The Articles of Faith were written by the Prophet Joseph Smith to John Wentworth, a newspaper editor when Mr. Wentworth asked the Prophet about some of the basic beliefs of Mormonism. Today this is known as the "Wentworth Letter". We find that they were a handy tool to have ready when answering questions about the church and are now found behind the Pearl of Great Price.
Article 1
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
Explained: Mormons do not believe in the Trinity, and instead believe in three separate beings, one in purpose.
Article 2
We believe that man will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
Explained: We know through modern revelation that it was necessary for Adam to fall that we might have joy. Any subsequent acts that deviate from Mosaic law or other commandments are the responsibility of each individual and for full repentance must repent through the Atonement of Christ.
Article 3
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Explained: We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, came to earth to perform the atonement that we might not die in our sins. That through this mercy, or grace, extended by Christ we may become clean and also with works, be able to receive exaltation.
Article 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.
Explained: These are the 4 basic sections of the Gospel of Christ as is outlined in numerous places in the scriptures.
Article 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 preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
Explained: Any calling (that is, a position of labor or responsibility) in the church is made by careful prayer and revelation. When the calling is made it is extended and must be accepted by the individual. For most callings they must be sustained by the body of the Church involved, ward level callings are sustained by wards, stake level by stake, global callings by the entirety of the church. For some callings it is required that the individual be set apart or laying on of hands by those who are in authority to give special guidance and blessings from the Lord in performing in the new calling. This authority is the Priesthood, said authority can be traced to Christ.
Article 6
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
Explained: When the Gospel of Christ was first taken from the Earth after the martyrdom of the Apostles, the authority to organize a church in the name of Christ was taken as well. When the restoration occurred by revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith by the appearance of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. The Prophet was then authorized in 1832 to organize the newest dispensation of the church, patterned carefully after the structure of the church when Christ organized it during his reign and ministry upon the Earth.
Article 7
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues and so forth.
Explained: The age of miracles has not come and gone. In simple every day acts each of these remarkable gifts are manifest. For example, the ability of Missionaries to improve in their respective foreign language in such a short time has been claimed by some to be the gift of tongues. There are numerous other instances that quietly occur. See 1 Corintians 12:1-12. See also, Moroni 10:8-18.
Article 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.
Explained: This is pretty self explanatory. However, I would like to deviate a bit from the Seminary Teacher explanation that somebody got a hold of the Bible and deviously manipulated some of its precious truths. Honestly, I have no way to know the intent of some of the manipulations, whether they be accidental or intentional. I think that the most widespread and common changes of the Bible happened by accident. Pre-Gutenberg Bibles were produced by learned Priests who would patiently copy line by line from an old bible to a new script. As is the case with human error, some lines are repeated, some are accidentally omitted, words are replaced with synonyms to clarify (which in translation can prove difficult to determine original meaning), and so on. Bibles are copied one from the other down and down the line with one error repeated in the next. Probably there is a mixture between intentional and accidental. We believe the Book of Mormon works with the Bible to clear up some of those issues.
Article 9
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does no reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal man great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
Explained: Just as the age of miracles has not ceased neither has revelation. Individuals can receive revelation for themselves when trying to solve a problem through faith, prayer and sometimes fasting. In the instance of a leader of the church, such as a Prophet, Stake President, or Bishop, they may receive council from on high by means of divine revelation for the group they are responsible for leading.
Article 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 reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
Explained: This one I must honestly say is a big one that I have to think about for a while to get it (even more than the others). You also must realize that I am no total expert, I am only explaining these to the best of my ability. Firstly, I highly recommend referencing Isaiah 2. The literal gathering of Israel is often referred to as missionary work, that we gather back to the fold that which was lost and scattered with the destruction of Israel. It is prophesied by Isaiah in 2:2, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it." In the state of Utah, the headquarters of the church were established many of the Saints were encouraged to make the trek to Utah, and thus the Pioneers. In modern day, Saints are asked to remain where they are to build Zion where they already live. In the last days, Christ will come and personally reign over the Earth, the Earth will be cleansed and will become an Eden-like place.
Article 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.
Explanation: With Mormonism as misunderstood as it is, and in some cases even persecuted, we believe that we should not engage in that practice, so we believe in tolerance for individuals of different faiths. Christ showed love to all, it didn't matter if they were Jew or Gentile, and we shouldn't change how we treat others on the basis of their faith.
Article 12
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
Explanation: Mormonism has a definite patriotic side, especially in the United States. We believe that it is important to obey government acts and laws. The LDS faith uses the Boy Scouts of America and other programs to build patriotism.
Article 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
Explanation: We rejoice in all that is wholesome, edifying and uplifting to mind, body and soul. We are a very service oriented church, and also focusing on charity. All that is good should be cherished.
The Articles are a great tool for brief explanation to a curious individual. I want you to keep in mind that they are no where close to the embodiment of doctrine. These principles become infinitely more complex the deeper and deeper you go. It is the beautiful magnificence of the Gospel. It is truly a gospel of wisdom, knowledge and understanding as well as one of faith, hope, charity and love.
How intellectually amazing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is. The gospel is truly inexhaustible. It is marvelous; it is a wonder.
Neal A. Maxwell
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