We are Christians and believe that our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, came to the Americas in the ancient world. The record of his teachings there are recorded by Prophets of old in the Book of Mormon.
(The Articles of Faith, Written by Joseph Smith):
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. 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.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. 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 paradisaical glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith translated the records from an ancient language, much like Egyptian, into English in the year 1830. Many didn't believe the words the Prophet Joseph Smith said. They drove out the people who did believe (Mormons) to harsh conditions of sickness, poverty, hunger, bitter cold, etc.
Joseph Smith died while in Carthage Jail by the gun of an angry mob member. The Saints (Mormons) were devastated but the Lord called Brigham Young to be the Prophet. He guided the Saints to Zion, the Salt Lake Valley. They built the Salt Lake Temple in 40 years while spreading out through the rest of the valley and building other temples.
Today, Thomas S. Monson stands as the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Gospel continues to spread throughout the world and has established 3,005 Stakes, 347 missions, 591 districts, and 29,014 wards and branches (Statistical Report, 2012) from a total membership of 14,782,473 people.
I know that The Book of Mormon is true and that the teachings in it are a true testament and witness of Jesus Christ, who is our Savior, Lord, Redeemer. Christ suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. Through His Atonement I can live with Him again. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet in the Latter Days and that today, Thomas S. Monson speaks to us today by inspiration and guidance of our Father who is in Heaven. I know that if I follow the commandments, I will be blessed. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church and has the fullness of the Gospel on the Earth today. I know that I can live with my family forever because of the Great Plan of Happiness. I know that when I pray to Heavenly Father, He hears me and answers my prayers. This is my testimony, that He lives and I can live with Him again.
