what i believe: the Godhead

Our first article of faith states,

"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

Mormons believe that God the Father is the literal father of Jesus Christ, his only begotten in the flesh, as stated in John 1:14 "And the same word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

We also believe in the Holy Ghost, often referred to as "the Spirit" in our church, also meaning the Holy Spirit. We believe the true doctrine of the Godhead was lost after 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) so that he can dwell in us.

"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" (True to the Faith, page 73-74). In the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 11:27) it says "for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one." We don't believe that they are literally one being, but one in purpose.

President Hinckley, our current prophet, said:

And so, my beloved brethren and sisters, I believe in God, the Eternal Father,
and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. I was baptized in the name
of these three. I was married in the name of these three. I have no question
concerning their reality and their individuality. That individuality was made
apparent when Jesus was baptized by John in Jordan. There in the water stood the
Son of God. His Father's voice was heard declaring His divine sonship, and the
Holy Ghost was manifest in the form of a dove" (see Matthew 3:16-17).

I believe this to be true. I believe in the Godhead.

painting by simon dewey, "to fulfill all righteousness"