1 We believe in God the Eternal Father, who
only is Supreme; Creator of the universe; Ruler and Judge of all; unchangeable
and without respect of persons.
2 We believe in Jesus Christ the
manifestation of God in flesh, who lived, suffered, and died for all mankind;
whom we own as our only Leader, Witness and Commander.
3 We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of
Truth, the Comforter, which searcheth the deep things of God, brings to our
minds things which are past, reveals things to come, and is the medium by which
we receive the revelation of Jesus Christ.
4 We believe that men will be punished for
their own sins and not for Adam's transgression, and that as a consequence of
the atonement of Christ "all little children are alive in Christ, and also all
they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all they
that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no
condemnation, can not repent, and unto such, baptism availeth nothing." (Moroni
8:22)
5 We believe that through the atonement of
Christ all men may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the
Gospel; viz.: Faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ; Repentance and Baptism
by immersion for the remission of sins; Laying on of Hands for: (a) Ordination;
(b) Blessing of Children; (c) Confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost; (d)
Healing of the sick.
6 We believe in the literal second coming and
millennial reign of Jesus Christ; in the resurrection of the Dead, and in
Eternal Judgment; that men will be rewarded or punished according to the good or
evil they may have done.
7 We believe in the powers and gifts of the
everlasting Gospel; viz.: The word of wisdom; the word of knowledge; the gift of
faith; the gift of healing; working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of
spirits; divers kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues.
8 We believe the fruits of the Spirit to be
love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and
temperance.
9 We believe that in the Bible is contained
the word of God; that the Record of the Nephites is an added witness for Christ,
and that these contain the "fullness of the gospel."
10 We believe in the principle of continuous
revelation; that the canon of scripture is not full, that God inspires men in
every age and among all people, and that He speaks when, where, and through whom
He may choose.
11 We believe that where there are six or
more regularly baptized members, one of whom is an elder, there the Church
exists with full power of church extension when acting in harmony with the law
of God.
12 We believe that a man must be called of
God by revelation, and ordained by those having authority, to enable him to
preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.
13 We believe in the same church organization
as existed in the time of Christ and His apostles. The highest office in the
church is that of an apostle, of whom there are twelve, who constitute special
witnesses for Jesus Christ. They have the missionary supervision and the general
watchcare of all of the churches.
14 The primary function of the general
church, of which each local church is a component part, is missionary and the
building up and extension of the
kingdom
of God in all the world.
15 We believe that local churches should
govern their own affairs, and that general church officials should not dominate
or interfere therewith. On invitation such general officers may, with propriety,
give counsel and assistance. Local congregations are subject to the Articles of
Faith and Practice and must be governed thereby.
16 We believe The Church of Christ
comprehends the true brotherhood of man where each esteems his brother as
himself and wherein the divine command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is
demonstrated by the prevalence of social equality.
17 We believe that all men are stewards under
God and answerable to Him not only for the distribution of accumulated wealth,
but for the manner in which such wealth is secured. The primary purpose of
stewardship is not the increase of church revenue or the mere contributions of
money by those who have to those
who have not, but to bring men to a
realization of the common fatherhood and the universal brotherhood of man in all
the affairs and experiences of life, and to maintain such social adjustments
that each may enjoy the bounty and gifts of God, and be free to exercise his
talents and ability to enrich the life of all.
18 We believe that men should labor for their
own support and that of their dependents. Ministers of the gospel are not
absolved from this responsibility, but when chosen or appointed by the church to
devote their entire time to missionary work, their families are to be provided
for out of the general church funds. The admonition of Christ that the ministry
should not provide purse or scrip for their journey, but go trusting in God and
the people, is applicable.
19 We believe that the temporal affairs of
the general church are to be administered by the general bishopric under the
supervision and direction of the general conferences of the church. The temporal
affairs of the local churches shall be administered by local bishops under the
supervision and direction of the local congregations.
20 We believe that marriage is ordained of
God, and that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock for
either man or woman. In case of a breach of this covenant the innocent one may
remarry.
21 We are opposed to war. Men are not
justified in taking up arms against their fellows except as a last resort in
defense of their lives and to preserve their liberty.
22 We believe in the literal gathering of
Israel, and in the restoration of the ten lost
tribes.
23 We believe a temple will be built in this
generation, in Independence,
Missouri, wherein Christ will reveal Himself and endow His servants
whom he chooses with power to preach the gospel in all the world to every
kindred, tongue, and people, that the promise of God to Israel
may be fulfilled.
24 We believe that a New Jerusalem shall be
built upon this land "unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph. " (Ether 13:4-8,
and III Nephi 10:17), which city shall be built, beginning at the
Temple
lot.
25 We believe that ministry and membership
should abstain from the use of tobacco, intoxicating liquors and narcotics, and
should not affiliate with any society which administers oaths or covenants in
conflict with the law of God, or which interferes with their duties as freemen
and citizens.