What Will the Mormon Missionaries Teach Me?

When the Mormon Missionaries come into your home, they will want to teach you about their beliefs and invite you to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They will eventually invite you attend Mormon Church services with them and be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We invite you to listen to the missionaries as they teach their lessons about God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and the plan of salvation.

This website is a resource to help you find answers to questions, review topics the missionaries have addressed, or simply to learn more about what Mormons believe.  There are a lot people who have distorted or misrepresented the true teachings of the Mormon Church.  We hope to present here the basics truths and beliefs of what Mormons believe.  We encourage you, however, to use this as a resource and supplement to your studies and to ask questions of the missionaries. Ask as much as you can, since they know you and can understand your needs better.

1. The Godhead, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost
2. The Plan of Salvation
3. Prophets, ancient and modern
4. The Scriptures, the word of God for men
5. Faith
6. Repentance
7. Prayer and Fasting
8. Health and Morality
9. Families (forever)
10. Temples and Temple Work
11. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Mormon Church sends it missionaries out to teach and proselyte to all people.  Their aim is to teach people about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and baptize them members of the Church.  They also want to help make your transition to Mormonism as smooth as possible.  To do this they will accompany you as you go to church for the first time and help you prepare for baptism.  You can learn more about transitioning to Mormonism at Becoming a Mormon

If you have questions or concerns, ask the missionaries or an active, faithful member of the Mormon Church for more information.  You can also see the Mormon Church’s website or see Answering your concerns, which talks about some of the misunderstandings commonly held about Mormons.

Lesson 4: The Gospel of Jesus Christ: What does Jesus expect of us?

Introduction

Essential Vocabulary:

Justice – Justice is a law of God that requires consequences for actions.

Mercy – The spirit of compassion, tenderness, and forgiveness. Jesus Christ offers mercy to us through His atoning sacrifice on conditions of repentance.

Grace – The enabling power from Jesus Christ that allows us to obtain blessings in this life and to gain eternal life after we have exercised faith, repented, and given our best effort to keep the commandments.

Ordinance – A sacred way that we show outwardly that we are making a covenant with God.

Covenant – A binding two-way promise between God and Man. God sets the terms for all gospel covenants. As we do what God asks, He promises us blessings.

Books needed:

The Holy Bible – any good translation can be used.  Mormons typically use the King James Bible, and quotes in the text will come from that translation, but if you have a different translation it is okay.

The Book of Mormon – A companion volume to the Holy Bible which was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith from ancient records.  If you do not have a copy, you may get a free copy online at Mormon.org. You may also either contact the local Mormon missionaries or see the text of the Book of Mormon online at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents.  The Book of Mormon will be explained in more detail later.

The Doctrine and Covenants – The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. . . . Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith, Jun., the first prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others were issued through some of his successors in the Presidency. (“Introductory Note,” Doctrine and Covenants) You can see the text of the Doctrine and Covenants online at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/contents.

Lesson 4: The Gospel of Jesus Christ: what does Jesus expect of us?

Christ is the Only Way

Jesus Christ explains why He was sent to the earth in 3 Nephi 27:14. He said:

And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil-

Because Christ died for us and was resurrected, all of us will also be resurrected and stand before God to be judged. We learned in lesson 2 that we are judged by our thoughts, our words, and our works. We will be judged according to the laws of justice and mercy. The law of justice requires consequence for actions including blessings for righteous works and punishment for sin. The punishment for sin is spiritual death or separation from God. This separation from God would be permanent if there was not a way to be cleansed from our sins. Jesus Christ made it possible for us to become clean. He took upon Himself our punishment by His suffering. He stands between us and justice and makes it possible for us to be forgiven by God and receive mercy (see Mosiah 15:9). In the Book of Mormon, we learn from the prophet Lehi that only through Jesus Christ are we able to be cleansed from our sins. He said,

Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. . . .

There is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise (2 Nephi 2:6, 8).

Jesus Christ made it possible for us to become clean but He did not take away our personal responsibility. He has asked us to live His gospel in order to become clean and return to live with our Father in Heaven. Jesus summarized His gospel in 3 Neph1 27:19-20:

And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

Jesus taught five steps in this scripture that we must do in order to be cleansed. These five things will be the topics of this lesson. They are:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ

2. Repentance

3. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins

4. The gift of the Holy Ghost

5. Enduring in faithfulness unto the end.

Faith in Jesus Christ

What is faith?

Alma 32:21

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is believing in something we cannot see. When we have faith in Jesus Christ we believe that He is our Savior and that only through Him can we return to live with our Father in Heaven. We accept Him and His teachings. He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We believe that following Him and His commandments is the only way to true happiness. We should strive to live like Jesus Christ did and keep His commandments.

What does faith lead us to do?

Alma 34:15-17

Mosiah 4:9-10

Faith leads to repentance. As our faith in Jesus Christ grows we recognize the things that we are doing wrong, and we desire to change. Faith leads us to action. We act on our desire to change and stop doing things that we know we are not supposed to do. Faith leads us to strive daily to improve and become more like Jesus Christ.

