CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................ 1
Our Premortal Life with God Unit One
Chapter 1 Our Father in Heaven.......................................... 8
Chapter 2 Our Heavenly Family...........................................11
Chapter 3 Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior................... 17
Chapter 4 Freedom to Choose ........................................... 21
Leaving the Presence of God Unit Two
Chapter 5 The Creation................................................. 27
Chapter 6 The Fall of Adam and Eve..................................... 31
Communication between God and Man Unit Three
Chapter 7 The Holy Ghost............................................... 36
Chapter 8 Praying to Our Heavenly Father............................... 41
Chapter 9 Prophets of God.............................................. 47
Chapter 10 Scriptures.................................................. 52
Jesus Christ as Our Savior Unit Four
Chapter 11 The Life of Christ ......................................... 61
Chapter 12 The Atonement............................................... 71
The Church of Jesus Christ Unit Five
Chapter 13 The Priesthood.............................................. 81
Chapter 14 Priesthood Organization..................................... 85
Chapter 15 The Lord's Covenant People ................................. 95
Chapter 16 The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times ................ 101
Chapter 17 The Church of Jesus Christ Today........................... 109
The Gospel of Jesus Christ Unit Six
Chapter 18 Faith in Jesus Christ ..................................... 117
Chapter 19 Repentance................................................. 122
Chapter 20 Baptism.................................................... 129

INTRODUCTION
Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide
and as a teacher's manual. Therefore, you can use this manual
in many ways. It can help you-
• Build your knowledge and testimony of the gospel.
• Answer questions about the gospel.
• Study scriptures by topics.
• Prepare talks.
• Prepare lessons for family home evening.
• Prepare lessons for Church meetings.
As you study this manual, seek the Spirit of the Lord. The
Holy Ghost will increase your understanding and testimony
of Jesus Christ, his atonement, and the restoration of the gospel.
Through your study of this text and its related scriptures,
you can find answers to life's questions, gain an assurance of
your purpose and self-worth, and solve personal difficulties.
Many of the instructions for teachers listed below are also
important when you use this manual as a personal study
guide.
Instructions for Teaching at Church and at Home
In one way or another, everyone is a teacher. Being a teacher
is a great opportunity and responsibility. The most important
things you will ever teach are the doctrines of Christ as revealed
through the scriptures and modern prophets and as
confirmed by the Holy Ghost. To do this effectively, you must
obtain the Spirit of the Lord. "The Spirit shall be given unto you
by the prayer of faith," said the Lord, "and if ye receive
not the Spirit ye shall not teach" (D&C 42:14). The Holy Ghost
is the real teacher, so it is important to create an environment
in which the Lord's Spirit can be present.
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I n t r o d u c t i o n
You can do many things to bring the Spirit into your class or
home. The following suggestions will help you be a better
teacher:
• Pray continually for divine understanding and guidance.
• Establish a habit of daily scripture study.
• Testify of the truthfulness of the gospel to your family and
friends.
• Let sacred, uplifting music help you focus your thoughts
and moods.
• Keep yourself free from sin, repenting when necessary and
striving always to improve.
• Express your love to others and to your Heavenly Father.
• Rely on priesthood authority and its power to bless.
Related to these suggestions are some other ways to come
unto Christ by drawing upon the Spirit. Consider fasting. It
can give you spiritual strength and confidence. Attend the
temple as often as possible. Ponder the covenants you have
made, the ordinances you have entered into, and the gospel
truths you are learning. As you draw close to the Lord, you
and those you teach will receive more than mere intellectual
understanding; you will receive a knowledge of truth that
only the Spirit can give. You will experience the love of God
and the benefits of living the gospel, which will greatly enhance
your capacity to teach.
Obtain divine knowledge and spiritual guidance through
careful study, prayerful preparation, and righteous living.
Never speculate about Church doctrine. Teach only what is
supported by the scriptures and the Holy Spirit.
Read and teach from the scriptures regularly. Remind those
you are teaching to use their scriptures at home and in class.
If necessary, obtain extra copies of the scriptures so that all
may refer to them. Help others become more familiar and
confident with the scriptures. Give scriptural references
clearly and, if needed, provide help in finding them. Lesson
discussions should lead participants to read and ponder the
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I n t r o d u c t i o n
scriptures personally and with their families each day. Emphasize
that the home is the main setting for gospel learning.
Become familiar with the teaching resources in this manual
and, if available, the materials in your meetinghouse library.
There are visual aids, music, audiovisual materials, general
conference addresses, Church magazines, and other resources.
Find out what they are and use them when the Spirit
impresses you to do so.
As you teach, help others see how gospel principles apply to
daily living. Encourage discussions on how these principles
can affect our feelings about God, ourselves, our families, and
our neighbors. Challenge participants to live according to the
principles.
Try to involve as many people as possible in the lessons. You
can do this by inviting them to read aloud, answer questions,
or share experiences, but do so only when you are sure it will
not embarrass them. You may want to make special assignments
to class members while preparing the lessons. Be sensitive
to the needs and feelings of others. You may need to talk
privately with individuals before the lesson and ask how they
feel about participating.
Some of the people you teach may need special attention. Be
sensitive to those with language, cultural, social, or age differences;
hearing, sight, physical, or speech difficulties; or mental,
emotional, or learning disabilities. In some cases, you may
want to talk with a person's family members or with Church
leaders. When appropriate, speak to the person directly about
any special concerns.
The Lord's Spirit will be present when love and unity exist.
The Lord said, "Where two or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).
When the Spirit of the Lord is present, you will see significant
results. The Lord promised that "every good tree bringeth
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forth good fruit" (Matthew 7:17). The following list suggests
some of the fruits that you and those you teach will enjoy:
• Knowledge and understanding
The desire to search for eternal truths.
The desire to live according to the word of God.
(See D&C 1:37-38.)
• Faith
The desire to believe.
The desire to draw closer to God.
The desire to act in faith.
(See Alma 22:16; D&C 11:17; 88:63.)
• Prayer
The desire to worship God.
The desire to communicate more with him.
The desire to give thanks.
The desire to seek direction.
(See 1 Nephi 15:8; 18:3; Alma 33:1-11; Moroni 10:4-5.)
• Humility
The desire to submit to the Lord.
The desire to seek the Lord's will and glory.
The desire to remove pride.
(See John 6:38; Mosiah 3:19; Alma 34:38; D&C 5:24, 28.)
• Repentance
The desire to repair any wrongs against others.
The desire not to judge.
The desire to change.
The desire to acknowledge unworthiness.
The desire to do good works.
The desire to live according to the doctrines of Christ.
(See Alma 26:21-22; 34:32-35; 38:14.)
• Covenants
The desire to obtain all the saving ordinances.
The desire to keep and renew covenants through priesthood
ordinances.
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I n t r o d u c t i o n
The desire to obtain spiritual strength and power through
priesthood ordinances. (See Ezekiel 11:19-20; D&C 84:19-
21; 136:4.)
As you draw close to the Lord, you will find happiness and
the fulfillment of Paul's words in Ephesians 4:13-15:
"[We will] come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge
of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be
no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with
every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking
the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ."
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OUR PREMORTAL
LIFE WITH GOD
U n i t O n e
OUR FATHER
IN HEAVEN
C h a p t e r 1
There Is a God
Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, wrote, "All things denote
there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are
upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the
planets which move in their regular form do witness that
there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44). We can look up at
the sky at night and have an idea of what Alma meant. There
are millions of stars and planets all in perfect order. They did
not get there by chance. We can see the work of God in the
heavens and on the earth. The many beautiful plants, the
many kinds of animals, the mountains, the rivers, the clouds
that bring us rain and snow-all these testify to us that there
is a God.
Discussion
• Have someone read the first article of faith.
• What are some of the things around us that show us there is
a God?
God Is the Ruler of Heaven and Earth
The prophets have taught us that God is the almighty ruler of
the universe.Goddwells in heaven (seeD&C20:17). Through
his Son, Jesus Christ, he created heaven and earth and all
things that are in them (see Moses 2:1). He made the moon,
the stars, and the sun. He organized this world and gave it
form, motion, and life. He filled the air and the water with
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C h a p t e r 1
living things. He covered the hills and plains with all kinds of
animal life. He gave us day and night, summer and winter,
seedtime and harvest. He made man in his own image to be a
ruler over his other creations (see Genesis 1:26-27).
God is the one supreme and absolute being in whom we believe
and whom we worship. He is the Creator, Ruler, and
Preserver of all things (see Discourses of Brigham Young,
pp. 18-23).
Discussion
• Read Mosiah 4:9. What things did God create?
What Kind of Being Is God?
Because we are made in his image (see Moses 6:9), we know
that God has a body that looks like ours. His eternal spirit is
housed in a tangible body of flesh and bones (see D&C 130:22).
God's body, however, is perfected and glorified, with a glory
beyond all description.
God is perfect. He is a God of love, mercy, charity, truth,
power, faith, knowledge, and judgment. He has all power. He
knows all things. He is full of goodness.
All good things come from God. Everything that he does is
to help his children become like him-a god. He has said,
"Behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the
immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).
Discussion
• Ask class members to read the following scriptural references
and discuss what each one teaches about our Heavenly
Father: Abraham 3:18-19; John 3:16; Mormon 9:9;
2 Nephi 9:17; Alma 26:35; Doctrine and Covenants 109:77.
Why Should We Try to Know God?
Knowing God is so important that the Savior said, "This is life
eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).
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C h a p t e r 1
The first and greatest commandment tells us, "Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart" (Matthew 22:37).
The more we know God, the more we love him and keep his
commandments (see 1 John 2:3). By keeping his commandments
we can become like him.
Discussion
• Why is it important to know God?
How Can We Know God?
We can know God if we will-
1. Believe that he exists and that he loves us (see Mosiah 4:9).
2. Study the scriptures (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17).
3. Pray to him (see James 1:5).
4. Obey all his commandments as best we can (see John
14:21-23).
As we do these things, we will come to know God and eventually
have eternal life.
Discussion
• What are some of the ways we can come to know God?
• How can each of us do these things in our lives?
