1. An Epitome of Faith:
"We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in The Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that these ordinances 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.
We believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy, and by laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, viz: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
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.
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.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaic glory.
We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege-let them worship how, where, or what they may…
We 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 endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Respectfully,
Joseph Smith Jr.
(From the church publication "Times and Seasons" Volume III, page 710, 1842)
Baptism by immersion in water (for those who have reached the age of accountability) and baptism of the Holy Ghost. - John 3: 5; John 1: 25-27 *
Blessing of Children - Mark 10: 14-16
Administration for healing of the sick - James 5: 14 - 16
Ordination (Men are called to the priesthood by God as was Aaron) - Acts 13: 2-3
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper (Although the public is invited and welcomed to every service, close communion is observed, meaning the emblems of the bread and wine are for members only). - III Nephi 8: 32, 58-66 *
Marriage (A covenant between one man and one woman only, ordained of God, not defined by man) - Genesis 2: 21-24; Matthew 19: 4-6; Jacob 2: 32-37
3. Upon death the spirits of all men are taken home to God who created them, where the spirits of the righteous are received into a state of "Paradise" and the spirits of the wicked are cast into "outer darkness" to await the resurrection. - Luke 23: 39-43; Alma 19: 43-47
4. All men will be raised to immortality through the power of the resurrection and be judged according to their works. The righteous will dwell in the kingdom of God and the wicked will dwell in a state of eternal torment. - Matthew 25: 31-46; II Nephi 6: 36-43
5. The revelation of God is a basic principle of the church. Christ's desire is to reveal himself to man - and it is upon the "rock" of this revelation that His church has its foundation. - Matthew 16: 13-18.
6. Members of Christ's church are those who believe in Him and seek to keep His commandments; forsaking self-will and following His gospel and doctrines. - III Nephi 12: 18-23; Luke 9: 23-26; II Nephi 13: 13-18.
7. Membership in Christ's church requires us to follow His example in entering the "waters of baptism". - Matthew 3: 13-17; Romans 6: 3-8; II Nephi 13: 8-17; Mosiah 9: 49-50; Alma 4: 2
8. Whenever the basic principles of the gospel are ignored or changed by man's precepts the Church experiences a spiritual downfall or apostasy. II Peter 2: 1-2; II Timothy 3: 1-5; Jude 1: 3-4, 17-19; II Nephi 12: 13-17, 31
9. We believe the gifts of the Spirit will follow all true believers in Christ. I Corinthians 12: 1-10; Acts 2: 16-18
10. We believe that this life is meant to prepare us for life in the Kingdom of God which is His plan of salvation. We have power of choice and will. If we would choose God as our father, we will seek to do His will and obey His commandments.
11. We realize that we are all sinners and must repent and humbly come unto Christ for forgiveness. We strive to follow the "Golden Rule", and believe our greatest duty is to "love the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds; and to love our neighbor as ourselves". - Matthew 7: 12; Matthew 22: 36-40; Matthew 25:40.
12. This task requires us to continue growing in personal righteousness through worship, study, prayer and fasting; helping to develop social righteousness through godly family life, service to others, and care of the sick and poor; working for the cause of peace.
We proclaim the original gospel of Christ as restored by divine command in 1830, and look forward to the Lord's return and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth (Zion).
* All scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible and the Book of Mormon (1908 Authorized Edition)
We invite all to "Come Unto Christ"