Articles of Faith Series: Part 7
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 7:
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
A sign of a living Church is that gifts of the Spirit are present therein. The Lord gives these gifts to build up those who have faith, and they are generally not used simply to persuade others that God exists, but to bless those who already believe. In the words of Mark, “…these signs shall follow them that believe…” (Mark 16:17-18)
Let us explore a few ways in which the spiritual gifts mentioned in the seventh Article of Faith are present in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.
Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues
Although the gift of tongues is sometimes defined as speaking in some unknown language, it is much more commonly used for purposes of meaningful communication. Missionaries of the Church are called to serve in many countries around the world. They teach and preach in the language of the people where they serve. The Church’s Missionary Training Center provides intensive training in many of these languages, and the acquisition of language is based as much on spiritual principles as on linguistic study. In a matter of only a few months, thousands of missionaries each year learn to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a new language. This is the gift of tongues in action.
Prophecy, Revelation, and Visions
Since before the Church was organized, the roots of Mormonism have been in revelation. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in the Spring of 1820. With this visitation, a new era of revelation from God to man was initiated. God speaks to modern prophets, such as Thomas S. Monson, the current President of the Church. As a prophet, he exercises the gift of prophecy as he instructs the members of the Church around the world. However, the Lord also speaks to individuals who seek guidance from Him. Personal revelation is an important principle of the Church of Jesus Christ. The Church is led by revelation.
Healing
The power to heal the sick is the same power by which the Lord runs the Church. It is the priesthood, or the authority to officiate in the name of God. He authorizes worthy men to exercise this power to bless others. the Church, the sick are anointed with oil set apart for that purpose, and then men who hold the priesthood authority give a blessing as the Spirit directs. I have personally seen the effects of these healing blessings, and I have been healed.
A true and living Church must contain gifts of the Spirit. They are not given for the purpose of showing off or proving a point, but they are fruits of belief in the Living Christ. I testify that these gifts are in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today as they were in the ancient Church of Christ.
MP3 Recording of The Seventh Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 7
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 7:
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
The gifts of the Spirit are miracles given by God to those with faith in God.
Elder James A. Cullimore, an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said:
I bear my solemn witness that these gifts are with the Church today. The sick are healed, the eyes of the blind are opened, the ears of the deaf are unstopped, the lame are made to walk. The gift of tongues blesses our missionaries and others the world over. The gifts of wisdom and knowledge are evidenced by the leadership of our people everywhere. Devils are cast out, spirits are discerned, the gift of faith is demonstrated on every side. Many mighty miracles give evidence that this is indeed His church, the church of Jesus Christ. All the gifts and powers and blessings that have always identified Christ’s church are with the Church today.
As members of the Church, is our faith sufficiently strong? Are we in tune with the Spirit that we might be blessed by these great gifts? Do we believe a miracle can be performed or a blessing given? Do we call upon the priesthood as often as we should to administer to the sick? Do we believe we can be healed? Do we have faith to heal? Is the priesthood always prepared to give a blessing? How strong is your faith?
(Gifts of the Spirit, October 1974)
Apostle Robert D. Hales gave this additional counsel regarding gifts of the Spirit:
The gifts of the Spirit can guide and enrich our lives. They can strengthen us spiritually and temporally. They can help us bless the lives of others. Most important, they can bring us comfort in times of trial. They can help us magnify our callings. They can help guide us in our relationships. They can help us avoid being deceived.
I bear testimony that God has given us the gifts of the Spirit to allow us to be drawn more closely into His circle of love. He desires that we should receive these gifts of the Spirit and magnify them and have them grow within us. We have to teach one another how to seek after them. As we do, our faith in Him will increase and our true destiny will be fulfilled, ultimately to return to His presence as His valiant sons and daughters. May we seek after and obtain these gifts, I humbly pray.
God is a God of miracles, today as in Biblical times. Through our faith, we may experience the gifts of the Spirit in action. They come to strengthen our faith. They are not sent to prove the existence of God to unbelievers; rather, they strengthen the faith of those who know and follow the Savior, Jesus Christ.
MP3 Recording of The Seventh Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 6
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 6:
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
Not only were the leaders of the original Church of Jesus Christ inspired, but the organization of that Church was made by Him. Christ invites people to serve in His Church to build up His kingdom, and it gives them opportunities to learn and grow as well.
