Articles of Faith 1

Jesus Christ, Son of the Eternal Father

Jesus — Jehovah saves; Christ — the Anointed One

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Articles of Faith 1:1

The first article names Jesus Christ as the Son of God the Eternal Father, a distinct member of the Godhead. Knowing Them is the start of eternal life.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 17:3 — Life eternal is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.

Atonement of Christ

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Articles of Faith 1:3

Salvation comes through Christ's Atonement and is offered to every person. We receive it by following Him in His laws and ordinances.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Hebrews 5:9 — Christ became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
• alluded to by D&C 138:4 — Through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel 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. Articles of Faith 1:4

The first principle of the gospel is faith, and it is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ specifically. Repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost follow from it, and together they are the doctrine of Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alludes to Hebrews 6:1-2 — The principles of the doctrine of Christ: repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands.
• alludes to 2 Nephi 31:17-21 — Nephi's teaching of the way through faith, baptism and the Holy Ghost: the doctrine of Christ.

Millennial reign of Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. Articles of Faith 1:10

After His Second Coming, Christ Himself will personally rule on the earth during the Millennium, and the earth will be made new.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to D&C 29:11 — The Lord will reveal Himself and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years.
• alludes to Revelation 20:4 — The faithful reign with Christ a thousand years.