Articles of Faith 1:5–13

The Restored Church of Jesus Christ

Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not break off from another church. It is a restored church, established by Jesus Christ through His prophets in the last days (see Articles of Faith 1:5–7, 9–10; see also Daniel 2:44–45; Ephesians 1:10; 1 Nephi 13:34; 3 Nephi 16:7; D&C 1:17–30; Joseph Smith—History 1:18–19).
The restored Church of Jesus Christ is patterned after the Church established during Jesus’s mortal ministry and the ministry of His Apostles, with priesthood quorums, gifts of the Spirit, sacred scripture, and continuing revelation from God (see Articles of Faith 1:5–9; see also Matthew 16:15–19; 1 Corinthians 12:3–11; Ephesians 2:19–20; 4:11–13; 2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:5).
The Lord’s plan for His children on this earth will culminate in four great events: (1) the Second Coming of Christ, (2) a thousand-year period of peace on earth called the Millennium, (3) the Judgment of all mankind, and (4) the earth becoming the celestial kingdom of God (see Articles of Faith 1:10; see also Isaiah 11:1–9; 49:22; Ether 13:6; D&C 77:1; 88:17–26; 130:9).
Freedom of religion is essential to God’s purposes. We should be tolerant and respectful of others’ beliefs (see Articles of Faith 1:11; see also Matthew 5:9; James 3:18; Mosiah 4:13; 3 Nephi 11:29; D&C 42:27).
We should be good citizens wherever we live. If possible, we should also take an active part in the political process of our country (see Articles of Faith 1:12; see also Matthew 22:21; 1 Timothy 2:1–3; Mosiah 29:25, 37–39; Alma 46:9–13, 19–20; D&C 58:21–22; 98:8–10; 134:1, 5–6).
True followers of Jesus Christ strive to do in every situation what they think the Lord would have them do, embracing honesty, truth, chastity, benevolence, virtue, charity, and hope. Truth and goodness can also be found outside the Church of Jesus Christ and its members (see Articles of Faith 1:13; see also Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:20; Mark 9:38–41; Acts 10:35; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Philippians 4:8; James 1:27; Mosiah 4:15–16; Alma 53:20; Moroni 7:12–13, 40–47; D&C 46:33; 88:118, 123–25; 121:45), but the fulness of the gospel is found only in the restored Church.

Suggestions for Teaching

Articles of Faith 1:5. “Called of God”

Ask students to describe some of the rules and regulations of non-Church organizations, clubs, teams, or groups they belong to. Ask them to also share how the leaders of these organizations are chosen and installed. How do these principles and procedures differ from those we follow in the Church? You may want to ask students to study and discuss some of the Church’s principles and procedures, using the fifth article of faith and some or all of the following scriptures: Numbers 27:15–23; John 15:16; Hebrews 5:4; 3 Nephi 12:12; Moroni 3:1–4; Doctrine and Covenants 2:1–3; 11:15; 13:1; 26:2; 42:11; 84:6–44; 110:1–16; 121:34–46. Invite students to share experiences that show the Lord’s involvement in their Church callings.

Articles of Faith 1:6. “The Same Organization”

Assign students to search for references in the Bible that mention any of the five Church titles or positions mentioned in the sixth article of faith (students could use the Bible Dictionary and Topical Guide; explain to students that pastor is another word for bishop and that evangelist is another word for patriarch). How is all this evidence of the true Church? How would you explain why there are other offices and positions in the Church today that are not mentioned in the Bible (see Articles of Faith 1:9)?

Articles of Faith 1:7. Gifts of the Spirit

Ask students to use the seventh article of faith and the following scriptures to make a list of some of the gifts of the Spirit: Joel 2:28; Mark 16:17–18; Acts 2:4–8; 1 Nephi 10:19; 2 Nephi 31:13; Alma 9:21; Moroni 7:44; Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13; 46:13–25. Invite students to share how these gifts can help the Church, and to recount times they have seen these gifts in operation.

Articles of Faith 1:8. The Bible and the Book of Mormon

Invite a student to read the eighth article of faith aloud. Display the following statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44), and ask a student to read it aloud:

“From sundry revelations which had been received … it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 217; see also 1 Nephi 13:21–29).

Display and invite a student to read aloud President Gordon B. Hinckley’s testimony of the Book of Mormon under “Articles of Faith 1:8. The Book of Mormon” in the student manual. Ask students to find and share scriptures that show some of the beauty, depth, and power of the Book of Mormon (for example, 2 Nephi 4:16–35; Mosiah 4:16–27; Moroni 7:27–38). Invite students to share why we need both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Articles of Faith 1:9. Continuing Revelation

Show students something that is alive (such as a plant) and something that is inanimate (such as a rock). Ask students which is alive, and how they can tell if something is living. Invite a student to read Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 aloud, and then ask how we can tell if the Church is true and “living.” Display and ask a few students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:9. Continuing Revelation” in the student manual. Invite a student to read the ninth article of faith aloud, and ask students to give examples of the “many great and important things” the Lord has revealed in our day. Ask students how the truths outlined in the fifth and ninth articles of faith make The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints different from all other churches.

Articles of Faith 1:10. Events of the Latter Days

Explain to students that the people of Israel have been scattered to many parts of the world. Approximately seven hundred years before Christ, ten of the tribes of Israel were taken captive by the Assyrians and became known as the “lost ten tribes.” Choose several students and assign each to study one of the following scripture blocks: Isaiah 11:4–12; 65:17–25; Nahum 1:5; Revelation 11:15; 1 Nephi 19:15–17; 2 Nephi 29:12–14; 3 Nephi 17:4; 21:26–29; Ether 13:2–4, 8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 29:7–11; 43:28–30; 45:64–71; 110:11; 133:21–41; Moses 7:62. Invite the students to report what these scriptures teach about the events mentioned in the tenth article of faith. If necessary, review the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:10. The Gathering of Israel” and “Articles of Faith 1:10. The Restoration of the Ten Tribes” in the student manual. Ask a student to read Jacob 5:71–75 aloud. Discuss what students have done and will likely do to help in the gathering of Israel and the other events mentioned in the tenth article of faith.

Articles of Faith 1:10. Zion Will Be Built

Show students a map of the world and ask them to locate the two cities known in scripture as “Zion” (Independence, Missouri; and Jerusalem). Carefully review and discuss the material under “Articles of Faith 1:10. ‘Zion … Will Be Built upon the American Continent’” in the student manual. Display the following statement by President Brigham Young (1801–77), and invite a student to read it aloud:

“When we conclude to make a Zion we will make it, and this work commences in the heart of each person. …

“There is not one thing wanting in all the works of God’s hands to make a Zion upon the earth when the people conclude to make it. We can make a Zion of God on earth at our pleasure, upon the same principle that we can raise a field of wheat” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 113).

Articles of Faith 1:11. Religious Liberty

Invite a student to read aloud what happened to Aaron and his missionary companions in Alma 21:12–14. Ask students what “crime” they think these missionaries were imprisoned for. According to verses 21–22, what political changes did King Lamoni make (see also Alma 23:1–4)? Why was political change necessary in order for the missionaries to find success? What happened to the people and the nation because of these changes (see Alma 21:23; 23:5–7, 18)? Invite a student to read the eleventh article of faith aloud, and then ask students if they would like living in a land where the rulers of government were all members of Christ’s true Church, and why they would like it. Ask students what blessings have come, or could come, because of religious freedom.

Articles of Faith 1:12. The Responsibilities of Citizenship

Invite a student to read the twelfth article of faith aloud, and ask students to make a list of all the people or organizations in their government that they are “subject” to. Discuss why they should be subject to each of them, and how they can be tolerant and respectful of them.

Articles of Faith 1:13. A Personal Code of Conduct

Invite students to compare the thirteenth article of faith to 1 Corinthians 13:7 and Philippians 4:8. What would a person’s life be like who has adopted the thirteenth article of faith as his or her personal code of conduct? Use some of the following ideas as you study the various parts of the thirteenth article of faith:

Display and invite several students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:13. Being Chaste” in the student manual, and then discuss the material as a class. What blessings can students think of that come from being chaste (sexually pure)?
Display and ask several students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:13. Being Benevolent” and “Articles of Faith 1:13. Doing Good to All Men” in the student manual. Invite them to share experiences they have had in “doing good” to others, or when others have shown good works or service toward them. How have these experiences affected your life?
Compare the thoughts students have when they are discouraged to the thoughts they have when they are encouraged and happy. Display and ask a few students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:13. Paul’s Admonition to Believe, Hope, and Endure” in the student manual, and then discuss the material as a class.
Invite a student to read the last sentence of the thirteenth article of faith aloud, and then ask students to think of things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” Discuss how we can fill our lives with such things. How do the Church and the gospel help us achieve this goal? How do other Church members also help? How do people and organizations outside the Church help?

The Pearl of Great Price. Conclusion

Testify of the truth and value of the principles, doctrines, and events you have studied together in the Pearl of Great Price. Invite students to share some of the things they have learned that have been most meaningful to them and have helped them understand why this book of scripture is a rare and precious pearl of great price. Invite students to share their testimonies.