13 Articles of Faith: Simple Overview of What Mormons Believe

The 13 Articles of Faith, written by Joseph Smith, are the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and are located in the volume of scripture called the Pearl of Great Price.

These 13 statements are not comprehensive. However, they were drafted in the early days of the Church and are still the best summary of our basic beliefs.

LDS children and youth often memorize them so they can recite them to others, especially when asked what they believe. Many teaching and learning resources exist to help with this.

The Thirteen Articles of Faith

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel 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.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. 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 be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

To understand these 13 points more fully, access an explanation of the 13 statements.

Other LDS Beliefs Not Contained in the 13 Articles of Faith

The 13 Articles of Faith were never intended to be comprehensive. They are simply useful in understanding some basic Mormons beliefs.

Through the blessing of modern revelation, Mormons believe that the full gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth. These include all the ordinances necessary for the salvation of all people.

These ordinances are exclusively available in our temples. These ordinances allow us to seal families, not just for time, but for eternity as well.

Additional scripture has also been revealed. This scripture composes what Mormons refer to as the standard works. These are four different books.

1. Bible
2. Book of Mormon
3. Doctrine and Covenants
4. Pearl of Great Price

As stated in the ninth Article of Faith, we believe that revelation from Heavenly Father to His prophets continues. We may receive more revelation in the future.