The basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ restored in 1830 and now known as the
Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

GodHead • Sin • Atonement • Principles of the Gospel • Authoritative Priesthood • Spiritual Gifts from God

The Principles of the Gospel

As Christ taught during his ministry upon the earth, he was very clear in the principles he established for the salvation of mankind.  It is essential that the Church adhere to the principles that He taught or it can not be His Church.

These principles are identified in the sixth chapter of the Book of Hebrews: "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."

Space in this article dictates that a thorough research of these principles is not practical.  It is possible, however, to introduce each of the principles and give some scriptural references as well as initial
information with regard to the beliefs and practice of these principles in the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb 11:1).  It is our faith and belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who by his sacrifice atoned for our sins and
that only by and through Him who redeemed us is it possible to have eternal life with God.  It is by this same faith in Jesus Christ that all past, present, and future miraculous events have been and shall be
performed.  By the exercise of faith in these saving principles eternal life is obtainable.  As our faith grows it becomes knowledge, and that knowledge allows us to extend our faith (Alma 16:143-163).  Through the
exercise of faith becoming knowledge mankind grows in his expanding understanding of God, His precepts, and His principles of salvation.

Sin should be understood to mean any act or thought that separates us from the presence of God.  Paul expressed these acts or thoughts as dead works from which mankind needs to repent.  As mankind replaces sinful acts and thoughts with righteous ones, he is forgiven and allowed to move forward in the plan of salvation.

Paul in his letter to the Hebrews identified the principle of baptisms. (Heb 6:2)  These are the baptism of water and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (3 Ne 5:46)  Jesus Christ, as our example, was baptized by
immersion in the River Jordan by one having authority (John the Baptist).  The scriptures teach that this principle of baptism is for the remission of repentant sins and necessary for those who are accountable and capable of committing sin and must be performed by those with priesthood authority.  The individual desiring to be baptized must be capable of repentance and understand the need to be forgiven.    The Book of Mormon teaches that little children "are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world." (Mor 8:11-16).  This church teaches that baptism should not occur until the age of accountability.  The
Doctrine and Covenants teaches that the age of accountability begins at eight years of age.  (Doctrine and Covenants 68:4a,b) 

As Christ emerged from the water of His baptism the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Him and a voice from heaven said "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  Hear ye him."  (Matt 3:46 IV)
This was the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  The twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ administered this baptism of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.  This principle of the gospel is administered today by the
laying on of hands of those having authority from God.  This baptism of the Holy Spirit has great importance because it allows life to be influenced in greater measure by the Spirit of God.  This influence is essential to fulfill the commandments that Christ instructed should be followed all the days of one's life.

The principle and ordinance of laying on of hands is a portrayal of bestowal.  The scriptural examples of laying on of hands are associated with the blessing of children, the healing of the sick, ordination to a
specific calling, or the setting apart (commissioning) to a particular office or responsibility.  It is from Christ and through His authority that the gifts bestowed in this ordinance are given.  (Acts 8:18; 1 Tim 4:14; Heb 6:2; Acts 9:17,18; Luke 4:40; James 5:14-16)  The use of the laying on of hands is a practice established by Christ through priesthood in His church to bestow His power, authority, and will upon mankind.  Without this principle and the gifts received salvation is difficult.  Faith teaches us belief in the words of Christ "For this is
my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality, and eternal life of man." (Doctrine and Covenants 22:23b)

The principle of the resurrection of the dead is the foundation for our faith and belief in eternal life through the atonement made possible by Jesus Christ.  Without this truth there is no need or reason for believing in Christ or His principles of salvation.  If there is no resurrection then there is no eternal life and no reason to be faithful to the principles taught by Jesus Christ - all would end at the death of  the body - but there is a Christ, there is a resurrection of the dead, and there is the possibility of eternal life with Christ.  The scriptures teach there will be two resurrections.  The first is the resurrection of the just. (John 6:40)  At the resurrection of the just Jesus Christ returns in glory to reign a thousand years on earth. (Genesis 7:73; Rev 20:2-7)  The second resurrection is of the unjust. (John 5:29)  Immediately following this second resurrection there is eternal judgment.  (Rev 20:12-15)

In this judgment that follows the resurrection of the unjust all created souls both the just and the unjust shall stand before their Creator.  It  is the defining moment when final reward either of glory or non-glory
will be determined each by his respective works.  Some to receive a glory equal to that of the sun (Celestial Glory), others to that of the moon (Terrestrial Glory), and still others to a glory comparable to that
of the stars (Telestial Glory), but to those who have denied the ministry of the Holy Spirit a non-glory reward in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone which is the second death.  (Doctrine and Covenants 76)

An understanding of the principles of the Gospel is available through the Inspired Version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.  The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints invite all to come to this greater understanding of the principles of salvation through following God's law as taught by His Only Begotten Son who is Jesus Christ.

Only adherence to the fullness of truth makes mankind recipient of the great blessings Jesus Christ desires to bestow upon His people.  May the Lord bless your sincere efforts in seeking His truth.