<P> Within the Latter Day Saint movement, the "Articles of Faith" are a creed composed by Joseph Smith as part of an 1842 letter sent to "Long" John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, and first published in the Latter Day Saint newspaper Times and Seasons . It is a concise listing of thirteen fundamental doctrines of Mormonism . Most Latter Day Saint denominations view the articles as an authoritative statement of basic theology . Some denominations, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints (LDS Church), have adopted the articles as scripture (see Pearl of Great Price). For some sects, the Articles of Faith are known collectively as "An Epitome of Faith and Doctrine". </P> <P> The full text is reproduced here . Later alterations to the text made by the LDS Church are indicated by strikethroughs and brackets . </P> <P> Articles one through four read as follows: </P> <Ol> <Li> We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost . </Li> <Li> We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression . </Li> <Li> We believe that through the (A) tonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel . </Li> <Li> We believe that these ordinances (the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel) are: 1st (first), Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2d (second), Repentance; 3d (third), Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th (fourth), Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost . </Li> </Ol>

The articles of faith of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints