A Correct Understanding of the Godhead

The First Vision (J. Smith - Hist., vv.14-20)

          The First Article of Faith says, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." (Articles of Faith.) This fundamental truth not only establishes that we believe that there is a god, but also that Mormons are Christians. We Mormons believe that it's important to have a correct understanding of the similarities and differences to roles and natures of  each member of the Godhead.

         Mormons believe that God the Father is our literal father, and we are his spirit children. Jesus Christ is also Heavenly Father's son and our brother, but unlike us he is Heavenly Father's only begotten in the flesh, which is probably why he and his father look so alike. Both of them have physical, glorified bodies. Together they, with the Holy Ghost, are united in purpose and love.

         The Holy Ghost does not have a body, but is a spirit. He knows all things, and one of his key roles is to give us testimonies of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and of truth. Communication from the Holy Ghost feels something like warmth, fire, and purity in your chest that fills you with joy. Feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost is a beautiful, sacred thing, and it is available to everyone who wants to know God and actively looks for the truth. (A good way to begin to invite the Spirit into your life and into your home would be to invite the missionaries over, or to start reading the Book of Mormon, or to sincerely ask God if something is true. Those are perfect opportunities for the Spirit to bear witness to you of the truth of the matter in question.)

        God the Father is the one who's in charge. He is the one to whom we direct our prayers. Jesus always does whatever Heavenly Father asks him to do. Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament and directs the affairs of God's church. He also came to earth to show us how to live by being an example, and he and the Holy Ghost are our greatest teachers.

This video from the April 2013 General Conference of the Church is of a member of the Quorum of the 70 explaining the doctrine of the Godhead a little further.

        One of the most important things for us to know is that Jesus is our Savior. Heavenly Father designed for us a plan whereby we could become like him, but the plan would require a savior for us. Jesus is that savior - he made our redemption possible, and we are indebted to him for that and for several other reasons. See What did Jesus Christ do for us, and what do we need to do about it? for more info about Jesus Christ, or go to http://mormon.org/jesus-christ.