The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel
Attention Activity:
Ensign May 1998 - Have you been Saved?
What do we say when someone asks us, “Have you been saved?” This question, so common in the conversation of some Christians, can be puzzling to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it is not our usual way of speaking. We tend to speak of “saved” or “salvation” as a future event rather than something that has already been realized.
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To Latter-day Saints, the words saved and salvation in this teaching signify a present covenant relationship with Jesus Christ in which we are assured salvation from the consequences of sin if we are obedient. Every sincere Latter-day Saint is “saved” according to this meaning. We have been converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we have experienced repentance and baptism, and we are renewing our covenants of baptism by partaking of the sacrament.
Have you been saved? (Gospel Topics Salvation)
What is salvation?
To put it simply salvation is the result of becoming at one with God and his laws again. To be forgiven of ones sins and to be washed clean of the consequences and results of them. To be redeemed from the consequences of Adams Transgression and to be brought back into the presence of God through the ressurection.To be with God forevermore.
Thus salvation is two-fold.
#1 The remission of ones sins so that they are found clean before God.
#2 Freedom from the result of Adams Transgression and the reception of a resurrected Body.
The Body and Sprit are reunited again never to be divided. The reception of an immortal, incorrupt and glorious body like unto the Body that Jesus Christ obtained through his resurrection. Thus he is the first fruits of those who slept. (Phillip 3:21)What is the basis of our belief in being saved?
“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (A of F 1:3).
Today we are going to concentrate upon the laws and ordinances of the Gospel that save an individual namely:
(A of F 1:4)We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
#1 Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
#2 Repentance
#3 Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
#4 Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
These are the basis of our faith - the Basic principles of the gospel that if believed and followed will provide an individual with a receipt of a remission of sins. And thus, entrance into the celestial kingdom of God. These are not sufficient to receive exaltation, but are sufficient to receive Salvation. Salvation being the returning of an individual into the presence of God to live with him forever more. For the receipt of Exaltation - and the fullness of the glory of God additional requirements have been revealed.
Thus once again, these principles are the basic principles of the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ. The "Good News" that through these principles we can qualify for the receipt of a remission of sins. Thus through obedience and the Grace of God, not by any efforts/worthiness of our own, an individual may receive a remission of their sins. These principles are the Gateway to the Celestial kingdom and are the principles by which an individual is "Saved" and can return to the presence of God.
D&C 76:50-53, 69-70
51 Those who receive the testimony of Jesus - believed on his name - baptized after his burial - according to the commandment
52 by keeping the commandments - they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins - receiving the Holy ghost by one ordained to this power
53 Those who overcome by faith - and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise - unto all the just and true
69 Just men - made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant - wrought out this perfect atonement through his own blood
70 These are they who's bodies are Celestial - even the Glory of God - the highest of all.
The fourth article of faith sets forth the basics of the gospel plan by which we may obtain forgiveness of sin through Christ’s Atonement: “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] Because the term enduring to the end appears so often in the scriptures in connection with these principles and ordinances, it is often added as a fifth element.
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The Lord often refers to the first principles and ordinances simply as “my gospel” or “my doctrine.” For example, in a revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Lord declares: “And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter” (D&C 39:6).
Lets discuss the principles of "Salvation" and the Basis of our hope for the receipt of a remission of our sins in this life and in the world to come as well as our "Hope" of eternal life in the Celestial kingdom!
#1 Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Oct 2000 Ensign - The first principles of the Gospel
Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is imperative to our salvation that we exercise faith in Him, for He is the Messiah, the Creator and Redeemer of the world, our Advocate and Mediator with the Father. He has paid the penalty for our sins and ransomed us from death and hell. As King Benjamin taught the Nephites in his great farewell address from the tower, “There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17). Faith in Christ unlocks the power of the Atonement in an individual’s life, while without faith, as Paul taught, it is impossible to please God, “for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6).
To exercise faith in Christ means believing He is the Savior of the world, trusting in His word, seeking to do His will, and receiving comfort and strength from His hand.
When you hear the word "Exercise" what comes to mind? Why is this word applied to faith?
How do we exercise our faith - in daily/normal life events?
Activity:
Split class into small groups and have each group lookup the scripture discuss it and report to the class concerning how faith can be used:
D&C 35.8-9
Does it say anything about gender? Can woman heal, cause miracles the same as men?