How does faith grow?

In the Book of Mormon Alma compares the word of God to a seed that is planted in the heart. The analogy can apply to the word of God recorded in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and spoken of by modern prophets. Alma explains clearly the process of growing faith. Read Alma 32:26-43 and answer the following questions:

How does a desire to know truth lead to faith?

How will I know that the word is from God?

What do I need to do to get an answer?

What will happen to my faith if I don’t nourish it with continued study and prayer?

How do I keep my faith strong?

Our faith grows as we study the scriptures and come to a greater understanding of who God is and what He desires for us. Our faith is strengthened as we keep the commandments in spite of trials and as we act upon the promptings of the Spirit. Heavenly Father blesses us as we exercise our faith and keep the commandments. The Lord knows that we can’t resist temptation on our own. In 3 Nephi 18:18 He teaches us that we can resist temptation with His help.

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

In John 7:16-17, Christ taught that we can know if a principle is true by living it. He said to the people,

My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

We can apply this to any principle of the gospel. If we have a hard time accepting a specific commandment, we first need to live it, and then we will know that it is from God. For example, if we don’t understand why God asks us to keep the Sabbath day holy, we should dedicate the day to Him and see the blessings that come into our lives. This principle is also taught in the Book of Mormon. In Ether 12:6 we read,

Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

Read one Mormon’s reflections on faith.

Repentance

Faith in Jesus Christ leads us to the second principle of the gospel which is repentance. Repentance is the process by which we change from a state of sin to a state of righteousness.

How do we repent?

Mosiah 4:10

Doctrine and Covenants 58:43

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

We learned in lesson 2 that repentance is one of the central purposes of our life on earth. Repentance is a process. The first step in repentance is recognizing that we have sinned. When our faith grows, we recognize the things that we are doing wrong and feel godly sorrow. We love God, and we feel sorrow that we have disobeyed his commandments. We desire to change and become more like our Father in Heaven. We then act upon this desire. We must confess our sins to God through prayer and ask Him for forgiveness. We then forsake our sins, or stop doing them. We change our thoughts, desires, beliefs, and actions. It is not enough just to stop doing wrong. We must press forward doing that which is right. For repentance to be complete we must make restitution. This means that we do all that we can to fix the problems that we have created by sinning.

As our faith grows we fight our desire to commit sin. Our desire to please God and keep His commandments increases. We continue to make mistakes but constantly strive to correct these mistakes. We strive to follow the example Christ set and live as He did.

How does repentance help us receive mercy?

Alma 42:13, 21-24

What blessings are we promised when we repent?

Helaman 5:10-11

Doctrine and Covenants 58:42

Isaiah 1:18

Doctrine and Covenants 61:2

As we repent we receive God’s forgiveness. We feel peace in this life and are more prepared to live with God after this life. Repentance provides us with the opportunity to be redeemed and live with God again. God promises that when we truly repent, He will remember our sins no more. Our life becomes joyful as we strive to align our will with God’s will through repentance.

Baptism by Immersion and Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost

For our sins to be completely washed away, we must be baptized by immersion and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  These two ordinances must be performed by someone who holds the proper priesthood authority. Baptism is a sacred ordinance. An ordinance is a sacred way that we outwardly show we are making a covenant with God. A covenant is a binding two way promise between God and man. God sets the terms for all gospel covenants. Certain ordinances and covenants are required for salvation. Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are two of these saving ordinances. As we do what God asks, He promises us blessings. The baptismal covenant is outlined in the sacrament prayers and in other scriptures.

Read:

Doctrine and Covenants 20:77

Acts 2:38

Mosiah 18:8-10

What do we promise God?

What does God promise us?

What must a person do to prepare to be baptized?

Moroni 6:2-3

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37

The authority to baptize was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith by John the Baptist. Peter, James, and John (three of Christ’s original Apostles) restored the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. This priesthood authority is found only in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The manner of baptism has been clearly outlined by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 20:72-73. It reads:

Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent-

The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

One of the blessings of the baptismal covenant is that “[we] may always have His Spirit to be with [us]“. This promise is fulfilled when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred in an ordinance known as confirmation. This is when we officially become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gift of the Holy Ghost is often referred to as baptism by fire or baptism by the Spirit. Baptism by water is incomplete without the baptism of the Spirit. It is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us in this life. It enables the Spirit to dwell with us all the time, as long as we are living righteously.  The Holy Ghost provides guidance in our everyday decisions. It can warn of us danger and lead us down the path of righteousness and safety.  He comforts us when we are going through hard times, testifies of Christ, and helps us to feel God’s love.

How is the gift of the Holy Ghost given?

Acts 8:12-17

Doctrine and Covenants 35:6

What is the role of the Holy Ghost?

3 Nephi 27:20

John 14:26

Moroni 10:5

As we keep our covenants we will receive blessings in this life and eternal life in the world to come.

Endure to the End

We read in 2 Nephi 31:18 that when we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we enter the gate to the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. The next two verses explain what we must do after being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life (2 Nephi 31:19-20).

To receive eternal life we must endure to the end. To endure to the end we must strive to live as the Savior lived and keep the covenants we have made. We continue to develop and exercise our faith, repent of our sins, renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament weekly and by following the guidance of the Spirit. Although we will still commit sin, we must strive to avoid sin so that we can enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost.

What blessings are we promised for enduring to the end?

3 Nephi 15:9

3 Nephi 27:16

Matthew 10:22

Summary:

The Savior atoned for us so that we can be cleansed from our sins. There are certain steps that we need to follow to apply the Atonement and receive a remission of our sins. We must develop and exercise faith, repent of our sins, be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure in faithfulness to the end of our lives.

The Challenge:

Continue to study the scriptures daily to build your faith. Continue reading the Book of Mormon. You may want to study Alma 32 about faith and 2 Nephi 31 about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Evaluate your life. Decide what needs to be changed in your life for you to come closer to Christ. Repent of the things in your life that are not in harmony with God’s teachings.

Attend Church on Sunday.

Prepare yourself to receive the blessings that come from baptism and confirmation. Talk with the Mormon missionaries about a day that you can be baptized and receive a remission of your sins.

The Plan of Salvation

Mormon doctrine centers around the Plan of Salvation, which is God’s plan to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).  The plan of salvation represents the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is experienced and lived by mankind.  This plan, also called the plan of happiness, plan of mercy, and plan of redemption, teaches us where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going.  It answers the important questions in life about who we are and what our relation to God is.

The PreMortal Life

We lived before we were born.  A book of modern revelation states:

“Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones” (Abraham 3:22).

We existed as spirit children of God in Heaven.  Everyone knew and worshiped God the Father, and Christ, who was the First-Born spirit. During the premortal life we learned and grew in understanding and wisdom.  God presented us with a plan through which we would come to earth to gain experience through trial.  Because we would sin, due to our weakness, God provided Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Through Him, we can repent of the mistakes we make in this life.  Some of God’s children did not want to risk coming to earth, because they knew that some of us would not qualify to return to God’s presence.  Lucifer, one of God’s spirit children, led this rebellion, and he and his followers were cast out of Heaven and became the Devil and his angels.  They seek to tempt us from the right path, but God has provided Jesus Christ as the perfect example and teacher, and the Holy Ghost as our guide in this life.

The Creation and the Fall

God created this world for us, as is recorded in the Bible (Genesis 1-2).  He then created our bodies “in [His] image, after [His] likeness” (Genesis 1:26).  The first man and woman were Adam and Eve who were placed in the Garden.  Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” and fell.  The Fall according to Mormons, was a positive and necessary step.  Because of the fall, we live in a world of both good and evil.  This opposition guarantees our Agency.  We now have the opportunity to learn and grow through our choices and experiences.  The Book of Mormon declares:

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad (2 Nephi 2:11).

Mortality

Mormons believe that when we are born, a veil is placed over our minds that prevents us from remembering what happened in the premortal life (see Isaiah 25:7).  This is so that we will be tested according to our faith and our desires for good.  The Book of Mormon teaches:

And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death [ … ] which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead (Alma 12:24, pg 239).

This life is a time to learn and grow.  We need to learn to distinguish between good and evil and to make wise choices.  We must also develop talents and grow in godly attributes like love, faith, charity, hope, patience,  and endurance (see 2 Peter 1:2-9).  During this time we must also repent of our sins and mistakes and try to do better.  Mormons often refer to this as enduring to the end.

We must also perform those ordinances which God has commanded.  This includes baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and partaking of the emblems of Christ’s death and resurrection, which Mormons call the sacrament.  Other churches refer to this as the Eucharist.

During life we are also expected to marry and raise righteous families and serve others around us.  We should share the good news about Jesus Christ with friends and family so that they, too, can rejoice with us.

Death and the Spirit World

Eventually, we will all die, but death is only a step in God’s plan.  The Bible teaches us that after death “the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).  Jesus called this place “paradise” (see Luke 23:43).  Many people confuse this with Heaven, but paradise is only a temporary resting place for our spirits until we are resurrected.  The Book of Mormon teaches us:

[T]here is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth (Alma 40:21, pg 309).

The state of righteous, repentant souls is paradise, while the unrighteous, unrepentant souls are in spiritual prison (see 1 Peter 3:19-20).  Spirit prison and spirit paradise comprise the “Spirit World,” which Prophet Joseph F. Smith saw in vision.  Here, while waiting for the resurrection, the righteous souls teach the Gospel to those who died without hearing about it.  Peter taught that the “gospel [was] preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6).

Resurrection and Judgment

After a sojourn in the spirit world, all mankind will be resurrected.  (The righteous who died before Christ’s crucifixion were resurrected with Him.) This means that their spirits and their bodies will be reunited into perfect, immortal bodies that are free of pain, sickness, and deformity.  The Bible says:

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:23).

The Book of Mormon describes the resurrection by saying that

“the soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame” (Alma 40:23, pg 309).

This resurrection is literal and physical.  After we are resurrected, we each have a perfect, physical body just as Jesus had when he appeared to His disciples.  Jesus told His disciples: “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39).

After the resurrection, all mankind will be judged according to their deeds.  The book of Revelation says:

Another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (Revelation 20:12).

Various Christian churches use their own vocabulary to describe salvation.  The Mormon Church has several definitions for salvation:

1. Salvation from Physical Death. Christ’s atonement has overcome the power of death for all mankind.  All, both righteous and wicked, will be resurrected to a perfect, immortal state.
2. Salvation from Sin. The atonement has no affect for unrepentant, rebellious souls, who must suffer for their own sins in the Spirit World.  One must believe on the Savior, confess and forsake his sins, and strive to live according to the will of God to be saved from sin.  However, through the grace of God, all can be saved from their sins (see 2 Nephi 25:23; Helaman 5:10–11) as they repent and follow Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ overcame original sin, and all children are born innocent and pure.  When little children die, they are saved in the highest kingdom of heaven.
3. Being Born Again. “All mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; and thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 27:25–26).
4. Salvation from Ignorance. Many people live in a state of darkness, not knowing the light of the restored gospel. They are “only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12). Those who have a knowledge of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the purpose of life, the plan of salvation, and their eternal potential are saved from this condition. They follow the Savior, who declared, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
5. Salvation from the Second Death. The “second death” is separation from God and His glory.  Because of the atonement of Christ, only those who commit the “sin against the Holy Ghost” will fail to inherit a heavenly kingdom of glory.  This sin is to receive a perfect witness of Christ (as a prophet might) and then deny Him, thus “crucifying Him anew.”  Thus, almost every person who has ever lived on the earth is assured salvation from the second death (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:40–45).
6. Eternal Life, or Exaltation. In the scriptures, the words saved and salvation often refer to eternal life, or exaltation (see Abraham 2:11). Eternal life is to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and dwell with Them forever—to inherit a place in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom (see John 17:3; Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 132:21–24).   Mormons usually call this exaltation.

It is important to understand that Mormons believe what the Bible says, that works are important, and men will be judged by their works, but that no man can earn his way into heaven.  Nor can any man save himself.  The grace of Christ is what saves us, after all we can do.

Three Degrees of Glory

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw a vision of heaven, in which they saw that in heaven there are many degrees of glory, with three great divisions or kingdoms.

These degrees in Heaven are called by Mormons the Three Degrees of Glory.  Paul mentions these in 1 Corinthians 15:41-42:

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.  It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.

Joseph Smith’s vision is recorded in Mormon scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants section 76.  Mormons call the three degrees, the Celestial, the Terrestrial and Telestial Kingdoms.

• The Celestial Kingdom

The Celestial Kingdom is the highest glory.  It is what is commonly called Heaven.  Those who go here are those who accepted Jesus Christ, believed in Him, were baptized and kept His commandments.  They repented of all their sins and through their faith they were cleansed from all sin.  They inherit eternal life, which Jesus says is to know Him and God (John 17:3).  These people receive all glory and can become perfect through Jesus Christ.

In the Celestial Kingdom, families can live together forever.  Husbands and wives can remain together forever.  They dwell in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. The symbol of this kingdom is the glory of the sun

• The Terrestrial Kingdom

The Terrestrial Kingdom is the second degree of glory.  This is the final resting place for those who were not valiant in life, but were still good people.  These people were just and honorable, but did not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.  The symbol of this kingdom is the glory of the moon.

• The Telestial Kingdom

The lowest kingdom is the Telestial Kingdom.  This is where those who rejected Jesus and his gospel and did not repent of their sins.  The people must suffer for their own sins, because Jesus Christ will not redeem them until the very end, after they have suffered in spirit prison.  Those who go here are liars, murders, and all unrepentant sinners.  The symbol of this kingdom is the stars.  It is comforting to know that even this lowest kingdom of glory is so glorious that it “surpasses all understanding” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:89).

• Outer Darkness

Satan and his angels will be thrust into “outer darkness,” where there is no light or glory from God.  A few people, who knowingly reject Jesus Christ and fight against Him, will not receive any glory or salvation from God.  They will be cast out into Outer Darkness with Satan.  They are called “Sons of Perdition.” The scriptures have only identified one son of perdition and that is Cain.  Cain walked and talked with God, and then followed Satan, rebelling willfully, and then committed murder against the knowledge and light he had received.

