The first basic belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is faith in Jesus Christ, which is the first principle of the gospel (see Article of Faith 4). But who is Jesus Christ and what does it mean to have faith in Jesus?

Definition of Faith: To hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

Faith in Jesus Christ means believing that:

1. Jesus is the only literal son of God (our Heavenly Father) in the flesh.
   • "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
   • John 1:14
   • 1 Nephi 11:18-20
   
   

1. He suffered for the sins of all mankind (called the Atonement) through the shedding of His blood, His death on the cross, and later His resurrection.
   • Isaiah 53:3-12
   • Mosiah 3:5-11
   • Alma 7:10-13
   
   
2. Everyone will eventually be resurrected because of the Atonement: Their spirit and body will be reunited, made perfect, and will never die again.
   • "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Cor 15:22)
   • Alma 11:40-45
   
   
3. Coming unto Christ is the only way we can be saved from our sins.
   • "I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—"
     
     "I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world."
     
     "And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you." (Mosiah 4:6-8)
   • 2 Nephi 9:10-12
   • D&C 76:50-53,62

To have faith in Jesus Christ especially means that we repent of our sins through the steps of repentance.

I know that Christ is the Son of God, that he suffered and died for me and everyone else. He loves us and has made it possible for us to return to live with him and our Heavenly Father, all we must do is have faith in Jesus, repent of our sins, and keep his commandments.

Also see Faith By Works and the FAQ: Saved by Faith or Works? to learn more or vote in this poll: Do you Believe in Jesus Christ?