We gain access to Christ’s redeeming power by coming unto Jesus Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit, exercising faith in Him unto repentance, being baptized, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation, and enduring to the end. Keeping the covenant of baptism is the first step in binding ourselves to God so the Holy Ghost can cleanse, strengthen, and change our nature for the better. After we are baptized and confirmed, we can continue to be strengthened by partaking of the sacrament worthily.
Key scriptures:(See 2 Ne 31:7, 13-14, 20-21; Mosiah 5:1-7; 18; 27:24-26; 3 Ne 27:13-22; John 3:5. Also 2 Ne 31:13; Mosiah 18:7-16; Moro 6:2; D&C 20:37. And 2 Ne 31:4-12; Moro 6; D&C 20:37; 22; Matt 3:13-17)
From Preach My Gospel:
The covenant of baptism is as follows:
God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children (Rom 8:16). He created us in His image (Gen 1:27). He knows each of us personally (Isa 45:4; Acts 9:4) and loves each of us very much (1 John 4:19). God has a glorified, perfected body of flesh and bones (D&C 130:22). He desires to bless us with peace and a fulness of joy that will last for eternity. (Rom 15:13; Gal 5:22; D&C 42:61). Because God loves us, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin and death (John 3:16-17; Rom 5:8).
God calls prophets as His representatives on earth (Amos 3:7). Anciently God called men such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah. Today a living prophet receives revelation from God to teach and lead us. (See Elder Ballard's April 2018 General Conference Address.)
Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 3:16-17). During His earthly ministry Jesus taught His gospel ( Matt 4:23; Matt 5-7; Matt 22:36-39) and established His Church. Jesus called 12 Apostles and gave them authority to lead His Church (Mark 3:13-15; Eph 2:19-20; Eph 4:11-14). At the end of His life, Jesus atoned for our sins by His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and during the Crucifixion (Luke 22:39-44; John 19:16-19). After Jesus's death, He was resurrected (Matt 28:1-8; Luke 24:39-43). Because of Jesus's atoning sacrifice, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sins as we repent (Acts 4:12; Acts 13:38; 3 Ne 27:19-20). This brings us peace and makes it possible for us to return to God's presence and receive a fulness of joy (Mosiah 4:2-3). Because of Jesus's Resurrection, we will all be resurrected after we die. This means that each person's spirit and body will be reunited and live forever (1 Cor 15:22; Alma 11:42-43).
After Jesus's Apostles died there was a widespread falling away from the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ. During this time people changed many gospel teachings. People also changed priesthood ordinances such as baptism. Priesthood authority and the Church that Jesus had established were no longer on the earth (2 Thes 2:1-3; Acts 3:20-21).
In 1820 in upstate New York, USA, Joseph Smith sought to know which church was God's church so he could join it. Following James's counsel in James 1:5, Joseph Smith prayed to know which Church to join. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. [Memorize Joseph Smith’s description of seeing the Father and the Son (JS-H 1:16-17). Always be ready to describe the First Vision using Joseph Smith’s own words. Bear sincere testimony of its truth and why it is important to you.] God called Joseph Smith to be a prophet, just as He had called prophets in earlier times. The fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through Joseph Smith (D&C 20:8-9). Heavenly messengers restored the priesthood and Joseph Smith was directed by God to organize the Church of Jesus Christ (JS-H 1:68-70; D&C 20:1-3; D&C 27:12). Jesus Christ continues to lead His Church today through living prophets and apostles. (See President Eyring's April 2018 General Conference Address.
The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture written in ancient times by prophets in the Americas. Joseph Smith translated the book by the gift and power of God (D&C 1:29; D&C 20:8). Along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon provides a clear and powerful witness of Jesus Christ's teachings and mission as our Savior (D&C 42:12; AofF 1:8; Mosiah 3:5-10; 3 Ne 11:5-17). We can get closer to God by reading the Book of Mormon and following its teachings (BofM Intro para 6). We can know the Book of Mormon is the word of God by reading it, pondering it, and praying about it (Moro 10:4-5). This process will also help us come to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
Prayer is a two-way communication between God and His children. Through sincere prayer we can know that the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. As we pray the Holy Ghost teaches and confirms truth to us. Pray to our Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ (Moro 10:4; John 16:23).
