Understanding The Meaning Of Articles Of Faith

what do the articles of faith mean

An article of faith is a fundamental belief or tenet that is held without question. Within the Latter Day Saint movement, the Articles of Faith refer to a statement of 13 fundamental doctrines of Mormonism, composed by Joseph Smith in 1842. These articles outline the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are regarded as scripture by some denominations.

Characteristics Values
Number of Articles 13
Author Prophet Joseph Smith
Year Written 1842
Format A letter to John Wentworth, a newspaper editor
Purpose To explain the basic doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Nature of Beliefs Fundamental, deeply held, and not open to question or doubt

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The Articles of Faith are 13 basic points of belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The first four articles state fundamental doctrines of the Latter-Day Saint movement. The first is often understood to state the doctrine of the Godhead: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." The second article rejects the teaching of original sin, stating that "men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." The third article affirms the potential for salvation "through the Atonement of Christ" for "all mankind" who obey "the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." The fourth article outlines the core principles and ordinances of faith, including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Articles five and six state beliefs regarding church organization and governance, including the requirement of ordination and prophetic leadership. The seventh article affirms belief in spiritual gifts, such as tongues, prophecy, revelation, healing, and interpretation of tongues. The eighth article acknowledges the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God, while the ninth article emphasizes ongoing revelation from God.

Articles 10 to 12 articulate beliefs in the gathering of Israel, religious freedom, and proper conduct for church members in society. The thirteenth and final article emphasizes ethical principles, including honesty, virtue, and benevolence, echoing the "admonition of Paul."

These 13 articles provide a concise and authoritative statement of the fundamental beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering guidance and direction to its members.

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They were written by Joseph Smith in 1842

The Articles of Faith are a set of thirteen statements written by Joseph Smith in 1842, which outline the fundamental beliefs of the "faith of the Latter-day Saints". These statements were written in response to a request from John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, who asked Smith to provide an overview of his religious experiences, the contents of the Book of Mormon, and a history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Smith's document, known as the Wentworth Letter, concluded with these thirteen unnumbered statements, later titled the "Articles of Faith". They reflect the religious freedom of the Second Great Awakening, a period of widespread interest in religious regeneration and revival, and set forth some central doctrines of the Latter-day Saint tradition, which is neither Catholic nor Protestant.

The Articles of Faith provide a concise summary of key doctrines of the restored gospel and can be associated with certain events in Smith's life and prophetic mission. For example, the first article states, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost", reflecting Smith's own experience in the spring of 1820 when he learned that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are separate beings.

Smith's experiences and teachings are woven throughout the Articles of Faith, offering a meaningful framework for understanding his life and the core beliefs of the Latter-day Saints.

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They are now regarded as scripture and are included in the Pearl of Great Price

The Articles of Faith are 13 statements that outline the foundational beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are regarded as scripture and are included in the Pearl of Great Price.

The Articles of Faith were written in 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith. They explain the basic doctrines and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The statements cover a range of topics, including the nature of God, the role of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the path to salvation.

The first article of faith states a belief in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. This is followed by a statement declaring that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression. The third article of faith affirms the salvific power of Christ's Atonement and the importance of obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

The fourth and fifth articles of faith outline the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel, including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. The sixth article of faith emphasizes the importance of divine calling and prophecy in preaching the Gospel, while the seventh article affirms a belief in apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists, mirroring the organization of the Primitive Church.

The Articles of Faith are considered a foundational aspect of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing a clear summary of the core beliefs that guide the faith and practices of its adherents.

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The first four articles state the basic doctrines of the Latter Day Saint movement

The "Articles of Faith" is a statement of beliefs composed by Joseph Smith in 1842. They outline 13 fundamental doctrines of Mormonism, or, more specifically, the basic doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first four articles state the basic doctrines of the Latter Day Saint movement.

The first article, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost", is often understood to state the doctrine of the Godhead. The second article, "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression", rejects the teaching of original sin. The third article, "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel", states that the atonement of Christ can save all individuals, conditional on following the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. The fourth article, "these ordinances [the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel] are: 1st [first], Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2d [second], Repentance; 3d [third], Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th [fourth], Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost", states the core principles and ordinances of faith, including repentance, baptism and confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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Articles 7–9 state beliefs in sources of revelation

In religion and theology, revelation is the disclosure of some form of truth or knowledge through communication with a deity or supernatural entity. Revelation from a supernatural source is of lesser importance in some religious traditions, such as Taoism and Confucianism. However, it plays a significant role in Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which believe that God exists and can reveal his will to people.

Articles 7–9 of the Articles of Faith are rooted in the belief in sources of revelation. These articles affirm the divine nature of specific texts and figures central to these faiths.

Article 7 focuses on the belief in the divine revelation of scriptures. In Christianity, this includes the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments. While the specific books considered canonical vary across denominations, the centrality of the Bible as a source of revelation is undisputed. Christians believe that the Bible was written by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit and serves as a witness to Jesus Christ, the supreme revelation of God.

Article 8 pertains to the belief in the prophet Muhammad and the Quran as a source of revelation in Islam. Muslims hold that God (Allah) revealed his final message to humanity through Muhammad, who is considered the "Seal of the Prophets." The Quran is believed to be the word-for-word revelation from God, delivered to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel over 23 years.

Article 9, in the context of the Articles of Faith, likely refers to the belief in ongoing or continuous revelation. This concept is found in various religious traditions, including Christianity, where some denominations believe in the possibility of private revelations or ongoing guidance from God for individuals or the Church. In Islam, while Muhammad is considered the final prophet, Muslims also believe that God continues to guide the faithful through interpretation and understanding of the Quran and prophetic traditions.

These articles, affirming the sources of revelation, form the foundation of these faiths and provide guidance and authority for believers.

Frequently asked questions

The Articles of Faith are a statement of 13 fundamental beliefs of Mormonism, written by Joseph Smith in 1842.

The Articles of Faith are a set of deeply held beliefs that form the basic doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are regarded as scripture and are not open to discussion or doubt.

Some examples of the Articles of Faith include:

- Belief in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost

- Belief that men will be punished for their own sins, not for Adam's transgression

- Belief in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, and interpretation of tongues

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