Introduction
The first laws and ordinances of Christ’s gospel—faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism for a remission of sins, and
receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost—are the foundation of eternal life.
Correctly comprehending their meaning and fulfilling the requirements
brings priesthood power. These first laws and ordinances prepare us to
receive higher laws and blessings.
The doctrine of faith is often dismissed or overlooked but if we desire eternal life, faith cannot be misunderstood, underestimated, or bypassed. In a world that appeals to our senses and encourages entertainment above knowledge and indulgence above effort, too quickly we move past the subject of faith without a second thought. Some prefer to sleep through a sermon on faith but, ironically, it is faith that awakens us. The study of faith becomes attractive as we are filled with the Spirit. Most will brush the doctrine of faith aside as they seek more exciting topics, but faith is required to receive divine power and His mysteries.
Faith in the Lord separates believers from those in unbelief. Without faith in Him, we have neither a firm foundation nor salvation. Many think they have saving faith but the reality is, few do. Studying faith may not seem necessary but its rewards are glorious.
The importance of exploring essential truths in their proper sequence must be emphasized, for disorder is neither characteristic of, nor pleasing to, God. When building a house, few are willing to study details of its foundation, instead setting their interest only on the final product.
Without a sure and solid foundation, a house cannot be secure. Faith in the Lord is the foundation of salvation and righteousness, the foundation of the house of God. To build a house worthy of His presence requires a solid foundation that can bear the weight of greater things.
We must not underestimate God’s nature of being a deliberate and perfect builder. All things related to salvation and exaltation must be approached and preserved with absolute care. Sacred ordinances must be experienced and covenants must be upheld in His revealed manner.
Because this world thrives in disorder, ordinances are a gift to those who desire higher things. Founded on His first laws and ordinances, the doctrine of Christ is the only way to come to the Most High. It is required for exaltation. As “one of heaven’s best gifts to mankind,” God’s plan for salvation should occupy our “strict attention.”
This is no easy read. His gospel has always required great effort, sacrifice and diligence to attain the highest blessings. Those who diligently seek truth will be rewarded. The first ordinances of Christ’s gospel offer us an opportunity to become something greater, but most refuse His invitation to believe, much less to partake. His gospel has always divided the believers from those who only profess to believe.
Since the Lord is no respecter of persons, He promises that everyone who qualifies will receive these blessings. “Thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am” (Doctrine & Covenants 93:1, hereafter D&C). The endowment confirms God’s promises and priesthood power are available to all who qualify—male and female. For the sake of consistency and brevity, the male (he/him) will be used primarily in the text to reduce confusion and match the masculine form often used in quotations or scripture.
The Lord’s invitation to receive salvation is extended to all mankind. However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter, LDS) has a prominent role in the discussion because it was the modern recipient of the divinely restored gospel and covenant. It is impossible to fully understand the divine covenant without acknowledging their role. Examining the LDS’s stewardship over truths and ordinances entrusted to their care is as essential to understanding the gospel of Christ, scripture, and events of the last days as is understanding the events surrounding Jerusalem at the time of Christ.
Following an introduction to the Lord’s work in the last days, Strange Things Among Us, this first volume of the One Eternal Round series explores the first ordinance of ascension: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The second volume Judgment: God’s Wrath is a companion to the study of faith.
Joseph Smith knew judgment must accompany a study of faith. He taught, “the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment is necessary to preach among the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Also, “the doctrine of eternal judgments belong to the first principles of the Gospel in the last days.” The next volumes cover repentance, baptism by immersion for remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. These first five volumes discuss foundational laws and ordinances of His gospel and subsequent volumes examine higher laws and ordinances. All are available to read online in multiple languages.
Repetition cannot be avoided when discussing God’s revealed word. Gospel truths are boldly given along with serious warnings with eternal consequence. Scripture is always repetitive, even relentless, in its warnings and calls to repent. Having numerous scriptures only strengthens the case that God declared these truths so many times, in so many ways.
The doctrine of Christ is the most important message that man can be given. Without it, there is no salvation. God “trieth our hearts” to see if we are willing to accept His word, or if we desire “flattering words” that please men but not God. Truth is not easy to hear, but that does not negate our responsibility to seek it. Fortunately, we are offered the assistance of the Holy Ghost and a promise that if we are sincere and have real intent, the truth—however difficult it may be—will be manifested to us, but only if we ask God in faith.
Mortality constantly offers us a choice. We climb rungs on the ladder of ascension as we live up to covenant terms. While many are called to ascend to Him, only a few choose in to His plan. These are the elect, the chosen.
