The Articles of Faith Conclusion

The Articles of Faith are inspired declarations written by the Prophet Joseph Smith. They include, "simple statements of the principles of our religion" and "essential doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ." These are 13 simple beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These, of course, aren't all of our beliefs, but they are the basic ones of the church. It's been great being able to comment and expound a little bit more upon them. Thank you for following them and learning just a little bit more about them. Remember that the way we can know truth is through the Holy Ghost and we can only receive answers if we ask questions.

The Articles of Faith part 13 of 13

Article of Faith #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 endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

These are some great attributes of Christ. These are the things that we are all trying to perfect. I love the admonition of Paul, as we read in the bible it states, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be and praise, think of these things." (Philippians 4:8) We can tell those who are trying to be true followers of Jesus Christ as they try to be more like him, and to have the same attributes as him.

The Articles of Faith part 12 of 13

Article of Faith #12, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

This one is pretty self-explanatory. We believe in being law keepers, not law breakers. It says in Titus 3:1, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work." We are taught to obey the law like Paul is teaching Titus. We should do all we can to uphold the law up until it starts to break the laws of God. It's best to help support our government in what they do, but not things that go against what God would have us do.We gain more freedoms as we are obedient and we are more free to do what we chose when we are obedient as well. The more we are willing to keep the commandments the more we are blessed.

The Articles of Faith part 11 of 13

Article of Faith #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."

Such a basic statement about freedom of religion. We don't shove it down your throat, at least we aren't supposed to, but we allow you the privilege of worshiping how, where, or whatever you choose. We like worshiping God in our own way, and we want to give you that same right. I believe that God made the United States of America the way it was because of this reason right here. Freedom of religion was one of the main reasons why people came over to America, and still come to America. Thus, if we believe God to respect our agency, and give us truly the ability to choose for ourselves. Wouldn't the church that claims to be Christ's restored church believe in respecting that agency as well? I believe so. I know that this church is true. It was restored, and continues to operate under the direction of Jesus Christ through Thomas S. Monson.