Mormon Temples and Temple Work

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Mormon Church is its temples.  Mormon Temples are sacred buildings, set apart from the world.  They are not ordinary church buildings like chapels.  Mormons have both churches and temples.  In temples, Mormons perform sacred ordinances that strengthen us in this life and prepare us for the life to come.  Also in temples, families can be sealed together for all eternity and faithful Mormons can perform ordinances like baptism for those who died without the opportunity. The Holy Endowment One of the most sacred and defining moments in the life of a member of the Mormon Church comes when he or she receives his or her endowment.  An endowment is a gift; in this case it is a gift of knowledge and spiritual power from God.  Jesus referred to an endowment of power when he commanded his disciples to “tarry [...] in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).  Endue is an older form of the word endow.  In the endowment a person learns more about his place in the world and his relationship to God and the Savior, Jesus Christ. In the endowment, a person is first symbolically washed and clothed in white to symbolize becoming a new creature through Jesus Christ’s atonement.  Secondly, through a serious of symbolic presentations, a person learns about the purpose of this world and the mission of Jesus Christ.  A person then makes covenants to live righteously and according to God’s will, and receives a promise of eternal life.  A covenant is a binding promise between two people, in this case the covenants are between God and man. Finally, a person enters the Celestial Room which symbolizes salvation and God’s presence.  In this room, which is reserved for quiet prayer and meditation, a person can feel the power and spirit of God’s presence more than anywhere else in the world.  Many people return time and again to pause and pray here seeking for answers to their problems.  As a symbol of the covenants made in temples, Mormons wear sacred undergarments for the rest of their lives.  This garment serves to remind them of those promises and covenants which they have made. Celestial Marriage and Sealing For Mormons, one of the highest goals is have their family united forever through Celestial Marriage, which takes place only in temples.  This ceremony is called a sealing.  In a sealing ceremony a couple is married for time and eternity.  Time refers to the duration of this life and eternity to the life to come.  A family that knows they can and will be together forever becomes stronger as they realize the importance of their ties to one another.  This eternal perspective allows us to tolerate and express patience toward one another’s shortcomings.  (See The Family in God’s Plan). Family History and Temple Work The prophet Malachi wrote the following prophecy from the Lord: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5-6).  This promise has been fulfilled.  On April 3, 1836, the prophet Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13-16).  He gave them power to seal families and generations together.  Without this power and the strength it gives to families, the Lord says that the earth would be struck with a curse.  Everywhere you look today, you can see the misery that comes from broken families. Not only should our families be united together, but past generations can also be brought closer to the Lord.  Through genealogy, sometimes called family history, you can find out who your ancestors were.  In Holy Temples, there is a place provided where living persons can be baptized on behalf of deceased persons.  This is called baptism for the dead.   The Apostle Peter taught that Jesus visited the souls of people in spirit prison:

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit; By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah” (1 Peter 3:18-20).

In the next chapter, he explains the purpose of Jesus visiting these souls:

“For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6).

All those who have ever lived and died without a knowledge of the Gospel will be taught it in the Spirit World, and they will have the opportunity of either accepting or rejecting this baptism done for them in the temples.  Mormons believe this is one of the most supreme acts of service since we do something for others that they cannot do for themselves.

The Mormon Church and You:

The modern Church of Christ exists to help you and your family draw closer to God through ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament and through support and activities in the local congregations.  The threefold mission of the Church centers on drawing all people closer to Christ:

• Perfect the Saints
  • A saint is a member of the Church, meaning one who has or will be sanctified (made a saint) by Jesus Christ; perfecting the saints means working to help every member establish a closer relationship to God through service and fellowship.
• Proclaim the Gospel
  • The Mormon Church does this through missionary work, which includes over 55,000 missionaries in over 160 different countries.
• Redeem the Dead
  • This is done through genealogy and temple work

Perfecting the Saints:

Time, Talents, and Service

Each of us has a duty to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).  We need to be improving ourselves through education and service toward others.  Jesus taught the importance of this when he taught the parable of the talents (See Matthew 25:14-30).  In that parable, a man representing the Lord gives talents, an ancient form of money, to his servants when he leaves to go into another country.  To one he gives 5, to another 2, and to the last 1.  Each person has at least one talent according to his ability.  When the Lord returns, those with 5 and 2 have doubled their talents, while the servant with one hid his talent in the earth.  This story has been so influential that today, we refer to a person’s special ability to do something as a talent.  The Lord blesses the first two, but curses the last.  We also should not hide our talents, but use them to bless others.

The Lord has blessed each of us with many things.  Some of us have great musical talent, others can teach.  Some of us are blessed with great wisdom or insight.  Others have a talent for serving others or sharing with them.  No one is without at least one talent which they can use to serve others. Whatever our talents and abilities are, we should strive to improve them and add others.  In the Church, everyone has the opportunity to serve.  After you are baptized, you will receive a calling.  A calling is an assignment or job in the Church.  Since the Church has a lay ministry, every position, from speaking in worship services to cleaning the chapel is done by the members.  Through callings we have opportunities to grow and serve.

Your bishop will invite you to take a calling.  Sometimes you may feel unqualified or unprepared, perhaps even scared, but remember that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is calling you through the bishop, and if you are humble and teachable, you will receive power through the Holy Ghost.  You can also ask people around you for help or advice.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help in a new calling if you do not know what to do.

Other ways that the Church can help you is through the home teaching and visiting teaching programs.  Every family in a congregation has two home teachers assigned to visit them once a month.  These are generally assigned by the elders’ quorum president, and each set of home teachers is two men (priesthood-holders)  from the congregation who will visit the members’ homes, share spiritual messages, and ensure that all their spiritual and physical needs are met.  In this way, the Lord watches out for all His children.  Visiting teachers are women assigned by the Relief Society who visit all the adult women in the ward.  They take special care to help all the women and children of the congregation and also share spiritual messages.  You should be visited by your home and visiting teachers soon after joining the Church.  You can even ask who they are and introduce yourself to them at Church.

Proclaim the Gospel:

To the whole world

One of the last commandments that Jesus gave his disciples was, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).  This message is still in force.  The Mormon Church sends missionaries out to nearly every country on the planet, but they cannot reach everyone.  It is our duty as members of Christ’s Church to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.  (read more)

Redeem the Dead:

Genealogy and Family History

One of the most important duties we have as members of Christ’s Church is to redeem the dead.  This is one of the greatest acts of service that any of us can do.  Have you ever wondered about all those who died without ever having had a chance to hear about Jesus Christ?  Would it be fair if God denied them all His blessings just because they never knew about Him?  Modern prophets beginning with Joseph Smith have revealed how we can bring these blessings to our ancestors.

In the Holy Temples of the Mormon Church, we can be baptized on behalf of our ancestors who never learned about the Gospel.  This is called baptism for the dead (see also Temples and Temple work).  The first step we need to take is to find out who our ancestors were.  We can do this by talking to parents or older relatives to record what they remember about grandparents and aunts and uncles who lived before.  You can also do research in Family History Libraries which are found in many Mormon Churches.  Each library will have someone there who can help you find the records you need and will be able to give you advice about how to proceed.  The Church also has a website called Familysearch with tens of thousands of records.

Vicarious Work in the Holy Temple

After you have found the names, you can take them to the Temple.  The librarian in your family history library will help you do this.  In the temple you can be baptized on behalf of your deceased ancestors and have other ordinances performed for them that will give them all the blessings of the Gospel.

Mormon Faith

According to Mormonism, faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Gospel which all mankind must follow.  The Book of Mormon defines faith as having a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21, pg 289).  Faith is more than believing Jesus exists, it means believing Him when He says that you will be forgiven of your sins and saved in His Kingdom or trusting in Him enough to keep the commandments or fulfill one’s promises to God.  Faith in Jesus Christ consists in trusting that He has all power and can fulfill His promises to resurrect all mankind and save from sin those who repent and follow Him as their leader.  Those who have faith in God will have the courage to keep His commandments even when they are difficult.

Having faith means that you will act on your beliefs.  Merely believing or thinking that there is a God or that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world is not sufficient.  Jesus said in His masterful Sermon on the Mount that, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).  The Apostle James said of those who merely believe, but do not act on that belief: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20).

Faith, the confidence and assurance of what we cannot see with our natural eyes, comes as you exercise it by doing what God has commanded in the scriptures.  The Book of Mormon discusses how to develop faith (see Alma 32:18-43, pgs 289-291).  We begin by being humble and teachable.  If we are arrogant, the Spirit of God cannot work within us.  Second, we desire to believe.  The Book of Mormon compares this to planting a seed and watering it.  For example, if a person wanted to know if the Book of Mormon was true, he or she would read it and ponder its teachings through sincere prayer and meditation.  This is planting the seed.

Next, the seed must be nourished.  A person nurtures the seed through prayer, scripture study, service to others, and keeping the commandments.  So, a person praying about the Book of Mormon would begin applying its teachings to his or her life.  The Book of Mormon compares this to watering the seed or exercising a particle of faith.  The Holy Sprit will enter his or her heart and confirm that what they are studying and doing is correct.  If we do not experiment with our faith by keeping the commandments, praying, and attending church, the Spirit will not tell us whether the scriptures are true.

Mormons strive to develop their faith through study, prayer, service, and obedience to God’s commandments. Faith is a form of spiritual work and character shaping, in conjunction with the miracle of Christ’s Atonement.  Mormons often refer to their personal faith as their testimony and refer to telling others about their faith as “bearing testimony.”

The Scriptures, the Word of God for Men

The Prophet Joseph Smith once wrote, “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” (Articles of Faith 8 and 9).

Mormons believe that the words of God are spoken and written down by prophets.  The Apostle Peter said that “prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).  Modern revelation echoes this:

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (Doctrine and Covenants 68:4).

For Mormons, scripture is ongoing and open.  The Church believes many scriptures were written anciently that have not yet been given to us in modern times.  These scriptures have been “hidden up” by the Lord, because men are not yet worthy to receive them.  They include the writings of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, John the Baptist, the Ten Lost Tribes, and part of the Book of Mormon.  In addition, the Mormon Church has continued to gain more scripture through the words of inspired modern prophets.  There are four books, however, which Mormons call the standard works, and represent the core scriptures used by Mormons currently.  These four are:

• The Bible

Mormons typically use the King James Version as their standard version, though others are accepted.  The Mormon edition of the Bible is identical to that used by most Protestant churches, except that the Mormon Church has added extensive footnotes, an index, maps, and a dictionary of biblical terms.  Additionally, Joseph Smith undertook to translate the Bible himself during his lifetime, but was unable to finish.  His translations, called simply the Joseph Smith Translation or JST, are included in footnotes and in the appendix.

