And so we continue with the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormon Church.
Sixth: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
In Ephesians we read: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” (Ephesians 2:20) and further, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” (Ephesians 4:11.)
The gospel Jesus Christ restored at the meridian of time, is the very same gospel Joseph Smith, Jr. restored in the mid 1800’s in the United States of America. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (Mormons) is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
See Church Administration to understand more of the physical hierarchy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons.)
Seventh: We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
One spiritual gift is given to every baptized member of the Church, unique to their personality and missions in life. The Apostle Paul urged us: “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12) He goes on to say: “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31)
The Savior also counseled us:
Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (D&C 46:8-11)
Because there are dozens upon dozens of scriptures in the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants regarding spiritual gifts, very few of which I have referred to here, it is very easy to see why we believe so strongly in this particular point of doctrine.
Eighth: We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
The Bible is the word of God. There is no denying that. But the ancient record of the Jews, written so long ago, has been through numerous translations, some well done, some not. In addition, they have also been edited by those with personal agendas and corruption deep within their hearts. To this end, Mormons believe the King James version of the Bible to be the most correct version. The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ, and, as the Book of Joseph, is the companion to the Book of Judah, the Bible.
Ninth: We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
One of the loneliest and saddest of doctrine, so devoid of hope, I have heard from other religions is that God has ceased to speak to man. I am so filled with joy to tell you that is not true. He does speak to man. From the very beginning of this earth, He spoke with Adam and Eve and He did not stop. He will not stop. Jehovah, Jesus Christ, was particularly chosen, by our Heavenly Father, to save and redeem all of mankind.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. (Gospel Topics, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dec 2007)
We have a living prophet today, Gordon B. Hinckley, who as the mouthpiece and servant of Jesus Christ, leads His Church today. God still speaks to His children, He still speaks to you. And He still guides and directs the affairs of His church, His gospel, today.
Tenth: We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
What more can I say — this is completely what every Mormon believes if they have prayed and received a witness for themselves of this. I am so excited for the day when the Lost Tribes are found and Israel has been gathered from the corners of the globe. Even more, I am excited to see the New Jerusalem built, temples erected and the Savior reigning upon the earth. How wonderful will that day be? And more so, the earth, who has suffered millennia of sin, wickedness and sorrow on her lands and seas, will finally receive her glory, and be cleansed of all but the righteous.
Tomorrow, we will finish the Thirteen Articles of Faith. One through five can be found here.
