(2/5/02)
"To some, the events unfolding in the world today are frightening. This is not a time to panic, but it is definitely a time to prepare. What can we do to better prepare ourselves for that which is at our doorstep? It is simple. We need to get back to basics and 'learn obedience.' When we are obedient, we follow the first principles of the gospel and place our faith in our Lord and Savior; we repent of our sins; we are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost to guide us. We read and ponder the scriptures, pray for direction in our lives, and look for ways to help others who are going through difficult times. We share the gospel with people living on earth and make it possible for saving ordinances to be performed for those who have passed beyond the veil." — Glenn L. Pace, " Spiritual Revival ," Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 12

(2/6/02)
"We are Christians because '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.' ( A of F 1:4 .) All these things are centered in Christ." — Robert E. Wells, " We Are Christians Because... ," Ensign, Jan. 1984, p. 19

(2/7/02)
"We all know that the Lord has commanded parents who have children in Zion to teach them to understand the fundamentals of the gospel--faith in Christ and the doctrines of repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. If parents fail to do this, the sin is on their heads (see D&C 68:25 ). Two years after that early revelation, the Lord commanded the Saints to 'bring up [their] children in light and truth' ( D&C 93:40 )...." — Dallin H. Oaks, " Nourishing the Spirit ," Ensign, Dec. 1998, p. 8

(2/8/02)
"Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is an essential covenant to make with the Lord. Faith and repentance precede this ordinance. Confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost follow baptism. Acceptance of these first principles and ordinances may obtain for us a remission of our sins and assure our salvation. In the ordinance of the sacrament, we regularly renew this and other covenants, and by complying with our part of the covenant, we receive the Spirit of the Lord to be with us." — A. Theodore Tuttle, " Covenants, Ordinances, and Service ," Ensign, May 1984, p. 25

(2/9/02)
"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ--And when I say 'Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,' we want it distinctly understood that we believe absolutely in Jesus Christ, that he was the Son of God, and that he did come to the earth with a divinely-appointed mission to die as the Redeemer of mankind on the cross. We do not believe that He was just a 'great moral teacher,' but that He is our Redeemer.  (Church News, Sept. 3, 1938, p. 7)" — Heber J. Grant, " The Atoning Sacrifice: Modern Prophets Testify ," Ensign, Apr. 1974, insert

9/4/07
"These first principles of the Gospel, some of which were mentioned in our hearing this morning by President Smith and President Lund, have now become alive to us. They become a source of power unto us. They are all necessary, just as necessary as the waters that spring from the earth, or the rain from the clouds or the dews of heaven are necessary for the nourishment of the plants, so are these principles necessary for the nourishment and development of man's soul And indeed they have connected with them a power. They take hold of the soul of man, and cause it to grow and to develop. Faith, this mighty principle of power that we talk of, is a living fountain of power within man, and man is so organized by his Maker that he may develop this power within him, so that in time he may say, as God said in times past to the world. 'Be ye in existence, be ye framed, come into being.' He can develop himself to the extent that he can have this power, as it is given unto him through God, the Eternal Father." - Joseph B. Keeler, "Conference Report," October 1914, Afternoon Session, p.46