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1. The Godhead


1. The Godhead, Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2018)

1. The Godhead

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the First Vision

1.1. There are three separate personages in the Godhead: God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost. The Father and the Son have tangible, glorified bodies of flesh and bone, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit (see D&C 130:22–23). They are one in purpose and are perfectly united in bringing to pass Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.

Related references: Genesis 1:26–27; Luke 24:36–39; Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20

God the Father

1.2. God the Father is the Supreme Being whom we worship. He is the Father of our spirits (see Hebrews 12:9). He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things. He is also just, merciful, and kind. God loves each of His children perfectly, and all are alike unto Him (see 2 Nephi 26:33). His work and glory is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man.

Related references: John 17:3; Mosiah 4:9; Moses 1:39

Jesus Christ

1.3. Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of the Father in the spirit and is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. Under the Father’s direction, Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth. He is Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New Testament.

1.4. Jesus Christ does the will of the Father in all things. He lived a sinless life and atoned for the sins of all mankind (see 3 Nephi 11:10–11). His life is the perfect example of how we are to live (see 3 Nephi 12:48). He was the first of Heavenly Father’s children to be resurrected. In our day, as in ancient times, He stands at the head of His Church. He will come again in power and glory and will reign on the earth during the Millennium (see D&C 29:10–11). He will judge all mankind.

1.5. Because Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Mediator with the Father, all prayers, blessings, and priesthood ordinances should be done in His name (see 3 Nephi 18:15, 20–21).

Related references: Isaiah 53:3–5; Luke 24:36–39; 1 Corinthians 15:20–22; Revelation 20:12; Alma 7:11–13; Alma 34:9–10; Helaman 5:12; Moroni 7:45, 47–48; D&C 1:30; D&C 6:36; D&C 18:10–11; D&C 19:16–19; D&C 76:22–24

Related topic: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Holy Ghost

1.6. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit and does not have a body of flesh and bone. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, and the Comforter.

1.7. The Holy Ghost bears witness of the Father and the Son, reveals the truth of all things, and sanctifies those who repent and are baptized. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can receive spiritual gifts, which are blessings or abilities given by the Lord for our own benefit and to help us serve and bless others.

Related references: John 3:5; 1 Corinthians 2:5, 9–11; 2 Nephi 32:3; 2 Nephi 32:8–9; Mosiah 3:19; Mosiah 18:8–10; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moroni 7:45, 47–48; Moroni 10:4–5; D&C 8:2–3; D&C 130:22–23

Related topics: Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge; Ordinances and Covenants