All Topics Articles
What do Mormons believe about God?
Mormon belief teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct personages. God the Father and Christ have perfect bodies of flesh and bones, which are so glorious that man cannot be in their presence and live, unless he is quickened first. The Holy Ghost is a spirit son of the Father who confirms truth to all those who strive to listen to his promptings. Mormons often refer to God the Father as “Heavenly Father,” for Mormons believe that He is the Father of our spirits, and that we dwelt with Him in a pre-mortal existence before being born onto the earth.
Psalm 82:6: “I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”
God the Father is the Creator of the Universe, and He created all things through “The Word,” or Jesus Christ. God the Father has created worlds without number. As He spake unto Moses:
And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses,... Read the rest of this article »
What do Mormons believe about family?
Mormons believe the family is the basic and essential social unit on earth, and that family structure and function has eternal implications. There is no greater work one can do than that which is performed within the walls of the home. Mormon doctrine teaches that the family can also be an eternal unit, when its members abide by covenants made in holy Mormon temples. In temples, couples are married for time and all eternity, meaning that they will live together forever, if they continue to be righteous in this life.
Those in the Mormon religion believe that before we came to earth to live with our families here, we lived with our Heavenly Parents—Heavenly Father and Mother—who created our spirits. In heaven we prepared to come to earth in the time the Lord established.
Jesus Christ, under the direction of Heavenly Father, created the earth to be our mortal home. In this physical world we are commanded to multiply... Read the rest of this article »
What do Mormons believe about salvation?
In the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the terms “saved” and “salvation” have various meanings. As used in Romans 10:9–10, the words “saved” and “salvation” signify a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this covenant relationship, followers of Christ are assured salvation from the eternal consequences of sin if they are obedient. “Salvation” and “saved” are also used in the scriptures in other contexts with several different meanings.
If someone were to ask if another person had been saved, the answer would depend on the sense in which the word is used. The answer might be “Yes” or perhaps it might be “Yes, but with conditions.” The following explanations outline six different meanings of the word salvation.
Salvation from Physical Death. All people eventually die. But through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ,... Read the rest of this article »
What do Mormons believe about missionaries?
Mormons believe the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is again upon the earth. In 1830 the prophet Joseph Smith received a vision in which God the Father and the Son both appeared to him, instructing him not to join any of the various religions or sects that were on the earth at that time. Instead, Joseph was to begin the process of restoring the truths of Christ’s Church—the church He established when he lived on earth two thousand years ago. The underlying message of Christ’s gospel is the atonement. We can all repent and be forgiven of our sins and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.
This is an exciting message, one which Mormons feel they have a responsibility and privilege to share with the world. Christ atoned for our sins, and because of His incredible gift to the world, we can all be free from sin. Mormons believe they should share the message of Christ’s gospel through... Read the rest of this article »
What do Mormons believe about Joseph Smith?
Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith; neither is Mormonism a cult built around him. Mormons consider Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805–1844), the founder of the Mormon Church, to be a true prophet. Following what Mormons believe to be divine instruction, Joseph formed the Mormon Church—more properly known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons revere his work and his sacrifice, understanding it to be some of the most important work of the latter-days, and remember him as a martyr for the cause of truth. He was persecuted mercilessly all his days, yet worked tirelessly to forward the Lord’s work.
Mormons believe Jesus Christ established His church when He was on the earth. This church was directed by Him personally while He ministered on earth, and through revelation to His apostles and prophets after His crucifixion. The apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, were constantly called... Read the rest of this article »
What do Mormons believe about baptism?
The fourth Article of Faith of Mormonism, which Articles were authored by Joseph Smith, states 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.”
The third principle/ordinance of the Mormon Church is, thus, baptism. This ordinance is not taken lightly; in fact, Mormons believe baptism is essential for entrance into the highest degree of glory after this life. Being baptized is necessary for salvation and exaltation.
The Mormon Church practices baptism by complete immersion, just as Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist as recorded in the New Testament. Baptism is symbolic of the death and burial of the carnal body and the rebirth of the person as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of His Church. Mormons believe that... Read the rest of this article »
