072. Children are innocent and are not under penalty of sin when born into mortality.
073. Little children have no need of repentance or baptism.
075. Little children (babies) are to be blessed before the Church.
076. Children should respect and honor their parents.
077. We are to learn in our youth to keep the commandments of God.
See topic FAMILY AND PARENTHOOD
072. Children are innocent and are not under penalty of sin when born into mortality.
It is a false doctrine which prevails in the world that children have to be cleansed from original sin. The posterity of Adam in no way whatever is subject to original sin. Even should parents be guilty, that does not place any sin on the soul of the child. Little children are not under the cloud of sin. MPSG1972-73:124
Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God. (Revelation at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833) D&C 93:38
We learn from this revelation [D&C 93:38] that in the beginning of mortal life all mankind is innocent before God and, therefore, is like the beginning river of water, pure and undefiled. As the polluted tributaries of water enter the main stream, our lives too become polluted when we allow tributaries of evil and wickedness to enter. It is these tributaries of evil we must be concerned about and fortify ourselves against. Wickedness never was happiness, but to the contrary, it is depressing; it destroys conscience and ultimately the spiritual life of the constant, erring individual. CR1971Oct:105
Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.
9. And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
10. Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.
12. But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism 13. Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
14. Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity, for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
15. For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism. (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:8-15
quoted by Mormon
And even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.
17. And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omni potent.
18. For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little children, and believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omni potent. (King Benjamin makes known to the people the things told to him by an angel of God, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 3:18
The innocence of little children is another revelation which God has given through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph. The general practice is the baptism of infants to take away the effects of what is described as the sin of Adam and Eve. Under the doctrine of the Restoration, baptism is for the remission of one's individual and personal sins. It becomes a covenant between God and man. It is performed at the age of accountability, when people are old enough to recognize right from wrong. It is by immersion, in symbolism of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and His coming forth in the Resurrection. CR2005Apr; The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, Ensign, May 2005
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. (The second of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :2
No matter what David said [Psalms 51:5] "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me," he was not born in sin. In the midst of his sorrow because he violated the moral law, he may have felt his sin keenly and in this manner expressed himself, but this did not make the statement true that his parents were guilty of sin and that he partook of it in his birth. Let it be remembered that David was speaking only for and of himself, and that his words cannot in justice be universally applied. MPSG1972-73:123
073. Little children have no need of repentance or baptism.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches as a doctrine founded on reason, justice, and scripture, that all children are innocent in the sight of God, and that, until they reach an age of personal responsibility, baptism is neither requisite nor proper in their behalf; that, in short, they are saved through the atonement of Christ. AF:79
"Do you believe in the baptism of infants?" asks the Presbyterian. No. "Why?" Because it is nowhere written in the Bible. Circumcision is not baptism, neither was baptism instituted in the place of circumcision. Baptism is for remission of sins. Children have no sins. Jesus blessed them and said, "Do what you have seen me do." Children are all made alive in Christ, and those of riper years through faith and repentance. (To the Saints in the Grove, Nauvoo, Ill., July 1843) HC5:499
Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.
9. And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
10. Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.
12. But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism 13. Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
14. Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity, for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
15. For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism. (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:8-15
For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who have arrived at the years of accountability. (Revelation received June 1829) D&C 18:42
Related Witnesses:
recorded in Matthew
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Jesus ministers to the multitude) Matthew 19:13-14
quoted by Mormon
And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
22. And when he had done this he wept again;
23. And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.
24. And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them. (The resurrected Jesus instructs the Nephite people, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 17:21-24
No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:71
receiving the Word of the Lord
But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten;
47. Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; (Revelation received in presence of six elders, Sept. 1830) D&C 29:46-47
Since all mankind come into the world innocent so far as this mortal life is concerned, and there is no sin laid to their charge, should they die in their childhood before they are accountable for their deeds, it would be manifestly unjust to condemn them. . . . It is not the fault of little children who die that their parents do not come into the Church and refuse to accept the gospel. Through the mercy and justice of our Eternal Father, every soul is entitled to hear the gospel. If they do not have the privilege in this mortal life, then they will have it in the spirit world, where it is preached to the dead and even the dead will be judged according to their works. MPSG1972-73:120
074. Little children who die before they reach the age of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom.
And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. (Vision received in Kirtland Temple, Jan. 21, 1836) D&C 137:10
All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.
