What is Mormonism: Articles of Faith - Article #1

This post is about the first Article of Faith, mentioned in the previous post about Mormonism.  The first article, as written in the Wentworth Letter by Joseph Smith, is as follows:

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

The significant belief in this is that these three members of the Godhead are three separate beings.  In the Holy Bible we can find examples of this.  One such example is at the baptism of Jesus Christ.  Matthew's record states that Christ was baptized in the river, and then God spoke from the heavens while the Holy Ghost descended.  (Matthew 13:13-17)

However, the knowledge of three separate beings is best seen in Joseph Smith's 'First Vision.'  This vision of his took place when he was a young teenager.  Following the directions of James of the Bible, as found in chapter 1 and verse 5 of his account, Joseph found a private place to pray to ask which religion he should join.  At this time God, the Father, and Jesus Christ presented themselves to Joseph Smith by the power of the Holy Ghost.

L. Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has said, "Our belief does not come from the speculations of men about the existence and nature of God, but from firsthand experience clarified for mankind and the existence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.  Thus to the world came the vision that three personages comprise this great presiding council of the universe and have revealed themselves to mankind as three separate beings, physically distinct from each other as demonstrated by the accepted records of their divine dealings with mankind." (The Articles of Faith, Ensign, April 1998.)

*If you have more questions about Mormonism, the first Article of Faith, Joseph Smith, the Godhead, or something else concerning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ask the missionaries:
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