The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Articles of Faith, Guide to the Scriptures

What difference do the truths in the Articles of Faith make in your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? 

"1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 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.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Joseph Smith." (The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

"Thirteen basic points of belief to which members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ascribe.

Joseph Smith first wrote them in a letter to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, in answer to his request to know what members of the Church believed. The letter became known as the Wentworth Letter and was first published in the Times and Seasons in March 1842. On October 10, 1880, the Articles of Faith were formally accepted as scripture by the vote of the members of the Church and were included as part of the Pearl of Great Price." (Articles of Faith, Guide to the Scriptures)

And here's the commentary entitled: "The Articles of Faith contain foundational truths of the restored gospel." :

"Consider this approach to studying the Articles of Faith: For each article of faith, make a “mini-lesson” to explain what you believe. Your mini-lesson could include a related scripture, picture, hymn or children’s song, or personal experience about living a truth that the article of faith teaches.

What difference do these truths make in your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How have the Articles of Faith improved your gospel study or helped you share the gospel with others?

See also Guide to the Scriptures, “Articles of Faith,” Gospel Library; L. Tom Perry, “The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 46–48; “Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2011), 435–47."

Growing up in the church, I was able to learn the Articles of Faith by heart. Since I already remember it, it did help me in sharing the gospel with others as it's easy to talk about since it's simple and basic. And it did help build my foundation as I strive to embrace and live the doctrines, principles, and values it contains.

The Articles of Faith simply and clearly states that God is the Eternal Father, the Father of us all. It also states that Jesus Christ is His Son. We are all children of God so Jesus Christ is our Brother. Through our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ's Atonement, all of us may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. These truths have been making a difference in my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because I am able to understand clearly who they are in my life. I know they are one God (with the Holy Ghost) because they are one in purpose. And I know that they want you and me to become like Them because they love us so much and they want us to have joy in this earthly life and eternally.