the foolish man built his house upon the sand. When the rains came, the floods rose, and the winds beat upon their respective houses, it is easy to guess whose stood still and strong, and whose was washed away (Matthew 7:24-27). I believe that prophets and apostles were not just needed in the Bible, but are needed always! We want our church and our faith to be built upon a strong foundation. Christ is at the head, the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles provide that much needed direct connection with Heaven so we can build our faith on a firm foundation and have confidence in the path we tread. 
3. Christ is the ultimate delegator. He could do it all . . . but He doesn't. He gives assignments, for how else would we learn and grow? The apostles and prophets couldn't do it all on their own either. For the Lord's work to really progress and be taught to all people, there had to be more: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith" (Ephesians 4:11-13). God and Jesus Christ are unified. They want us to be unified with them. How can we become unified with them and with each other if there are so many different denominations?
4. The scriptures tell us the answer is simple: There is only one Church. "There is one body, and one Spirit . . . One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). There was only one church in the Old Testament. There was only one church in the New Testament. There was only one church in the Book of Mormon. 

It's easy to understand how Christ was at the head of the Church when He was on the earth, because He was there in the flesh. But what about when He left? Nothing changed—it was, and still is, His Church. He has always had prophets, and eventually apostles, to carry out His work as He directs, whether or not He is physically present. They in turn delegate responsibility and authority to evangelists, teachers, and pastors to continue teaching the Gospel. This is how the Church functioned after Christ died, this is how it has been structured since the days of Adam, and it is my sincere belief that this is how His Church is organized today.

"Now ye are the body of Christ [i.e. Church of Christ], and members . . . And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

(1 Corinthians 12:27-30)

Read more: {Article of Faith #7} Miracles and gifts of the Spirit are an integral part of Christ's Church.

Mormons believe in—Priesthood Authority

{Article of Faith #4} teaches the importance of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. But we have to ask: Who performs those ordinances? If we are trying to follow Christ's example, we must consider the manner in which Christ was baptized:

Jesus sought out John the Baptist to baptize Him. Why couldn't just anyone baptize Jesus? John the Baptist himself asked the Lord why He came to him. Christ answered him, "for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15). If Jesus Christ, the Son of God knew it was important to be baptized by someone who had the proper authority—and John had the authority to baptize—then we must seek after the same!

Where does this authority come from?
"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit" (John 15:16) Christ chose and then ordained his apostles to His priesthood, through the laying on of hands as depicted in this picture. The authority, or permission, to preach the Gospel and administer the ordinances come from God, through His son Jesus Christ, who is also known as The High Priest (Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 3:1-6). Jesus in turn gave authority to His twelve apostles (Luke 9:1-2). This is why they were able to heal the sick, cast out devils, perform miracles, preach the gospel, administer ordinances, and so on.

Why is the correct authority an important aspect of the Gospel? 
This short anecdote helps illustrate the necessity of proper authority:
Let's say that I'm driving down the high way at 100 miles per hour and my neighbor Jo pulls up alongside me, waves me down, and gets me to pull over on the side of the road. He then begins to write me a ticket for speeding and asks me to pay a fine. Jo is not a policeman. He's just my neighbor. He doesn't have the authority to penalize me for breaking the law. He doesn't know the proper procedures. And why doesn't he have the authority? Because he has not been trained and educated, and then given the proper permission by people with the authority to do so, to be a police officer. If just anyone could say, "I'm a police officer!" think of the chaos and confusion that would inevitably ensue.

Our country, even with imperfect people, uses laws and correct authority to govern its people and create order. The Kingdom of God is led by God. "Mine house is a house of Order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion" (Doctrine and Covenants 132:8). He is perfect, His laws are perfect, and His authority is perfect. He gives us laws, and then chooses men to use the proper authority, in the building of His Kingdom.

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #6} How is Christ's Church organized?

Mormons believe in—Baptism by Immersion

If we have faith in Jesus Christ, and we believe in His Atonement (discussed in {Article of Faith #3}), then we understand how repentance frees us from the bonds of sin. Our faith and desire to overcome our mistakes increases our desire to keep His commandments and follow His example. There's a great story in Acts that illustrates how faith compels us to take action: A group of people were listening to Peter teach about Jesus Christ. After listening to him and experiencing the feelings of the Spirit, "they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37-38).

These people showed their willingness to repent by acting upon their faith and doing all that Peter instructed:

Baptism
The first ordinance they needed was baptism. I think the important question to ask here is how were they baptized? If we desire to follow Christ's example, then we desire to do as he did: "Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water" (Matthew 3:16). We learn from this and other scriptures (Acts 8:38, Romans 6:4, Mark 1:5) that baptism is done by going into the water and coming up out of the water, or in other words, through immersion. In fact, the word "baptize" in Hebrew means: "to dip" or "immerse."

