The Fourth Article of Faith reads: We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Second, repentance. Third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. Fourth, laying on of hands, for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we often speak of faith as being the first principle of the gospel, as indeed it is. But we don’t refer to faith in general, but instead, to the specific faith that comes through believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior and in having faith in His ability to redeem all of us. The article says “faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” with emphasis on “Lord,” stating that we truly do believe and accept His divinity. He was not merely a man or a preacher, but the Son of God.
Once we have attained this faith, then we desire to repent. It’s a natural progression—once we understand who Christ is and what He did for us, we want to repent and become better people. We put aside our past sins and strive to do better in the future. Of course, we will still make mistakes and we might slip back to our old ways, but that is part of the miracle of repentance. We can repent as many times as need be until we reach our destination.
Then we are baptized. We subscribe to baptism by immersion, for we believe that baptism is symbolic of being washed clean. We can only be completely washed clean through total immersion. Baptism is also symbolic of coming forth from the grave on resurrection day, being born into a new life, which truly is what baptism does for us. It washes us clean and brings us into a new life.
Then we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will be our constant companion and comfort. It helps keep us calm when all around is may be in chaos. It helps keep us anchored when otherwise we would be adrift. It guides us, whispers truths to us, and helps us feel God’s love for us.
These are the first four principles and ordinances of the gospel, and all others branch forward from them.
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