Additional Scriptures
• Acts 7:55-56 (Son at the right hand of the Father)
• D&C 88:41-44 (qualities of God)
• Psalm 24:1 (the earth is the Lord's)
• Moses 1:30-39 (Creation)
• Alma 7:20 (God cannot do wrong)
• Joseph Smith-History 1:17 (Father and Son are separate)
• Alma 5:40 (good comes from God)
• John 14:6-9 (Son and Father are alike)
• Mormon 9:15-20 (God of miracles)
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LEAVING THE
PRESENCE OF GOD
U n i t T w o
Jehovah created a beautiful world for us.
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THE CREATION
C h a p t e r 5
When we lived as spirit children with our heavenly parents,
our Heavenly Father told us about his plan for us to become
more like him. We shouted for joy when we heard his plan
(see Job 38:7). We were eager for new experiences. In order for
these things to happen, we needed to leave our Father's presence
and receive mortal bodies. We needed another place to
live where we could prepare to become like him. Our new
home was called earth.
Who Created the Earth for Us?
Jesus Christ created this world and everything in it. He also
created many other worlds. He did so through the power of
the priesthood, under the direction of our Heavenly Father.
God the Father said, "Worlds without number have I created;
. . . and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only
Begotten" (Moses 1:33). We have other testimonies of this
truth. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw Jesus Christ in a
vision. They testified "that by him, and through him, and of
him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants
thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C
76:24).
Discussion
• Who created the earth? Read Hebrews 1:1-2 and Moses 1:33.
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C h a p t e r 5
Carrying Out the Creation
The earth and everything on it were created spiritually before
they were created physically (see Moses 3:5). In planning to
create the physical earth, Christ said to those who were with
him, "We will go down, for there is space there, . . . and we
will make an earth whereon these [the spirit children of our
Father in Heaven] may dwell" (Abraham 3:24).
Under the direction of the Father, Christ formed and organized
the earth. He divided light from darkness to make day
and night. He formed the sun, moon, and stars. He divided
the waters from the dry land to make seas, rivers, and lakes.
He made the earth beautiful and productive. He made grass,
trees, flowers, and other plants of all kinds. These plants contained
seeds from which new plants could grow. Then he
created the animals-fish, cattle, insects, and birds of all
kinds. These animals had the ability to reproduce their own
kind.
Now the earth was ready for the greatest creation of all-
mankind. Our spirits would be given bodies of flesh and
blood so they could live on earth. "And I, God, said unto mine
Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let
us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so"
(Moses 2:26). And so the first man, Adam, and the first
woman, Eve, were formed and given bodies that resembled
those of our heavenly parents. "In the image of God created
he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27).
When the Lord finished his creations, he was pleased and
knew that his work was good, and he rested for a time.
Discussion
• Show a food recipe or a dress pattern. What is another word
for recipe and pattern? (Plan.) Read Abraham 3:24 to show
that God plans for all of his creations.
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C h a p t e r 5
God's Creations Show His Love
We are now living in this beautiful world. Think of the sun,
which gives us warmth and light. Think of the rain, which
makes plants grow and makes the world feel clean and fresh.
Think of how good it is to hear a bird singing or a friend
laughing. Think of how wonderful our bodies are-how we
can work and play and rest. When we consider all of these
creations, we begin to understand what wise, powerful, and
loving beings Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are. They
have shown great love for us by providing for all of our needs.
Plant life and animal life were also made to give us joy. The
Lord said, "Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the
season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man,
both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food
and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body
and to enliven the soul" (D&C 59:18-19). Even though God's
creations are many, he knows and loves them all. He said, "All
things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know
them" (Moses 1:35).
Discussion
• Discuss how we can show reverence for plants and animals.
• Discuss the purpose of God's creations (see D&C 59:18-19).
• How do God's creations show that he loves us?
• To help develop an appreciation for the beauty of God's
creations, you might do the following activities for home
evenings: plan a picnic, plant a garden, take a nature walk,
enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
Additional Scriptures
• Genesis 1:1-2:7; Abraham 3:22-23 and chapters 4-5; Moses
1:27-42 and chapters 2-3 (accounts of the Creation)
• Hebrews 1:1-3; Colossians 1:13-17; D&C 38:1-3 (Jesus the
Creator)
• D&C 59:18-20; Moses 2:26-31; D&C 104:13-17; Matthew
6:25-26 (Creation shows God's love)
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COMMUNICATION
BETWEEN
GOD AND MAN
U n i t T h r e e
THE HOLY GHOST
C h a p t e r 7
After Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they began to till
the earth and work at other tasks for their living. They had
many children, and their sons and daughters also married and
had children (see Moses 5:1-3). Thus, spirit children of
our Heavenly Father began leaving his presence to come to
the earth as they had been promised. As they came to earth,
the memory of their heavenly home was taken from them.
But our Father did not shut them away from his influence. He
sent the Holy Ghost to comfort and help and guide all of his
spirit children.
Why Did the Holy Ghost Come to Adam?
Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer. He
spoke to them and gave them commandments, which they
obeyed. (See Moses 5:4-5.) An angel of the Lord came and
taught Adam and Eve the plan of salvation. The Lord sent the
Holy Ghost to testify of the Father and of the Son and to teach
Adam and Eve the gospel (see Moses 5:9).
Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Adam "began to
prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying:
Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression
my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again
in the flesh I shall see God" (Moses 5:10). Because of the witness
of the Holy Ghost to Eve, she said, "Were it not for our
transgression we never should have had seed, and never
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C h a p t e r 7
should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption,
and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient"
(Moses 5:11).
Discussion
• Read the account of the Holy Ghost being sent to Adam and
Eve (see Moses 5:4-11). Discuss why the Holy Ghost was
sent to them.
Who Is the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (see 1 John 5:7;
D&C 20:28). He is a spirit that has the form and likeness of a
man (see D&C 130:22). He can be in only one place at a time,
but his influence can be everywhere at the same time.
Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are called
the Godhead. They are unified in purpose. Each has an important
assignment in the plan of salvation. Our Heavenly Father
is our Father and ruler. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Holy
Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth.
The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father's messenger and is a
special gift to us. How we can receive the Holy Ghost will be
discussed in chapter 21.
Discussion
• Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:22. Discuss how the Holy
Ghost differs from the Father and the Son.
• How are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one? To answer,
use the example of a father, mother, and children working
for one same purpose. Relate examples.
• How can the influence of the Holy Ghost be in many places
at one time? To answer, compare the Holy Ghost to the sun.
There is just one sun, but its light and warmth are felt by
everyone on earth.
Why Is the Holy Ghost Necessary?
The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father
and the Son and of the truth of all things.
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The Holy Ghost will witness to us that Jesus is our Savior and
Redeemer (see 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 20:27; Hebrews 10:15). He
will reveal to us that our Heavenly Father is the Father of our
spirits. He will help us understand that we can become exalted
like our Heavenly Father. (See Romans 8:16-17.) The
prophets of the Lord have promised, "By the power of the
Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni
10:5).
Without the Holy Ghost, we could not know that Jesus is the
Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, "No man can say that Jesus is
the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3). The
Savior himself said, "And this is life eternal, that they might
know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
hast sent" (John 17:3). It is by the power of the Holy Ghost
that we are led to understand and live the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
The convincing power of the Holy Ghost is so great that there
can be no doubt that what he reveals to us is true. President
Joseph Fielding Smith said:
"When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it
leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not
easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with
convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son
of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually
become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost
sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase" (Answers
to Gospel Questions, 2:151).
President Smith also said, "Through the Holy Ghost the truth
is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it
cannot be forgotten" (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:48).
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, we should make ourselves worthy to receive this special
messenger and witness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus
Christ.
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C h a p t e r 7
Discussion
• Why is the Holy Ghost necessary? Read again the statement
by President Joseph Fielding Smith.
• Encourage the members to tell how they felt when the Holy
Ghost bore witness to them of the truthfulness of the gospel.
Additional Scriptures
• Moses 5 (story of Adam's family)
• 2 Nephi 31:21 (Holy Ghost identified)
• Moroni 10:6-7 (Holy Ghost will witness of Jesus Christ)
• John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13; Luke 12:12; D&C 8:2-3; 11:12-13;
20:26 (Holy Ghost as comforter, teacher, testator of Christ,
guide to all truth, revelator, companion, leader, guide,
source of inspiration)
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VISUAL AIDS
V i s u a l A i d s
Key to Visual Aids 1-16
1. Isaiah, one of the prophets of the Old Testament, foretold
the coming of Jesus Christ.
2. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
3. Jesus called Peter and others to follow him.
4. Jesus ordained twelve Apostles.
5. Jesus loved and blessed the children.
6. Jesus taught the people the gospel. (The Sermon on the
Mount, by Carl Bloch. Original at the Chapel of
Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark. Used by permission of the
Frederiksborgmuseum.)
7. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the Savior took upon himself
the sins of all mankind.
8. Jesus died for our sins on the cross at Calvary.
9. On the third day, the Savior rose from the grave.
10. The resurrected Savior showed his wounds to his Apostles.
11. The resurrected Savior visited his people in the Americas.
12. Joseph Smith was inspired by James 1:5-6 to ask God
which was the true Church of Jesus Christ.
13. In answer to Joseph Smith's prayer, Heavenly Father and
Jesus Christ visited him.
14. The angel Moroni delivered to Joseph Smith the golden
plates that contained the Book of Mormon.
15. John the Baptist visited Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood.
16. Peter, James, and John conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood
upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
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JESUS CHRIST
AS OUR SAVIOR
U n i t F o u r
The Savior Jesus Christ, known as Jehovah in the premortal existence,
was born in a humble stable.
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THE LIFE
OF CHRIST
C h a p t e r 11
Every person who comes to earth depends on Jesus Christ to
fulfill the promise He made in heaven to be our Savior. Without
him, the plan of salvation would have failed. Because his
mission was necessary, all of the prophets from Adam to
Christ testified that he would come (see Acts 10:43). All of the
prophets since Christ have testified that he did come. All of us
need to study the life of the Savior and follow him faithfully
throughout our lives. We each need to have a personal relationship
with him.