This series is dedicated to all who choose in—those who genuinely seek truth, desire to honor His laws, and are willing to sacrifice what He requires to be received into His presence.
For footnotes and references, click HERE.
The doctrine of faith is often dismissed or overlooked but if we desire eternal life, faith cannot be misunderstood, underestimated, or bypassed. In a world that appeals to our senses and encourages entertainment above knowledge and indulgence above effort, too quickly we move past the subject of faith without a second thought. Some prefer to sleep through a sermon on faith but, ironically, it is faith that awakens us. The study of faith becomes attractive as we are filled with the Spirit. Most will brush the doctrine of faith aside as they seek more exciting topics, but faith is required to receive divine power and His mysteries.
Faith in the Lord separates believers from those in unbelief. Without faith in Him, we have neither a firm foundation nor salvation. Many think they have saving faith but the reality is, few do. Studying faith may not seem necessary but its rewards are glorious.
The importance of exploring essential truths in their proper sequence must be emphasized, for disorder is neither characteristic of, nor pleasing to, God. When building a house, few are willing to study details of its foundation, instead setting their interest only on the final product.
Without a sure and solid foundation, a house cannot be secure. Faith in the Lord is the foundation of salvation and righteousness, the foundation of the house of God. To build a house worthy of His presence requires a solid foundation that can bear the weight of greater things.
We must not underestimate God’s nature of being a deliberate and perfect builder. All things related to salvation and exaltation must be approached and preserved with absolute care. Sacred ordinances must be experienced and covenants must be upheld in His revealed manner.
Because this world thrives in disorder, ordinances are a gift to those who desire higher things. Founded on His first laws and ordinances, the doctrine of Christ is the only way to come to the Most High. It is required for exaltation. As “one of heaven’s best gifts to mankind,” God’s plan for salvation should occupy our “strict attention.”
This is no easy read. His gospel has always required great effort, sacrifice and diligence to attain the highest blessings. Those who diligently seek truth will be rewarded. The first ordinances of Christ’s gospel offer us an opportunity to become something greater, but most refuse His invitation to believe, much less to partake. His gospel has always divided the believers from those who only profess to believe.
Since the Lord is no respecter of persons, He promises that everyone who qualifies will receive these blessings. “Thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am” (Doctrine & Covenants 93:1, hereafter D&C). The endowment confirms God’s promises and priesthood power are available to all who qualify—male and female. For the sake of consistency and brevity, the male (he/him) will be used primarily in the text to reduce confusion and match the masculine form often used in quotations or scripture.
The Lord’s invitation to receive salvation is extended to all mankind. However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter, LDS) has a prominent role in the discussion because it was the modern recipient of the divinely restored gospel and covenant. It is impossible to fully understand the divine covenant without acknowledging their role. Examining the LDS’s stewardship over truths and ordinances entrusted to their care is as essential to understanding the gospel of Christ, scripture, and events of the last days as is understanding the events surrounding Jerusalem at the time of Christ.
Following an introduction to the Lord’s work in the last days, Strange Things Among Us, this first volume of the One Eternal Round series explores the first ordinance of ascension: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The second volume Judgment: God’s Wrath is a companion to the study of faith.
Joseph Smith knew judgment must accompany a study of faith. He taught, “the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment is necessary to preach among the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Also, “the doctrine of eternal judgments belong to the first principles of the Gospel in the last days.” The next volumes cover repentance, baptism by immersion for remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. These first five volumes discuss foundational laws and ordinances of His gospel and subsequent volumes examine higher laws and ordinances. All are available to read online in multiple languages.
Repetition cannot be avoided when discussing God’s revealed word. Gospel truths are boldly given along with serious warnings with eternal consequence. Scripture is always repetitive, even relentless, in its warnings and calls to repent. Having numerous scriptures only strengthens the case that God declared these truths so many times, in so many ways.
The doctrine of Christ is the most important message that man can be given. Without it, there is no salvation. God “trieth our hearts” to see if we are willing to accept His word, or if we desire “flattering words” that please men but not God. Truth is not easy to hear, but that does not negate our responsibility to seek it. Fortunately, we are offered the assistance of the Holy Ghost and a promise that if we are sincere and have real intent, the truth—however difficult it may be—will be manifested to us, but only if we ask God in faith.
Mortality constantly offers us a choice. We climb rungs on the ladder of ascension as we live up to covenant terms. While many are called to ascend to Him, only a few choose in to His plan. These are the elect, the chosen.
This series is dedicated to all who choose in—those who genuinely seek truth, desire to honor His laws, and are willing to sacrifice what He requires to be received into His presence.
———
Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrew 11:6)
For footnotes and references, click HERE.