The late Apostle James E. Faust taught:
We now have in the restored Church apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists, as spoken of by Paul to the Ephesians. These priesthood offices were established by the Savior when He organized His Church in the meridian of time. We recognize the two orders of the priesthood and the offices contained within them: the lesser priesthood is the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron; and the greater priesthood is the Melchizedek Priesthood, named after Melchizedek, to whom Abraham paid tithes. The Aaronic Priesthood was restored on May 15, 1829, under the hands of John the Baptist, and the Melchizedek Priesthood within a month under the hands of the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Thus those possessing the priesthood today claim the power to act in the name of God through the priesthood, “which power commands respect both on earth and in heaven.”
In the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, Moses appeared and gave the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the keys of the gathering of Israel. After this, Elias appeared and committed the gospel of Abraham, that in “our seed all generations after us should be blessed.” After this, Elijah the prophet appeared and gave to them the keys of this dispensation, including the sealing power, to bind in heaven that which is bound on earth within the temples. Thus, prophets of previous gospel dispensations presented their keys to the Prophet Joseph Smith in this, the “dispensation of the fulness of times” spoken of by the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
(The Restoration of All Things, April 2006)
Everything that the original Christian Church contained was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, including the structure of leadership which Jesus Christ instituted among them. The successors of Joseph Smith hold the same authority he received from Heavenly messengers. I thank the Lord that we today are blessed with a knowledge of all things which Christ saw fit to organize in ancient times.
MP3 Recording of The Sixth Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 5
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 5:
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
In the Fourth Article of Faith, we learn that certain ordinances, like Baptism, are important in the journey of our faith. But who can administer these ordinances? Only those who are called of God. The authority to act in the name of God is called Priesthood. The late Apostle James E. Faust said of the Priesthood in the modern Church of Jesus Christ:
The priesthood operates in a system of sublime order. The priesthood is not, however, a floating essence. It must be conferred by ordination with specific offices. It is held by men under sacred duty to use its authority to accomplish God’s work for the blessing of men, women, and children alike. No one can claim priesthood authority except it is conferred openly by those possessing the authority. . . The exercise of priesthood authority is directed by the keys of the priesthood. These keys rest with the presiding local and General Authorities of the Church. Those who have the keys are responsible for the guiding momentum and direction of the work of the Lord on the earth.
(Keeping Covenants and Honoring the Priesthood, October 1993)
In 2005, President Gordon B. Hinckley summarized the source and role of Priesthood in the Church today:
Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. That authority is the keystone of any religion. I have read another book recently. It deals with the Apostasy of the primitive Church. If the authority of that Church was lost, how was it to be replaced?
Priesthood authority came from the only place it could come, and that is from heaven. It was bestowed under the hands of those who held it when the Savior walked the earth.
First, there was John the Baptist, who conferred the Aaronic, or lesser priesthood. This was followed by a visitation of Peter, James, and John, Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, who conferred upon Joseph and Oliver Cowdery the Melchizedek Priesthood, which had been received by these Apostles under the hands of the Lord Himself. . .
How beautiful is the unfolding of the pattern of restoration which led to the organization of the Church in the year 1830, 175 years ago this week. The very name of the Church came of revelation. Whose Church was it? Was it Joseph Smith’s? Was it Oliver Cowdery’s? No, it was the Church of Jesus Christ restored to earth in these latter days.
I have been blessed by men “called of God,” as was Aaron. I have seen the power of this authority in leading, teaching, healing, and helping many. I am thankful for this restored truth.
MP3 Recording of The Fifth Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 4
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on [of] hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(Articles of Faith)
We know from the Third Article of Faith that we are saved through the Atonement of Christ by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. In the Fourth Article of Faith, we learn the first and most basic principles and ordinances which we must obey in order to begin our spiritual journey. These principles are also completely relevant to our needs today.
The Apostle Russell M. Nelson said of faith and repentance:
The proper exercise of moral agency requires faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. Because of Him, you have your agency. He must be the very foundation of your faith, and the testing of that faith is a fundamental reason for your freedom to choose.
You are free to develop and exercise faith in God and in His divine Son, faith in His word, faith in His Church, faith in His servants, and faith in His commandments. . .
Cultivation of that faith will entitle you to the companionship of the Holy Ghost, who will help you make wise decisions.
Many may profess a measure of faith in God, but without sincere repentance, faith cannot be fully operative. . .
Faith, repentance, and obedience will qualify you for sublime gifts of justice and mercy, which are bestowed upon those worthy of the blessings of the Atonement.
Yes, every test, every trial, every challenge and hardship you endure is an opportunity to further develop your faith.
Of the ordinances of baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, the late Apostle Bruce R. McConkie said:
A gracious and loving Father has ordained the laws, by obedience to which we may learn his ways and know his will.
Those who believe in Christ as he is revealed by the apostles and prophets of their day, those who forsake the world and repent of all their sins, those who covenant with the Lord in the waters of baptism to love and serve him all their days—these are the ones who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This gift is the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead, based on faithfulness. This gift is the right to receive revelation from the Holy Spirit. “No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations,” the Prophet said, for “the Holy Ghost is a revelator.”
Revelations come in many ways, but they are always manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Indeed, the Lord wants to speak with us. He does so through the Holy Ghost. By gaining faith, repenting of our sins, and being baptised by proper authority, we may receive all that He wants to teach us. This is a precious truth of the restored Gospel.
MP3 Recording of The Fourth Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 3
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 3:
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
(Articles of Faith)
Once we have established the basic idea of the existence of God and acknowledged our responsibility for our actions before Him, what doctrine could be more important than the doctrine of Christ? Apostle Dallin H. Oaks stated:
What do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints think of Christ?
Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God the Eternal Father. He is our Creator. He is our Teacher. He is our Savior. His atonement paid for the sin of Adam and won victory over death, assuring resurrection and immortality for all men.
He is all of these, but he is more. Jesus Christ is the Savior, whose atoning sacrifice opens the door for us to be cleansed of our personal sins so that we can be readmitted to the presence of God. He is our Redeemer.
Apostle Boyd K. Packer used this Article of Faith in effectively teaching young people about the Atonement:
The study of behavior is greatly improved when linked to standards and to values. Practical values, useful in everyday life, are found in the scriptures and the doctrines they reveal. I will give you one example: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”
You should learn while you are young that while the Atonement of Christ applies to humanity in general, the influence of it is individual, very personal, and very useful. Even to you beginners, an understanding of the Atonement is of immediate and very practical value in everyday life. . .
I say to you again that a knowledge of the principles and doctrines of the gospel will affect your behavior more than talking about behavior.
To his teaching, I add my testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not a vague idea, but a practical, real power. We can all access it by obedience to His commandments. The Atonement of Jesus is the power by which we can be brought back into the presence of the Father. It can change hearts and actions. It can move worlds. I thank God for Jesus Christ and the power of His sacrifice for me.
MP3 Recording of The Third Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 2
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 2:
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, glad tidings, and much more. It is the message of salvation as repeatedly announced by Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets. It is my firm belief that all truth and light originating with God is embraced in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
God, our Savior and Redeemer, has said that it is His work and glory “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39) God the Father is the author of the gospel; it is a key part of God’s plan of salvation, or plan of redemption. It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes redemption and salvation possible. Through the Atonement all men, women, and children are unconditionally redeemed from physical death, and all will be redeemed from their own sins on the condition of accepting and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I thank God for giving us freedom from the transgression of Adam. I also praise Him for giving us responsibility for our own choices. He is truly both merciful and just.
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The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 2:
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
The doctrine presented in this Article of Faith is vital in two ways. First, it shows that God will not punish us because of the actions of another. Second, it affirms that we are responsible for our own sins.
The Fall of Adam was necessary in the plan of God. It enabled our Heavenly Father to put us in a place where we were exposed to temptation in order to prove ourselves. We also became subject to physical death. Mercifully, He provided a Savior to atone for our imperfections. Through Jesus Christ, we can overcome the effects of the fall of Adam. He provides for all men and women to be resurrected and receive immortal bodies, and for those who choose to follow him to receive Eternal Life as well.
President Deiter F. Uchtdorf, who was recently called to the First Presidency of the Church, said:
The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, glad tidings, and much more. It is the message of salvation as repeatedly announced by Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets. It is my firm belief that all truth and light originating with God is embraced in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
God, our loving Father in Heaven, has said that it is His work and glory “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” God the Father is the author of the gospel; it is a key part of God’s plan of salvation, or plan of redemption. It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes redemption and salvation possible. Through the Atonement all men, women, and children are unconditionally redeemed from physical death, and all will be redeemed from their own sins on the condition of accepting and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I thank God for giving us freedom from the transgression of Adam. I also praise Him for giving us responsibility for our own choices. He is truly both merciful and just.
MP3 Recording of The Second Article of Faith children’s song
Articles of Faith Series, Part 1
The Articles of Faith are thirteen statements of basic belief for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). They were written as a part of a document called the Wentworth Letter, which Joseph Smith wrote in 1842 to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat. Later, these brief statements were set to music by American composer Vanja Watkins. In this series, we will examine the truths presented in the Articles of Faith.
