We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: December 2013

Elder George Albert Smith

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (God talks to Moses face to face) Moses 1:39

Bruce R. McConkie

Further, the gospel is in operation in all the worlds created by the Father and the Son. Their work and their glory, in all the infinite creations that their hands have made, is to bring to pass immortality and eternal life for the children of the Father. Through the atonement of Christ, the inhabitants of all these worlds have power to become his sons and daughters, to become joint-heirs with him of all the glory of his Father's kingdom, to be adopted into the family of the Father, which is to say that the inhabitants of all worlds "are [thus] begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 76:24) (The Promised Messiah, p. 286) TLDP:238

Bruce R. McConkie

The gospel is the plan of salvation—the eternal plan of the Eternal Father. It is the laws and truths and powers by conformity to which the spirit children of the Father (Christ included) can advance and progress and become like him. It includes the creation and peopling of the earth, the testing processes of mortality, and death, the resurrection, and eternal judgment. It is founded and grounded upon the atoning sacrifice of Christ and is operative because he laid down his life for all men. . . .

It is the gospel of God; the plan originated with the Father; it is his gospel. It concerns Jesus Christ our Lord because he was chosen to come into this world as the Son of God, to work out the infinite and eternal atonement, and to put into full force all of the terms and conditions of the Father's plan. The Son does the will of the Father; the Son did not devise a plan and suggest it to the Father; the Son obeyed and conformed and adopted. He espoused and championed the cause of his Father. (The Mortal Messiah, 4:380-81) TLDP:40

David A. Bednar

Thus, the Father's work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. Our work is to keep His commandments with all of our might, mind, and strength—and we thereby become chosen and, through the Holy Ghost, receive and recognize the tender mercies of the Lord in our daily lives. (CR 2005Apr; The Tender Mercies of the Lord, Ensign, May 2005)

Related Witnesses:

Marion G. Romney

. . .God has revealed the fact that it is his work and glory to bring to pass their [his spiritual offspring] eternal life (Moses 1:39), which is the life God lives. CR1973Apr:133

President Joseph F. Smith

It is the plan of life that the Almighty has restored to man in the latter days for the salvation of the souls of men, not only in the world to come, but in our present life, for the Lord has instituted his work that his people may enjoy the blessings of this life to the utmost; that they should be saved in this present life, as well as in the life to come, that they should lay the foundation here for immunity from sin and all its effects and consequences, that they may obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of God beyond this vale of tears. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation, and it is absolutely necessary for every man and woman in the Church of Christ to work righteousness, to observe the laws of God, and keep the commandments that he has given, in order that they may avail themselves of the power of God unto salvation in this life. CR1907Oct:2

Elder George Albert Smith

What is this gospel to which we refer? It is the only power of God unto salvation, it is the only plan that will enable man to go back into the presence of his Maker and enjoy the celestial kingdom. It is the only plan that will bring peace and happiness to all the children of men, of every race and creed. CR1928Oct:93

President Joseph F. Smith

We believe in the pre-existence of man as a spirit, and in the future state of individual existence, in which every soul shall find its place, as determined by justice and mercy, with opportunities of endless progression, in varied conditions of eternity. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)4

Author's Note: The expressions "immortality" and "eternal life," as set forth in this section (D-292), have been defined as follows:

By George F. Richards: "The word immortal means not mortal; that is, not subject to the power of death. I would define immortality as being that state to which we attain in the progress of life when we have passed through death and the resurrection, the spirit and body being reunited and inseparably connected, constituting the soul of man prepared to receive a fulness of the glory of God. Immortality is a means to an end, the end being the accomplishment of man's eternal salvation and glory. In support of this statement I call attention to the word of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph, as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 93, verses 33 and 34, as follows: 'For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.' Hence the importance of bringing about the immortality of man.

The eternal life referred to means something more than that man shall not cease to live. I read the word of the Lord from the Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 14, verse 7, as follows: 'And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.' The revelations of the Lord indicate to us the height, depth and grandeur of the glory of God to which the righteous may attain. Eternal life, as here used, being the greatest gift of God, must include a fulness of glory of God, in his celestial kingdom. [Sec.76:54-60;132:20-24.]

The Lord uses the expressions 'eternal life' and 'salvation' synonymously (see D&C 6:13) 'If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.'" CR1916Apr:52

By Bruce R. McConkie: "Accordingly, eternal life is not a name that has reference only to the unending duration of a future life; immortality is to live forever in the resurrected state, and by the grace of God all men will gain this unending continuance of life. But only those who obey the fulness of the gospel law will inherit eternal life." (MPSG1967-68:6)

293. Before God sent us to the earth, He prepared a plan of salvation for us.

Elder Joseph F. Smith

John A. Widtsoe

Abraham

Elder Lorenzo Snow

Marion G. Romney

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Spirits are eternal. At the first organization in heaven we were all present, and saw the Savior chosen and appointed and the plan of salvation made, and we sanctioned it. (At the organization of a school of instruction, Jan. 1841) (See Words of Joseph Smith, p. 60) TPJS:181; MPSG1987:39; DGSM:21

Bruce R. McConkie

We are his offspring. We were spirit children: he was glorified and exalted in the life that went before. We could tell the difference between our spirit bodies and the glorified and exalted body which he possessed. He taught us eternal truths: there came into our hearts the great desire to progress and advance and become like him so that we could have glorified and exalted bodies and so that we could live in the family unit as he lived in the family unit. And as a consequence, he ordained and established what is called a plan of salvation. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "God, himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory," ordained laws whereby they progress and become like him. ACR(Brisbane)1976:14

Elder Joseph F. Smith

Our spirits . . . were in the councils of the heavens before the foundations of the earth were laid. We were there. We sang together with the heavenly hosts for joy when the foundations of the earth were laid, and when the plan of our existence upon this earth and redemption were mapped out. We were there; we were interested, and we took a part in this great preparation. . . . We were vitally concerned in the carrying out of these great plans and purposes, we understood them, and it was for our sakes they were decreed, and are to be consummated. (Deseret Weekly News, 1884, p. 130) MPSG1985:78-79

John A. Widtsoe

In our pre-existent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under the plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves, but measurably saviors for the whole human family. We went into partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, and the Savior's work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation. . . . (Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934) MPSG1967:87

Related Witnesses:

Abraham,
quoted by Joseph Smith

And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;

25. And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

26. And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever. (Abraham learns of pre-earth life and foreordination) Abraham 3:24-26

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

At one time we were in the presence of our Eternal Father. . . . We knew what kind of a being he is. . . . And we wanted to be like him. And because we wanted to be like him, we are here. We could not be like him and stay in his presence, because we did not have glorious bodies of flesh and bones. We were just spirits, and the spirit does not have flesh and bones. But we saw him in his glory and it was made known to us that by keeping his commandments and observing every covenant that would be given to us on earth, we could come back again into his presence, receiving our bodies in the resurrection from the dead—our spirits and bodies being united again, inseparably, never again to be divided.

If we will just be true and faithful to every covenant, to every principle of truth that he has given us, then after the resurrection we would come back into his presence and we would be just like he is. We would have the same kind of bodies—bodies that would shine like the sun. (Take Heed to Yourselves, p. 345) DGSM:28

Elder Lorenzo Snow

There is nothing the Latter-day Saints can imagine that would afford them happiness that God has not unfolded to us. He has prepared everything for the Latter-day Saints that they could possibly wish or imagine in order to effect their complete happiness throughout the vast eternities. (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 63, [1897]) DGSM:28

Marion G. Romney

Abraham's account of the great pre-earth heavenly council identifies both God and Satan as participators in that council (read Abraham 3).

Marvelous and important is the knowledge revealed in that account—knowledge of things as they were in the distant past, concerning God the Father and his spirit children, and concerning his plans for the creation of this earth. It refers to the gospel plan and identifies Christ and Satan. CR1971Apr:22-23

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (God talks to Moses face to face) Moses 1:39

President Joseph F. Smith

294. The gospel is the plan of salvation.

Bruce R. McConkie

The gospel is the plan of salvation, the plan ordained and established by the Father to enable his spirit children to advance and progress and become like him. . . .

The gospel "is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of (God's) Only Begotten." (The Mortal Messiah, 2:8-9) TLDP:234

Bruce R. McConkie

The Church administers the gospel and offers salvation to all who will believe in Christ and live his laws.

What is the fulness of the everlasting gospel?

It is the plan of salvation—the Father's eternal plan to save his children.

It is the begetting of spirit children, the teachings and testings of our premortal existence, the creation of worlds without number, and (for us) our inheritance here on planet earth.

It is the fall of Adam, with its temporal and spiritual death, and the ransoming power of the Son of God, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through his laws.

It is all of the laws, rites, and ordinances; all of the truths, powers, and performances; all of the keys, priesthoods, and privileges which bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

It is the atonement of Christ, the redemption of man, the opening of the graves, the wonder and glory of eternal life.

It is faith, repentance, and baptism; it is the gifts of the Spirit, the revelations of heaven, and the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost.

It is eternal marriage and eternal lives and eternal exaltation. It is to be one with the Father and the Son and to reign with them forever on their throne.

It is the tests and trials of this mortal probation; it is sorrow and pain and death; it is overcoming the world and pursuing a godly course in spite of earth and hell; it is keeping the commandments and serving our fellowmen.

And, finally, it is to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the holy prophets, in the kingdom of God to go no more out. ("This Final Glorious Gospel Dispensation," EN1980Apr:21) TLDP:233-34

Paul

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; (Letter to the Church in Rome, about A.D. 55) Romans 1:16

George F. Richards,

also quoting Paul

We read in the Scriptures a definition of the Gospel given by the Apostle Paul to the Romans wherein he says, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation." To enlarge a little upon that definition, we might say that the Gospel is the plan of the Gods in the councils of heaven before the world was, for the existence of this earth upon which we live and of man upon the earth, for the fall of man, for the redemption of man, and his exaltation through the atoning of Jesus Christ and obedience unto the laws and ordinances of the Gospel, and for the glorification of the earth. This plan involves also the acceptance of certain principles, the keeping of the commandments of the Lord, obeying his laws, rendering service to the Church, service to the Lord, service to fellow men, public service and private service, financial aid and spiritual blessing, and whatever else can be done for the blessing of mankind. CR1934Oct:72

Orson F. Whitney

The gospel is the plan of eternal progression, and perfection is its goal. CR1920Oct:36

Elder Harold B. Lee

The gospel is not merely a code of ethics or a social program, although "living upon the earth involves a plan of living together in order to cast out greed and avarice, selfishness, vice and wickedness, self-seeking for earthly power and dominion." The gospel is the plan of our Heavenly Father to guide mankind in their associations together in mortality to the end that eventually they shall be saved and exalted in the world to come. The gospel is divine truth, "it is all truth existent from eternity to eternity." The laws contained in the gospel are God's laws. They are not to be changed or modified to suit the whims of individuals and are designed to develop our inward souls through proper observance of and respect therefor. Any conduct on the part of an individual that does not advance him toward the goal of eternal life is not only wasted energy but actually becomes the basis of sin. (Decisions for Successful Living, p. 8) TLDP:233

Marion G. Romney

What do you think of when you think of the gospel of Jesus Christ? In my mind I have defined the gospel of Jesus Christ as the program which is established by the Lord by which he can bring his spirit children now in mortality back into his presence. ACR(Seoul)1975:2

Bruce R. McConkie

Then it was that the Father ordained and established the plan of salvation—called the gospel of God—whereby all his spirit children, Christ included, would be able to gain mortal bodies, to live in a probationary estate, to die, to be raised in immortal glory, and, if true and faithful in all things, to gain the same glorious exaltation enjoyed by the Father himself. (CR 1982Oct; The Seven Christs, Ensign, November 1982, p.32)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—

41. That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

42. That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him; (Vision to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, Feb. 16, 1832) D&C 76:40-42

295. Those who receive Christ and believe on His name are given power to become (spiritually reborn) sons and daughters of God.

