The Fall
Adam and Eve were the first man and woman on the earth, created in the image of God with bodies of flesh and bones. They dwelt in a place called the Garden of Eden where they still remained in Heavenly Father's presence. They lived in innocence, and were not able to experience joy, pain, or sorrow[3]. God gave them their agency, and commanded them to not eat of the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They were able to remain in the Garden if they kept this commandment. However, the serpent (Satan) tempted Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit[2]. And so, exercising their agency, they partook of the forbidden fruit and were cast out of the Garden and out of the presence of Heavenly Father to till the earth[4]. After this they became subject to sin and death; Adam and Eve became mortal. They could now experience disease and all forms suffering, and therefore were also able to experience joy. They had their moral agency to choose between good and evil which made it possible for them to learn and progress, and also be subject to mistakes and sin. Adam and Eve then brought forth children into the world[5]. That way, the rest of God's spirit children could come to the earth to obtain bodies and be tested - to learn and progress to become like Him. The Lord revealed the plan of salvation to Adam, and that by following the plan, Adam and his family could experience joy on earth and return to live with Heavenly Father. The Fall of Adam is a key part of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness for us. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy"[1].- 2 Nephi 2:25
- 2 Nephi 2:18
- 2 Nephi 2:23
- 2 Nephi 2:19
- 2 Nephi 2:20
The Atonement
Jesus Christ was "prepared from the foundation of the world" to be a Savior and a Redeemer of the world[4]. He overcame the obstacles of sin and physical death. In the Garden of Gesthemane, Christ took upon the sins of the world, which caused him to "tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore"[5]. He then was crucified apon the cross at Calvary and "slain for the sins of the world"[1]. After the third day, He rose from the grave "to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise"[2]. Whether we have done good or evil in this life, we will all be resurrected and are able to return to Heavenly Father's presence to be judged of Him because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - that is a gift promised to each of us. However, it does not guarantee that we will be able to live in His presence. We are responsible for our own sins, so to be able to live in Heavenly Father's presence, we must also be cleansed from sin. This can only be achieved through the atoning grace and mercy of the Savior. We are saved by grace, after all that we can do[3]. Christ promises to forgive our sins on the condition that we exercise our faith in Him, repent of our sins, be baptized by immersion, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, keep His commandments, and endure to the end. If we do this, we will be relieved of the burden of guilt and shame. Through Jesus Christ and the Atonement, we can become worth to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. - 1 Nephi 11:33
- 2 Nephi 2:6-8
- 2 Nephi 25:23
- Ether 3:14
- D&C 19:16-19
Principles and Ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ
"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"[1]. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Faith is having hope for things which are not seen, which are true. In order for our faith to lead us to salvation, it must be centered in Jesus Christ[2]. Having faith in Christ means that we believe that He is the Only Begotten Son of God, and we accept His Atonement and His teachings. It also means relying on Him completely. We are blessed when we exercise our faith in Christ and obey His commandments.
Baptism
Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance prepares us for baptism. Jesus Christ, although perfect, was baptized, and has commanded us to do likewise. By getting baptized, we show are willingness to follow the Savior and His example. No person can enter into the kingdom of God without being baptized by the proper manner and authority. The Lord revealed the true method of baptism, which states that the ordinance must be done by the proper authority and it must be done by full immersion into the water. When we are baptized, we entered into a covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments[4]. When we keep our part of the covenant, the Lord keeps his part by promising us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and being born again. Once baptized, we regularly renew the covenants we made by partaking of the sacrament every week.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
After we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Once you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can have His constant companionship throughout your life if you keep the commandments. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is one of Heavenly Father's most precious gifts. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ, helps us recognize truth, comforts us, warns us of danger, provides the power by which we teach and learn, and guides us to do what is right[5].
Repentance
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ leads us to repent of our sins. But repentance is much more than just acknowledging our wrongdoings. It is forming a fresh view of God, ourselves, and the world. When we repent, we feel godly sorrow, discontinue our wrongdoings and continue doing things that are right. Repentance is a painful process, but it leads to forgiveness and peace of mind. The steps of the repentance process include faith in Heavenly Father and His Son, sorrow for sin, confession, abandonment of sin, restitution, and righteous living. The Lord promises us that "He that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven"[3].
Baptism
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
After we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Once you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can have His constant companionship throughout your life if you keep the commandments. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is one of Heavenly Father's most precious gifts. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ, helps us recognize truth, comforts us, warns us of danger, provides the power by which we teach and learn, and guides us to do what is right[5].
- Article of Faith #4
- Mosiah 3:17
- D&C 1:32
- 2 Nephi 31:13
- 2 Nephi 32:5
Gathering of Israel
"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 paradisical glory"[1].
Hundreds of years before the time of Christ, there was a great prophet named Jacob. Jacob was a grandson of Abraham. The Lord called Jacob "Israel", which means "one who prevails with God". Jacob had twelve sons, who became the 12 tribes of Israel. God made a promise that the Israelites if they kept His commandments, they would be His chosen people. They were to be a blessing to all the nations by bringing the gospel and priesthood to them[2]. However, despite warnings from the prophets, the Israelites consistently broke the commandments. Over the years, through wars and destruction, Israelites became scattered all over the world[3]. Today, Israelites are found all over the world, however many of them do not know of their ancient heritage. The Lord promised that His people would be gathered someday[4]. This is done through missionary work. As people come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ, receiving the ordinances of salvation and keeping the associated covenants, they become the children of the covenant. First, there is to be a spiritual gathering. They are gathered spiritually by joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and partake in sacred covenants and ordinances. This spiritual gathering is happening all over the world as people of many different nations are being converted to the church. However, there is also to be a physical gathering of Israel during the Second Coming of the Savior. They will be gathered from the four quarters of the earth and will be of one fold[5].
- Article of Faith #10
- Deuteronomy 28:9-10
- 1 Nephi 11:3-8
- 1 Nephi 15:12-17
- 1 Nephi 22:25