The Life of Christ Was Predicted Long before His Birth
An angel told Adam that the Savior's name would be Jesus
Christ (see Moses 6:51-52). Enoch saw that Jesus would die
upon the cross and be resurrected (see Moses 7:55-56). Noah
and Moses also testified of him (see Moses 8:23-24). About
eight hundred years before the Savior was born on the earth,
Isaiah foresaw his life. When Isaiah saw the grief and sorrow
that the Savior would suffer to pay the price for our sins, he
exclaimed:
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief. . . .
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . .
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for
our iniquities. . . .
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not
61
While yet a boy, the Savior taught the learned men in the temple.
By Carl Bloch. Original at the Chapel of Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark.
Used by permission of the Frederiksborgmuseum.
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C h a p t e r 11
his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter" (Isaiah
53:3-7).
Nephi also saw a vision of the Savior's future birth and mission.
He saw a beautiful virgin, and an angel explained, "Behold,
the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of
God, after the manner of the flesh" (1 Nephi 11:18). Then
Nephi saw the virgin holding a child in her arms. The angel
declared, "Behold the lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the
Eternal Father!" (1 Nephi 11:21).
About 124 years before Jesus was born, King Benjamin, another
Nephite prophet and king, also foresaw the Savior's life:
"For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with
power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is
from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven
among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of
clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles,
such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the
lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to
hear, and curing all manner of diseases.
"And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in
the hearts of the children of men.
"And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger,
thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except
it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so
great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations
of his people.
"And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father
of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning;
and his mother shall be called Mary" (Mosiah 3:5-8).
He Was the Only Begotten of the Father
The story of the birth and life of the Savior is found in the
New Testament in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John. From their accounts we learn that Jesus was born of a
virgin named Mary. She was engaged to marry Joseph when
an angel of the Lord appeared to her. The angel told her that
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she was to be the mother of the Son of God. She asked him
how this was possible (see Luke 1:34). He told her, "The Holy
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest
shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which
shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke
1:35). Thus, God the Father became the literal father of Jesus
Christ.
Jesus is the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother
and an immortal father. That is why he is called the Only
Begotten Son. From his mother he inherited mortality and
was subject to hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, and death. He
inherited divine powers from his Father. No one could take
the Savior's life from him unless He willed it. He had power to
lay it down and power to take up his body again after dying.
(See John 10:17-18.)
Discussion
• Read Luke 1:34-35. Why was Jesus Christ known as the
Only Begotten of the Father?
• What did he inherit from his Father?
• What did he inherit from his mother?
He Led a Perfect Life
From his youth, Jesus obeyed all that was required of him by
our Heavenly Father. Under the guidance of Mary and
Joseph, Jesus grew much as other children grow. He loved
and obeyed the truth. Luke tells us, "And the child grew, and
waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of
God was upon him" (Luke 2:40).
By the time he was twelve years old, Jesus knew he had been
sent to do the will of his Father. He went with his parents to
Jerusalem. When his parents were returning home, they discovered
that he was not with their group. They went back to
Jerusalem to look for him. "After three days they found him in
the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing
them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him
were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Luke
2:46-47).
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Joseph and Mary were relieved to find him but unhappy that
he had treated them so. Mary said: "Son, why hast thou thus
dealt with us? Behold, thy father [Joseph] and I have sought
thee sorrowing." Jesus answered her gently, reminding her
that Joseph was only a stepfather: "Wist ye not that I must be
about my [Heavenly] Father's business?" (Luke 2:48-49).
In order to fulfill his mission, Jesus was to do the will of his
Father in Heaven. "I do nothing of myself," he declared, "but
as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. . . . I do
always those things that please him" (John 8:28-29).
When Jesus was thirty years old, he came to his cousin John to
be baptized in the Jordan River. John was reluctant to baptize
Jesus because he knew that Jesus had never sinned. Jesus
asked John to baptize him in order "to fulfil all righteousness."
John did baptize the Savior, immersing him completely in the
water. When Jesus was baptized, his Father spoke from
heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased." The Holy Ghost descended, as shown by the sign of
the dove. (See Matthew 3:13-17.)
Soon after Jesus' baptism, Satan came to him to tempt him. He
wanted Jesus to fail his mission. If Satan could get him to
commit just one sin, then Jesus would not be worthy to be our
Savior, and the plan would fail. In this way Satan could make
us as miserable as he is. We would never be able to return to
our Heavenly Father.
Satan's temptations came after Jesus had been fasting for forty
days. Jesus firmly resisted all these temptations, then commanded
Satan to leave. When Satan was gone, angels came
and ministered to Jesus. (See Matthew 4:1-11.)
He Taught Us How to Love and Serve One Another
After being tempted by Satan, Jesus began his public ministry.
He came to earth not only to die for us but also to teach us
how to live. He taught that there are two great commandments:
first, to love God with all our heart, mind, and
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strength; and second, to love others as we love ourselves (see
Matthew 22:36-39). His life is an example of how we should
obey these two commandments. If we love God, we will trust
and obey him, as Jesus did. If we love others, we will help
them meet their physical and spiritual needs.
Jesus spent his life serving others. He cured them of diseases.
He made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk.
Once when he was healing the sick, it became late and the
people were hungry. Instead of sending them away, he
blessed five loaves of bread and two fish and miraculously
was able to feed a multitude of five thousand people. (See
Matthew 14:14-21.) He taught that whenever we find people
hungry, cold, naked, or lonely, we should help them all we
can. When we help others, we are serving the Lord. (See
Matthew 25:35-46.)
Jesus loved others with all his heart. Often his heart was so
full of compassion that he wept. He loved little children, the
elderly, and the humble, simple people who had faith in him.
He loved those who had sinned, and with great compassion
he taught them to repent and be baptized. He taught, "I am
the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
Jesus even loved those who sinned against him and were
unrepentant. At the end of his life, as he hung on the cross, he
prayed to the Father for the soldiers who had crucified him,
pleading, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they
do" (Luke 23:34). He taught, "This is my commandment, That
ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12).
Discussion
• Read Matthew 22:36-40. What are some ways we can show
the Lord that we love him?
• Read Matthew 5:48. Is it possible to become perfect in aspects
of our own daily lives (such as paying debts, keeping
the Sabbath day holy, fasting, keeping the Word of
Wisdom)?
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He Organized the Only True Church
Jesus wanted his gospel taught to people all over the earth, so
he chose twelve Apostles to testify of him. They were the original
leaders of his Church. They received the authority to act
in his name and do the works they had seen him do. Those
who received authority from them were also able to teach,
baptize, and perform other ordinances in his name. After his
death, they continued to do his work until the people became
so wicked that they killed the Apostles.
Discussion
• Why did Jesus choose the Twelve Apostles?
• Read Mark 3:14-15. For what purpose were the Apostles
ordained?
He Redeemed Us from Our Sins and Saved Us from Death
When his work of teaching and blessing the people was finished,
Jesus prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for all the
sins of mankind. He had been condemned to die because he
had testified to the people that he was the Son of God.
The night before his crucifixion, he went to a garden called
Gethsemane. There he knelt and prayed. Soon he was
weighed down by deep sorrow and wept as he prayed.
Latter-day Apostle Orson F. Whitney was permitted to see the
Savior's suffering in a vision. Seeing the Savior weep, he said:
"I was so moved at the sight that I also wept, out of pure
sympathy. My whole heart went out to Him; I loved Him with
all my soul, and longed to be with Him as I longed for nothing
else" (in Bryant Hinckley, The Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers,
p. 211). Jesus "went a little further, and fell on his face, and
prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass
from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew
26:39).
In a modern revelation the Savior described how great his
suffering was, saying it caused him "to tremble because of
pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and
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spirit" (D&C 19:18). The awful anguish of taking upon himself
every sin that any human being has ever committed went
through the Savior's body. No mortal person can comprehend
just how great this burden was. No other person could have
endured such agony of body and spirit. "He descended below
all things . . . that he might be in all things and through all
things, the light of truth" (D&C 88:6).
But his suffering was not yet complete. The following day,
Jesus was beaten, humiliated, and spit upon. He was required
to carry his own cross up the hill; then he was lifted up and
nailed to it. He was tortured in one of the cruelest ways men
have ever devised. After nine hours on the cross, he cried out
in agony, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
(Mark 15:34). In Jesus' bitterest hour, the Father had withdrawn
his spirit from him so Jesus could finish suffering the
penalty for the sins of all mankind that Jesus might have complete
victory over the forces of sin and death.
When the Savior knew that his sacrifice had been accepted by
the Father, he exclaimed in a loud voice, "It is finished" (John
19:30). "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke
23:46). He bowed his head and voluntarily gave up his spirit.
The Savior was dead. A violent earthquake shook the earth.
Some friends took the Savior's body to a tomb, where it lay for
three days. During this time his spirit went and organized the
missionary work to other spirits who needed to receive his
gospel (see 1 Peter 3:18-20; D&C 138). On the third day, a
Sunday, he returned to his body and took it up again. He was
the first to overcome death. The prophecy had been fulfilled
"that he must rise again from the dead" (John 20:9).
Shortly after his resurrection, the Savior appeared to the
Nephites and established his Church in the Americas. He
taught the people and blessed them. This moving account is
found in 3 Nephi 11 through 28.
Discussion
• How do you feel as you ponder the Savior's sacrifice for us?
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What Does the Savior's Life Mean for Us?
Jesus taught: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man
lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do
whatsoever I command you" (John 15:13-14). He willingly
and humbly went through the sorrow in Gethsemane and the
suffering on the cross.
The Savior will have died in vain for our sins if we do not
come unto him, repent of our sins, and love him with all our
hearts. He said:
"And this is the gospel which I have given unto you-that I
came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my
Father sent me.
"And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the
cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that
I might draw all men unto me . . . that they may be judged
according to their works. . . .
"For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also
do; . . .
"Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I
say unto you, even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:13-15, 21, 27; italics
added).
Discussion
• Imagine that you had a large debt but could not pay it. How
would you feel about a person who offered to pay the debt
for you? Compare this to the sacrifice of Jesus.
