Godhead

The true doctrine of the Godhead was lost in the apostasy that followed the Savior's mortal ministry and the deaths of His Apostles. This doctrine began to be restored when 14-year-old Joseph Smith received his First Vision (see Joseph Smith—History 1:17). From the Prophet's account of the First Vision and from his other teachings, we know that the members of the Godhead are three separate beings. The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit (see D&C 130:22).

Although the members of the Godhead are distinct beings with distinct roles, they are one in purpose and doctrine. They are perfectly united in bringing to pass Heavenly Father's divine plan of salvation.

See also God the Father; Holy Ghost; Jesus Christ

—See True to the Faith (2004), 73–74

• "Rejoice in Our Knowledge of the Godhead"

  Liahona, Feb. 2005, 25; or Ensign, Feb. 2005, 65
  What do we know about the nature of the Godhead? How can our knowledge of the Godhead draw us closer to Them?

• "The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"

  Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Mar. 1998, 2–9; or Ensign, Mar. 1998, 2–7
  It is that perfect unity between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost that binds these three into the oneness of the divine Godhead.

• "Apostasy and Restoration"

  Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 1995, 84–87
  In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings.

• "Fruits of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ"

  Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 1991, 15–17
  One distinctive principle [of the gospel] is a true concept of the nature of the Godhead.

• "Touchstone of Truth"

  John H. Vandenberg, Ensign, May 1974, 11–13
  There is no question that Jesus taught the very nature of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost—three personages of form and substance, individual and distinct.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "God, Godhead"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "Godhead"

  Encyclopedia of Mormonism
  (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

Search additional Church materials for content related to this topic.

Search additional lesson manuals for content related to this topic.