"We Believe"

Annie Poon (American, B. 1977)
Jesus Christ Will Reign Personally upon the Earth
Watercolor, 17" x 14" x 1" in.
Used with artist’s permission

Historical Reflections

The miscellaneous nature of the readings for December prompts us to reflect on the composition of the Doctrine and Covenants: What kinds of materials are included in its pages?

The predominant type is a form rarely found elsewhere in scripture: Words spoken in the Lord’s own voice—“Verily, I say unto you.” As we read, we have that voice in our ears. In the 1835 and 1844 editions of the Doctrine and Covenants, writings in this form and only in this form were labeled “Revelation.”

Section 76, which is Sidney Rigdon’s and Joseph Smith’s report of their glorious vision of the heavens and is not the Lord speaking, is called “Vision.” It was no less a revelation than the first-person texts, but it received a more descriptive title. Others received names like “Articles and Covenants,” “Minutes,” or “Account of John.”

As time went on, more and more of the texts added to the Doctrine and Covenants were of this miscellaneous nature. So we have “a vision given to President Joseph Smith” and two entries called “Official Declaration.” The manual includes three proclamations that have not been added to the Doctrine and Covenants but may be later on.

All this goes to show that the word and will of the Lord comes to us in many forms. If we pay heed, we can learn from them all.
- Richard Bushman

Art Companion

The Articles of Faith are a collection of belief statements that begin with strong words: “We believe…” This week’s lesson brings together these confident declarations of faith with two Official Declarations that acknowledge something equally important: the Lord’s Church grows, changes, and receives further light over time.

In this watercolor, Jesus Christ Will Reign Personally upon the Earth, Annie Poon’s imagery is joyful and gentle: Jesus sits among children and animals, sunlight radiating from behind Him—almost forming a tiny, personal Zion. Its title comes directly from the 10th Article of Faith, and reminds us that it is Jesus who ultimately leads the Church—even when things change or when we do not fully understand the reasons behind past practices.

“Here Christ suffers all children to come unto Him and find rest,” says Poon about this painting.

1. The Articles of Faith are simple doctrinal statements of our beliefs. Which of these speaks directly or indirectly to one of your current faith questions? How does this Article of Faith address your question?

2. In Official Declaration - 1, we are taught that "the Lord will never permit [the prophet] ... to lead [us] astray" (Excerpts From Three Addresses by President Wilford Woodruff Regarding the Manifesto). Why then is it important that you receive our own witness of what the prophet says to be true?

3. President Russel M. Nelson said following a meeting with the national officers of the NAACP: "Together we invite all people, organizations, and government[s] to work with greater civility, eliminating prejudice of all kinds" ["First Presidency and NAACP Leaders Call for Greater Civility, Racial Harmony," Mormon Newsroom, May 17, 2018, mormonnewsroom.org.) What are the blessings of eliminating prejudice? What did Jesus do to eliminate prejudice during His mortal life?

For Children & Youth

Hi. This painting shows Jesus sitting with all kinds of children and animals, happy and peaceful together. Annie Poon chose this scene because the 10th Article of Faith says that one day Jesus will come again and reign personally on the earth.

Sometimes the Church learns new things from Heavenly Father and changes how we do things. When things change, it helps to remember something simple and important: Jesus is still in charge. Prophets and leaders try their best, sometimes people make mistakes, and we don’t always have every answer—but Jesus never stops loving His people or guiding His Church.

Just like the children in the painting, we can rely on Jesus and help make the Church kinder and more like Him every day.

1. Have you memorized the Articles of Faith? Recite them all, or any one that you know, to someone in your family. If you haven't yet memorized them, pick one and learn it this week.

2. Pick an Article of Faith and explain it to someone, including an example of how you have seen the principles of this Article of Faith in your own life or in the life of someone else.

3. Article of Faith no. 13 begins: "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men." As you think about New Year's resolutions, what might you do to be more honest, more true, more chaste, etc. in 2026?

Art Project

The Articles of Faith are much like a collective affirmation of belief. For example, the Young Women theme and the Young Men theme are also collective affirmations of belief. Write an affirmation of belief unique to you or to your family. Record yourself saying your affirmation and send it to us.