Additional Scriptures
• 2 Nephi 25:12 (the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh)
• Moses 6:57 (Jesus Christ named as the Only Begotten)
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (life and teachings of Jesus
Christ)
• Matthew 10:1-8; Luke 9:1-2 (Apostles ordained with power
and authority)
• Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24 (Jesus in the Garden;
betrayed, crucified, and resurrected)
69
THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
U n i t F i v e
Moses conferred the priesthood on Aaron by the laying on of hands.
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THE PRIESTHOOD
C h a p t e r 13
What Is the Priesthood?
The priesthood is the power and authority of God. By his
priesthood power the heavens and the earth were created. By
this power the universe is kept in perfect order. Through this
power he accomplishes his work and glory, which is "to bring
to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).
Our Heavenly Father shares his priesthood power with worthy
male members of the Church. The priesthood enables
them to act in God's name for the salvation of the human
family. Through it they can be authorized to preach the gospel,
administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern God's
kingdom on earth.
Why Do We Need the Priesthood on the Earth?
We must have priesthood authority to act in the name of God
when performing the sacred ordinances of the gospel, such as
baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and
temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even
though he may be sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances
he performs (see Matthew 7:21-23). These important
ordinances must be performed on the earth by men holding
the priesthood.
Men need the priesthood to preside in The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints and to direct the work of the
Church in all parts of the world. When Christ lived on the
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earth, he chose his Apostles and ordained them so that they
could lead his Church. He gave them the power and authority
of the priesthood to act in his name. (See Mark 3:13-15; John
15:16.)
Another reason the priesthood is needed on the earth is so we
can understand the will of the Lord and carry out his purposes.
God reveals his will to his authorized priesthood representative
on the earth, the prophet. The prophet, who is
President of the Church, serves as the spokesman for God to
all members of the Church and all people on the earth.
Discussion
• Name some things that can be done only by men who hold
the priesthood. Discuss the need for priesthood authority.
How Do Men Receive the Priesthood?
The Lord has prepared an orderly way for his priesthood to
be given to his sons on the earth. A worthy male member of
the Church receives the priesthood "by the laying on of hands
by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer
in the ordinances thereof" (Articles of Faith 1:5).
This is the same way men received the priesthood long ago,
even in the days of Moses: "And no man taketh this honour
unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron"
(Hebrews 5:4). Aaron received the priesthood from Moses, his
priesthood leader (see Exodus 28:1). Only those who hold the
priesthood can ordain others.
Men cannot buy and sell the power and authority of the priesthood.
Nor can they take this authority upon themselves. In
the New Testament we read of a man named Simon who lived
when Christ's Apostles presided over the Church. Simon became
converted and was baptized into the Church. Because he
was a skillful magician, the people believed he had the power
of God. But Simon did not have the priesthood, and he knew it.
Simon knew that the Apostles and the other priesthood leaders
of the Church had the true power of God. He saw them
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use their priesthood to do the Lord's work, and he wanted
this power for himself. He offered to buy the priesthood. (See
Acts 8:9-19.) But Peter, the chief Apostle, said, "Thy money
perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of
God may be purchased with money" (Acts 8:20).
Discussion
• Have someone read or quote the fifth article of faith.
• Who is given the priesthood? How is it given?
• Who may ordain a worthy male member of the Church to
the priesthood?
How Do Men Properly Use the Priesthood?
The priesthood should be used to bless the lives of our Heavenly
Father's children here on earth. Priesthood holders
should preside in love and kindness. They should not force
their families and others to obey them. The Lord has told us
that the power of the priesthood cannot be controlled except
in righteousness (see D&C 121:36). When we try to use the
priesthood to gain wealth or fame or for any other selfish
purpose, "behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the
Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen
to the priesthood or the authority of that man" (D&C 121:37).
When a man uses the priesthood "by persuasion, by long-suffering,
by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned"
(D&C 121:41), he can do many wonderful things for his family
and others. He can baptize and confirm, administer the sacrament,
and bless the sick. He can give priesthood blessings to
his family members to encourage and protect them when they
have special needs. He can also help other families with these
ordinances and blessings when asked to do so.
Men use priesthood authority to preside in the Church in
such callings as branch president, bishop, quorum president,
or stake and mission leader. Women who hold positions in
the Church as officers and teachers work under the direction
of the priesthood.
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Discussion
• Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-40. How should the
priesthood not be used?
• Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-44. How should the
priesthood be used?
What Blessings Come When We Use the Priesthood
Properly?
The Lord has promised great blessings to righteous priesthood
holders who use the priesthood to bless others:
"Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of
God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy
soul as the dews from heaven.
"The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy
scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth;
and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without
compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and
ever" (D&C 121:45-46).
A great latter-day prophet, David O. McKay, promised every
man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he "will
find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide
quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and
compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of
right; he will find the priesthood a neverfailing source of happiness
-a well of living water springing up unto eternal life"
("Priesthood," Instructor, Oct. 1968, p. 378).
Discussion
• What are some of the blessings you have received through
the priesthood?
• What are some of the blessings you can receive through the
priesthood?
Additional Scriptures
• D&C 107 (revelation on priesthood)
• D&C 20:38-67 (duties of the priesthood explained)
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THE GOSPEL OF
JESUS CHRIST
U n i t S i x
To return to Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ.
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FAITH IN
JESUS CHRIST
C h a p t e r 18
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel.
It is necessary to our salvation. King Benjamin declared,
"Salvation cometh to none . . . except it be through repentance
and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Mosiah 3:12).
What Is Faith?
Faith is a "hope for things which are not seen, which are true"
(Alma 32:21; see also Hebrews 11:1). The Prophet Joseph
Smith taught that faith is a principle of power that motivates
our day-to-day activities.
Would we study and learn if we did not believe we could
obtain wisdom and knowledge? Would we work each day if
we did not hope that by doing so we could accomplish something?
Would a farmer plant if he did not expect to harvest?
Each day we act upon things we hope for when we cannot see
the end result. This is faith. (See Hebrews 11:3.)
Many scriptural stories tell how great things were accomplished
through faith.
By faith Noah built an ark and saved his family from the flood
(see Hebrews 11:7). Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea
(see Hebrews 11:29). Elijah called down fire from heaven (see
1 Kings 18:17-40). Nephi called for a famine (see Helaman
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11:3-5). He also asked the Lord to end the famine (see
Helaman 11:9-17). Seas have been calmed, visions opened,
and prayers answered, all through the power of faith.
As we carefully study the scriptures, we learn that faith is a
strong belief of truth within our souls that motivates us to do
good. This causes us to ask: In whom should we have faith?
Discussion
• Ask the group to think about their everyday activities. How
does faith move you to action?
Why Should We Have Faith in Jesus Christ?
We must center our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in him
that we obey whatever he commands. There is no faith where
there is no obedience. Likewise, there is true obedience only
where there is faith. As we place our faith in Jesus Christ,
becoming his obedient disciples, Heavenly Father will forgive
our sins and prepare us to return to him.
The Apostle Peter preached that "there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"
(Acts 4:12). Jacob taught that men must have "perfect faith in
the Holy One of Israel [Jesus Christ], or they cannot be saved
in the kingdom of God" (2 Nephi 9:23). Through faith in the
Savior and through repentance, we make his atonement fully
effective in our lives. Through faith we can also receive
strength to overcome temptations (see Alma 37:33).
We cannot have faith in Jesus Christ without also having faith
in our Heavenly Father. If we have faith in them, we will also
have faith that the Holy Ghost, whom they send, will teach us
all truth and will comfort us.
Discussion
• Read Acts 4:10-12 and Alma 37:33. Why do we need to have
faith in Jesus Christ?
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How Can We Increase Our Faith in Jesus Christ?
Knowing of the many blessings that come through exercising
faith in Jesus Christ, we should seek to increase our faith in
him. The Savior said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard
seed, . . . nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20).
A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large tree.
How can we increase our faith? The same way we increase or
develop any other skill. How do we develop skills in woodcarving,
weaving, painting, cooking, making pottery, or playing
a musical instrument? We study and practice and work at
it. As we do so, we improve. So it is with faith. If we want to
increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we must work at it. The
Prophet Alma compared increasing our faith to planting a
seed:
"But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even
to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of
faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let
this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that
ye can give place for a portion of my words.
"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give
place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it
be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your
unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it
will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel
these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves
-It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the
word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it
beginneth to enlighten my understanding. . . .
"Now behold, would not this increase your faith?" (Alma
32:27-29).
So we can increase our faith in God by acting on our desire to
have faith in him.
We can also increase our faith by praying to Heavenly Father
about our hopes, desires, and needs (see Alma 34:17-25). But
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we must not suppose that all we have to do is ask. We are told
in the scriptures that "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone" (James 2:17). The following story is about a man whose
faith was shown by his works.
This man wanted to study the scriptures, but he could not
read. He prayed for Heavenly Father to help him learn to
read. In time a teacher came to his village, and he asked the
teacher to help him. He learned the alphabet. He studied
sounds and learned to put the letters together to make words.
Soon he was reading simple words. The more he practiced,
the more he learned. He thanked the Lord for sending the
teacher and for helping him learn to read. This man has increased
his faith, humility, and knowledge to such a degree
that he has served as a branch president in the Church.
President Spencer W. Kimball explained: "There must be
works with faith. How foolish it would be to ask the Lord to
give us knowledge, but how wise to ask the Lord's help to
acquire knowledge, to study constructively, to think clearly,
and to retain things that we have learned" (Faith Precedes the
Miracle, p. 205).
Faith involves doing all we can to bring about the things we
hope and pray for. President Kimball said: "In faith we plant
the seed, and soon we see the miracle of the blossoming. Men
have often misunderstood and have reversed the process."
He continued by explaining that many of us want to have
health and strength without keeping the health laws. We
want to have prosperity without paying our tithes. We want
to be close to the Lord but don't want to fast and pray. We
want to have rain in due season and to have peace in the land
without observing the Sabbath as a holy day and without
keeping the other commandments of the Lord. (See Faith
Precedes the Miracle, p. 4.)