• The Book of Mormon

Belief in the Book of Mormon is one of the most distinguishing features of the Mormon Church and is the source of that nickname.  It contains the record of a civilization that lasted from 600 B.C. to A.D. 400 somewhere in the Americas.  This people, called Nephites, believed in God and Jesus Christ.  They were descendants of Israelites, and therefore inheritors of Israel’s promises.  They were visited by the Savior after His resurrection.  Eventually they fell away from the truth and were destroyed and absorbed into the surrounding cultures.

• Doctrine and Covenants

The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations given to modern prophets.  The majority of the revelations were received by Joseph Smith, but his successors have continued to add their revelations when these were particularly significant.  Most recently, a revelation was added in 1978.  The “D&C,” as Mormons refer to it, is not meant to be a compilation of every revelation the Church receives, but rather contains the most important, foundational revelations that direct the organization of the Church.

• Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price is a small book of scripture that contains translations and writings of Joseph Smith.  It has five sections, the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith-Matthew, Joseph Smith-History, and the Articles of Faith.  The Articles of Faith are a short summary of the basic beliefs of the Mormon Church.

In addition to these Standard Works, Mormons also believe that the words of living prophets are scripture for us.  Prophets reveal God’s will for us now and can help us in navigating the problems of modern life.  Their words are published in books and magazines, like the Ensign and the Liahona, two of the official magazines of the Church.

Mormons are encouraged to study the scriptures on their own every day and to listen to and read the words of the living prophets, which most often come during the semi-annual General Conferences held in Salt Lake City.  Mormons also study the scriptures in Sunday School and in other religious education classes.  Families are encouraged to pray and read the scriptures together regularly.

The Family in God’s Plan

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, 1995)

Families are the central unit of society and of the Mormon Church.  Marriage and the rearing of children are commandments from God for all mankind.  The Lord commanded Adam and Eve to have a family (see Genesis 1:28).  That commandment is still in force.

Marriage between a man and a woman is essential for our happiness in this life.  It is in the home that we learn our first lessons about morality, about God, and how to be good  members of society.  Of all relationships, the marriage and familial relationships are the most enduring and can endure all the way into eternity.

Our families on earth should be a reflection of the divine family of which we are all a part.  We are all children of divine parents who love us and have given us this earth on which to grow and develop.  Our families likewise should be based upon love and care for one another.  The Mormon Church provides many resources to help spouses and families grow strong.  The proclamation quoted above further teaches us that,

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

Families Can Be Together Forever

A phrase commonly heard from Mormons is, “Families can be together forever.”  Through the power of the Holy Priesthood, a husband and wife can be married for time and eternity in the temple.  Mormons refer to this as a sealing, or an eternal marriage.

We should also strengthen our families to prepare them for this life and for eternal life.  One Mormon leader has said the most important work any of us will ever do is within the walls of our own home.  Family life should be an important part of our lives.  Members of the Mormon Church are encouraged to set aside special time devoted to strengthening family relationships.  Family Home Evening is a program encouraged by the Mormon Church in which families devote at least one night a week, usually Monday, to spending time together.  During family home evenings, parents and children should study the gospel together, discuss other important topics like emergency preparedness or even cultural themes like history or music.  The missionaries can help teach you how to hold your own family home evening.

Families should also try to find other times during the week to meet together.  Family prayer is an important part of having a strong and close family.  Husbands and wives should also pray together regularly.  Families can also study the scriptures together daily.  All of these are excellent teaching opportunities to bring families closer together and teach children important values and beliefs.

Through prayer, gospel study, family home evenings, and family outings, whether it be camping, visiting a museum, traveling across country, or just having a picnic in the local park, children and parents can bond, and lessons can be shared.  As parents, you have wisdom from your own experiences that your children need to hear, and children, even though they will not always admit it, want to be guided through the trials of growing up.

Prophets, Ancient and Modern

Mormons believe in prophets, both ancient and modern. This belief is intertwined with the belief that God has an interest in talking to man, and does so through the prophets that He chooses. The Bible contains a record of God’s dealings with prophets in those days, and modern scripture contains a record of God’s dealings with prophets in modern days. Mormons believe that the heavens were not closed after the biblical record, and that He still talks to His children today, just as in days of old.

Most people think a prophet is someone who tells the future, but this is only a part of a prophet’s mission and not even the most important part.  The word prophecy can mean a couple of different things.  According to the Book of Revelation, “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).  This means that anyone who has a testimony of Jesus as Savior and Redeemer enlisted the spirit of prophecy to validate his or her testimony.  A prophet’s most important duty is to teach and testify of Jesus Christ.

The Bible contains the words of prophets as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost (see 2 Peter 1:20-21).  The Apostle Peter explains how God calls prophets to be witnesses to teach His message to others:

We are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God (Acts 10:39-41).

According to Peter, God “commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead” (Acts 10:42).  When people hear the words of prophets, the Holy Ghost confirms the truthfulness of this message (see Acts 10:44).  Once the Holy Ghost testifies to us that the prophets’ words are true, the prophets invite us to follow Jesus by being baptized and following the commandments.

