What We Believe
The Epitome of Faith and Doctrine
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgressions.
We believe that through atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
We believe that these ordinances 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.
We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church; viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
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.
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.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes, that Zion will be built upon this continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaic glory.
We claim privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
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.
Ordinances of Our Church
Blessing of Children - As practiced by Christ, is used for those under eight years of age. (Mostly, they are blessed as babies soon after birth.) This does not constitute church membership nor does it infer any commitment on the part of the parents for future church membership.
But when Jesus saw and heard them, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, and put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:14-16 (KJV)
Baptism - This church believes and practices exclusively the baptism of water by immersion. Children are not baptized until they reach the age of eight, the acceptable age of accountability. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Laying on of Hands for Confirmation of the Holy Ghost - Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:14-17
Laying on of Hands for Healing of the Sick - This is an ordinance which was practiced by Jesus and his ministry for the relief and cure of physical, mental, and spiritual illness and suffering.
Is any sick among you? let call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:14-16
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper - The first Sunday of each month is set aside for a communion service. We practice closed communion, meaning that the emblems of bread and wine are not knowingly served to non-members, but they are welcome to attend the service.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19
Marriage - We believe that marriage is a divinely approved covenant, for one man and one woman only, to be broken only by death, fornication, or adultery.
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
Patriarchal Blessing - The chief purpose of the patriarchal blessing is indicated in the term itself: to give authoritative, priestly blessing, invoked by a spiritual father representing God and the church. This ordinance coupled with faithful obedience to the will of God brings divine blessings and guidance and may be a help through life.
Ordination to Ministry - Members of the priesthood are called by revelation of the Holy Spirit to the presiding elder of a branch and at least one other priesthood member.
And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God,as was Aaron. Hebrews 5:4
