ARTICLE OF FAITH 1 - THE GODHEAD

THE FIRST ARTICLE OF FAITH.

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

Most of the churches believe that Jesus Christ and God the Father are the same person but in different forms but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe they are separate and distinct beings.

When the Lord Jesus Christ Restored His church in the spring of 1820, through the Prophet Joseph Smith in these Last Days before His Second Coming, God the Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ appeared TOGETHER before Joseph.

Restoring the TRUE knowledge of the Godhead was a very important factor. 

They wanted to show the Prophet Joseph Smith that they were TWO SEPARATE BEINGS with Immortal Bodies of flesh and bone and that man was created in their image. 

To do this, God the Father spoke first, calling Joseph by name and pointing to Jesus he said:

JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY 1: 17

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

This is also consistent with the Bible.

ACTS 7: 55-56

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

This showed that there were two personages.  One cannot stand next to himself.

In John 17: 21- 22 Jesus praying to the God the Father, talking about the Apostles He said:

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.

Mormons or Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe that when ONE or ONENESS of God the Father and Jesus Christ spoken of in the scriptures comes through a UNITY of SHARED PURPOSE.

They both know the Eternal Laws and Principles and understand them.  They decide alike, think alike and agree on what is right.  That is what ONE means. 

One in purpose and actions and not one in physical or spiritual bodily form.

The third member of the Godhead is the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit which He is sometimes called, is a male personage of Spirit.  He is a God also as God the Father and Jesus Christ are Gods. 

This constitutes the Godhead. 

Although God the Father or Jesus Christ can appear anywhere, they are immortal, individual and separate beings and cannot be everywhere at once. 

This is NOT the case of the Holy Ghost.  He being a personage of spirit, He can be everywhere at the same time.

The Holy Ghost is a revelator, a teacher, a comforter, a sanctifier, a converter and a sealer.  He is ONE with the Father and the Son in mind, purpose, character, attributes, and glory.  Jesus speaks about the Comforter.

JOHN16: 7

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

He is not an independent personage in the sense of speaking his own mind and delivering an original message.

JOHN16: 13-14

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The Holy Ghost may come to a person and testify of a truth, but He will deliver that message and will NOT remain.

Those who accept the Restored Gospel and become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and are baptized, receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of the Hands, which completes the baptism.  No baptism is complete without this ordinance. 

Once someone has the GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST, the Holy Ghost stays with that person always, as he remains righteous, and will guide him in their earthly journey.