God has always called prophets.  The prophet Amos wrote that “the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).  Paul tells us that “God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28).  Apostles are prophets also, since they bear witness of Jesus Christ.  Apostles are those prophets whom God places at the head of his Church.  They reveal God’s word.  Just as the writings of ancient prophets became scripture, modern prophets’ words become scripture.  The Doctrine and Covenants explains:

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (Doctrine and Covenants 68:4, see also 2 Peter 20-21).

Joseph Smith and modern Prophets

The first prophet of our day was Joseph Smith.  Joseph was born on December 23, 1805.  As a young man growing up in upper New York, he was troubled by the conflicts and differences among the various denominations of his day.  He described his feelings like this:

During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.

In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it
(Joseph Smith-History 1:8, 10)?

Joseph described how he would often look up at the stars and ponder about God.  He knew that God lived and that Jesus Christ was the Savior, but he heard so many conflicting teachings regarding the Godhead, that he could not figure out who was right or who was wrong.  Finally, he began studying the Bible.  One day, he read James 1:5 which says:

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

He knew that he could ask God and would not be upbraided, which means scolded.  Of this experience he said:

Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture (Joseph Smith-History 1:12-13).

Some time later he went out into the woods near his house in Palmyra, New York to pray.  He prayed aloud and at first, he felt a real and dark force trying to destroy him, but gathering all his strength, he continued.  He said:

Just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.  It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other–This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17).

At that moment, Joseph Smith saw in vision God the Father and Jesus Christ.  The Father introduced the Son and bid Joseph to listen to Him. Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven and that God wanted him not to join any of the existing churches.  Later Joseph would learn that he would be called to be a prophet like Moses, Isaiah, John the Baptist, or Paul.

Some time later, when he praying again, an angel appeared to him and told him about a book, written on metal plates, buried in a hill nearby.  After a few years, the angel appeared again and gave him the records.  From this record, using the power of inspiration of God, he translated the Book of Mormon, from which Mormons get their nickname.  The Book of Mormon is an ancient record telling the story of some of Israelite inhabitants of the ancient Americas.

From the time the Book of Mormon was published in 1829, to the time of his death in 1844, Joseph Smith led the Mormon Church as a Prophet of God.  During his short life, the Prophet Joseph established cities, produced volumes of scriptures, and sent missionaries throughout the world. He was involved in the construction of temples, served as mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois, and was even a candidate for the presidency of the United States.
He was definitively a controversial figure in American history.  Because he challenged established creeds, he attracted much persecution. On June 27, 1844, while in a jail in Carthage, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered by a mob.   He was succeeded as prophet by Brigham Young.

In all, there have been 16 prophets of the Mormon Church, all of them chosen through revelation from Jesus Christ. The Lord promises to remove a man out of his place if he is unworthy to guide the Church, and He promises that no prophet will ever lead the Church astray.   The First Presidency of the Church and all the Twelve Apostles are also prophets, seers, and revelators, but the prophet holds the all the priesthood keys to govern the Church and preach to the world.  In order, the prophets of the Church since Brigham Young have been,

• John Taylor
• Wilford Woodruff
• Lorenzo Snow
• Joseph F. Smith
• Heber J. Kimball
• George Albert Smith
• David O. McKay
• Joseph Fielding Smith
• Harold B. Lee
• Spencer W. Kimball
• Ezra Taft Benson
• Howard W. Hunter
• Gordon B. Hinckley
• Thomas S. Monson

Repentance in Mormonism

Repentance is a wonderful gift from a loving Heavenly Father.  Mormons believe that repentance should be viewed in a positive light as an opportunity to improve.  The root of the word repentance in both Hebrew and Greek refers to a turning from sin toward God and a change of heart.  Repentance is not synonymous with penance, but refers rather to the inner spiritual change.  The Book of Mormon refers to it as a change of heart.  Repentance is therefore the act of trying to bring one’s life more in accord with God’s teachings.

To repent we must acknowledge our mistakes and weaknesses.  We must take responsibility for our own actions and recognize that what we have done has hurt others and offended God.  Second, we must forsake the sin.  This means we must stop doing it and never return to it again.  We must, if possible, make restitution.  This means that if we stole something, we should return it or pay the person for what we took.  If we lied or hurt someone’s feelings, we must apologize.  Restitution is not always possible, but we must always apologize and ask for forgiveness from those we offended or hurt.  God is able to heal all wounds, and when we trust in Him, we can be forgiven.  Finally, we must ask for forgiveness from God through prayer.

When we have done this, we have this promise from God:

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43, pg 106).

When we have sincerely repented, we have God’s promise, and God cannot lie, that we are forgiven.  To become clean from all our sins and become a new creature in Christ, we must follow repentance with baptism.  However, as everyone continues to make mistakes, we must repent throughout our lives and continually turn towards God for strength and forgiveness.  Through the sacrament, which Mormons partake of every Sunday, we can renew the covenants made at baptism and thus renew the cleansing of the Holy Spirit.  The Doctrine and Covenants of the Mormon Church says:

Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.  Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved  And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you (Doctrine and Covenants 33:11-13).