Discovering Christ’s Doctrine
Dear Elder Peterson,
In the last letter, I pointed out 2 key chapters in the Book of Mormon where all of the doctrines of Christ were taught and followed by a statement claiming that these were the only doctrines accepted by God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Ghost. One chapter specifically said that to teach more or less than these doctrines as Christ’s doctrine “cometh of evil” and “opened the gates of hell” to receive the people. I know this to be true.
The doctrines of Christ are what is needed to connect people to God in a way that enables God to instruct them and direct them. Anything more or less than these doctrines interferes with this process and generally causes people to rely on the arm of flesh rather than going to God directly.
From the two chapters I provided, the following main points called out for consideration. I included the chapter and verse so you can see where it is discussed. (Bold means the point was in both chapters and is therefore part of the doctrine of Christ; not bold is mentioned only in one chapter and is relevant, but not part of the doctrine of Christ):
– Faith in Christ (3 Nephi 11:32-33, Implied in 3 Nephi, but not mentioned directly)
– Repent (2 Nephi 31:11,13-14,17, 3 Nephi 11:32,37-38)
– Be Baptised (2 Nephi 31:11,13-14,17, 3 Nephi 11:33,37-38)
– Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost (2 Nephi 31:12,14,17-18, 3 Nephi 11:35,37-38)
– Feast of the Words of Christ (2 Nephi 31:20, Implied in 3 Nephi, but not mentioned directly)
– Endure to the end (2 Nephi 31:15-16,20, Implied in 3 Nephi, but not mentioned directly)
Note: If you took the time to compare the verses, you might wonder why I listed 3 Nephi 11:37-38 as being related to the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Though you may not yet realize it, “these things” in verse 73 and “inherit the kingdom of God” in verse 38 are direct references to the Holy Ghost and the gifts that come with it. We are not part of the kingdom of God until we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost and the “things” we receive, after we repent and are baptized, are the Holy Ghost and its gifts.
The Doctrine of Christ includes only 3 specific points, (Repent, be Baptized, Receive the Holy Ghost). These points rely on several other principles or concepts which are not specifically part of the doctrine of Christ. For example the atonement, which allows us to experience the remission of sins, thereby becoming worthy of the Holy Ghost, is not a doctrine of Christ, but rather an event that makes the doctrine of Christ able to save us. Likewise, Faith is not a doctrine of Christ, but rather, it is a side note to the doctrine of Christ that should be remembered as essential for salvation. (see D&C 33:11-12 below)
The Doctrine of Christ refers to specific individual points, which make up what is called “the Gospel of Jesus Christ”. The Lord repeatedly tells us EXACTLY what his gospel is several times in the scriptures. Here are three such instances,
“And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.” – D&C 39:6
“Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.
12 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved;” – D&C 33:11-12
“Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;” – 3 Nephi 27:20-21
These three points are all of Christ’s doctrine and make up the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Nephi 31:21) “And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such.” (3 Nephi 11:40)
Now that you have seen these three points and understand how important they are, you will see them repeated over and over again by missionaries in the scriptures who are doing the exact same job you are, bringing people to Christ through the gospel message.
Realize also that I am trying to keep my letters short and have only shown you a drop in the bucket regarding the many scriptures that clearly define Christ’s doctrine and Gospel. Once it is pointed out to you, you will see it clearly throughout the scriptures as the most repeated and important message from missionaries to potential converts.
As you learn more, you will begin to understand God’s wisdom in limiting His gospel and doctrine to these three simple points.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Peace and love,
Uncle Philip