We are all spirit children of God (Heb 12:9 Acts 17:28-29). He created us in His own image (Gen 1:27). We lived with God before we were born on earth (Jer 1:5). We are members of His family. He knows and loves each of us (1 John 4:19). God has provided a plan for our happiness and progress in this life and in eternity (Alma 22:13). In our premortal life, we chose to follow God’s plan. This meant coming to earth so we could take the next step in our eternal progression. Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan. He makes it possible for us to have immortality and eternal life.
Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created the earth (John 1:3; Eph 3:9).
Adam and Eve were the first of God’s spirit children to come to earth (Gen 1:27). God created their bodies and placed them in the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:7-8, 15-17). Adam and Eve transgressed, were cast out of the garden, and were separated from God’s presence (Gen 3:6, 22-24). This event is called the Fall. After the Fall, Adam and Eve became mortal. As mortals, they were able to learn, progress, and have children. They also experienced sorrow, sin, and death. The Fall was a step forward for humankind. The Fall made it possible for us to be born on earth and progress in Heavenly Father’s plan (2 Ne 2:15-16,22-27).
In God’s plan, we needed to come to earth to receive physical bodies, learn, and grow. On earth, we learn to walk by faith. However, Heavenly Father has not left us alone. He has provided many gifts and guides to help us return to His presence. (2 Ne 2:21; Mosiah 3:19; Alma 12:24; 34:32; 42:10)
Each of us sins, and each of us will die (Rom 3:23). Because God loves us, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to redeem us from sin and death (John 3:16-17). Because of Jesus’s atoning sacrifice, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. Our hearts can be changed for the better as we repent. This makes it possible for us to return to God’s presence and receive a fulness of joy (Mosiah 15:9; 3 Ne 27:16, 19-20;). Because of Jesus’s Resurrection, we will all be resurrected after we die. This means that each person’s spirit and body will be reunited, and each of us will live forever in a perfected, resurrected body (1 Cor 15:20-22; 2 Ne 2:6-8; 2 Ne 9:11-13). Jesus Christ offers comfort, hope, and healing. His atoning sacrifice is the ultimate expression of His love. All that is unfair in life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Alma 7:11-12;). (See also: Alma 22:12-15; 34:16; Mosiah 3:5-10;)
When our physical body dies, our spirit continues to live in the spirit world (Eccl 12:7; Alma 40:12;). This is a temporary state of learning and preparation before the Resurrection. The gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in the spirit world, and we can continue to grow and progress (1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6; D&C 138:32-33;).
After our time in the spirit world, the Resurrection is the next step in our eternal journey. The Resurrection is the reuniting of our spirit and body. Each of us will be resurrected and have a perfected physical body. We will live forever. This is made possible by the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection (1 Cor 15:20–22; 2 Ne 2:8; 9:13).
When we are resurrected, Jesus Christ will be our judge (2 Ne 9:15; 3 Ne 27:14;). With very few exceptions, all of God’s children will receive a place in a kingdom of glory. Although we will all be resurrected, we will not all receive the same eternal glory (John 14:2; 1 Cor 15:40-41;). Jesus will judge us according to our faith, works, and repentance in mortality and in the spirit world (D&C 137:7-10). We can return to live in God’s presence if we are faithful (2 Ne 31:20; 3 Ne 15:9; D&C 14:7;).
God sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to redeem us from sin and death (John 3:16-17; Rom 5:8). Because of Jesus’s atoning sacrifice, we can be cleansed of our sins and sanctified as we repent ( Acts 4:12; Acts 13:38; 3 Ne 27:19-20). After Jesus was crucified, He was resurrected. Because of His Resurrection, we will all be resurrected after we die. This means that each person’s spirit and body will be reunited, and each of us will live forever in a perfected, resurrected body (1 Cor 15:22; Alma 11:42-43).
Faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ includes having confidence that He is the Son of God and trusting in Him as our Savior and Redeemer (Alma 7:11-12). Faith in Jesus Christ is a principle of action and power. We strengthen our faith by praying, studying the scriptures, and obeying the commandments. (Mosiah 4:6-7; 2 Ne 31:19; see Alma 32:26-43)
Faith in Jesus Christ leads us to repent (Hel 14:13). Repentance is the process of turning to God and turning away from sin. As we repent, our actions, desires, and thoughts change to be more in harmony with God’s will. When we sincerely repent, God forgives us (Mosiah 26:30). Forgiveness is possible because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins (Hel 5:11; D&C 18:10-13). As we repent, we feel peace as our guilt and sorrow are healed (Enos 1:5-6). Repentance is a lifelong process. God welcomes us back every time we repent (Mosiah 26:30). He will never give up on us.
Baptism is how we first enter a covenant relationship with God (Mosiah 18:8-10, 13; Alma 7:15-16; D&C 20:37). Baptism has two parts: baptism by water and by the Spirit (John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 3 Ne 27:20, AofF 1:4-5). When we are baptized and confirmed, we are cleansed of our sins, giving us a new start in life (Acts 22:16; Rom 6:3-6; Alma 7:14). We are baptized by immersion, following Jesus’s example (Matt 3:13-17; 2 Ne 31:4-18). Children are not baptized until they are eight years old (D&C 68:27). Children who die before that age are redeemed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Moro 8:4-24; D&C 137:10). We partake of the sacrament each week in remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice and to renew our covenants with God (1 Cor 11:24-26; Moro 4, 5). See also Acts 19:1-6.
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead (AofF 1:1; D&C 130:22). After we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the ordinance of confirmation (Acts 8:14-17; D&C 20:41). When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can have His companionship throughout our lives if we are faithful. The Holy Ghost sanctifies us (3 Ne 27:20), guides us (2 Ne 32:5), comforts us (Moro 8:26), and helps us know the truth (Moro 10:5). See also John 14:26; Acts 19:1-6; Gal 5:22-23.
Enduring includes continuing to exercise faith in Christ each day. We continue to keep our covenants with God, repent, seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and partake of the sacrament. As we faithfully seek to follow Jesus Christ, God promises that we will have eternal life (2 Ne 31:16-20; 3 Ne 27:19-21; D&C 14:7).
Living the gospel deepens our joys, inspires our actions, and enriches our relationships. We are most likely to be happy — both as individuals and as families — when we live by the teachings of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 2:41; The Family Proclaimation). Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, families are blessed in this life and can be united for eternity and live in the presence of God (2 Ne 25:26; 3 ne 18:21).
When we are baptized, we show our desire to follow God and enter the path leading to eternal life. We also show our commitment to becoming lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. The covenants we make at baptism include:
The principles and commandments outlined below are part of the covenant we make at baptism. They help us to “come unto Christ ... and partake of his salvation” (Omni 1:26; see also 1 Nephi 15:14).
When we are baptized, we covenant to follow Jesus Christ “with full purpose of heart.” We also witness that we “are willing to take upon [us] the name of Christ” (2 Ne 31:13; D&C 20:37).
Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ means that we remember Him and strive to live as His lifelong disciples. We let His light shine through us to others. We see ourselves as His and put Him first in our lives.
Two ways we remember and follow Jesus Christ
We pray to Our Heavenly Father and speak with Him openly and honestly. We express love for Him and gratitude for our blessings and ask for help, protection, and direction. We always pray in the name of Jesus Christ (3 Ne 18:19; Moses 5:8). After we close our prayers, we should take time to pause and listen.
We should pray morning and evening and always have a prayer in our hearts (See Alma 34:27; 37:36–37; 3 Nephi 17:13; 19:16). We pray with faith, sincerity, and real intent to act on the answers we receive. As we pray we will feel closer to Him. He will help us make good decisions and bless us with guidance, understanding, truth, comfort, peace, and strength. (Enos 1:3-8; Alma 13:28; 34:17-26; 3 Ne 18:20; Moro 10:3-5; D&C 6:22-23; 8:2-3)
Nephi taught, “Feast upon the words of Christ; for [they] will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Ne 32:3; 31:20). Studying the scriptures is an essential way to remember and follow Jesus Christ. In the scriptures we learn of His life, ministry, and teachings. We also learn of His promises. As we read the scriptures, we experience His love. We should study the scriptures daily, especially the Book of Mormon. (1 Ne 19:22-23; 2 Ne 29:6-9; 31:19-20; Alma 32:28-30, 41-43; D&C 18:34-35; John 20:31; 2 Tim 3:15-17)
When we are baptized, we covenant with God that we will “keep his commandments” (Mosiah 18:10; Alma 7:15). God has given us commandments because He loves us. He wants the best for us, both now and in eternity (D&C 35:24). Each commandment is a divine gift to guide, protect and help us during our earth life as we learn to use our agency (Abr 3:25).