Article of Faith 1:
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
This is the basis of all things we believe in the modern Church of Jesus Christ. Without a correct knowledge of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, worship and pursuit of other truth would be pointless.
When Joseph Smith, the first modern president of the Church, received his First Vision at the age of 14, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. They answered his prayer, but they also taught him by their appearance that the Father and the Son are separate physical beings, and that the Holy Ghost does not have a physical body. This corroborates the account of the baptism of Jesus Christ, when God the Father spoke from Heaven, the Holy Ghost descended in the form of a dove, and Jesus, Son of God, was in the river Jordan with John the Baptist.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, fifteenth President of the Church, said the following about the significance of this Article of Faith:
The first article of faith is familiar to all members of the Church. It is the pivotal position of our religion. It is significant that in setting forth the primary elements of our doctrine, the Prophet Joseph put this number one. . .
I believe without equivocation or reservation in God, the Eternal Father. He is my Father, the Father of my spirit, and the Father of the spirits of all men. He is the great Creator, the Ruler of the Universe. He directed the Creation of this earth on which we live. In His image man was created. He is personal. He is real. He is individual. He has “a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s.”
In the account of the Creation of the earth, “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”Could any language be more clear? Does it demean God, as some would have us believe, that man was created in His express image? Rather, it should stir within the heart of every man and woman a greater appreciation for himself or herself as a son or daughter of God.
I am grateful for the blessings of this first, basic principle: that God is our Father, His Son is our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost testifies of Them.
MP3 Recording of “The First Article of Faith” children’s song
Fresh Courage Take
Recently, I have pondered the second verse of the classic hymn, sung by early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons) as they journeyed across the plains.
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
’Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell—
All is well! All is well!
(Come, Come, Ye Saints, Hymns 1985)
MP3 Recording of Come, Come, Ye Saints
Courage is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is perhaps an overlooked virtue. In a modern world in which we have challenges less physically demanding than our ancestors, we have a greater need of courage. Yet we seem to have a less sure view of what true modern courage is.
We can agree that great acts of faith require courage, like crossing the United States on foot for the freedom to worship without persecution. We can also look back at the acts of early Christian martyrs and admire their courage. However, these great things are not asked of all of us, and they are perhaps less important than the little courageous ways we demonstrate our faith daily.
The refrain of another popular hymn by noted Latter-day Saint composer Evan Stephens (1854-1930) proclaims:
Fear not, courage, though the enemy deride;
We must be victorious, for the Lord is on our side.
We’ll not fear the wicked nor give heed to what they say,
But the Lord, our Heav’nly Father, him alone we will obey.(Let Us All Press On, Hymns 1985)
MP3 Recording of Let Us All Press On
Perhaps courage does not consist so much of heroic acts as it does obeying God. Of course we will improve the world, sometimes in seemingly heroic ways, as we keep the commandments of the Lord. However, seeming brave is not the goal; living as He would have us live is enough. As Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said:
True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours.
(”The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness,” October 2006)
May we each take fresh courage through obedience to God’s commandments.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
On 1 March 1842, Joseph Smith wrote a defining document for John Wentworth, a newspaper man from the Chicago Democrat. The Wentworth Letter, as it has come to be called, included thirteen concise statements of basic belief for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to as the Mormons). These Articles of Faith are often memorized by members of the Church around the world, because they summarize many of the most plain and precious truths we know through the restoration of the Fullness of the Gospel. Composer Vanja Watkins set each of these statements to music to aid children and adults in memorizing them and understanding their messages.
The sixth Article of Faith states:
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
Modern Apostles function in a similar role to those in ancient times. They are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency (the President and his two counselors) are all ordained as Apostles. We sustain them as prophets, seers, and revelators. The senior Apostle is the President of the Church – a modern Prophet who leads the Church.
At this time when we mourn the death of the President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley, we can also feel confident about the future of the Church. The Lord has set in place a procedure for succession in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As other LDSBlogs bloggers have mentioned, when the Prophet dies, the other ordained Apostles return to their positions in the Quorum, in order according to their time serving as Apostles. Since the Church was restored, the senior Apostle has become the next President of the Church, but the Apostles must come to a unanimous decision. Then through prayer and revelation, they determine the man who will serve as the next Apostle.
As in Biblical times, the Church of Jesus Christ is built upon a foundation of solid leadership:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:19-22)
The plain and precious things revealed as the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored are not limited to doctrines only; the organization of the Church is dictated by revelation from God. I am grateful to know that the Lord calls Apostles today to witness of His divinity as in times of old.
MP3 Recording of The Sixth Article of Faith, set as a children’s song