Basic Mormon Beliefs
Mormonism is a unique religion; its members accept what is often said–that they are a “peculiar people.” This may be because Mormonism has a considerably short history, its founding having occurred recently, compared to the millennia-old religions around the world. It may also be because Mormons conduct themselves with a strong sense of modesty, honesty, simplicity, understanding of things divine, and devotion to the Lord—all of which stand out in the world today.
Put simply, Mormons believe the gospel of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They believe this gospel is what He taught while living on earth over two centuries ago. He also established a church while on the earth, which organization Mormons believe has been restored in the form of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormon Church, today. Mormons believe the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith and contains everything necessary for each person’s happiness in this life and the life to come.
Mormons know that the teachings of Jesus Christ can make a difference in the lives of every son or daughter of God; every person has the right and the privilege to know what is truth. All individuals can know for themselves through prayer and study. The Lord answers the prayers of those who have faith that He loves them and is concerned with their lives. As individuals learn about the Mormon Church, they should pray to the Lord. He will direct their study and allow them to feel what is true, in their hearts and in the minds.
Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches a lesson that all should abide by when studying and searching for truth: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The third article of the Mormon faith reads as such: “We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”
The Mormon Church practices baptism by complete immersion, just as Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the New Testament. Mormons believe that a person who repents and is baptized has all prior sins erased. He or she is cleansed.
Mormons believe the family is the basic and essential unit on earth. There is no greater work one can do than that which is performed within the walls of the home. In Mormonism, the family can also be an eternal unit, when its members abide by covenants made in holy Mormon temples.
Mormon belief teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct personages. These three make up the Godhead. All three are united in purpose: to bring the children of God back to His presence.
The Mormon faith is stricter about chastity than many other faiths. Members of the Mormon Church believe that the ability and power to have children is sacred and should never be used outside of marriage, or abused.
Priesthood and Church Organization
The sixth of the Articles of Faith (which state the Mormon basic beliefs) says, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”
Members of the Mormon Church believe that the Lord still uses prophets to guide us. They believe that a prophet of God currently leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ – and they told him, personally, that he should join none of the churches. None of the Christian churches then established were true.
Mormons believe to gain salvation is to live with our families and with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ eternally. In that state, we will be perfectly happy and continue divine work.
Temple
Temples existed throughout Biblical times. These buildings were considered the house of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 2:1-5). Latter-day Saint temples are likewise considered houses of the Lord by Church members.
To Latter-day Saints, temples are sacred buildings in which they are taught about the central role of Christ in God’s plan of salvation and their personal relationship with God.
In temples, members of the Church make covenants with God to live a virtuous and faithful life. They also offer sacraments on behalf of their deceased ancestors.
Mormon temples are also used to perform marriage ceremonies that promise the faithful eternal life with their families. For members of the Church family is of central importance. Mormonism 101:FAQ, Mormon news.