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	Welcome Find informationGlossary

Glossary

This glossary defines words used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that might not be familiar to those who are not members.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Adversary

One of Satan’s names.

Agency

The ability and freedom to choose good or evil.

Alma

The name of two Book of Mormon prophets who were father and son. The first Alma led a small band of people away from their unrighteous king so that they could worship God in the way they believed was right. Later, his son Alma persecuted the Church and tried to lead many people astray. In response to the prayers of his father, an angel of God rebuked Alma the younger, which resulted in a conversion experience similar to that of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament (Acts 9:1-22). Alma, like Paul, spent the remainder of his life preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Apostasy

1. A condition of spiritual withdrawal from our Father in Heaven.
2. A period of time when the priesthood and the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness were not on the earth.

Apostle

One sent forth to serve as a special witness of Jesus Christ. There are fifteen Apostles living on the earth today. They make up the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church.

Articles of Faith, the

Thirteen statements written by the Prophet Joseph Smith outlining some of the basic teachings and ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Articles of Faith are printed in the Pearl of Great Price, one of the standard works of the Church.

Atonement

The suffering and death of Jesus Christ, through which resurrection is provided to all mortals and eternal life is offered to those who have faith in Christ and repent of their sins.

Authority

The right to function in certain capacities in the Church.