And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability, are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. (The Prophet instructs the Twelve in Nauvoo, Ill., June 27, 1839) HC2:380-81
also quoting Joseph Smith
Little children who die before the age of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom. The Prophet Joseph Smith received this knowledge by vision in the Kirtland Temple, January 21, 1836. On that occasion it was shown that ". . . all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven." [HC2:381] MPSG1972-73:120-21
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
But, with little children who are taken away in infancy and innocence before they have reached the years of accountability, and are not capable of committing sin, the gospel reveals to us the fact that they are redeemed, and Satan has no power over them. Neither has death any power over them. They are redeemed by the blood of Christ, and they are saved just as surely as death has come into the world through the fall of our first parents. MPSG1972-73:121
quoted by Mormon
And little children also have eternal life. (Abinadi preaches to King Noah and his people of the intercession of Christ, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 15:25
Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me. . . .
10. Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:8,10-11
receiving the Word of the Lord
But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten;
47. Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;
48. For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.
49. And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having knowledge, have I not commanded to repent?
50. And he that hath no understanding, it remaineth in me to do according as it is written. And now I declare no more unto you at this time. Amen. (Revelation from the Lord received in presence of six elders, Sept. 1830) D&C 29:46-50
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches as a doctrine founded on reason, justice, and scripture, that all children are innocent in the sight of God, and that, until they reach an age of personal responsibility, baptism is neither requisite nor proper in their behalf; that, in short, they are saved through the atonement of Christ. AF:79
075. Little children (babies) are to be blessed before the Church.
Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:70
in behalf of the Quorum of the Twelve,
also quoting Joseph Smith
We have nothing to say against a father blessing his children, the genius of the Priesthood being primarily patriarchal, with God himself the great Father of us all at the head. Indeed we claim that every man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood is a patriarch in his own home, with the right to bless all his children and grandchildren, even all the fruits of his loins. Nor do we object to the father taking his babe on the eighth day and giving it a father's blessing. But we do not think that this privilege whether exercised or unimproved, should interfere with our obedience to that law of the Lord wherein it is stated [D&C 20:70] "Every member of the Church of Christ having children, is to bring them unto the Elders before the Church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ and bless them in his name." Outside of the all important fact that this is a direct command of Jehovah, and as such should be studiously complied with without hesitancy or objection, we think quite a number of excellent reasons can be adduced to prove that this command is attended with beneficial results to babe and to parents, who by bringing their child before the Church manifest their faith in the sight of their brethren and sisters, in God's word and in his promises, as well as their thankfulness to him for increasing their posterity and for the safe delivery of his handmaiden. The child is also benefited by the united faith and responsive prayers of the assembled Saints. . . . (Published Message of acting First Presidency, i.e. John Taylor and the Quorum of the Twelve) (In Millennial Star, April 1878, No. 15, p. 235; and in Deseret News) MOFP2:311-12; DCSM:43 (in part)
George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith
(First Presidency)
Hereafter, therefore, we desire the Latter-day Saints, under the direction of the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops, to meet in their several places of worship on the afternoon of the first Sunday in each month, whenever it can be done conveniently, and devote the meeting to the administration of the Sacrament, to the bearing of testimony by the members of the Church, to the blessing of children and the confirming of members in the Church, and to such other services as have usually been attended to at such meetings. (Published Message of the First Presidency in Deseret Evening News, Nov. 7, 1896) MOFP3:282
Related Witnesses:
Children have no sins. Jesus blessed them and said, "Do what you have seen me do." (To Saints in the Grove, Nauvoo, Ill., July, 1843) HC5:499
quoted by Mormon
And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
22. And when he had done this he wept again;
23. And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.
24. And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them. (The resurrected Jesus instructs the Nephite people, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 17:21-24
Author's Note: The following instructions appear in the 1991 Supplement to the 1989 General Handbook of Instructions published by the Church: "Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name" (D&C 20:70). In conformity with this revelation, only those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood should participate in the ordinance of naming and blessing children. This instruction supersedes previous instructions. . . ."
