Articles of Faith
Overview
The Articles of Faith, originally written by Joseph Smith in 1842 as part of the Wentworth Letter and later canonized in the Pearl of Great Price (first compiled in 1851), serve as a concise creedal summary of Latter-day Saint beliefs. Across thirteen declarative statements, the text outlines a theological system that diverges significantly from historic, orthodox Christianity while utilizing similar terminology. It begins with a statement on the Godhead (Article 1) and immediately moves to deny the imputation of Adam's original sin to humanity (Article 2). The core soteriological claim is found in Article 3, which asserts that salvation is achieved through the atonement of Christ combined with strict obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. These ordinances are defined as faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the Holy Ghost (Article 4). The text further establishes the necessity of a hierarchical, restored priesthood authority to administer these ordinances (Article 5) and mirrors this with a claim to primitive church organization (Article 6) and spiritual gifts (Article 7). Epistemologically, the text creates a dual standard for scripture: the Bible is accepted conditionally ('as far as it is translated correctly'), while the Book of Mormon is accepted absolutely (Article 8). It also codifies an open canon with continuing revelation (Article 9). The final articles address eschatology, specifically the literal gathering of Israel and the establishment of Zion on the American continent (Article 10), followed by affirmations of religious liberty (Article 11), civic obedience (Article 12), and a commitment to moral virtue, quoting the Apostle Paul (Article 13). For the LDS believer, this text is a definitive, binding summary of their worldview and religious obligations.
Key Figures
- God the Eternal Father: The first person of the LDS Godhead, presented as the supreme deity.
- Jesus Christ: The Son of God, whose atonement provides the basis for salvation, though this salvation is activated by human obedience.
- Holy Ghost: The third member of the Godhead, whose gift is bestowed exclusively through the laying on of hands by authorized priesthood holders.
- Adam: The first man, whose transgression is acknowledged but explicitly not imputed to mankind as original sin.
- Paul: The biblical Apostle, whose admonitions in 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 4 are quoted to establish the moral framework of the LDS faith.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
The Godhead
Assertion
Belief in God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
Evidence from Text
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
Evangelical Comparison
Article 1 uses traditional Christian nomenclature but masks a profound theological divergence. In LDS theology (clarified in other LDS scriptures like D&C 130:22), the Father and the Son are separate beings with physical bodies of flesh and bone, and the Holy Ghost is a separate personage of spirit. This is Tritheism or social trinitarianism, not historic Monotheism. Evangelical Christianity, based on passages like Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 43:10, affirms strict Trinitarianism: God is one uncreated, indivisible, infinite Spirit (John 4:24) who exists eternally in three distinct persons. The LDS view fundamentally alters Theology Proper by denying the ontological unity and immateriality of God.
Denial of Imputed Original Sin
Assertion
Mankind is punished only for their own individual sins, not for the inherited guilt or nature of Adam's fall.
Evidence from Text
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
Evangelical Comparison
Article 2 explicitly rejects the imputation of Adam's sin to his descendants. In LDS theology, humans are born inherently innocent and only become guilty through personal, accountable transgression. Evangelical Christianity teaches the doctrine of Original Sin and Federal Headship, primarily derived from Romans 5:12-19 and Ephesians 2:3. Because Adam acted as the representative for humanity, his fall plunged all of mankind into spiritual death, resulting in an inherited sinful nature and imputed guilt. The denial of original sin in Mormonism shifts the focus of salvation from a rescue of spiritually dead rebels to an elevation of inherently capable individuals.
Conditional Salvation (Works-Righteousness)
Assertion
Salvation is made possible by Christ's atonement but is actualized only through human obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Evidence from Text
We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Evangelical Comparison
Article 3 is the clearest articulation of LDS soteriology in this text. It presents a synergistic model where Christ's atonement is necessary but insufficient on its own; it must be activated by the believer's 'obedience to the laws and ordinances.' This is a direct violation of the Evangelical pillar of Sola Fide. Biblical Christianity teaches that justification is a monergistic act of God's grace, received through faith alone, apart from any works of the law (Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). By making salvation contingent on obedience to laws and ordinances, the text places the believer under a covenant of works, nullifying the biblical definition of grace (Romans 11:6).
Necessity of Restored Priesthood Authority
Assertion
Legitimate ministry and the administration of saving ordinances require a specific calling and physical ordination by those holding authorized priesthood.
Evidence from Text
We believe that a man must be called of God by 'prophesy, and by laying on of hands' by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
Evangelical Comparison
Article 5 establishes the LDS claim to exclusive priesthood authority. It asserts that no one can preach or administer ordinances without a direct, traceable line of authority (which LDS theology claims was restored to Joseph Smith). This creates a closed sacramental system. Evangelical Christianity affirms the Universal Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6). Because of Christ's finished work as the sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), the veil was torn, and all believers have direct access to God. While Evangelicals recognize church leadership and ordination, they reject the idea that a specific, exclusive human priesthood is required to validate the preaching of the Gospel or the administration of baptism and communion.
Conditional Biblical Authority and Open Canon
Assertion
The Bible is the word of God only insofar as it is translated correctly, whereas the Book of Mormon is accepted without caveat. Furthermore, God continues to reveal new scripture.
Evidence from Text
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...
Evangelical Comparison
Articles 8 and 9 dismantle the Evangelical doctrine of Sola Scriptura. By adding the caveat 'as far as it is translated correctly' (which in LDS usage often means 'transmitted correctly,' implying lost truths), the text introduces systemic doubt regarding biblical reliability. In contrast, the Book of Mormon is given absolute endorsement. Furthermore, Article 9 establishes an open canon, allowing modern leaders to add to or alter doctrine through new revelation. Evangelicalism holds that the 66-book Bible is the inspired, infallible, and sufficient word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21). The canon is closed (Jude 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19), and the Bible alone is the final arbiter of truth, not modern prophets or additional books.
American Zion and Literal Gathering
Assertion
Israel will be literally gathered, and the New Jerusalem (Zion) will be built on the American continent prior to Christ's millennial reign.
Evidence from Text
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. That Zion will be built upon this (American) continent.
Evangelical Comparison
Article 10 outlines LDS eschatology, which includes traditional elements like the personal reign of Christ and the renewal of the earth, but introduces a highly specific, extra-biblical claim: the building of Zion (the New Jerusalem) on the American continent. While Evangelicals hold various views on the end times (Premillennial, Amillennial, etc.) and the future of ethnic Israel, biblical prophecy centers the eschatological fulfillment in the Middle East, specifically Jerusalem (Zechariah 14, Revelation 21). The shift of sacred geography to America is a unique innovation of Joseph Smith that lacks any biblical precedent.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text fundamentally diverges from Evangelicalism by denying justification by faith alone (requiring obedience to ordinances for salvation) and denying the sufficiency of Scripture (demanding modern prophets, extra-biblical texts, and casting doubt on biblical reliability).
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological gap between the Articles of Faith and Evangelical Christianity is vast, primarily centering on Soteriology and Epistemology. Soteriologically, Article 3 explicitly establishes a works-righteousness paradigm. By stating that mankind is saved 'by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel,' it directly contradicts the Evangelical pillar of Sola Fide. In biblical theology, obedience and good works are the *fruit* of salvation, not the *root* or prerequisite for it (Ephesians 2:8-10). The LDS framework requires human merit and ritual participation to actualize the benefits of Christ's atonement, effectively denying the sufficiency of Christ's finished work on the cross. Epistemologically, Articles 8 and 9 dismantle Sola Scriptura. By asserting that the Bible is only the word of God 'as far as it is translated correctly,' the text introduces a hermeneutic of suspicion toward the biblical text. This caveat is historically used in Mormonism to dismiss biblical passages that contradict LDS doctrine. Simultaneously, it elevates the Book of Mormon to an unquestioned status and mandates belief in ongoing, open-ended revelation. This creates a theological system where the ultimate authority is not the objective, unchanging Word of God, but the subjective, evolving decrees of the LDS church hierarchy. Furthermore, the denial of original sin (Article 2) and the requirement of an exclusive priesthood (Article 5) further alienate the text from orthodox, biblical Christianity.
For All Ages
Imagine you owe a billion dollars to a bank, and you have no money. Evangelical Christianity says Jesus paid your entire debt perfectly. Because He paid it, the bank gives you a receipt that says 'Paid in Full,' and you are completely free just by trusting Jesus. You do good things because you are so happy and thankful you are free. The Articles of Faith teach something different. They teach that Jesus made it *possible* for your debt to be paid, but to actually get free, you have to follow a strict payment plan. You have to be baptized by a specific group of people, follow their rules, and keep obeying their laws. If you stop paying, you aren't free. Also, Evangelicals believe the Bible is the only rulebook we need, like a perfect map from God. The Articles of Faith say the Bible might have mistakes in it, so we need a new map (the Book of Mormon) and new guides (modern prophets) to tell us what to do. This means you can never just trust the Bible alone; you always have to listen to the new guides.
Friction Points
Sola Fide (Justification by Faith Alone)
Article 3 demands obedience to laws and ordinances as a requirement for salvation, making human works co-requisite with Christ's atonement.
