The Gospel of Jesus Christ

"For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Jesus Christ is our Savior. Through him we can be cleansed from our sin but only by living his gospel. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

Always He says, "Come unto me"

The first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is faith. Faith is belief plus action. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17 We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that through His perfect life and sacrifice we can be freed from our sins and the burden those sins create; then we act on it! Every time we exercise our faith, it is strengthened! We trust in God's timing and have confidence in His love. Faith can move mountains, and it is by our faith that He can work miracles in our life. "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Ether 12:6

When we have this faith, we desire to change and bring our life in closer harmony with Heavenly Father's will. This change is called repentance and is only possible through the power of Jesus Christ's atonement. "Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." Mosiah 5:2 Repentance includes a fresh view of ones self, God, and the world. We are commanded to repent and become like Jesus Christ. "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15-16

The first fruits of repentance is baptism. "Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, ya, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism." Alma 7:15 We witness to God that we are willing to follow His Son, Jesus Christ by being baptized. Baptism is the first covenant we make with God. A covenant is a two way promise. We promise to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. In return God promises us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and that we will be born again. Baptism is essential for salvation and is a gift that helps us stay on the path back to Heavenly Father. "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him saying, I ahve need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out tf the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:13-17

Priesthood ordinance

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kindgom of God." John 3:5 To complete the baptism of water we receive the baptism of the spirit, or in other words, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands by one who holds the priesthood authority of God. "Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought the the gift of God may be purchased with money." Acts 8:17-20 The role of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth. Anyone can feel the power of the Holy Ghost before baptism but after receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have him with us always. He warns us of danger and helps us to choose the right. Through the Holy Ghost we feel God's love and we have the spiritual strength to endure our trials.

The final principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is enduring to the end, or remaining faithful all of our lives. It means continually having and strengthening our faith. Repenting daily and calling upon God's help to overcome the mistakes and sins we make. Every Sunday we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, the bread and the water that renews our baptismal covenant, meaning we have the opportunity to be washed clean of our sins every week! We listen to the Holy Ghost to help us stay on the path. God promises that if we do these things (endure to the end) then we shall receive eternal life, or in other words, we will live in His and our Savior Jesus Christ's presence forever in a fullness of joy. "...after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, nay;...Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." 2 Nephi 31:19-20

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real and true. Living it has given me a personal witness that Jesus Christ is my savior and that the gospel is how we can have peace in this life and joy in eternity.  I have felt a forgiveness of my sins.  I have seen with my own eyes the power the gospel has to change us for the better.  The fullness of the gospel has been restored to the earth.



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