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The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.

Article of Faith 6:

We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

(Articles of Faith)

Not only were the leaders of the original Church of Jesus Christ inspired, but the organization of that Church was made by Him. Christ invites people to serve in His Church to build up His kingdom, and it gives them opportunities to learn and grow as well.

The late Apostle James E. Faust taught:

We now have in the restored Church apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists, as spoken of by Paul to the Ephesians. These priesthood offices were established by the Savior when He organized His Church in the meridian of time. We recognize the two orders of the priesthood and the offices contained within them: the lesser priesthood is the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron; and the greater priesthood is the Melchizedek Priesthood, named after Melchizedek, to whom Abraham paid tithes. The Aaronic Priesthood was restored on May 15, 1829, under the hands of John the Baptist, and the Melchizedek Priesthood within a month under the hands of the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Thus those possessing the priesthood today claim the power to act in the name of God through the priesthood, “which power commands respect both on earth and in heaven.”

In the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, Moses appeared and gave the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the keys of the gathering of Israel. After this, Elias appeared and committed the gospel of Abraham, that in “our seed all generations after us should be blessed.” After this, Elijah the prophet appeared and gave to them the keys of this dispensation, including the sealing power, to bind in heaven that which is bound on earth within the temples. Thus, prophets of previous gospel dispensations presented their keys to the Prophet Joseph Smith in this, the “dispensation of the fulness of times” spoken of by the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.

(The Restoration of All Things, April 2006)

Everything that the original Christian Church contained was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, including the structure of leadership which Jesus Christ instituted among them. The successors of Joseph Smith hold the same authority he received from Heavenly messengers. I thank the Lord that we today are blessed with a knowledge of all things which Christ saw fit to organize in ancient times.

MP3 Recording of The Sixth Article of Faith children's song

The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.

Article of Faith 5:

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

(Articles of Faith)

In the Fourth Article of Faith, we learn that certain ordinances, like Baptism, are important in the journey of our faith. But who can administer these ordinances? Only those who are called of God. The authority to act in the name of God is called Priesthood. The late Apostle James E. Faust said of the Priesthood in the modern Church of Jesus Christ:

The priesthood operates in a system of sublime order. The priesthood is not, however, a floating essence. It must be conferred by ordination with specific offices. It is held by men under sacred duty to use its authority to accomplish God’s work for the blessing of men, women, and children alike. No one can claim priesthood authority except it is conferred openly by those possessing the authority. . . The exercise of priesthood authority is directed by the keys of the priesthood. These keys rest with the presiding local and General Authorities of the Church. Those who have the keys are responsible for the guiding momentum and direction of the work of the Lord on the earth.

(Keeping Covenants and Honoring the Priesthood, October 1993)

In 2005, President Gordon B. Hinckley summarized the source and role of Priesthood in the Church today:

Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. That authority is the keystone of any religion. I have read another book recently. It deals with the Apostasy of the primitive Church. If the authority of that Church was lost, how was it to be replaced?

Priesthood authority came from the only place it could come, and that is from heaven. It was bestowed under the hands of those who held it when the Savior walked the earth.

First, there was John the Baptist, who conferred the Aaronic, or lesser priesthood. This was followed by a visitation of Peter, James, and John, Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, who conferred upon Joseph and Oliver Cowdery the Melchizedek Priesthood, which had been received by these Apostles under the hands of the Lord Himself. . .

How beautiful is the unfolding of the pattern of restoration which led to the organization of the Church in the year 1830, 175 years ago this week. The very name of the Church came of revelation. Whose Church was it? Was it Joseph Smith’s? Was it Oliver Cowdery’s? No, it was the Church of Jesus Christ restored to earth in these latter days.

(The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, April 2005)

I have been blessed by men "called of God," as was Aaron. I have seen the power of this authority in leading, teaching, healing, and helping many. I am thankful for this restored truth.

MP3 Recording of The Fifth Article of Faith children's song

The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.

Article of Faith 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.

(Articles of Faith)

We know from the Third Article of Faith that we are saved through the Atonement of Christ by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. In the Fourth Article of Faith, we learn the first and most basic principles and ordinances which we must obey in order to begin our spiritual journey. These principles are also completely relevant to our needs today.

The Apostle Russell M. Nelson said of faith and repentance:

The proper exercise of moral agency requires faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. Because of Him, you have your agency. He must be the very foundation of your faith, and the testing of that faith is a fundamental reason for your freedom to choose.

You are free to develop and exercise faith in God and in His divine Son, faith in His word, faith in His Church, faith in His servants, and faith in His commandments. . .

Cultivation of that faith will entitle you to the companionship of the Holy Ghost, who will help you make wise decisions.

Many may profess a measure of faith in God, but without sincere repentance, faith cannot be fully operative. . .

Faith, repentance, and obedience will qualify you for sublime gifts of justice and mercy, which are bestowed upon those worthy of the blessings of the Atonement.

Yes, every test, every trial, every challenge and hardship you endure is an opportunity to further develop your faith.

(Choices, October 1990)

Of the ordinances of baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, the late Apostle Bruce R. McConkie said:

A gracious and loving Father has ordained the laws, by obedience to which we may learn his ways and know his will.

Those who believe in Christ as he is revealed by the apostles and prophets of their day, those who forsake the world and repent of all their sins, those who covenant with the Lord in the waters of baptism to love and serve him all their days—these are the ones who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This gift is the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead, based on faithfulness. This gift is the right to receive revelation from the Holy Spirit. "No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations," the Prophet said, for "the Holy Ghost is a revelator."

Revelations come in many ways, but they are always manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost.

(Thou Shalt Receive Revelation, October 1978)

Indeed, the Lord wants to speak with us. He does so through the Holy Ghost. By gaining faith, repenting of our sins, and being baptised by proper authority, we may receive all that He wants to teach us. This is a precious truth of the restored Gospel.

MP3 Recording of The Fourth Article of Faith children's song

The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.

Article of Faith 3:

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

(Articles of Faith)

Once we have established the basic idea of the existence of God and acknowledged our responsibility for our actions before Him, what doctrine could be more important than the doctrine of Christ? Apostle Dallin H. Oaks stated:

What do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints think of Christ?

Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God the Eternal Father. He is our Creator. He is our Teacher. He is our Savior. His atonement paid for the sin of Adam and won victory over death, assuring resurrection and immortality for all men.

He is all of these, but he is more. Jesus Christ is the Savior, whose atoning sacrifice opens the door for us to be cleansed of our personal sins so that we can be readmitted to the presence of God. He is our Redeemer.

(What Think Ye of Christ? October 1988)

Apostle Boyd K. Packer used this Article of Faith in effectively teaching young people about the Atonement:

The study of behavior is greatly improved when linked to standards and to values. Practical values, useful in everyday life, are found in the scriptures and the doctrines they reveal. I will give you one example: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

You should learn while you are young that while the Atonement of Christ applies to humanity in general, the influence of it is individual, very personal, and very useful. Even to you beginners, an understanding of the Atonement is of immediate and very practical value in everyday life. . .

I say to you again that a knowledge of the principles and doctrines of the gospel will affect your behavior more than talking about behavior.

(Washed Clean, April 1997)

To his teaching, I add my testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not a vague idea, but a practical, real power. We can all access it by obedience to His commandments. The Atonement of Jesus is the power by which we can be brought back into the presence of the Father. It can change hearts and actions. It can move worlds. I thank God for Jesus Christ and the power of His sacrifice for me.

MP3 Recording of The Third Article of Faith children's song