Sola Scriptura (Sufficiency of Scripture)
Articles 8 and 9 cast doubt on biblical reliability, elevate the Book of Mormon, and establish an open canon of continuing revelation.
Universal Priesthood of Believers
Article 5 requires a specific, hierarchical priesthood authority to preach and administer ordinances, denying direct access to God for ministry.
Original Sin / Federal Headship
Article 2 explicitly denies that mankind inherits guilt or a fallen nature from Adam's transgression.
Theology Proper (Trinity)
While using Trinitarian language in Article 1, the underlying LDS theology (which this text introduces) denies the ontological unity of the Godhead.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"God the Eternal Father"
In This Text
The first member of the Godhead, understood in broader LDS theology as an exalted man with a physical body of flesh and bone.
In Evangelicalism
The first person of the Trinity; an uncreated, eternal, immaterial Spirit who is one in essence with the Son and Holy Spirit.
"Salvation"
In This Text
Often used to mean general resurrection (which comes to all), but in the context of Article 3, it refers to ultimate exaltation, which requires strict obedience to laws and ordinances.
In Evangelicalism
Deliverance from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin; justification before God granted as a free gift through faith alone.
"The Gospel"
In This Text
A set of laws, principles, and physical ordinances (faith, repentance, baptism, laying on of hands) that must be obeyed.
In Evangelicalism
The 'good news' of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which perfectly accomplished redemption for sinners.
"Translated correctly"
In This Text
Refers not just to linguistic translation, but to transmission—the belief that plain and precious truths were maliciously removed from the Bible by the early church.
In Evangelicalism
The accurate rendering of the preserved original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts into a receptor language.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: In the context of this text, salvation is the ultimate rescue of mankind, but in broader LDS theology, it is bifurcated into general salvation (resurrection for all) and individual exaltation (eternal life with God).
How Attained: Through a synergistic combination of Christ's atonement and human 'obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel' (Article 3).
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is based on one's current level of obedience, worthiness, and completion of required priesthood ordinances.
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text is diametrically opposed to Sola Fide. Romans 3:28 states, 'Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.' Article 3 states mankind is saved 'by obedience to the laws and ordinances.' The biblical Gospel offers assurance based on Christ's perfection; the LDS gospel offers conditional hope based on human performance.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Obey the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
- Exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Repent of sins.
- Be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins.
- Receive the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Be subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates.
- Obey, honor, and sustain the law of the land.
- Be honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and virtuous.
- Do good to all men.
- Seek after things that are virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy.
Implicit Obligations
- Submit to the authority of LDS priesthood leaders, as they are the only ones 'in authority' to administer ordinances.
- Accept the Book of Mormon as the infallible word of God.
- Accept Joseph Smith and subsequent LDS leaders as true prophets capable of receiving new revelation.
- View the Bible with skepticism regarding its translation/transmission accuracy.
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism by immersion (specifically for the remission of sins).
- Laying on of hands (specifically for the gift of the Holy Ghost).
- Ordination by the laying on of hands (for those called to preach or administer ordinances).
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In Article 3, it says we are saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances. How do you know when you have been obedient enough to be truly forgiven?
- Article 8 says the Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. How do we determine which parts are translated correctly and which parts aren't?
- If Jesus paid the full price for our sins on the cross, why do we need to add our own obedience to laws and ordinances to be saved?
- Article 2 says we aren't punished for Adam's transgression. How does that fit with Romans 5:12, which says that through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Atonement of Christ
LDS members revere the atonement of Christ. An Evangelical can bridge this by agreeing on the beauty of the atonement, but elevating its power. If Christ's atonement is truly infinite and perfect, it does not need our flawed obedience to 'activate' it. It is sufficient on its own.
Desire for Virtue and Goodness
LDS members have a strong desire to live moral, upright lives. This desire for goodness can be affirmed, but redirected to show that true virtue is impossible without a new heart given by the Holy Spirit, and that our best works are like filthy rags compared to God's holiness.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
Because Article 3 demands obedience to laws and ordinances for salvation, the LDS believer is placed on a never-ending treadmill of worthiness. They can never have true, restful assurance of their salvation because their obedience is never perfect. This breeds a quiet, persistent anxiety about whether they have 'done enough.'
Article 8's caveat that the Bible is only trusted 'as far as it is translated correctly' strips the believer of an objective anchor. They cannot simply read God's Word and trust it; they must constantly rely on the interpretations and shifting decrees of modern church leaders to tell them what is true.
Articles 4 and 5 mandate that saving ordinances can only be performed by those with LDS priesthood authority. This creates a total dependence on the institution of the LDS Church. A believer cannot seek God independently; their eternal destiny is held hostage by their standing with the organization.