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The Basic Foundation of the Gospel.—To the question, "What are the
fundamental principles of your religion?" Joseph Smith said:
"The fundamental principles of our religion are the
testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ,
that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and
ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our
religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these,
we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, [and]
the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God...."
(History of the Church 3:30.)
Here are the essential principles in the message that Joseph Smith gave
to the world. They consist, first, in the testimony that Jesus is the Christ, who
wrought out his perfect atonement for the redemption of men; second, in the
testimony renewed and confirmed through a modern prophet that by accepting
Christ in the true exercise of faith man may be changed from a sinful state to
a state of righteousness in which he can enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost with
its several spiritual endowments, as they are given to men governed by the
will of God.