Teachings of Joseph Smith

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a number of teachings that sets it apart from other Christian religions. Joseph Smith was instrumental in establishing the unique doctrines.

Nature of God

Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in a vision. Because of the vision the Mormon Church teaches that God and Christ have bodies like a man and that God and Christ are two distinct beings.
Joseph Smith taught that man is made in the image of God and that He is the Heavenly Father of all mankind. God is concerned about His children and hears and answers their prayers. God wants mankind to progress and become like Him. His son, Jesus Christ is our example of what God is like and of His love for man.

Jesus Christ

Joseph Smith wrote, "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father."1 Joseph Smith also testified that Christ was the Savior of the world and it was only through Him that mankind could be saved.
Members of the Mormon Church are taught to pray in the name of Christ and follow His example.
Plan of Salvation

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that all mankind existed as spirits and lived with God in heaven before they were born. The purpose of life is to be tested, to become like Christ, and eventually return to live with God.

Concerning the resurrection Joseph Smith said, "I will merely say that all men will come from the grave as they lie down; whether old or young, there will not be added unto their stature one cubit, neither taken from it." He also taught that children who die are sinless "having been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb." 2
While Joseph Smith was studying the Bible he said, "It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body, the term ‘Heaven,’ as intended for the Saints’ eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one." 3 When he askedGod about it He revealed to Joseph Smith that there are three degrees of glory, which a person can receive, comparative to the sun, moon, and stars, the highest being the celestial.

It is the goal of every Mormon to reach the celestial kingdom and dwell with God, this is achieved through repentance, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end.

Families

Families are central to God’s plan. Joseph Smith taught that family relationships can extend beyond the grave. Families who live worthily and are sealed in a Mormon temple can be together forever.

Because of the teachings of Joseph Smith the Mormon Church places a great emphasis of family history work. Believing that it is every member’s responsibility to seek out and do the temple work for their ancestors.

The Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from ancient gold plates. It is a record of the inhabitants of the Americas. It is also another testament of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Book of Mormon is "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations." 4

Joseph Smith taught "that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." 5

The Word of Wisdom

In 1833, the Lord revealed a code of health to Joseph Smith. Members were asked to not partake of tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. In return the Lord promised members shall receive "health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint." 6

At first the Word of Wisdom was not mandatory but was later adopted as a commandment and is now a requirement to enter the temple. 

Temples

God’s chosen people have always built temples. Joseph Smith taught the importance of temples and the Saints built two temples under his direction, all of which were abandoned or destroyed. The Mormon Church continues to build temples in countries all over the world. 

Within Mormon temples the necessary ordinances necessary to enter the Celestial Kingdom are performed for the both the living and as proxy for the dead.

 (1) Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-23
(2) Cook, Lyndon. The Words of Joseph Smith. Grandin Book Co. 1991. pp. 106-109
(3) Doctrine and Covenants 76:chapter heading
(4) Book of Mormon, title page
(5) Book of Mormon, introduction
(6) D&C 889:18-20