I have faith in Our Heavenly Father. I believe Him to be the literal Father of our spirits. We lived with Him before he sent us to this earth. Our Father has a plan for us and He sent us here for His purpose, that we might receive physical bodies to house our spirits and prepare to live with Him, eternally. This life, then, is a time of preparation (Alma 12:24).

Our preparation requires that we develop faith in Jesus Christ. I testify that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God. He was begotten of God in the flesh, the Only Begotten. He lived a perfect life and because of His purity was able to be the "infinite and eternal sacrifice" (Alma 34:10-17) for sin. He took upon Himself our sins (Isaiah 53:5-6, Mosiah 15:9) and thus has power to forgive us if we repent.

I believe that Jesus not only suffered for our sins but also for our infirmities, sorrows, pains and afflictions (Alma 7:12, Isaiah 53:4). Thus he knows how to strengthen us and help us overcome weaknesses that we can't overcome by our own efforts. I testify that it is because of the "righteousness of [our] Redeemer" (2 Nephi 2:3) that we are saved and can prepare to live with God, Our Father.

Jesus rose from the dead (John 20, 3 Nephi 11). The resurrection of Jesus Christ and our future resurrection (Alma 11:42-44) provide great reason for hope. Jesus is indeed, "mighty to save" (Alma 7:14).

I believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God, revealed through ancient prophets. I accept it as scripture. I believe that God chose Joseph Smith, Jr. to translate the ancient record. I believe that Joseph Smith uttered a profound truth when he said,

"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. (November 28, 1841.)"

I gained my sure witness of Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon. It indeed testifies of Him as no other book does. It teaches his gospel (3 Nephi 27:13-22) more plainly, with greater clarity than any other book.

I believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (D&C 1:30). The Lord revealed the principles of organization to Joseph Smith and those who have followed him as prophets and apostles. I believe that The Church possesses all the principles, doctrines and authority given by God for the benefit of His children.

I also believe that Joseph was a prophet of God, called and ordained to this mighty work. I sustain President Gordon B. Hinckley as God's prophet, today. I believe God has called him. I believe that God also called others as witnesses of Jesus Christ. These men, members of The First Presidency and The Quorum of Twelve of Twelve Apostles, I sustain as prophets, seers and revelators.

Such is my testimony. It has been revealed through the Holy Ghost. I so witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Is there a God?