The Plan of our Heavenly Father |
We worship God as the Almighty Ruler of heaven and earth. He is our Father in Heaven. We are his children. He loves us and wants us to achieve true, eternal happiness. He has prepared a plan to enable us to achieve this happiness. If we fulfill his plan, we will grow spiritually and live with him eternally.
The sins that we all commit in this life could make us unworthy to dwell in the presence of God. But, because he loves us, our Heavenly Father sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us. Jesus voluntarily gave his life for our sins. Through his resurrection he overcame physical death so that we can live again. We can enjoy the blessings that come from Christ’s sacrifice. To do so, we must accept him and live according to his example and teachings.
God Reveals the Truth through Prophets
God has established a simple pattern for revealing his plan to his children. He chooses righteous men and reveals the truth to them. We call these men prophets. The prophets then teach others about the plan of God. God gives them authority to act in his name. When people hear the teachings of these men or read them in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost helps them know that the teachings are true.
Joseph Smith: A Modern Witness of Christ
God has followed this pattern in our day by choosing a latter-day prophet. This prophet was Joseph Smith. In 1820 young Joseph Smith prayed to know which church he should join. In answer to his prayer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. Through him they restored the truth about the plan of God. Joseph Smith was a prophet and a powerful witness of Christ.
By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon--Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It contains the writings of ancient prophets who lived in the Americas. These prophets testified of Jesus Christ and his mission. They taught the truths of Christ’s gospel in great clarity and power. For a free copy of the Book of Mormon, call 1-800-528-2225.
The Book of Mormon is also evidence that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a prophet and a witness of Jesus Christ. You can know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. You can know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. You can know these things by reading the Book of Mormon, pondering its message and its importance for you, and praying to know that it is true.
(See Basic Beliefs home page; The Gospel of Jesus Christ home page)
Copyright 1986 by Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
All About Mormons |