An important way to increase our faith is to hear and study
the word of the Lord. We hear the word of the Lord at our
Church meetings. We can study his word in the scriptures.
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"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one
another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books
words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by
faith" (D&C 88:118).
Discussion
• Read James 2:17. Why do you think President Kimball said
"faith involves doing everything we can"? How can we
strengthen our faith? (Pray, fast, study the scriptures, obey
commandments.)
• Challenge class members to strengthen their faith in these
ways.
What Are Some Blessings That Follow Faith?
By faith, miracles are wrought, angels appear, the gifts of the
Spirit are given, prayers are answered, and men become the
sons of God (see Moroni 7:25-26, 36-37). The Prophet Joseph
Smith taught:
"When faith comes it brings . . . apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles,
healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear
when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it
disappears from the earth; for these are the effects of faith. . . .
And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary
knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the
Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent-whom to know is eternal
life. Amen" (Lectures on Faith, p. 69).
Discussion
• Tell a story about how showing faith made a person stronger,
or tell a story about faith from the list of additional
scriptures.
Additional Scriptures
• Hebrews 11; Alma 32 (nature of faith explained)
• Exodus 14:19-22 (parting the waters of the Red Sea)
• Genesis 6-8 (Noah and the flood)
• Matthew 8:5-33 (sick healed, tempest, miracles of faith)
• Mark 5:25-34 (healed by faith)
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PERFECTING
OUR LIVES
U n i t S e v e n
Sunday is a day for worship.
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THE SABBATH DAY
C h a p t e r 24
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8; see
also D&C 68:29).
What Is the Sabbath Day?
The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning day
of rest. The Sabbath day commemorates God's day of rest after
he finished the Creation. We read in the book of Genesis that
God created the heavens and the earth in six periods of time,
which he called days: "And on the seventh day God ended his
work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day
from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the
seventh day, and sanctified it" (Genesis 2:2-3).
The Sabbath day is every seventh day. It is a holy day ordained
by God for us to rest from our daily labors and
worship him.
Discussion
• What is the Sabbath day?
The Purpose of the Sabbath Day
Jesus taught that the Sabbath day was made for our benefit
(see Mark 2:27). The purpose of the Sabbath is to give us a
certain day of the week on which to direct our thoughts and
actions toward God. It is not a day merely to rest from work.
It is a sacred day to be spent in worship and reverence. As we
rest from our usual daily activities, our minds are freed to
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ponder spiritual matters. On this day we should renew our
covenants with the Lord and feed our souls on the things of
the Spirit.
Discussion
• What is the Lord's purpose for the Sabbath day?
History of the Sabbath
The seventh day was consecrated by God as a Sabbath in the
beginning of the earth (see Genesis 2:2-3). Since earliest times,
the tradition of a sacred seventh day has been preserved
among various peoples of the earth. God renewed a commandment
concerning this day to the Israelites, saying, "Remember
the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8).
Keeping the Sabbath day was also a sign that the Israelites
were his covenant people (see Exodus 31:12-13, 16; Isaiah
56:1-8; Jeremiah 17:19-27).
However, some Jewish leaders made many unnecessary rules
about the Sabbath. They decided how far people could walk,
what kind of knots they could tie, and so forth. When certain
Jewish leaders criticized Jesus Christ for healing sick people
on the Sabbath, Jesus reminded them that the Sabbath was
made for the benefit of man.
The Nephites also observed the Sabbath day according to the
commandments of God (see Jarom 1:5).
In modern times the Lord has repeated his commandment
that we should remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
(see D&C 68:29).
Discussion
• Have someone tell about the history of the Sabbath using the
following scriptures: Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8; Isaiah
56:1-8; Jarom 1:5; Mark 2:27; Doctrine and Covenants 68:29.
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The Lord's Day
Until the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he and his disciples
honored the seventh day as the Sabbath. After his resurrection,
Sunday was held sacred as the Lord's day in remembrance
of his resurrection on that day (see Acts 20:7;
1 Corinthians 16:2). From that time on, his followers appointed
the first day as their Sabbath. In both cases there were
six days of labor and one for rest and devotion.
The Lord has given us a direct commandment in these days
that we, too, should honor Sunday, the Lord's day, as our
Sabbath (see D&C 59:12).
Discussion
• Why was the Sabbath changed from the seventh day to the
first day?
• What special event does the first day commemorate?
How Do We Keep the Sabbath Day Holy?
The Lord asks us, first, to sanctify the Sabbath day. In a revelation
given to Joseph Smith in 1831, the Lord commanded the
Saints to go to the house of prayer and offer up their sacraments,
rest from their labors, and pay their devotions to the
Most High (see D&C 59:9-12).
Second, he asks us to rest from daily work. This means we
should perform no labor that would keep us from giving our
full attention to spiritual matters. The Lord told the Israelites,
"Thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy
cattle" (Exodus 20:10). Our prophets have told us that we
should not shop, hunt, fish, attend sports events, or participate
in similar activities on that day.
Elder Spencer W. Kimball cautioned, however, that if we
merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath, we are not
keeping the day holy. The Sabbath calls for constructive
thoughts and acts. (See The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 96-97.)
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C h a p t e r 24
What kinds of things may we do on the Sabbath? The Lord has
told us to prepare only simple foods on that day, keeping the
purpose of the Sabbath in mind (see D&C 59:13). The prophet
Isaiah suggested that we should turn away from doing our
own pleasure and should "call the sabbath a delight, the holy
of the Lord, honourable" (Isaiah 58:13). We should do righteous
things. We keep the Sabbath day holy by-
1. Attending Church meetings.
2. Reading the scriptures and the words of our Church
leaders.
3. Visiting the sick, the aged, and our loved ones.
4. Listening to uplifting music and singing hymns.
5. Praying to our Heavenly Father with praise and thanksgiving.
6. Performing Church service that we have been assigned to
do.
7. Preparing family history records and personal histories.
8. Telling faith-promoting stories and bearing our testimony
to family members and sharing spiritual experiences with
them.
9. Writing letters to loved ones.
10. Fasting with a purpose.
11. Sharing time with children and others in the home.
In deciding what other activities we should properly engage
in on the Sabbath, we should ask ourselves: Will it uplift and
inspire me?
There may be times when we are required to work on the
Sabbath. We should avoid this whenever possible, but when it
is absolutely necessary, we should still maintain the spirit of
Sabbath worship in our hearts as much as possible.
Discussion
• Read Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-13. What things can we
do to draw nearer to our Heavenly Father?
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Blessings for Observing the Sabbath
If we honor the Sabbath day, we may receive great spiritual
and temporal blessings. The Lord has said that if we keep the
Sabbath day with thanksgiving and cheerful hearts, we will
be full of joy. He has promised:
"The fulness of the earth is yours, . . . whether for food or for
raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for
gardens, or for vineyards;
"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof,
are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the
eye and to gladden the heart;
"Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to
strengthen the body and to enliven the soul" (D&C 59:16-19).
Discussion
• Read together Doctrine and Covenants 59:15-19. Discuss
some of the blessings that come from keeping the Sabbath
day holy.
Additional Scriptures
• Exodus 31:14-17 (under Mosaic law the Sabbath was kept
holy under pain of death)
• Mosiah 13:16-19; 18:23; Exodus 35:1-3 (observe the Sabbath
as a holy day)
• Luke 6:1-11 (lawful to do good on the Sabbath)
• Luke 13:11-17; John 5:1-18 (Jesus' example of doing good
on the Sabbath)
163
FAMILY SALVATION
U n i t E i g h t
Families can be together forever.
230
THE FAMILY
CAN BE ETERNAL
C h a p t e r 36
The first family on earth was established by our Heavenly
Father when he gave Eve to Adam in marriage (see Moses
3:21-24). Since then, each of us has been commanded to
marry and have children so that through our own experience
we can learn to be heavenly parents. President Brigham
Young explained that our families are not yet ours. The Lord
has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only
if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do
on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to
become heavenly parents (see chapter 2, "Our Heavenly
Family").
The Importance of Families
After Heavenly Father gave Eve to Adam, he commanded
them to have children (see Genesis 1:28). He revealed that one
of the purposes of marriage is to provide mortal bodies for his
spirit children. Parents are partners with our Heavenly
Father. He wants each of his spirit children to receive a physical
body and to experience earth life. When a man and a
woman bring children into this world, they help our Heavenly
Father carry out his plan.
Every new child should be welcomed into the family with
gladness. Each is a child of God. We should take time to enjoy
our children, to play with them, and to teach them.
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C h a p t e r 36
President David O. McKay said, "With all my heart I believe
that the best place to prepare for . . . eternal life is in the
home" ("Blueprint for Family Living," Improvement Era, Apr.
1963, p. 252). At home, with our families, we can learn selfcontrol,
sacrifice, loyalty, and the value of work. We can learn
to love, to share, and to serve one another.
Fathers and mothers are responsible to teach their children
about Heavenly Father. They should show by example that
they love him because they keep his commandments. Parents
should also teach their children to pray and to obey the commandments
(see Proverbs 22:6).
Discussion
• Why did the Lord give us families?
• Why is the home the best place to prepare for eternal life?
The Eternal Family
Families can be together forever. To enjoy this blessing we
must be married in the temple. When people are married
outside the temple, the marriage ends when one of the partners
dies. When we are married in the temple by the authority
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, we are married for time and
eternity. Death cannot separate us. If we obey the commandments
of the Lord, our families will be together forever as
husband, wife, and children.
Discussion
• What must we do to make our families eternal?
Loving Family Relationships
Husbands and wives should be thoughtful and kind to each
other. They should never do or say anything to hurt each
other's feelings. They should also try to do everything possible
to make each other happy.
Parents are to teach children to love one another. In the Book
of Mormon, King Benjamin explained:
"Ye will not suffer your children . . . [to] fight and quarrel one
with another. . . .
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C h a p t e r 36
"But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and
soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to
serve one another" (Mosiah 4:14-15).
As family members we can help each other feel confident by
giving encouragement and sincere praise. Each child should
feel important. Parents need to show they are interested in
what their children do and express love and concern for their
children. Children should likewise show their love for their
parents. They should be obedient and try to live the kind of
life that will bring honor to their parents and to their family
name.
