The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a number of beliefs that differ from many other religions. Mormon belief focuses on God, the family, and the eternal nature of man.
God
God is the spirit Father of all people and man is created in His image. The Mormon Church teaches that God has a body of flesh and bones. He loves each person and has said, “For behold this is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” 1
Faith in Jesus Christ
Belief in Jesus Christ is central, the prophet Joseph Smith said, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” 2
Premortal Existence and After-life
Mormons believe that everyone lived in spirit form with God before being born on earth. They strive to live their life worthy to return to live with God after death.
Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It testifies of Christ, His divinity, and teaches His commandments. The Book of Mormon is used as scripture in conjunction with the Bible, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants.
Priesthood
The priesthood is the power of God restored to Joseph Smith. It is given to all worthy males in the Church by the laying on of hands of someone with authority. Only those living a worthy life can exercise the priesthood.
Restoration of the Gospel
Mormon missionaries as well as members will testify that the gospel was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. When he was fourteen he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in a vision. They told him that the true church was no longer upon the earth. Later the Mormon Church was organized under the direction of Christ and now has over 12 million members worldwide. The Mormon Church restores those principles found in the original church established by Christ.
Latter-day Prophets
The Mormon Church teaches that prophets live on the earth today. The prophet leads the Church assisted by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the same organization that Christ set up. These latter-day prophets receive revelation from Christ to guide and direct the Church as well as stand as a witness of Christ.
Temples
“Holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances, rites, and ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God are called temples.” 3 Within Mormon temples families are sealed together for eternity.
Eternal Families
Through sealing ordinances performed in Mormon temples members can be sealed to their families. This sealing ordinance creates a family bond that lasts not only for this life, but also for eternity.
(1) Moses 1:39
(2) Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 121
(3) Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine
1 response so far ↓
Site mostly up! | Mormon Youth // January 6, 2009 at 10:44 pm |
[...] something we have one day and then have pure and strong forever. Like much in the gospel, it’s a Mormon belief that faith requires a daily, progressive effort. We accept Christ, we believe that He died for us, [...]