WE BELIEVE: Sixth Article of Faith

by James Talmage:

We find, operating in their sacred callings in the Primitive Church, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders, bishops, priests and deacons. The purpose of these several offices is declared to be "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12)

Every office so established is necessary to the development of the Church, which has been aptly compared to a perfect body with its several members, each adapted to particular function and all coordinated for the common good. In an organization planned and established through Divine wisdom, there are neither superfluities nor parts wanting. Eye, ear, hand, and foot, each is essential to the symmetry and physical perfection of the body; in the Church no one in authority can rightly say to his fellow: "I have no need of thee." (See 1 Cor 12:12-21).

The Primitive Church was of comparatively short duration. The world fell into spiritual darkness, and a restoration of power and commission from the Heavens became necessary to the reestablishment of the Church with its ancient blessings and privileges. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the imperative need of "the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church," and solemnly avers that through the ministration of heavenly beings the Church of Jesus Christ is restored to earth, for the salvation of mankind both living and dead.

My Thoughts:

To me, when Christ was on the earth, He established his Church, for it WAS HIS CHURCH. He knew what was needed in this church to help bring souls back to Him.

To me, the question is asked: When Christ established His Church on the earth in the meridian of time, why do we think, as man, that we can change things around and expect it to be alright.

Christ who is perfect, knew exactly what we needed and thus the Church was established on the earth.

Why does man think he know more than God or Christ himself? What makes man think that he can change things to suit himself or appeal to mankind in general and still say it is Christ's church?

To me it is quite simple. The way the Church was intended and established ORIGINALLY is how it should be now. If you take away or change anything from the original, it is now not the Lord's. Since it is the Lord's church and if I want to know the way back to him, I want to do it the right way, the way the "author" intended, if you will.

Originally it was established with prophets, apostles, pastors, teachers and evangelists, all of which exist in His church today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Why would anyway want to have a substitute church for the intended Church Christ established?

A pastor is a Bishop, an overseer or a shepherd; An evangelist is a patriarch and Apostles, prophets and teachers should be understood.

For me, I am grateful to be a part of the Lord's Church as He established it originally. It not the works or interpretations of man, it was from Christ himself.