“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
According to Mormon doctrine, faith is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the foundation for a Christlike life and eternal salvation. The scriptures identify faith as a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21). In an everyday sense, faith is the supreme motivator of righteous action. Mormon doctrine teaches that faith without works is dead; that is, our works manifest our faith. (more on Faith )
When one develops faith in Jesus Christ and begins to understand the purpose of mortal life, this will lead to a desire to repent. Repentance is the second principle of the Gospel. Repentance is required for salvation, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Everyone that has ever lived upon the earth, except for Jesus Christ, has sinned in some way. Sin has been written about in the scriptures as “all unrighteousness” (1 John 5:17) and “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not” (James 4:17) (more on Repentance )
Mormonism teaches that baptism is the gateway to salvation. After faith and repentance, baptism is the next step, and the first ordinance in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded His apostles to teach and baptize all nations. The Mormon Church sends thousands of missionaries throughout the world in order to fulfill this commandment (more on Baptism )
Mormonism teaches that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. The Holy Ghost is a spirit and does not have a body of flesh and bones like God the Father and Jesus Christ. Because he is a personage of spirit, his influence can be everywhere. The purpose of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of Jesus Christ and of all truth. He is also a purifier, making us worthy to return to the presence of God (more on Gift of the Holy Ghost)