076. Children should respect and honor their parents.
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (The Lord reveals the fifth of the Ten Commandments to Moses ) Exodus 20:12
Young men should be scrupulously careful to impress upon their minds the necessity of consulting with father and mother in all that pertains to their actions in life. Respect and veneration for parents should be inculcated into the hearts of the young people of the Church—father and mother to be respected, their wishes to be regarded—and in the heart of every child should be implanted this thought of esteem and consideration for parents which characterized the families of the ancient patriarchs.
God is at the head of the human race; we look up to him as the Father of all. We cannot please him more than regarding and respecting and honoring our fathers and our mothers who are the means of our existence here upon the earth. (IE1902Feb:307) DGSM:82
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Paul's letter to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 6:1-4
We have the old commandment, "Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Children should be taught and trained to honor their father and their mother. Their parents gave them life and cared for them when they could not care for themselves. Every child of every age should love and honor his parents. CR1963Apr:136; DGSM:82
recorded in Matthew
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6. And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. (Jesus answers the scribes and Pharisees who contend against him) Matthew 15:4-6
And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee. (Nephi answers his rebellious brothers, about 591 B.C.) 1 Nephi 17:55
It is not enough to honor our parents in some narrow way. If we truly honor them, we will seek to emulate their best characteristics and to fulfill their highest aspirations for us. No gift purchased from a store can begin to match in value to parents some simple, sincere words of appreciation. Nothing we could give them would be more prized than righteous living for each youngster. Even where parents have not great strength of testimony, they will take pride in the strength and conviction of their children, if the relationship between them is a tolerant, loving, supporting one. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 348) TLDP:76-77
If you want to please our Heavenly Father, honor your father and your mother, as He has commanded. They love you dearly. Your joy is their joy, and your sorrow is their sorrow. They want for you the heavenly guidance the Lord provides. CR1999Apr; Your Celestial Journey, Ensign, May 1999, p.96
I counsel you to honor your father and your mother. May I share with you an example of honoring one’s mother. Some years ago Ruth Fawson, mother of six, underwent life-threatening surgery. Her devoted husband and her three sons and three daughters were all at the hospital. The physicians and nurses explained to the family that they could return to their homes and that the staff was prepared to care adequately for Sister Fawson. The family expressed their thanks to the hospital staff but indicated a determination for at least one of its number to be present at all times. A daughter expressed the feelings of all: “We wanted to be there when Mother awakened and stretched forth her hand, so that it would be our hands she would grasp, it would be our smiles she would see, it would be our words she would hear, it would be our love she would feel.” “Honour thy father and thy mother.” CR1997Apr; Pioneers All, Ensign, May 1997, p.93
Young women, choose carefully your friends, for they help to determine your future. Choose to honor your father and your mother, as Heavenly Father would have you do. They love you and would not knowingly lead you astray. CR1995Apr; A Time to Choose, Ensign, May 1995, p.97
Related Witnesses:
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. . . . And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. (The Lord reveals his laws) Exodus 21:15,17
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
22. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. Proverbs 6:20-22
Author's Note: A dictionary definition of to honor: "To regard with honor or respect. To treat with courtesy." (Funk & Wagnalls, p. 643)
077. We are to learn in our youth to keep the commandments of God.
quoted by Mormon
O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
36. Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day. (Alma instructs his son, Helaman, about 73 B.C.) Alma 37:35-37
If we truly honor [our parents], we will seek to emulate their best characteristics and to fulfill their highest aspirations for us. . . . Nothing we could give them would be more prized than righteous living for each youngster. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 348) TLDP:76-77
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (Paul writes to his assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 1 Timothy 4:12
also quoting Joseph Smith
I plead with you young Aaronic Priesthood bearers—and all of us—to determine now, in your youth, to put your trust in the Lord, and by obeying his commandments earn the right to receive specific blessings he has promised for specific types of living—those given in the Word of Wisdom, for example, when he said that "all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; . . ." CR1979Apr:57
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. (Paul writes to his assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 2 Timothy 2:22-23
Related Witnesses:
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. . . . And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke writes concerning Jesus as a youth) Luke 2:40,52
