An Epitome of Faith and Doctrine
(From "Times and Seasons" Vol. III, page 710, 1842 - in answer to an inquiry by the Honorable John Wentworth of Chicago and published by him in his paper, the Democrat)
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgressions.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
We believe that these ordinances 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.
We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church; viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
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.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes, that Zion will be built upon this continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaic glory.
We claim privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our consciences, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
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.
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) added the following items:
We believe in the resurrection of the body; that the dead in Christ will rise first, and the rest of the dead will not live again until the thousand years are expired.
We believe in the doctrine of Eternal Judgement, which provides that men shall be judged, rewarded, or punished, according to the degree of good or evil they have done.
We believe that marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock, for either man or woman, except in cases where the contract of marriage is broken by death or transgression.
We believe that the doctrines of a plurality and community of wives are heresies and are opposed to the law of God. The Book of Mormon says: "Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord; for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none, for I, the Lord God delighteth in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me saith the Lord of Hosts."
We believe that in all matters of controversy upon the duty of man towards God, and in reference to preparation and fitness for the world to come, the word of God should be decisive and the end of dispute, and that when God directs, man should obey.
We believe that the religion of Jesus Christ as taught in the New Testament Scriptures, will, if its precepts are accepted and obeyed, make men and women better in the domestic circle; better citizens of town, county, and State; and consequently better fitted for the change which cometh at death.