God's commandments are not burdensome rules, but guideposts to greater light, knowledge, happiness and ultimately peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come (Mosiah 2:41; Alma 7:16; D&C 14:7; 59:23; 82:8-9; 93:28; 130:20-21).
God's blessings are both spiritual and temporal and come according to His will and timing (Mosiah 7:33; D&C 88:68). Some blessings come in simple, seemingly ordinary ways, while others may only be evident in hindsight and others may come after this life. We can be assured that God will bless us (D&C 82:10). God loves all His children perfectly. He is patient with our weakness, and He is forgiving when we repent.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:28-34; Matt 22:35-40). Loving God and our neighboirs is a defining characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ. See also John 13:34-35; 2 Ne 31:20; Moro 7:45-48; D&C 59:5-6.
We show our love for God as we keep His commandments (see John 14:15, 21; 1 Jn 5:3) and put Him first in our lives (see Alma 37:36). We can be grateful for His blessings — and share with others (see Mosiah 2:21–24; 4:16–21). As we pray and serve others we will come to know Him and develop Christlike attributes.
Loving others is an extension of our love for God (1 Jn 4:20-21). The Savior taught us many ways to love others (see Luke 10:25–37; Matthew 25:31–46). We love by reaching out, welcoming others, and serving — even in small ways, and by treating all people with respect. As we serve others our joy increases.
God calls prophets to be His representatives on earth. Through His prophets, He reveals truth and provides guidance and warnings (Amos 3:7; Eph 2:19-20; 4:11-14; Mosiah 15:11). God called Joseph Smith to be the first prophet of the latter days (D&C 21:1-7; 136:37-38). Successors to Joseph Smith have likewise been called of God to lead His Church, including the prophet who leads it today.
God revealed the Ten Commandments to an ancient prophet named Moses to guide his people. These commandments apply just as much in our day. 1. No other gods (Ex 20:3). 2. No graven images (Ex 20:4). 3. Do not take the name of God in vain (Ex 20:7). 4. Keep the sabbath day holy (Ex 20:8). 5. Honor thy father and mother (Ex 20:12). 6. Thou shalt not kill (Ex 20:13). 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery (Ex 10:14). 8. Thou shalt not steel (Ex 20:15). 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness (Ex 20:16). 10. Thou shalt not covet (Ex 10:17). (see also Ex 20:1-17; Mosiah 12:35-36; 13:11-24; D&C 42:18-29)
The law of chastity is a vital part of God’s plan for our salvation and exaltation. Sexual intimacy between husband and wife is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love within marriage.
God’s law of chastity is abstinence from sexual relations outside of a legal marriage between one man and one woman. This law also means having complete fidelity and loyalty to a person’s spouse after marriage.
To help us keep the law of chastity, prophets have admonished us to be clean in our thoughts and words. We should avoid pornography in any form. In keeping with the law of chastity, we should be modest in our behavior and appearance.
In God’s sight, breaking the law of chastity is very serious. God continues to love us even if we have broken this law. He invites us to repent and become clean through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The despair of sin can be replaced with the sweet peace of God’s forgiveness (see D&C 58:42–43).
Obeying this law is essential to personal peace, confidence before God, the influence of the Holy Ghost, and to having love, trust, and unity in our family relationships. (D&C 121:45)
A great privilege of membership in the Church is the opportunity to pay tithing. As we tithe, we help further God’s work and bless His children.
The law of tithing has origins in Old Testament times. For example, the prophet Abraham paid tithes of all he possessed (see Alma 13:15; Genesis 14:18–20).
The word tithe literally means one-tenth. As we tithe, we donate one-tenth of our income to the Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 119:3–4; interest is understood to mean income). All that we have is a gift from God. When we pay tithing, we show gratitude to Him by returning a portion of what He has given us.
Paying tithing is an expression of faith. It is also a way to honor God. Jesus taught that we should “seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33), and tithing is a way of doing that.