Discussion
• Read Ephesians 4:29-32. How can we develop greater harmony
in our homes?
How to Have a Successful Family
President Harold B. Lee taught, "The most important of the
Lord's work that you will ever do will be the work you do
within the walls of your own home" (Strengthening the Home
[pamphlet, 1973], p. 7).
The following story illustrates this point:
After performing a temple marriage ceremony, President
Spencer W. Kimball greeted the parents of the young couple.
One of the fathers said, "My wife and I are common people,
and have never been successful, but we are very proud of our
family." The father explained that all eight of his children had
now been married in the temple. All are faithful and serve in
the Church, teaching the gospel in their families.
President Kimball looked at the calloused hands and wrinkled
face of the father and said: "That is the greatest success story
I have heard. . . . You are fulfilling the purpose for which you
were sent to this world by keeping your own lives righteous,
bearing and rearing this great family, and training them in
faith. Why, my dear folks, you are very successful. God bless
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C h a p t e r 36
you" (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Oct. 1971,
pp. 152-53; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, pp. 37-38).
Satan knows how important families are to our Heavenly Father's
plan. He seeks to destroy them by keeping us from
drawing near to the Lord. He will tempt us to do things that
will draw our families apart.
All of us want to have happy, successful families. The following
things will help us achieve this:
1. Have family prayer every night and morning (see 3 Nephi
18:21).
2. Teach children the gospel by meeting together as a family
at least once a week to study gospel principles. "There
shouldn't be-there mustn't be-one family in this Church
that doesn't take the time to read from the scriptures every
day" (H. Burke Peterson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1975,
p. 79; or Ensign, May 1975, pp. 53-54).
3. Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings,
and decision making.
4. Kneel together as husband and wife each night in prayer.
5. Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable (see
Moroni 7:45-48).
6. Attend church meetings regularly (see D&C 59:9-10).
7. Follow the counsel of the Lord in D&C 88:119: "Organize
yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a
house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of
faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order,
a house of God."
8. Keep a family history and gather family genealogy.
The family is the most important unit in The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church exists to help families
gain eternal blessings and exaltation. The organizations and
programs within the Church are designed to strengthen us
individually and help us live as families forever.
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C h a p t e r 36
Discussion
• What can we do to have a successful family?
• As a family, decide which principles to work on during
the weeks ahead.
Additional Scriptures
• Moses 2:27-28 (man and woman created and blessed)
• Genesis 2:24 (man to cleave unto his wife)
• D&C 49:15-16 (God ordained marriage)
• Ephesians 6:4 (train children in righteousness)
• D&C 132:15-21 (eternal marriage)
• D&C 88:119-26 (instructions for a successful family)
235
THE SECOND
COMING OF
JESUS CHRIST
U n i t N i n e
There are many signs that the second coming of the Lord is near.
264
SIGNS OF THE
SECOND COMING
C h a p t e r 41
Jesus Christ Will Return to the Earth
The Savior told Joseph Smith, "I will reveal myself from
heaven with power and great glory . . . and dwell in righteousness
with men on earth a thousand years, and the
wicked shall not stand" (D&C 29:11; see also chapters 43 and
44, "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ" and "The Millennium").
Jesus has told us that certain signs and events will
warn us when the time of his second coming is near. This
second coming is also called "the great and dreadful day of
the Lord" (D&C 110:16).
Discussion
• Read Acts 1:9-11. What great truth did the two angels tell
the Apostles?
Signs Will Tell Us of Jesus' Coming
For thousands of years, followers of Jesus have looked forward
to the Second Coming as a time of peace and joy. But
before the Savior comes, the people of the earth will experience
great trials and calamities. Our Heavenly Father wants
us to be prepared for these troubles. He also expects us to be
spiritually ready when the Savior comes in his glory. Therefore,
he has given us signs, which are events that will tell us
when the Savior's second coming is near. Throughout the ages
God has revealed these signs to his prophets. He has said that
all faithful followers of Christ will know what the signs
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C h a p t e r 41
are and will be watching for them (see D&C 45:39). If we are
obedient and faithful, we will study the scriptures and know
of the signs.
Discussion
• Why is it important to know the signs of the Second
Coming?
• How may we know the signs?
What Are the Signs Foretelling Jesus Christ's Coming?
Some of the signs foretelling the second coming of Jesus
Christ have already been or are now being fulfilled. Others
will be fulfilled in the future.
Wickedness, War, and Turmoil
Many of the signs are terrifying and dreadful. The prophets
have warned that the earth will experience great turmoil,
wickedness, war, and suffering. The prophet Daniel said that
the time before the Second Coming would be a time of trouble
such as the earth has never known (see Daniel 12:1). The Lord
said, "The love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall
abound" (D&C 45:27). "And all things shall be in commotion;
and . . . fear shall come upon all people" (D&C 88:91). We can
expect earthquakes, disease, famines, great storms, lightnings,
and thunder (see Matthew 24:7; D&C 88:90). Hailstorms will
destroy the crops of the earth (see D&C 29:16).
Jesus told his disciples that war would fill the earth: "Ye shall
hear of wars and rumours of wars. . . . For nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew
24:6-7). These wars will continue until a great and final war,
the most destructive the world has known. In the midst of this
war the Savior will appear. (See Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon
Doctrine, p. 732.)
Many of these signs are being fulfilled. Wickedness is everywhere.
Nations are constantly at war. Earthquakes and other
calamities are occurring. Many people now suffer from devastating
storms, drought, hunger, and diseases. We can be cer-
266
C h a p t e r 41
tain that these calamities will become more severe before the
Lord comes.
However, not all the events preceding the Second Coming are
dreadful. Many of them bring joy to the world.
The Restoration of the Gospel
The Lord said, "Light shall break forth among them that sit in
darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel" (D&C
45:28). Prophets of old foretold the restoration of the gospel.
The Apostle John saw that the gospel would be restored by an
angel (see Revelation 14:6-7). In fulfillment of this prophecy,
the angel Moroni and other heavenly visitors brought the
gospel of Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith.
The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
The Lord told the Nephites of another sign: the Book of Mormon
would come to their descendants (see 3 Nephi 21). In
Old Testament times the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel foresaw
the coming of the Book of Mormon (see Isaiah 29:4-18;
Ezekiel 37:16-20). These prophecies are now being fulfilled.
The Book of Mormon has been brought forth and is being
taken to all the world.
The Gospel Preached to All the World
Another sign of Jesus' coming is that the "gospel of the kingdom
shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all
nations" (Matthew 24:14). All people will hear the fulness of
the gospel in their own language (see D&C 90:11). Ever since
the restoration of the Church, missionaries have preached the
gospel. The missionary effort has increased until now tens of
thousands of missionaries preach in many countries of the
world in many languages. Before the Second Coming, the
Lord will provide a way to bring the truth to all nations.
The Coming of Elijah
The prophet Malachi predicted that before Christ came the
second time, the prophet Elijah would visit the earth. Elijah
would restore the sealing powers so families could be sealed
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C h a p t e r 41
together. He would also inspire people to be concerned about
their ancestors and descendants (see Malachi 4:5-6; D&C 2).
The prophet Elijah came to Joseph Smith in April 1836. Since
that time, interest in genealogy and family history has grown
rapidly. We are also able to perform sealing ordinances in the
temples for the living and the dead.
The Lamanites Will Become a Great People
The Lord said that when his coming was near, the Lamanites
would become a righteous and respected people. He said,
"Before the great day of the Lord shall come, . . . the Lamanites
shall blossom as the rose" (D&C 49:24). Great numbers of
Lamanites in North and South America and the South Pacific
are now receiving the blessings of the gospel.
Building of the New Jerusalem
Near the time of the coming of Jesus, the faithful Saints will
build a righteous city, a city of God, called the New Jerusalem.
Jesus Christ himself will rule there. (See 3 Nephi 21:23-25.)
The Lord said the city will be built in the state of Missouri in
the United States (see D&C 84:3-4).
These are only a few of the signs that the Lord has given us.
The scriptures describe many more.
Discussion
• List some of the signs of the Second Coming. Discuss each
one.
Knowing the Signs of the Times Can Help Us
No one except our Heavenly Father knows exactly when the
Lord will come. The Savior taught this with the parable of the
fig tree. He said that when we see a fig tree putting forth
leaves, we can tell that summer will soon come. Likewise,
when we see the signs described in the scriptures, we can
know that his coming is near. (See Matthew 24:32-33.)
The Lord gave these signs to help us. We can put our lives in
order and prepare ourselves and our families for those things
yet to come.
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C h a p t e r 41
We do not need to worry about the calamities but can look
forward to the coming of the Savior and be glad. The Lord
said, "Be not troubled, for, when all these things [the signs]
shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which
have been made unto you shall be fulfilled" (D&C 45:35). He
said those who are righteous when he comes will not be destroyed
"but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given
them for an inheritance; . . . and their children shall grow up
without sin. . . . For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his
glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their
lawgiver" (D&C 45:57-59).
Discussion
• How can knowing the signs of the Second Coming help us?
Additional Scriptures
• 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 (the end cometh; death is done
away)
• Matthew 16:1-4 (discern signs of the times)
• Matthew 24 (signs of the Second Coming)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (watch for the signs and prepare)
• D&C 38:30 (prepare so we might not fear)
• D&C 68:11 (we can know the signs)
269
LIFE AFTER DEATH
U n i t T e n
We will join our families and loved ones in the spirit world after death.
288
THE POSTMORTAL
SPIRIT WORLD
C h a p t e r 45
Heavenly Father prepared a plan for our salvation. As part
of this plan, he sent us from his presence to live on earth
and receive mortal bodies of flesh and blood. Eventually
our mortal bodies will die, and our spirits will go to the
spirit world. The spirit world is a place of waiting, working,
learning, and resting from care and sorrow. Our spirits will
live there until we are ready for our resurrection. Then our
mortal bodies will once more unite with our spirits, and we
will receive the degree of glory we have prepared for (see
chapter 46, "The Last Judgment").
Many of us have wondered what the spirit world is like.
