Article of Faith #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.

As a kid I liked memorizing this article of faith because I felt that I had taken these steps and really understood these first principles. Now as an adult I think about each of these principles and they each have so much meaning and such deep doctrine behind them. I also have a strong testimony of each of these principles separately and each I could probably discuss in more detail, but for now I'll just discuss a little on each.

First, Faith-in order to feel the desire to become a member of the church you must feel within your heart and have faith that this gospel and the doctrines taught at church are true. You must understand that Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to get back to live with Heavenly Father.

Second, Repentance-if you have gained faith, then you will want to change. You will have a desire to be more like Christ. I have often had these feelings of wanting in my heart to be better and improve. I have had things that I know I want to be better at and having that desire prepares me to make the necessary changes in my life.


Third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins-once you have made the changes in your life and attitude you need help becoming clean, which can only be done through Christ's help. Baptism is the ordinance required to be cleansed. Then every week when taking the sacrament, those covenants are renewed. It is wonderful to be able to take the sacrament weekly and renew those commitments and renew our faith and understanding of what Christ has done to bring us back to Heavenly Father.

Fourth, Laying on the Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost-As a new member of the Church we are given this gift and sometimes we forget that it is available to us. Even though I probably don't use it as I should, I know that I have used the Holy Ghost guide me in aspects of my life. Probably the most important thing that the Holy Ghost has helped me with is my decision on marriage. One day my dad gave me this lecture all about marriage being the most important decision of my life. It was so overwhelming to me. I panicked, because I knew that this decision needed to be made and I was only 19. I thought how do I, at 19, make a decision that will affect me at 40 and me at 65 and me at 80 and me through eternity with out having any idea what things will be important to me at those stages of life. Then I realized I have the gift of the Holy Ghost guide me and tell me what will be the right decision. It was such a comfort to me then, and still is now, that because of that gift, I could feel completely at ease that I was being directed by the Holy Ghost on the right person to be with forever. (By the way: I know I made the right decision!!)