Tithing funds are sacred. We give our tithing to a member of the bishopric, or we can pay online. When the bishopric receives tithing, they transmit it to Church headquarters.
A council composed of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric determines how to use tithing funds in God’s work (see Doctrine and Covenants 120:1). These uses include:
Tithing is not used to pay local Church leaders. They serve voluntarily without any payment.
When we pay tithing, God promises blessings that are far greater than what we give. He will “open ... the windows of heaven, and pour ... out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10; see verses 7–12; 3 Ne 24:7-12). These blessings may be both spiritual and temporal.
Our bodies are sacred gifts from God. We each need a physical body to become more like Him. Our bodies are so important that the scriptures compare them to temples (1 Cor 6:19–20).
The Lord wants us to treat our bodies with respect. To help us do this, He revealed a law of health called the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89). This revelation teaches us about eating healthy foods and not using substances that harm our bodies — specifically alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks — meaning tea and coffee.
In connection with the Word of Wisdom, modern prophets have warned against using other substances that are harmful, illegal, or addictive. Prophets have also warned against abusing prescription drugs.
The Lord provided the Word of Wisdom for our physical and spiritual well-being. He promises great blessings as we keep this commandment. These blessings include health, wisdom, treasures of knowledge, and protection (D&C 89:18–21).
Obeying the Word of Wisdom will help us be more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Although we all experience health challenges, obeying this law will help us be healthier in body, mind, and spirit.
The Sabbath is a holy day that God has set apart for us each week to rest from our daily labors and worship Him (Ex 20:8-11; D&C 59:10). The Sabbath should be a day of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving (D&C 59:14-15).
As part of our Sabbath worship, we attend sacrament meeting each week (D&C 59:9). In this meeting, we worship God and partake of the sacrament to remember Jesus Christ and His Atonement (3 Ne 18:3-12). When we partake of the sacrament, we renew our covenants with God and show that we are willing to repent of our sins. The ordinance of the sacrament is the center of our Sabbath-day observance.
At church we also participate in classes in which we learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, study the scriptures together, and serve and strengthen each other.
In addition to resting from our labors on the Sabbath, we should refrain from shopping and other activities that would make it feel like a common day. On the Sabbath we can learn the gospel, strengthen faith, build relationships, give service, and participate in other uplifting activities with family and friends (Matt 12:10-13). Keeping the Sabbath day holy is an expression of our devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (Ex 31:12-13, 16-17).
As we make our Sabbath activities compatible with God’s intent for the day, we will feel joy and peace. We will be spiritually nourished and physically refreshed. We will also feel closer to God and deepen our relationship with our Savior. We will more fully keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” (D&C 59:9). The Sabbath will become “a delight” (Isa 58:13-14).
Latter-day Saints believe in obeying the law and in being good citizens (D&C 58:21; 134; AofF 1:12). Church members are encouraged to render service to improve their communities and nations.
When we are baptized, we covenant to serve God and to serve others. Serving others is one of the primary ways we serve God (Mosiah 2:17).
The prophet Alma taught those who desired to be baptized that they should be “willing to bear one another’s burdens, ... mourn with those that mourn ... , and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9).
Soon after baptism, new members typically receive a calling to serve in the Church. These callings are voluntary and unpaid. As we accept them and serve diligently, we grow in faith, develop talents, and bless others.
Another part of our service in the Church is being a “ministering brother” or a “ministering sister.” In this responsibility, we serve assigned individuals and families.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we look for opportunities to serve each day. Like Him, we go “about doing good” (Acts 10:38). We serve our neighbors and others in our community. (Matt 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37; James 1:27; 2:17; Mosiah 4:15-16, 26; D&C 42:38)
As part of our baptismal covenant, we promise to “stand as witnesses of God” (Mosiah 18:9). One way we stand as witnesses is by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When we experience the blessings of living the gospel, we naturally want to share those blessings. Family members, friends, and acquaintances often become interested as we set a faithful example and they see how the gospel blesses our lives. We can share the gospel in normal and natural ways.