The scriptures and latter-day prophets have given us information
about the spirit world.
Discussion
• What is the purpose of the spirit world?
Where Is the Spirit World?
In a funeral sermon, Joseph Smith declared that the spirits of
righteous people who have died "are not far from us, and
know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions,
and are often pained therewith" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, p. 326). Other latter-day prophets have made similar
statements. President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Sometimes the
veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin.
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C h a p t e r 45
Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us" (in
Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 18; or Ensign, June 1971,
p. 33). President Brigham Young said: "Where is the spirit
world? It is right here" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 376).
Discussion
• Where is the spirit world?
What Are Spirits Like?
Spirit beings have the same bodily form as mortals except that
the spirit body is in perfect form (see Ether 3:16). Spirits carry
with them from earth their attitudes of devotion or antagonism
toward things of righteousness (see Alma 34:34). They
have the same appetites and desires that they had when they
lived on earth.
All spirits are in adult form. They were adults before their
mortal existence, and they are in adult form after death, even
if they die as infants or children (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel
Doctrine, p. 455).
Discussion
• Read Ether 3:16. What do spirit bodies look like?
Divisions in the Spirit World
The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon taught about two
divisions or states in the spirit world:
"The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a
state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a
state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and
from all care, and sorrow.
"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked,
yea, who are evil-for behold, they have no part nor portion
of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works
rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter
into them, and take possession of their house-and these
shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping,
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C h a p t e r 45
and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their
own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.
"Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness,
and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation
of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this
state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of
their resurrection" (Alma 40:12-14).
The spirits are classified according to the purity of their lives
and their obedience to the will of the Lord while on earth. The
righteous and the wicked are separated (see 1 Nephi 15:28-
30), but the spirits may progress from one level to another as
they learn gospel principles and live in accordance with them
(see Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 762).
Discussion
• What divisions are there in the spirit world?
Paradise
According to the prophet Alma, the righteous spirits rest from
earthly care and sorrow. Nevertheless, they are occupied in
doing the work of the Lord. President Joseph F. Smith saw in
a vision that immediately after Jesus Christ was crucified, he
visited the righteous in the spirit world. He appointed messengers,
gave them power and authority, and commissioned
them to "carry the light of the gospel to them that were in
darkness, even to all the spirits of men" (D&C 138:30).
The Church is organized in the spirit world, with each
prophet standing at the head of his own generation (see
Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:209). Priesthood holders
continue their responsibilities in the spirit world. President
Wilford Woodruff taught: "The same Priesthood exists on the
other side of the veil. . . . Every Apostle, every Seventy, every
Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to
the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry"
(in Journal of Discourses, 22:333-34).
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C h a p t e r 45
Family relationships are also important. President Jedediah
M. Grant, a counselor to Brigham Young, saw the spirit world
and described to Heber C. Kimball the organization that exists
there: "He said that the people he there saw were organized
in family capacities. . . . He said, 'When I looked at families,
there was a deficiency in some, . . . for I saw families that
would not be permitted to come and dwell together, because
they had not honored their calling here' " (Heber C. Kimball,
in Journal of Discourses, 4:135-36).
Discussion
• What do the spirits in paradise do?
• Why are some families incomplete in paradise?
Spirit Prison
The Apostle Peter referred to the spirit world as a prison,
which it is for some (see 1 Peter 3:18-20). In the spirit prison
are the spirits of those who have not yet received the gospel
of Jesus Christ. These spirits have agency and may be enticed
by both good and evil. If they accept the gospel and the ordinances
performed for them in the temples, they may prepare
themselves to leave the spirit prison and dwell in paradise.
Also in the spirit prison are those who rejected the gospel
after it was preached to them on earth or in the spirit prison.
These spirits suffer in a condition known as hell. They have
removed themselves from the mercy of Jesus Christ, who said,
"Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they
might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not
repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused
myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of
pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and
spirit" (D&C 19:16-18). After suffering in full for their sins,
they will be allowed to inherit the lowest degree of glory,
which is the telestial kingdom.
The hell in the spirit world will not continue forever. Even the
spirits who have committed the greatest sins will have suf-
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C h a p t e r 45
fered sufficiently by the end of the Millennium (see Acts 2:25-
27). They will then be resurrected.
Discussion
• What are some of the activities that go on in the spirit
world?
Additional Scriptures
• 1 Peter 4:6 (gospel preached to the dead)
• Moses 7:37-39 (spirit prison prepared for the wicked)
• D&C 76 (revelation about the three kingdoms of glory)
• Luke 16:19-31 (fate of beggar and rich man in the spirit
world)
293
THE ARTICLES
OF FAITH
In the spring of 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith sent a letter to
John Wentworth, who was editor of a newspaper called the
Chicago Democrat. This letter contained an account of many of
the events of early Church history. The document also contained
thirteen statements outlining Latter-day Saint beliefs.
These have come to be known as the Articles of Faith, which
are given below.
The Articles of Faith are official doctrine of the Church and
have been canonized as a part of latter-day scripture. They
are clear statements of belief that help members understand
the basic beliefs of the Church and explain these beliefs to
others. They are not, however, a complete summary of Church
doctrine. Through living prophets, the Church is guided by
continuous revelation and inspiration.
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus 1Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and 2not for Adam's transgression.
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind
may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the 3
Gospel.
306
T h e A r t i c l e s o f F a i t h
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel
are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, 4
Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of
hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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 5
Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive 6Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists,
and so forth.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions,
healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. 7
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 8
God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, 9and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important
things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the
restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) 10
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 paradisiacal glory.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according
to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men 11
the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what
they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and
magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 12
Webelieve in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous,
and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we 13
follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all
things,wehave enduredmanythings, 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.
Joseph Smith
307
GLOSSARY
Aaronic Priesthood: The lesser
of the two divisions of the
priesthood in the Church. It includes
the offices of deacon,
teacher, priest, and bishop.
Adam: The first man; the father
of the human race. Before his
earth life, he was known as
Michael. He led the righteous
in the War in Heaven. He
helped create the earth.
Administer the sacrament: To
bless the sacrament.
Administer to the sick: To
anoint and bless the sick by the
power of the priesthood.
Adultery: Sexual intercourse
between a married person and
someone other than his or her
wife or husband.
Adversary: One of Satan's
names.
Affliction: Anything causing
pain or suffering.
Agency: The ability and freedom
to choose good or evil.
Age of accountability: The age
at which a person becomes responsible
for his or her actions
and may be baptized; in most
cases, eight years old.
Altar: Anciently, a raised place
on which sacrifices were offered.
In Latter-day Saint
temples today, a place where
covenants are made and couples
or families are sealed together
for time and eternity.
Angel: A messenger sent from
God.
Anoint: To place a few drops of
oil on the head, usually as part
of a priesthood blessing.
Apostasy: Turning away from
or leaving the teachings of the
gospel.
Apostle: A person called and
appointed to be a special witness
for Christ. An office in the
Melchizedek Priesthood.
Articles of Faith: Thirteen
statements written by the
Prophet Joseph Smith describing
some of the basic teachings
and ordinances of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
Atonement: The suffering and
death of Jesus Christ, through
which resurrection is provided
to all mortals and eternal life is
offered to those who have faith
in Christ and repent of their
sins.
Authority: The right to function
in certain capacities in the
Church.
376
G l o s s a r y
Baptism by immersion: An ordinance
in which a person is
immersed in water and
brought up out of the water. It
is necessary to become a member
of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Baptism for the dead: Baptism
by immersion performed by a
living person for one who is
dead. This ordinance is performed
in temples.
Bible: One of the standard
works of the Church. It includes
the Old and New Testaments.
Bishop: A man who has been
ordained and set apart as the
presiding high priest for a
ward. He has responsibility for
the temporal and spiritual
well-being of all his ward
members. He also presides
over the Aaronic Priesthood.
Book of Mormon: One of the
standard works of the Church.
An account of God's dealings
with the people of the American
continents from about 2,200
years before the birth of Jesus
Christ to 421 years after the
death of Jesus Christ. It was
translated from gold plates by
Joseph Smith and contains the
fulness of the gospel.
Born in the covenant: Born to
parents who have been sealed
in the temple.
Broken heart and contrite
spirit: A deep, godly sorrow
for our sins; humility.
Called: To be assigned a duty
or position in the Church.
Celestial kingdom: The highest
kingdom of glory, where
one is in the presence of Heavenly
Father and Jesus Christ.
Charity: Love and compassion;
the pure love of Christ.
Chastity: Avoiding sexual relations
with anyone except one's
spouse.
Comforter: The Holy Ghost.
Commandments: Directions
given by God to his children to
prepare them for eternal life in
the world to come.
Confirmation: An ordinance in
which a person is confirmed a
member of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints by
the laying on of hands and
given the gift of the Holy
Ghost. The ordinance is performed
after baptism.
Convert: One who has accepted
the gospel of Jesus
Christ and been baptized and
confirmed. Usually applied to
those who join the Church after
eight years of age.
Council in Heaven: The meeting
in heaven in which Heavenly
Father announced the plan
of salvation and chose Jesus
Christ as our Redeemer.
377
G l o s s a r y
Covenant: A binding agreement
or promise between God
and a person or group of
people.
Create: To organize elements
that already exist into a new
form.
Crucifixion: A method of execution
used in the days of the
Savior. A person's hands and
feet were nailed or tied to a
cross.
Death: Separation of a person's
spirit from his physical body.
Devil: A spirit son of God who
rebelled against the Father and
tried to destroy the agency of
man. He is also known as
Lucifer or Satan and is the author
of sin.
Discernment: A spiritual gift
that allows a person to understand
or know something.
Disciple: A follower, especially
a follower of Christ.
Dispensation: A period of time
in which truth from heaven is
given to people on earth
through prophets.
Doctrine and Covenants: One
of the standard works of the
Church containing revelations
given to Joseph Smith and
other latter-day Presidents of
the Church.
Endowment: A gift of power
given through ordinances in
the temple to worthy members
of the Church. The endowment
includes instructions about the
plan of salvation.
Enduring to the end: Obedience
to God's laws to the end
of mortal life.
