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The First Article of Faith

© Rebecca Talley

In 1842 Joseph Smith penned 13 statements outlining the basic beliefs and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These articles, later named The Thirteen Articles of Faith, were published as a letter in response to John Wentworth in the "Times and Seasons" Newspaper. Since many people were curious about the Church, Joseph Smith wanted to explain the basic tenets in a clear, concise format.

The first of these Articles of Faith is as follows, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, in His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." This Article of Faith explains our fundamental belief of the Godhead. At the time of Joseph Smith's vision in 1820, it was a commonly held belief that the members of the Godhead were all one being, without bodies, parts, or passions. God was seen as an essence that could dwell in one's heart while encompassing the entire universe at the same time.

It is important to have a true understanding of God, the Father, so that we may increase our faith in Him. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent" (John 17:3) This scripture clearly states that in order to have eternal life we must first know God and Jesus Christ. The more we know of our Heavenly Father and His Son the greater capacity we have to exercise our faith in them.

We understand from Joseph Smith's vision of the Father and the Son in a grove of trees near Palmyra, New York, in the spring of 1820, that each member of the Godhead is a separate and distinct being. It is recorded in the Bible that when the Savior was baptized in the River Jordan, those present heard the voice of the Father saying, " . . .This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). They also witnessed the Holy Ghost in the sign of a dove. Another experience is recorded in the book of Acts. Just prior to Stephen's martyrdom the heavens opened and he ". . . saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55). In John 14:26 Jesus speaks of the Holy Ghost and of the Father when He says, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

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