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The Articles of Faith were written by Joseph Smith in 1842 to “John Wentworth, a Chicago newspaper editor who wanted information concerning the history and beliefs of the Church.”1 They were included in what is now known as the Wentworth Letter, but they are now part of the Pearl of Great Price as foundational truths and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Scripture
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
Hymn
The Thirteenth Article of Faith | Children’s Songbook, pg. 132
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.
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Song: “The First Article of Faith,” Children’s Songbook, 122
Optional Video to Watch and Sing: This video is a compilation of all thirteen songs of the Articles of Faith.
Read along with the songs: The thirteen Articles of Faith can be found here.
Ask: Where did the Articles of Faith come from?
Video: This video describes the origin of the Articles of Faith and what role they play in teaching and sharing the gospel.
Explain: The Articles of Faith have blessed generations with learning many of the simple truths of the gospel, but they don’t contain everything that has been revealed.
Testify: The Lord continues to reveal the truths of the gospel to the prophet today. If we listen to and follow the prophet, we can keep being part of the continuing restoration happening in our day.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Watch and Sing: “The Voice of God Again is Heard,” Hymns, 18
Explain: The process of continuing revelation means that the truths of the gospel continue to be revealed to the Church through his prophet.
Ask: What are some examples of additional truths that have been revealed since the Articles of Faith were written in 1842? (For example, temple ordinances, the eternal nature of families, and what Heaven is like were all truths revealed after the Articles of Faith were written.)
Ask: If you were to write your own three articles of faith representing your personal testimony, what would you include?
Testify: The Articles of Faith teach us basic truths of the gospel, but they are not comprehensive. When we trust the prophet and listen to his counsel, we can receive revelation for our time and the truths we need in these latter days.
FOR SINGLE STUDY
Video: Watch the video above about the history of the Articles of Faith.
Listen, Read, or Watch: Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke on the truths found in the Articles of Faith, but even more on how simple sentences contain so much truth in their subtext.
Ponder: As valuable as the Articles of Faith are, they are not comprehensive. Consider what additional information might be included in the Articles of Faith if they were written today.
Journal: Consider writing three articles of your faith. What three truths best describe your foundational truths?
Featured Products
FREE Articles of Faith Activity Page
Treat
Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream
Activity
Write down 1-3 articles of your own faith. What truths most resonate with you? What truths best represent your character? Help young children by writing down what they know. A simple, “I know Jesus loves me” is a foundational truth and the beginnings of a powerful testimony. Write it down and help the young children have the experience of bearing their testimony of the truth.
Becca loves audiobooks, cookies, hiking, walking, singing with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, going out with her husband, and raising their ten chickens and five children. She still wants to meet her hero Sheri Dew, see magma and a blue whale in person, and uplift others with her words.