Eternal: Everlasting, without
beginning or end.
Eternity: Time without end.
Eve: Adam's wife, the mother
of the human race.
Exaltation: The highest state of
happiness and glory in the celestial
kingdom; the continuation
of the family unit in
eternity; "all that [the] Father
hath" (D&C 84:38).
Fall of Adam: The change to
mortality that occurred when
Adam and Eve ate the forbidden
fruit in the Garden of Eden.
Family history: Research to
identify ancestors.
Fast: To abstain from food and
drink for the purpose of drawing
closer to the Lord.
Fast offering: Contribution to
the Church of the money or
commodities saved by fasting
for two consecutive meals.
First Presidency: A quorum
that presides over the entire
Church; made up of the President
of the Church and his
Counselors.
Foreordination: Callings given
by Heavenly Father to his children
to come to earth at a specific
time and place to help
378
G l o s s a r y
with his work in a particular
way.
Fornication: Sexual intercourse
between unmarried people.
Full-tithe payer: A person who
pays one-tenth of his or her annual
increase to the Lord.
Gathering of Israel: The spiritual
and physical gathering of
all the house of Israel in the latter
days.
Gentile: A person who does
not belong to the chosen
people. The scriptures use the
word to mean (1) non-Israelites,
and (2) nonmembers of
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
Gift of the Holy Ghost: The
right, received by the laying on
of hands, to enjoy the constant
companionship of the Holy
Ghost when we are worthy.
Gifts of the Spirit: Spiritual
blessings given by God to those
who are faithful to Jesus Christ.
God: Our Father in Heaven,
the Father of Jesus Christ in the
flesh and of the spirits of all
mortals.
Godhead: Our Father in
Heaven; his Son, Jesus Christ;
and the Holy Ghost.
Gospel: The plan of salvation,
which embraces all that is necessary
for us to be saved and
exalted; the good news that
Jesus is the Christ.
Hell: The part of the spirit
world where wicked spirits
await the day of their resurrection;
also the place where Satan
and his followers dwell.
Holy Ghost: The third member
of the Godhead; a personage of
spirit.
House of Israel: Natural or
adopted descendants of the
sons of Jacob, who was given
the name of Israel by the Lord.
Humble: Willing to learn,
teachable.
Immerse: To put completely
under water.
Immortal: Beyond the power
of death. Immortal people cannot
die.
Inspiration: Divine guidance
that comes through the
promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Israel: (1) The name given to
Jacob of the Old Testament. (2)
The name given to the descendants
of Jacob's twelve sons.
(3) The modern nation to
which many Jews have gathered
today.
Jesus Christ: The Only Begotten
Son of the Father in the
flesh and the Firstborn Son in
the spirit; our Redeemer and
Savior.
Jew: Someone who belongs to
the tribe of Judah, to the ancient
kingdom of Judah, or to
the Jewish religion.
379
G l o s s a r y
Kingdom of God: The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints on earth; also the celestial
kingdom.
Last days: The time near the
end of the world and the second
coming of the Savior.
Latter-day Saints: Members of
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
Laying on of hands: The placing
of hands on a person's
head by a priesthood holder to
bless, anoint, confirm, ordain,
or heal the person.
Lord: God, master; often refers
to Jesus.
Lucifer: Satan, the devil.
Mercy: Love and forgiveness.
Messiah: Jesus Christ, the
Anointed One.
Millennium: One thousand
years of peace when Jesus
Christ will reign personally on
the earth.
Mission: A period of time during
which a person who has
been called and set apart
preaches the gospel; a task or
assignment.
Missionary: A member of the
Church who is called to preach
the gospel to the people of the
world.
Mortal: Able to die; pertaining
to this life.
Mortality: Earthly existence in
a body that is subject to death.
Nonmember: A person who is
not a member of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
Only Begotten Son: Jesus
Christ, the only person who
had God the Father as the
father of his mortal body.
Ordain: To give a man a priesthood
office by the laying on of
hands.
Ordinances: Sacred rites and
ceremonies that are necessary
for eternal progression. God's
laws and commandments.
Outer darkness: The dwelling
place of the devil and his followers.
Paradise: The part of the spirit
world where righteous spirits
await the day of their resurrection.
Patriarchal blessing: An inspired
blessing declaring a person's
lineage and giving
inspired counsel and insight
about his or her life.
Pearl of Great Price: One of
the standard works of the
Church, including ancient and
modern scripture.
Plan of salvation: Our Heavenly
Father's plan for his children
by which they can
overcome sin and death and
gain eternal life.
Prayer: Communication with
the Lord.
380
G l o s s a r y
Premortal existence: The period
between the birth of spirit
children of God and their birth
into mortal life.
Preside: To take charge of; to
be in authority.
Priesthood: The power and authority
of God given to men on
earth to act in all things for our
salvation.
Prophecy: Inspired words of a
prophet about a future event.
Prophesy: To tell something
before it happens.
Prophet: One who has been
called of the Lord to be a special
witness of the divinity of
Jesus Christ. The prophet refers
to the President of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
Quorum: An organized unit of
the priesthood.
Recommend: A certificate to
identify people as members of
the Church and to certify their
worthiness to receive certain
ordinances or blessings.
Redeem: To free people from
the results of sins they have
repented of; to free from the effects
of physical death.
Redeemer: The Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Remission: Forgiveness.
Repentance: Turning from sin
and changing the course of
one's life to follow the Savior's
teachings.
Restitution: Giving repayment
for a sin.
Restoration: To make something
as it was; to reestablish;
to bring back.
Resurrection: Reuniting of
body and spirit, never to be
separated again.
Revelation: Divine truths communicated
from God to mankind.
Sabbath day: A day of worship
and rest from daily work and
activities; observed by members
of the Church on Sunday,
the first day of the week.
Sacrament: An ordinance in
which bread and water are
blessed and passed to members
of the Church. The bread
and water are emblems of the
body and blood sacrificed by
the Savior.
Sacrifice: To offer to God
something precious; to forsake
all things for the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
Salvation: Inseparable connection
of body and spirit brought
about through the Savior's
atonement and resurrection;
eternal life.
Sanctify: To make clean, pure,
and spotless; to make free from
the blood and sins of this
world.
Satan: A name of the devil,
who opposes the plan of salvation.
381
G l o s s a r y
Savior: Jesus Christ, who has
saved us from physical death
and made it possible for us to
be saved from spiritual death.
Scriptures: Words written and
spoken by holy men of God
when moved upon by the Holy
Ghost.
Sealing: An ordinance performed
in the temple, eternally
uniting a husband and wife or
children and their parents.
Second death: Spiritual death;
death as to things of righteousness.
Seed: In one sense, children or
descendants.
Set apart: To authorize someone,
by the laying on of hands,
to act in a specific calling.
Sin: Breaking the laws of God.
Son of God: The Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Sons of perdition: The spirit
hosts of heaven who followed
Lucifer. Also, those who gain a
perfect knowledge of the divinity
of the Savior and then turn
from him and follow Satan.
Spiritual death: Separation
from the Spirit of God and
from his presence.
Standard works: The volumes
of scripture officially accepted
by the Church: Bible, Book of
Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants,
and Pearl of Great Price.
Sustain: To support and accept.
Telestial kingdom: The lowest
kingdom of glory.
Temple: A place of worship
and prayer; the house of the
Lord prepared and dedicated
for sacred gospel ordinances.
Temple ordinance work: Sacred
gospel ordinances performed
in temples by the
living for themselves and for
those who are dead. These ordinances
include baptisms,
endowments, marriages, and
sealings.
Terrestrial kingdom: The middle
kingdom of glory.
Testify: To declare what one
knows; to bear witness.
Testimony: Knowledge revealed
by the Holy Ghost, of
the divinity of the Savior and
of gospel truths.
Tithe: Payment to the Lord of
one-tenth of one's annual increase.
Transgression: Violation or
breaking of a commandment
or law; sin.
Word of Wisdom: A revelation
concerning health practices
given to Joseph Smith in 1833;
section 89 of the Doctrine and
Covenants.
Worship: Reverence, honor, or
devotion given to God.
Zion: The name given by the
Lord to those who obey his
laws. The name of the place
where the righteous live.
382
BOOKS CITED
Grant, Heber J. Gospel Standards. Compiled by G. Homer
Durham. Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1941.
Hinckley, Bryant S. The Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers. Salt Lake
City: Bookcraft, 1956.
Journal of Discourses. 26 vols. London: Latter-day Saints' Book
Depot, 1854-86.
Kimball, Spencer W. Faith Precedes the Miracle. Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1972.
---. The Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1969.
---, et al. Priesthood. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,
1981.
Lee, Harold B. Stand Ye in Holy Places. Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Co., 1974.
Ludlow, Daniel, ed. Latter-day Prophets Speak. Salt Lake City:
Bookcraft, 1948.
McConkie, Bruce R. Mormon Doctrine. 2nd ed. Salt Lake City:
Bookcraft, 1966.
McKay, David O. Gospel Ideals. 2nd printing. Salt Lake City:
Improvement Era, 1954.
383
B o o k s C i t e d
---. Treasures of Life. Compiled by Clare Middlemiss. Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1962.
---. True to the Faith. Compiled by Llewelyn R. McKay.
Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.
Packer, Boyd K. Mothers. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,
1977.
Principles of the Gospel. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1976.
Smith, Joseph. History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. 7 vols. 2nd ed. rev. Edited by B. H. Roberts. Salt Lake
City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
1932-51.
---. Lectures on Faith. Compiled by N. B. Lundwall. Salt
Lake City: N. B. Lundwall, n. d.
---. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Selected by
Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,
1938.
Smith, Joseph F. Gospel Doctrine. 5th ed. Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1939.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. Answers to Gospel Questions. 5 vols.
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Deseret Book Co., 1957-66.
---. Doctrines of Salvation. 3 vols. Compiled by Bruce R.
McConkie. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-56.
Talmage, James E. Jesus the Christ. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City: The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1916.
Taylor, John. The Mediation and Atonement. Photolithographic
reprint of 1st ed., 1882. Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co.,
1964.
Young, Brigham. Discourses of Brigham Young. Selected by
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384