Our Faith

We believe in God the Father with all power and wisdom. He is majestic, holy, eternal, unchangeable and just; full of love and mercy. We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He existed with God in the beginning, sharing with the Father in the creation of all things. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Man was created to live in the presence of God and Christ, but through willful disobedience fell into a sinful and lost condition. Man separated himself from God.

Original sin is not attributed to children because of the atonement (Genesis 6:56 IV, Moroni 8:9)

Through grace, God made salvation available to man by sending his Son, Jesus Christ.

• To reveal God’s nature, truth, laws, and power
• To redeem man by sacrifice, bringing the promise of resurrection and eternal life
• To teach the gospel – the way and requirements of salvation
• To establish His Church and gospel to bring about the salvation of mankind

Hebrews 6:1-3 “Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And we will go on unto perfection if God permit.”

A divine religion must be based on a Divine authority. When this Divine authority is committed to men it is called "priesthood." The authority of priesthood is found in Ephesians 4:12,13 "...for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we, in the unity of the faith, all come to the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;" What a challenge is given to the priesthood in these latter days. Men who have heard and accepted the call to the discipline of the priesthood have a special kind of stewardship.

D&C83:6c,d " ...for whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies: they become the sons of Moses and of Aaron, and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom and the elect of God;" Spiritual power and authority are given of God to men chosen of Him and for the achievement of His purposes.

D&C 83:6g,h: "Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved; (this is a distinctive that is so powerful for us, that we must be aware of it) but whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come."

Another important distinctive regarding priesthood is found in D&C 43:4b,c "ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my and ye are to be taught from on high." Competence and authority ought always to be graced by humility, cherished in accountability, and guaranteed in faithfulness.

I Corinthians Chapter 12; all but especially verses 7 through 13

Doctrine & Covenants 46

Moroni 10

Together, these are referred to, by the Lord, as the “Fullness of the Gospel”; if we exclude any of the books we do not have the fullness.

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.

Library of Scriptures

Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is becoming more distinctive to the Remnant Church than to any other organization. Consider Doctrine & Covenants 2:6a: "Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for, inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my people, and to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fathers;" Once again, in the Doctrine & Covenants 17:2d-g: "The Book of Mormon which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, and to the Jews also, which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them, proving to the world that the Holy Scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old, thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever." That is the message of the Book of Mormon.

Matthew 6:38 “Wherefore, seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  

The Lord has simply said to us in Doctrine & Covenants 12:3a: "Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion." The call to build Zion has been and still is one of the most dominant aspects in the faith of the Reorganized and now the Remnant Church. Doctrine & Covenants 28:2d: "wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place, upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts, and be prepared in all things," The members of the Church have been sustained over the years by the hope that their individual efforts will somehow contribute to the development of Zion, as the tangible and prophetic expression of the Kingdom of God. That is a Restoration distinctive! Doctrine & Covenants 45:6d: " ... and the remnant shall be gathered unto this place; and then they shall look for me, and behold I will come;" That could not be a more distinctive concept of the Remnant Church! Doctrine & Covenants 102:2c: "    and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom, otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself;"

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.

When the Holy Ghost moves in the heart and mind of an individual it is to present the will of God with the clarity of His understanding, so that we might understand more fully the purpose that God has for us. When that takes place it is called revelation. That is a Restoration distinctive! There are not many left in this world who accept that the Lord God speaks to man today, and enlightens his mind and gives him direction. Revelation is not initiated by man, but is an external event which comes upon him from outside himself.

D&C 8:le, 2a: "yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you, and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation;"

Peter gives us an important qualifier for revelation to be received - 2 Peter I:20,21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scriptures is given of any private will of man. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

• Those divine prophecies whose fulfillment are new include:
  • Preaching of the true gospel in all the earth
  • Establishment of a righteous society, the kingdom of God on earth, and the coming of Zion

A Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in great power and his reign over the earth with a righteous people for 1000 years (the Millennial Reign)

"We believe that religion is instituted of God, and that men are amenable to him and to him only for the exercise of it, unless their religions opinion prompts them to infringe upon the rights an d liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul."

