The Seventh Article of Faith

The Seventh Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is as follows, "We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of various gifts of the Spirit that were given to Christ's disciples immediately following the Savior's earthly ministry. Included among these gifts of the Spirit were the gift of healing, the working of miracles, the gift of prophecy, the gift of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. These gifts have been given to faithful people since the beginning to accomplish God's purposes and to benefit His children. Since we know from Hebrews 13:8 that, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever," we should expect that the same gifts of the Spirit given to faithful disciples of Christ previously should also be given today wherever faith in God is exhibited. It has only been during times of apostasy and general disbelief and rebellion when these gifts have been taken from the earth. "And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues: Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so he does not understand them." (Mormon 9:7-8) "And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth." (Mormon 9:20-21)

Throughout the Bible we can find instances of God's communication with man. He spoke to all of His prophets throughout all the ages of time. He commanded His prophets to lead, guide, and teach the people as well as to keep all of His commandments. We believe, as members of the LDS Church, that our time is no different. We believe that the Lord continues to speak to his servants to guide His people. We believe that our Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, is the mouthpiece of the Lord, just as Moses was while the Israelites were in bondage and during their wanderings in the desert. We believe that we must have a Prophet for our own time, to warn us of perils and to lead us back to the Savior. We believe that President Hinckley has the gift of prophecy and revelation.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic