What are the Articles of Faith?

As I Googled the search term “Articles of Faith”, I found that having articles of faith is not unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I discovered that there were at least two other churches who have their variations on the same theme.

So What are the Articles of Faith for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Articles of Faith were written in 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith to a Chicago newspaper editor and Illinois politician by the name of John Wentworth who wanted information about the beliefs and history of the Church.

Joseph Smith obliged with a long letter to Mr. Wentworth regarding the history of Joseph Smith and the Church in what is now known as the Wentworth Letter.  The letter included thirteen declarations of the beliefs of the Restored Church.

The 13 Articles of Faith were later published in 1843 in the Church’s publication of the time, the Times and Seasons.  Later, in 1851,  they would be included in the Church’s canonized scripture in the Pearl of Great Price.

The  Articles of Faith are 13 short statements of the Church’s principle beliefs.  A great short summarization of the tenets of the faith.

Members of the Church often teach our children to memorize these 13 simple declarations of faith, so don’t be surprised when you ask a child to recite them that you get a wonderfully cute recitation.

Articles of Faith

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 preachthe 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 reignpersonally 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.