-Quote from Oliver Cowdery
Church History Volume 1, Chapter 22, Page 576

DC 58:5b Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land; wherefore be subject to the powers that be, until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.

Titus: 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

Doctrine & Covenants 98:10e, 10h: “According to the laws and constitution of the people which i have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh. And for this purpose have I established the constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose.”

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. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Doctrine & Covenants 5:2a "Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words;" Ponder Doctrine & Covenants 38:5c: "But verily I say unto you, Teach one another according to the office wherewith I have appointed you,.... and practice virtue and holiness before me." Celestial Law is virtue and holiness. The Celestial Law is the pattern. Doctrine & Covenants 85:6a: "And again, verily I say unto you, The earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom. for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law." The only problem upon the face of the earth is that which man creates. The earth by itself completely functions according to the way God created it to function. That is the perfection of Celestial Law. When you and I fulfill the Celestial Law, we will do as the Lord says the earth does, we will fulfill the measure of our creation, and transgress not the law. That is a Restoration distinctive!

We are a few among the restored gospel believers and designate ourselves as a “Remnant.” We are now in the last days, or “latter days”.

Acts 2: 16-17

3 Nephi 12:19 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name, that he will bless the church for my sake; and how be it my church, save it be called in my name?

Alma 21:45 Yea, all those who were the true believers in Christ, took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians, as they were called, because of their belief in Christ, who should come; and therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.

1 Corinthians 1

Proclamation & Invitation to the Faithful

Doctrine & Covenants 111

Statement on Marriage & Family and Moral Values

The Church of Jesus Christ today, as in New Testament Times, is distinguished by:

• Revelation from God, a basic principle
• Jesus Christ as the builder and spiritual head of the Church. Our chief cornerstone.
• Priesthood officers called by the Spirit of Wisdom and divinely authorized are: Apostles, Prophets, High Priests, Patriarchs, Seventy, Elders, Bishops, Priests, Teachers and Deacons.
• Doctrinal Principles include: faith, repentance, baptism of water and the Spirit, the laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal Judgement
• The Ordinances and Sacraments are: Baptism by immersion, Laying on of Hands (for conferring the gift of the Holy Spirit, Praying over the sick, Blessing of little children, Ordaining to Priesthood office and conferring Patriarchal blessings), The Lord’s Supper (Communion), Marriage and Consecration Covenants.
• The Gifts of the Holy Spirit among them – wisdom, healing, faith, visions, tongues, the interpretation of tongues, prophecy, and discernment;
• In a fellowship of love

Moroni 3:1 The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers.

Doctrine & Covenants 32:2a “And verily, verily I say unto you, that this church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness;”. The very structure of the Church is that which God Himself set in place. It is important because every aspect--its priesthood, government, stewardship principles, sacraments, and covenants (none of which can be altered, deleted, added to, or can become disjunctive) all go back again to Ecclesiastes 3:15 "That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been, and God requireth that which is past." All the offices and ordinances were given and functioned at an earlier time and, having been restored in the latter days, are to be found in the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In Hebrews 6:1 "Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;" - Church structure is a restoration distinctive!

Scriptures pertaining to Priesthood Offices

• 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
• Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face, into every city and place where he himself would come.
• Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;
• Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons;

Doctrine & Covenants 70:2b-3b “Nevertheless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse, and the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of Zion and unto their generations, inasmuch as they become heirs according to the laws of the kingdom. Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed, or shall hereafter appoint unto any man. And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God; yea, neither the bishop, neither the agent, who keepeth the Lord's storehouse; neither he who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things.”

We become heirs to the kingdom of God and members of the Order of Enoch when we consecrate by laying all before the bishop. As such, we enter into a covenant with God and those of the Order of Enoch to exercise our total stewardship in a way that advances the kingdom of God upon the earth in fulfillment of God’s financial plan.