We invite others to participate with us in service, community, recreational, and Church activities. There are hundreds of invitations we can extend. Often, inviting simply means including our family, friends, and neighbors in what we are already doing. If we ask, God will help us recognize opportunities to share the gospel and tell others about how it blesses our lives. (Matt 28:19-20; D&C 18:15-16; 88:81; General Handbook, chapter 23)
God established the law of the fast as a way for us to develop spiritual strength and to help those in need. (Isa 58:6-11)
Fasting means going without food and drink for a period of time. The Church usually sets aside the first Sunday of every month as a day of fasting. A fast day typically includes going without food and drink for a 24-hour period if we are physically able.
Fasting and prayer go together. Fasting can help us become humble, draw closer to God, feel spiritually renewed, and be more attuned to the Holy Ghost to receive personal revelation. Before beginning His ministry, Jesus Christ fasted (Matt 4:1–2, see JST). The scriptures record many accounts of prophets and others fasting so they might increase their spiritual strength (see Alma 5:45-46; 6:6; 17:203; Moro 6:5).
When we fast, we donate money to the Church to help care for people in need. This is called a fast offering. Fast offerings are used to provide food and other necessities to people in need, both locally and worldwide. We are invited to give an offering that is at least equal to the value of the meals not eaten. We are encouraged to be more generous if we can. (see Mosiah 4:16-27; Alma 4:12-13; Matt 25:31-46)
When we are baptized, we covenant with God to “endure to the end” in living the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Ne 31:20; Mosiah 18:13). We strive to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi described baptism as the gate by which we enter the gospel path (2 Ne 31:17). After baptism, we continue to “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” (2 Ne 31:20). As we continue faithfully along the gospel path, we will eventually receive God’s greatest gift — the gift of eternal life (2 Ne 31:20; D&C 14:7).
The following sections explain some aspects of what God has provided to help us endure to the end of our mortal journey — and find joy in it.
The priesthood is the authority and power of God. Through the priesthood, Heavenly Father accomplishes His work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life” of His children (Moses 1:39). God grants authority and power to His sons and daughters on earth to help carry out this work.
The priesthood blesses all of us. Ordinances such as baptism, confirmation and the sacrament are received through those who hold priesthood offices. We also receive blessings of healing, comfort, and counsel.
The Priesthood and Church Leadership and Callings: The Church is led by Jesus Christ through prophets and apostles. These leaders are called of God, ordained, and given priesthood authority to act in the Savior’s name. At the local level, bishops and stake presidents have priesthood authority to lead Church congregations.
When men and women are called and set apart to serve in the Church, they are given authority from God to act in that calling. This authority is given to missionaries, leaders, teachers, and others until they are released from their callings. It is delegated under the direction of those who hold priesthood keys. Priesthood authority can be used only in righteousness (D&C 121:34–46).
Aaronic Priesthood and Melchizedek Priesthood: In the Church, the priesthood includes the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. Under the direction of those who hold priesthood keys, the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood are conferred on worthy male Church members. After the appropriate priesthood is conferred, the person is ordained to an office in that priesthood, such as deacon or elder. He must be ordained by someone who has the necessary authority.
When a man or young man receives the priesthood, he makes a covenant with God to fulfill sacred duties, serve others, and help build up the Church. Aaronic Priesthood holders administer ordinances such as the sacrament and baptism. Men who receive the Melchizedek Priesthood can perform priesthood ordinances such as confirmation and giving blessings of healing and comfort to family members and others.
Quorums and Church Organizations: The purpose of these groups is to strengthen families, individuals, and the community and to meet together to study the scriptures and the words of our living Prophets and Apostles. Priesthood Quorums (for men and young men), Relief Society (for women over 18), Young Women (for young women 12-18), Primary (for children 3-11), Sunday School (for adults and youth).
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God (Gen 2:24; D&C 49:15). It is central to His plan for the eternal progress of His children. A husband and wife should cherish their relationship, be loyal to each other, and honor their marriage covenant. (D&C 42:22)
A husband and wife are equal in God’s eyes. One should not dominate the other. Their decisions should be made in unity and love, with full participation of both. They should work together and help each other and their children progress toward eternal life. Their marriage can be the source of their greatest happiness.
