The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2

The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2

Overview

In years following the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Church expanded Latter-day Saint scriptures by adding the Articles of Faith to the Pearl of Great Price, and Official Declarations 1 and 2 to the Doctrine and Covenants. The Articles of Faith are 13 brief declarations of belief written by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Official Declaration 1 contains writings from President Wilford Woodruff revealed by the Lord for the Saints to stop contracting plural marriages in the late 1800s. Official Declaration 2 is the announcement of a 1978 revelation to President Spencer W. Kimball that provided further evidence that Heavenly Father loves all His children and that “all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). That announcement made it possible for all worthy men to receive the priesthood of God and all worthy Church members to be endowed in the temple.

Encourage introspection and assessment. Ask inspired questions so students can recognize what they already know and believe. Encourage students to invite the Holy Ghost to help them identify what they need to know, and bear witness of the truths they seek. For more on how the Savior did this, see the section “The Savior Provided Opportunities for People to Be Taught by the Holy Ghost” in Teaching in the Savior’s Way. You can also see an example of how to do this in this week’s lesson titled “Official Declaration 1.”

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

Articles of Faith

Lesson purpose: To help students deepen their understanding of the Savior’s doctrine by studying the truths contained in the Articles of Faith.

• Student preparation: Invite students to read the 13 Articles of Faith and try memorizing one that is meaningful to them. Encourage them to come prepared to share which article of faith they chose and to recite it to other class members.

• Videos: “The Articles of Faith” (4:43); “The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith” (14:28; watch from time code 13:09 to 14:07)

• Handout: “Articles of Faith Study Activity”

Official Declaration 1

Lesson purpose: To help students understand that the Lord directs His Church through continuing revelation to His prophets.

• Student preparation: Invite students to ponder and then to ask family or friends how they have been blessed because Jesus Christ continues to reveal His will through His prophets.

• Content to display: Self-evaluation activity at beginning of lesson

• Video: ”Welcome Message” (4:27; watch from time code 0:42 to 1:14)

Official Declaration 2

Lesson purpose: To help students act in faith when they face uncertain situations or spiritual questions.

• Student preparation: Invite students to read the introduction to Official Declaration 2 to learn about the circumstances that led to this declaration.

• Video: “Struggling with the History of Race and the Priesthood” (4:03)

Assess Your Learning 10

Lesson purpose: To help students remember and evaluate how studying the Doctrine and Covenants helped them grow spiritually.

• Student preparation: Invite students to bring to class a personal photograph of a person or experience they hope to always remember.

• Items to bring: Personal photograph; balloons or picture of balloons inflated to various sizes

• Video: “Spiritually Defining Memories” (16:43; watch from time code 15:31 to 16:09)

• Images: Different aspects or occurrences depicting the Restoration of the gospel