God’s Financial Plan

By way of illustration, consider the use of $1,000 of income:

Income: This includes income from all sources; wages, dividends, interest, bonuses, social security, retirement account withdrawals (401(k)s, IRAs), etc.

Needs: Necessary expenses which don’t represent an increase. These are the basic expenses required to maintain one’s life (food, shelter, and clothing) and those expenses required to maintain one’s stewardship (transportation, repairs, replacements, and retirement account contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs).

Increase: Income minus needs ($1,000 - $700 = $300). Increase is defined as the result of subtracting necessary living expenses from income.

Tithing: One-tenth of our increase ($300 x 10% = $30).

Offering: Free will offering from our increase above our tithing.

Oblations: Free will offerings for the support of the poor and needy.

Just Wants: From the nine-tenths. Expenses above the basic needs of life, development of talents, savings, investments, entertainment, vacations, hobbies, etc. (A good steward should attempt to restrain just wants to less than the total of the nine-tenths.)

Surplus: The remainder of resources left over after needs, tithing, offerings, oblations, and just wants.

Consecration: Required of all those who belong to the church of the living God. All surplus properties to be put into the hands of the bishop (storehouse).

Inheritance: Capital necessary for your stewardship; derived from nine-tenths – surplus (home, business, land, tools, pension, etc.). Normally, something that is developed by the individual; but when the storehouse is fully functioning, some development assistance might be obtained from the bishop.

Stewardship: Your contribution to Zion; what you do with your time, talents, and temporalities for the benefit of your fellow man (creation of surplus).

Purpose and Use of Funds

Tithing:

• General church funds
• Missionary work
• General church operations, publications
• To build and maintain buildings involving general church interest

Offerings: Free will offerings to general and local church (normal and sacrificial) contributed from the nine-tenths portion of our increase.

Oblation: For the care of the poor and needy (food, shelter, emergency, transportation, clothing, utilities, etc.).

Surplus:

• For the building up of the storehouse
• For the laying the foundation of Zion
• The granting of inheritances
• The priesthood and the debts of the presidency
• The purchase of lands
• The development of stewardships (business, industrial, and agricultural)
• The care of those in need who belong to the Order of Enoch
• The building up of the New Jerusalem

Doctrine & Covenants 106:1a-b “Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church of Zion, for the building of mine house, and for the laying the foundation of Zion, and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency of my church; and this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people; and after that, those who have thus been tithed, shall pay one tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.”

The creation of increase, tithes, and surplus is an important part of our spiritual development. In our stewardship, we should work towards reducing our needs and just wants to create tithes and surplus offerings as a natural response to God’s Spirit in our lives. With those tithes and surplus offerings, we express our love for God and our fellow man.

Matthew 25:41 “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Ensuing disruption and apostasy that followed the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1844 required the Church to be “reorganized” in 1860 under the leadership of Joseph Smith III. The Reorganized Church was ruled by the courts of the land to be the legal successor of the 1830 Church. Once again, departure from doctrine required the Church to be renewed in 2000. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true and legitimate successor.

The Protestant Reformation, dividing Christianity into more than 300 sects did not bring back the true Church of Jesus Christ – they lack many important features of His original Church and have instituted man-made changes and additions.

Today its full official name is the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

The Restored Church of 1830 was founded by divine command – not by division, reform or wishes of men. Thus, it is neither Protestant nor Catholic.

The righteous and obedient go to Paradise, a place of peaceful rest where they await the resurrection of the just. The spirits of the unlearned and the unrighteous wait in Hell, or “prison house” for a second resurrection. For many, Hell is a place of instruction and reclamation. The gospel will be preached to those who died outside the covenant. These will be taught and will await the final resurrection and judgement.

In the final Resurrection all will be raised from death and be judged according to their works. Every man will be assigned a reward of eternal life or condemned to an eternal separation from God. We are saved by grace and rewarded according to our works.

Link to Life After Death Brochure