2nd Article of Faith

The second Article of Faith states,

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. Source

This Article of Faith uses two words that are often confused, sin and transgression. An LDS scriptorium, Bruce R. McConkie, states that the words sin and transgression are often used synonymously in the scriptures. Transgression refers to the violation of a law or rule. Sin refers to the willful nature of the disobedience.

The Bible confirms the definition of transgression and sin. In Romans, the Apostle Paul states that without law, there is no transgression. In Matthew 5:28, Christ teaches that if you lust after a woman and not transgress the law by acting on that lust, that you have still sinned. You still had willfully disobedient desires in your heart. The Apostle John teaches that to sin is to transgress because it is the law of God not to sin.

Our belief that mankind is not punished for Adam's transgression stems from revelation that the Prophet Joseph Smith received from God and from the Bible. Deuteronomy 24:16 states,

The father shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

In Deuteronomy, Moses presented the Law of Moses as being very harsh, but the principle remains. We are never punished for the sins of others, but for our own sins.

In the Americas, God revealed to the Prophet Alma that Christ has mercy for those who transgress due to ignorance caused by traditions.

For there are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites; for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land.

A distinctive doctrine of the LDS church is that we believe that the baptism of little children is an abomination. Moroni 8:19-20 states,

Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy. And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.

Little children do not have the understanding or power to seek for repentance and their salvation. God cannot punish them for not being baptized or for not repenting. It would be injustice for God to save one child for baptism and deny another because it had no power to obtain that baptism.

Little children have no need for repentance because they cannot sin. The Doctrine and Covenants state that Satan doesn't have power to tempt little children until they can be accountable for their sins.

1st Article of Faith

The first Article of Faith states, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." Source

Many do not consider LDS members to be Christian because we don't believe in the Trinity. If you are speaking of one entity manifested as God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, then no we don't beleive in the Trinity. If you are speaking of three entities forming a Godhood that work operate united in heart, might, mind, and strength that they work like one God then yes we do believe.

God the Father
We believe in God the Father as the father of our spirits (Malachi 2:10). He loves us. His only desire is that we gain immortality and eternal life (Moses 1:39).

Jesus Christ
I believe that people confuse Christ with God the Father because Christ is often called the Father. If we accept a lose definition that the title Father is 'one who gives life,' then both God the Father and Jesus Christ can be considered our fathers.

Our father on earth gave us our mortal life. God the Father gave life to our spirits. Jesus Christ becomes our father as we accept His path to Eternal Life (Ether 3:14).

No one can say that LDS members do not consider Christ our Savior and that we're not Christians (2 Ne 25:23-26). We rejoice in Christ. We follow His commandments in faith. We know that our works alone cannot save us. We are saved by the grace of Christ which is available as we strive to be obedient to his commandments. We seek no other source for our salvation.

Holy Ghost
We believe in the Holy Ghost as a distinct entity from the Father and the Son. He is a "personage of spirit" (D&C 130:22).

The Holy Ghost serves many missions and purposes on the earth. Some of the most important are taught by the apostle John. In the absence of Christ's direct presence on the Earth, the Holy Ghost teaches us truth and the way of Christ. He reminds us of truth when needed to make correct choices (John 14:26). The Holy Ghost doesn't speak, he testifies of truth when it is heard (John 16:13).

Some describe the testimony of the Holy Ghost as a burning in the heart. For me, his testimony comes as a compelling pull of my attention and curiosity. Satan does try to counterfiet that testimony for me with thoughts that occupy my mind but they come in the spirit of anger, contempt, and pride.

Articles of Faith

When asked what it is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes, Joseph Smith (the church's first Prophet) gave the Articles of Faith.

It is my intention to share the 13 Articles of Faith of the Church and what they mean to me.

Taking Life

Hi all. This is my first time creating a blogg so forgive me as I learn. I hope to use this blogg to express my beliefs about God, Christ, and my faith.

Feel free to ask questions and make remarks about what I have posted. I am not afraid to start a discussion on various topics of my personal beliefs, LDS beliefs, the LDS church, and LDS culture.

My first planned topics will be the 12 Articles of Faith presented by the LDS church and my views about them.