Like marriage, the family is ordained of God and is central to His plan for our eternal happiness. Our families are most likely to be happy when we live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Parents should make their family their highest priority. (Mosiah 4:14-15)
All families have challenges. As we seek God’s support and keep His commandments, family challenges can help us learn and grow. Families are encouraged to hold weekly Family Home Evening and daily family scripture study and family prayer and to worship together at church. (Prov 22:6; D&C 68:25-28)
Many people have limited opportunities for marriage or for loving family relationships. Many have experienced divorce and other difficult family circumstances. However, the gospel blesses us individually regardless of our family circumstance. And as we are faithful, God will provide a way for us to have the blessings of loving families, whether in this life or in the life to come. (See The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Heavenly Father loves all His children and desires their salvation and exaltation. Yet billions of people have died without hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ or receiving the saving ordinances of the gospel. These ordinances include baptism, confirmation, priesthood ordination for men, the temple endowment, and eternal marriage.
Through His grace and mercy, the Lord has provided another way for these people to receive the gospel and its ordinances. In the spirit world, the gospel is preached to those who have died without receiving it (D&C 138). In temples, we can perform the ordinances on behalf of our deceased ancestors and others. These deceased people in the spirit world can then accept or reject the gospel and the ordinances performed for them.
Before we can perform these ordinances, we need to identify our ancestors who have not received them. Identifying our family members so they can receive ordinances is a central purpose of our family history work. When we find information about them, we add it to the Church’s database at FamilySearch.org. Then proxy ordinances can be perform for them in the temple. As we identify our ancestors and perform ordinances for them, our families may become united for eternity.
The temple is the house of the Lord. It is a holy place where we can make covenants with God as we receive His sacred ordinances. As we keep these covenants, we will have the power of godliness manifest in our lives (D&C 84:19–22; 109:22–23).
One of the ordinances we receive in the temple is called the endowment. The word endowment means “a gift.” This gift of knowledge and power comes from God. During the endowment, we make covenants with God that bind us to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. (D&C 43:16; General Handbook, 27.2)
God’s plan of happiness enables family relationships to endure beyond the grave. After married couples have received their temple endowment, they may be sealed or married for eternity (D&C 131:1-4; General Handbook 27.3). Their children may be sealed to them (General Handbook 27.4). A husband and wife who have been sealed in the temple must keep the covenants they have made to receive the blessings of eternal marriage.
We have a spirit in addition to a body. God is the Father of our spirits. (Rom 8:15-17; Heb 12:9; D&C 88:15) We lived with our Heavenly Father before our births into this mortal world. (Jer 1:4-5; D&C 138:55-56; Abr 3:22-23, 26; GS Premortal Life; PMG Lesson 2) Because He loves all His children, He made a plan for us to receive a body in the image of His glorified body, be part of a family, and return to His loving presence to enjoy eternal life with our families like He does with His. (GS Plan of Redemption; GT Plan of Salvation; PMG Lesson 2) But, we face two main obstacles in this necessarily fallen world: (1) physical death — the separation of our bodies from our spirits. And (2) spiritual death — our separation from God because our sins, mistakes, and flaws as mortals distance us from His holy presence.
This is an effect of the law of justice. This eternal law demands that an eternal penalty be paid for every one of our sins, or violations of God’s laws or truth, or we could never return to live in His holy presence. It would be unjust, and God “cannot deny justice.” (Mosiah 15:27, Alma 41:2-8; Alma 42) God is also merciful, loving, and eager to bring to pass our eternal life. (Alma 42:14-24; Moses 1:39) We also have a cunning, powerful adversary — the source of evil and lies — opposing us. (PMG Lesson 2) Therefore, someone with infinite godly power to overcome all such opposition and obstacles would need to save us. (Alma 34:9-13; Mosiah 13:28, 34-35; 15:1-9; Alma 42:15)
The good news — the “good tidings of great joy ... to all people” (Luke 2:10) — [is] that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) I witness to you, that Jesus Christ is that Savior, that He had to suffer, die, and rise again — His infinite Atonement — to redeem all humanity from physical death (Hel 14:15-17; Mormon 9:12-14) and to give eternal life with God and our families to all who would follow Him. The Book of Mormon declares, “Thus God ... gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men ... ; being filled with [mercy and] compassion ... ; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.” (Mosiah 15:8-9)
The steps God revealed we must take to follow Jesus and receive eternal life are called the doctrine of Christ. They include “faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism [into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” (PMG p1; also Lesson 3)