Gift of the Holy Ghost
Peter said that after they were baptized, they would "receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Again, we have been given the perfect example in all things: Jesus Christ, after he was baptized, saw "the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him" (Matthew 3:15). So we know this is an important step. Now let us ask: How does one receive this gift? This question is answered in a few passages of scripture, two of which I've documented here:
1. "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them" (Acts 19:4)
2. "Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:17)
What we can learn from the examples of the apostles is that the gift of the Holy Ghost is given through the laying on of hands.






Jesus taught: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). Christ left us His example, so that we could follow in His steps and do as He did (1 Peter 2:21):

"And now if, the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!" 

(2 Nephi 31:5)

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #5} Who has the authority to administer these ordinances?

Mormons believe in—Christ's Atonement

As referenced in the {Article of Faith #2}, the result of Adam and Eve's choice was The Fall, placing them and all their children (and the rest of mankind) in a fallen, or imperfect, state. At first consideration this sounds like a tragedy.

But if not for an imperfect state filled with opposition, how else could we learn and grow? Watching my children I see how Konrad and Fray have developed: they learn to sit, then crawl, then walk, and even run! Sure, there was falling, crying, and even some bruises—gravity isn't always kind. But look where they are now! I could have coddled them and protected them from all harm, but that would have confined them to the abilities of a baby, unable to move and completely reliant on me for their every need. God, our Eternal Father, has given us this time on earth to learn, allowing the consequences of our actions to teach us so we can increase in knowledge and understanding.

Not only are we allowed to learn, by exercising our agency, but we are given a way to overcome our fallen state through Christ's Atonement.

Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by [him]" (John 14:6). Through the most selfless act in earth's history, he sacrificed himself willingly to pay the price for all mankind's sins. "I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me . . . I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."  (John 10:17-18)

We begin to overcome our fallen state when we access the power of the atonement in our lives through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Or in other words, by keeping the commandments. Christ obeyed the Father's commandments because he loves Him—"But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do" (John 14:31). Let us continue to follow his perfect example and show our love for Heavenly Father by keeping His commandments.

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #4} begins to help us understand how we can follow Jesus Christ's example.

Mormons believe in—Personal Agency

So if we believe that there is a God as the {Article of Faith #1} proclaims, then what is His plan for us here on Earth? Let's begin to answer that question by starting at the beginning:

When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, God gave them 2 commandments:

1. "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 1:28) (meaning, have a family)
2. "Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17)

The key to understanding the story of Adam and Eve is understanding personal agency. Agency, a gift that Heavenly Father has given all of his children, is the ability to choose for ourselves. In order to choose, though, there must be two or more options for us to choose from.

Consider that God never forces us to do anything. He entreats us, He teaches us, and He waits for us. But He never ever does anything that infringes upon our agency, or our personal ability to make our own choices. This is true now and it was true in the beginning with Adam and Eve.

In the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were in a perfect, innocent, and unchanging state. God could not force them to leave the Garden of Eden because that would have taken away their agency. When He first gave them the commandment to not eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge, there was no other option. It was simply live in the Garden, eat all the other fruit, but don't eat that fruit. End of discussion.

At that point there was no choice, and yet "the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other" (2 Nephi 2:16). That's why there "is opposition in all things"—we are given at least 2 options (2 Nephi 2:11). Here's where Satan's temptation was a necessary part of the plan. He enticed Eve to eat of the fruit and suddenly she had a choice, a way to use her agency: Eat the fruit? OR Don't eat the fruit? As we know, Eve used her agency to eat the fruit, and Adam also made a choice by joining her in her decision to eat of the fruit as well.

I rejoice in Adam and Eve's actions because it enabled them to enter this fallen state of mortality and fulfill the first commandment God gave them: to bare children. The alternative was that they didn't eat the fruit, they didn't transgress, and as a result they would have remained in their unchanging state in the Garden. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25) We exist because of Adam and Eve's choice. Yes, there is misery and sorrow in this world. But how else could we know and appreciate joy and happiness!

Personal agency means personal responsibility for our own actions. Just as Adam and Eve's choice effects all of us, our personal choices have an effect on those around us as well. For good or bad, our choices have consequences.

The good news is that despite our imperfections and sins, we are not forsaken or forgotten! "For as in Adam all men die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). An integral part of God's plan was sending Jesus Christ to atone for everyone's sins, thus making it possible for everyone to repent and draw closer to our Heavenly Father so that we can someday return to live with Him.

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #3}Christ's Atonement is for all men!

Mormons believe in—The Godhead

In my experience, one of the most common misconceptions about Mormons is this: that we're not Christians. Not true! We believe in God, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We are Christians because "we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ!" (2 Nephi 25:26)

We believe that "the Godhead" consists of three individual beings: 1) God, our Father in Heaven; 2) Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and 3) the Holy Ghost. They are separate individuals, but are perfectly united in purpose and effort. President Gordon B Hinckley explained: "It is that perfect unity among the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost that binds these three into the oneness of the divine Godhead" (The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost).

God, Our Father
We believe that God is a personage with a body of flesh and bones, a perfected, exalted being. He the Creator and the Father of our spirits. I don't view Him as some distant unknowable being, but rather as a father who is carefully watching over all His children here on Earth. How do we know this? Because the scriptures tell us we are "the children of God" (Romans 8:16). My personal experiences as a parent have helped me better understand the true nature of God, and I believe Him to be a kind, loving, and intensely concerned father who knows me personally. He is the perfect example in all things, so it makes sense to me that He is perfect at parenthood. I enjoy spending time each day talking to my Father in Heaven through prayer, praying to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be able to communicate with Him who knows all things!

Jesus Christ, the Son of God
Jesus Christ is The Son of God. He was born of Mary under miraculous circumstances, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). The only man to live a perfect life, he served, he taught, he was The Example, and he sacrificed his life to atone for everyone's sins. And then, he took up his life again and was resurrected. He is our living Lord, with a body as tangible as mine and as perfected and glorified as His Father's.

Jesus Christ is my Redeemer, and your Redeemer. What does that mean? It means that when Christ said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48), that's do-able! I can't become perfect on my own. I'm too mortal, too imperfect, too prone to making mistakes... all the time! But with Christ's atonement I can repent of my mistakes and change for the better. That knowledge fills me with so much hope and peace and joy.

Holy Ghost
The third member of the Godhead is the Holy Ghost. As the name implies, he is a personage of spirit, meaning he does not have a body of flesh and bones. His other names are: the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, or the Spirit of the Lord. So what is his role?
1. He testifies of Jesus Christ: "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth . . . he shall testify of me" (John 15:26)
2. He guides us to the truth: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
3. He helps us become more Christ-like: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, / Meekness, temperance . . . " (Galatians 5:22-23)

For more information about the Godhead, visit: LDS.org, The Godhead.

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #2} Personal agency is the key to understanding The Fall .

What do Mormons believe?

So... What do Mormons believe? 

This is definitely the most common question I get asked about my faith, and honestly I'm always excited when someone actually asks me. There's so much stuff on the internet about Mormons that it can be confusing as to what's true and what's not. I've found that when researching any topic, going to the source and finding primary resources whenever possible is always the best way to find the truth.

So where to start... I could jump in by myself and try to muddle my way through, but fortunately I don't have to. We have what is called the Articles of Faith. They consists of 13 principles that outline the basics of Mormon beliefs. I could simply recite them off and leave it at that, but I'm much too talkative for that. So my plan is to introduce what the Articles of Faith are in this post, and then give one post to each article so I can get into more detail with each one.

I've found that understanding the background story of anything is always a good place to start, so here's a short history lesson:

It all began in 1842 with a man named George Barstow and his editor friend, John Wentworth, who asked the same question: "What do Mormons believe?" Mr. Wentworth wrote a letter to the Prophet Joseph Smith, asking him about the beliefs and history of the Latter-Day Saints. Joseph answered with a letter where he talked about the First Vision, how he received and translated the gold plates, the organization of the Church, as well as the persecution and history of the Saints. In the conclusion Joseph created a list of the basic beliefs of the Church. This list became known as the Articles of Faith.

"Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to help people who are not members of the Church understand how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is different from other churches. The Articles of Faith do not contain all of the teachings and beliefs of the Church, but they do explain some of our most important beliefs." 

(Primary Lesson #5)

So get ready for 13 future posts (spread out through the weeks, of course) that will hopefully explain, clearly and in just enough detail, more about what I believe as a Mormon!

For quick reference:
{Article of Faith #1} Mormons believe in—The Godhead

{Article of Faith #2} Mormons believe in—Personal Agency

{Article of Faith #3} Mormons believe in—Christ's Atonement

{Article of Faith #4} Mormons believe in—Baptism by Immersion

{Article of Faith #5} Mormons believe in—Priesthood Authority

{Article of Faith #6} Mormons believe in—Christ's Church

{Article of Faith #7} Mormons believe in—Gifts of the Spirit

{Article of Faith #8} Mormons believe in—Scripture

{Article of Faith #9} Mormons believe in—Continuing Revelation

{Article of Faith #10} Mormons believe in—The Gathering of Israel
{Article of Faith #11} Mormons believe in—Freedom of Religion
{Article of Faith #12} Mormons believe in—Patriotism
{Article of Faith #13} Mormons believe in—Doing Good to All Men