What is required for the miracle to occur?
What did you learn?
What happens if you don't have faith to be healed, or see, or hear etc. If you yet believe in Jesus?
What is required for the miracle to occur?
What did you learn?
How does God's will play into a miracles occurrence?
Who will never see a sign?
What did you learn?
How did they exercise their faith?
What miracle would occur because of their faith?
Why was a blessing put upon the land? How does this relate to our faith?
What did you learn?
Summary of Faith:
Faith is not merely a belief in Jesus Christ. It is a moving thought/mindset to action. It promotes behavior that is in accordance with God's will for man. It leads an individual to the next step in the process. Namely that of Repentance, and the receipt of Baptism and the Holy Ghost. It is only through this faith that a person has the motivation to repent, and forsake their sins the basis of Repentance.
See Book of Mormon Lesson Alma 31-34
#2 Repentance
What is Repentance?
October Conference 2000 - The Path to Peace and Joy - Richard G. Scott
Formulas have been crafted to help remember some of the essential actions required for full repentance. While these can be helpful, generally they ignore the most fundamental aspect of repentance—that it is centered in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, that it has efficacy because He willingly paid the full price through His redeeming sacrifice, motivated by a perfect love of His Father and of each of us. Alma declared:
Remember that no matter what you do - you cannot of yourself atone for the transgression that you have committed!
You are under the penalty of Sin, and nothing you can do, I repeat nothing you can do, can overcome the effects of this. Those effects are Separation from God, and Physical Death.
Our Salvation is based solely upon the Grace of Jesus Christ and our obedience to his qualifications required to receive a remission of sins.
He is a God of Truth and Love, and cannot lie, if a person repents they will be forgiven!
Mosiah 26:29-31Although lists don't cut the mustard as far as what true repentance is they can be helpful here is a published list from the Church Website:
Youth - Questions and Answers: What do I need to do to repent
“Repentance is a painful process, but it leads to forgiveness and lasting peace. . . . Repentance includes the following elements:
- “Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The power of sin is great. To become free from it, you must turn to your Heavenly Father and pray in faith. Satan may try to convince you that you are not worthy to pray—that Heavenly Father is so displeased with you that He will never hear your prayers. This is a lie. Your Father in Heaven is always ready to help you if you will come to Him with a repentant heart. . . .
- “Sorrow for Sin. In order to be forgiven, you must first acknowledge within yourself that you have sinned. If you are striving to live the gospel, such an acknowledgment will lead to ‘godly sorrow,’ which ‘worketh repentance to salvation’ (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow does not come because of the natural consequences of sin or because of a fear of punishment; rather, it comes from the knowledge that you have displeased your Heavenly Father and your Savior. When you experience godly sorrow, you have a sincere desire for change and a willingness to submit to every requirement for forgiveness.
- “Confession. . . . Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to disclose fully to your Heavenly Father all that you have done. Kneel before Him in humble prayer, acknowledging your sins. Confess your shame and guilt, and then plead for help.
- “Serious transgressions, such as violations of the law of chastity, may jeopardize your membership in the Church. Therefore, you need to confess these sins to both the Lord and His representatives in the Church. . . .
- “Abandonment of Sin. Although confession is an essential element of repentance, it is not enough. The Lord has said, ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them’ (D&C 58:43). Maintain an unyielding, permanent resolve that you will never repeat the transgression. . . .
- “Restitution. You must restore as far as possible all that has been damaged by your actions, whether that is someone’s property or someone’s good reputation. Willing restitution shows the Lord that you will do all you can to repent.
- “Righteous Living. It is not enough to simply try to resist evil or empty your life of sin. You must fill your life with righteousness and engage in activities that bring spiritual power. Immerse yourself in the scriptures. Pray daily for the Lord to give you strength beyond your own. At times, fast for special blessings” (True to the Faith, 133–35).
Why do we sorrow for our sin? Is regret/guilt a requirement for repentance?
Guilt/Regret are emotional responses to an individual recognizing that they have done something wrong - and desiring to change.
Our Guilt/Regret can be swallowed up in Christ - if our faith is strong enough - he can overcome and thus make restitution for our weaknesses/sins.
