I recently read a story were a primary age child rode on a bus seated next to a non-member. He asked he what her church was about. She quoted each Article of Faith and spoke about each one of them with the gentleman. He did not join the church immediately, but year's later he wished that he had wrote down her name because she was the primary reason that he did join the church.
Most members at some point in our lives memorize the Articles of Faith. To some it comes easy. Some forget them just as quickly as they learn them. I can repeat them word for word, but only if I sing them. I want to be able to share that part of my beliefs in my testimony if needs be. Here is a refresher!
1We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4We 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.
5We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8We 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.
9We 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.
10We 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 paradisiacal glory.
11We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
The 13th Article has always been a good reminder when it comes to my media choices. One year I typed it up and put it next to the TV since there is so much smut out there. I love that we have our beliefs summed up, I especially like numbers one and four.
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