Doctrinal Study
Godhead
Overview
The Church’s first article of faith states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” These three beings make up the Godhead. They preside over this world and all other creations of our Father in Heaven.
Latter-day Saints view the members of the Godhead in a manner that corresponds in a number of ways with the views of others in the Christian world, but with significant differences. Latter-day Saints pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. They acknowledge the Father as the ultimate object of their worship, the Son as Lord and Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as the messenger and revealer of the Father and the Son. But where Latter-day Saints differ from other Christian religions is in their belief that God and Jesus Christ are glorified, physical beings and that each member of the Godhead is a separate being.
The true doctrine of the Godhead was lost in the apostasy that followed 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 Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).
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.
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Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Bible Dictionary, “God”
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Topical Guide, “Godhead”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “God, Godhead”
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Index to the Triple Combination, “Godhead”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“The Will of God”
“I Am a Son of God”
“Are We Christians?”
“The Restoration”
“Teachings of Joseph F. Smith: The Doctrine of the Godhead”
“Doctrine of the Godhead”
“Godhead—He Knows Me”
“Godhead”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
Learning Resources
General Resources
“The Godhead: A Quick Overview,” ComeUntoChrist.org
“What Mormons Believe about Jesus Christ,” ComeUntoChrist.org
“Jesus Christ,” ComeUntoChrist.org
Church Magazines
Norman W. Gardner, “Insights from the Doctrine and Covenants about the Father and the Son,” Ensign, January 2017
Lori Fuller, “How Can Knowing the Godhead Change Me?” New Era, January 2014
Brittany Beattie, “Learning about the Godhead,” New Era, January 2013
Brittany Beattie, “Answering Your Friends’ Questions,” New Era, January 2012
“The Fulness of the Gospel: The Nature of the Godhead,” Ensign, January 2006
“Rejoice in Our Knowledge of the Godhead,” Ensign, February 2005
“The Father and the Son,” Ensign, April 2002
Donald W. Parry, “‘After This Manner … Pray Ye,’” Ensign, January 1996
Karen Lofgreen, “Sharing Time: The Godhead,” Friend, February 1995
Donald Q. Cannon, Larry E. Dahl, and John W. Welch, “The Restoration of Major Doctrines through Joseph Smith: The Godhead, Mankind, and the Creation,” Ensign, January 1989
Daniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks, “Comparing LDS Beliefs with First-Century Christianity,” Ensign, March 1988
William O. Nelson, “Is the LDS View of God Consistent with the Bible?” Ensign, July 1987
Study Manuals
In the News
“Role of the Godhead Is Paramount in Missionaries’ Teachings,” Church News
“Godhead,” Newsroom
“Core Beliefs,” Newsroom
“What Mormons Believe About Jesus Christ,” Newsroom
“Fundamental Premises of Our Faith,” Newsroom
“Real Differences, Real Similarities and Biblical Christianity,” Newsroom
“Extrabiblical Scriptures Are Not Barrier to Christianity,” Newsroom
“Traditional Christianity and the Latter-day Saints,” Newsroom
“Frequently Asked Questions,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Godhead,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
Media
Audio
“Brother and Sister Page,” Why I Believe, episode 20
“The Godhead,” Stories from General Conference, episode 47