Why is Confession essential to repentance? For what do we need to confess, and to who?
October 1971 - Confession and Forsaking - Elements of Repentance - James A. cullimore
Why then is Confession a requirement?
Satan is the great deceiver - his purpose is to cause us to hide our sins and not to repent of them. Confession is a means by which an individuals sins are no longer in the dark - they are no longer hidden and unseen. Satan wants people to keep their sins hidden to deceive others by not telling and promote fear in the fact that their weaknesses/sins will become known to others. The Lords plan is greater, through confession the devil loses this power over the individual, there is no more fear, nor is their deception, their weaknesses have been shown to others and thus Satan's power over them is removed. Without this Satan, can use fear and deception to cause the individual to maintain his secrecy - to avoid confession and to deny that there is even any sin at all!
So what sins should be confessed to the Bishop?
Sins that are not individual, that impact others and that may cause an individual to loose their privileges in the church must be confessed to the Bishop. He is the common judge, it is his job to help individuals who desire to repent of these types of sins to go through the process of repentance. In many cases this may require the withdrawal of privileges due to the unworthiness of the individual to receive them. The Lord's house is a house of order, and there is a minimum requirement of worthiness for any blessing that is provided to an individual. When that level of worthiness is not in the individuals life, they have not met the requirements for the blessing/privilege and so if they maintain acting as if they have it it will be to their condemnation and not to their benefit. Thus disciplinary councils, and the withdrawal of privileges is not for the detriment, but rather for the benefit of the individual - so that they are not under condemnation for partaking/participating in something that they are not worthy to do.
So... based upon this is Repentance an act or a attitude?
Is repentance an Event or is it a process?
Does it have a start and an end - or does it continue throughout our life?
Do we ever stop repenting?
How can we know our repentance is sufficient and complete? Is it ever?
I Believe Repentance can best be summed up in the words of Moroni: Moroni 10:32-34
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.
See Book of Mormon Lesson Mosiah 25-28
#3 Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
Book of Mormon Lesson 2 Nephi 31-33
Why do we need to be baptized? (Baptism is not enough - Ensign April 1999 - Ensign Aug 2008 - Teachings of Joseph Smith Chpt 7)
Note the word Need
it wasn't an option)Why did Jesus Need to be baptized? vs7-10
Witness/Covenant with the Father vs 7
Enter into the Gate of the kingdom of heaven - see vs 18
He is the perfect example vs 10
It is a commandment to be baptized. vs 11-12
What is the Method of Baptism?
Why are they prescribed for us? (Three Set Prayers - Baptism, Sacrament - Ensign June 1999)
No disputations among us - Moroni 8:5
The words used are important - he wants it to be consistent
Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost
#4 Laying on of Hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost
What is the tongue of Angels?
2 Nephi 32:2-5 - Angels speak the words of Christ - they will tell you all that you should do
The truth of the words are carried into the heart of the children of men! Section 9:8 1 Nephi 17:45 - ye were past feeling - could not feel his words
Ether 12:24-25 Our words powerful - The words of the Brother of Jared - were mighty like unto the word of God in the overpowering of man to read them!
Words spoken by mankind and testified by the spirit to those who hear them are mighty and is the tongue of angels!
Have you never heard the tongue of Angels?
Yet did your heart not burn within you and you knew what they said was right? I have!
2 Nephi 31:14-16
Article of Faith #4
first principles and ordinances of the Gospel!Repentance
Baptism by immersion for remission of sins
Laying on of Hands for gift of Holy Ghost
After you have had this - it would have been better for you that ye had not known me!
Why would it have been better not to have known him?
To those to whom much is given much is required - justice in punishment/reward based upon knowledge
Enter into strait gate, narrow way, press forward unto the end - Ye shall have eternal life!
There is no other way nor means by which a man may be saved in the kingdom of God!
I witness to you that if you will really try and will not rationalize or rebel—repenting often and pleading for the grace, or help, of Christ—you positively are going to be “good enough,” that is, acceptable before the Lord; you are going to make it to the celestial kingdom, being perfect in Christ; and you are going to receive the blessings and glory and joy that God desires for each of His precious children—including specifically you and me. I testify that God lives and wants us to come home. I testify that Jesus lives. In the holy name of Jesus Christ, amen. Ensign October 2016 - am I good enough