Moroni, son of Mormon

Elder Harold B. Lee

John

Moroni, son of Mormon

James E. Faust

Moroni, son of Mormon

Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. (Christ shows his spirit body to the brother of Jared, at the time of the Tower of Babel) Ether 3:14

Elder Harold B. Lee

The Lord has given a plan, a three-fold plan, by which this unity might be fully realized. Unity centers in heaven, even as the Master prayed, "Father, that we might be one." The Saints might become one with the Father and the Son, spiritually begotten by baptism and through the Holy Ghost even unto the renewing of their bodies as the Lord tells us, and thus " . . . become the sons of Moses and Aaron . . . the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. . . ." (D&C 84:34) CR1950Apr:99

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one. (Revelation to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, Dec. 1830) D&C 35:2

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world.

29. I am the same who came unto mine own and mine own received me not;

30. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name. Amen. (Revelation for Hyrum Smith, May 1829) D&C 11:28-30

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

But to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons; and even so will I give unto as many as will receive me, power to become my sons. (Revelation received Jan. 5, 1831) D&C 39:4

John

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John writes of the mission of Jesus Christ) John 1:12

Moroni, son of Mormon

And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. . . . (Moroni records a sermon of his father Mormon, given prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 7:26

Moroni, son of Mormon

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen. (Mormon preaches in the synagogue, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 7:48

President John Taylor

It was further necessary that He [Christ] should descend below all things, in order that He might raise others above all things; for if He could not raise Himself and be exalted through those principles brought about by the atonement, He could not raise others; He could not do for others what He could not do for Himself, and hence it was necessary for Him to descend below all things, that by and through the same power that He obtained His exaltation, they also, through His atonement, expiation and intercession, might be raised to the same power with Him; and, as He was the Son of God, that they might also be the adopted sons of God. (The Mediation and Atonement, pp. 144-45) TLDP:40

James E. Faust

A rebirth out of spiritual adversity causes us to become new creatures. From the book of Mosiah we learn that all mankind must be born again—born of God, changed, redeemed, and uplifted—to become the sons and daughters of God. (CR 1979Apr; See Mosiah 27:24-27.) (The Refiner’s Fire, Ensign, May 1979, p.53)

Related Witnesses:

Bruce R. McConkie

Through the atonement of Christ, the inhabitants of all these worlds have power to become his sons and daughters, to become joint-heirs with him of all the glory of his Father's kingdom, to be adopted into the family of the Father, which is to say that the inhabitants of all worlds "are [thus] begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 76:24) (The Promised Messiah, p. 286) TLDP:238

Bruce R. McConkie

Now we have mentioned both an oath and a covenant where the Melchizedek Priesthood is concerned. The oath is the solemn promise of the Lord that all those who keep the priesthood covenant shall gain exaltation. That is to say, the Lord swears with an oath that his adopted and obedient sons shall be high priests forever after the order of Melchizedek (see D&C 76:57); they shall be joint heirs with his natural Son, who is Christ our Lord. ACR(Lima)1977:18

Bruce R. McConkie

In 1916, the duly constituted heads of the earthly Church, who have the ultimate responsibility, under Deity, to interpret and promulgate the mind and will of the Lord to mortals, issued a document entitled The Father and The Son: A Doctrinal Exposition by The First Presidency and The Twelve. Therein are set forth, among other things, . . . [these] distinct senses in which Christ is also known as the Father. These are:

1. He is the Father as Creator, the Father of the heavens and the earth.

2. He is the Father of those who abide in his gospel, the Father of all those who take upon themselves his name and are adopted into his family. (The Promised Messiah, p. 63) TLDP:300

Joseph Smith

For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

34. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. (Revelation on priesthood received with six elders, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:33-34

296. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Elder Harold B. Lee

Joseph Smith

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. (The fourth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :4

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The first, or foundation principles, which must be received and obeyed are these:

a. Faith in God and in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

b. Repentance from all sin.

c. Baptism, by one having authority, in water by immersion for the remission of sin.

d. Laying on of hands by one holding authority, for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

e. A contrite spirit and a humble heart.

f. Obedience to every other ordinance and principle of the Gospel, appertaining to the blessing of eternal life, and faithfulness to the end. (Man, His Origin and Destiny, pp. 50-53) TLDP:243-44

President John Taylor

Our mission has principally been to preach the first principles of the gospel, calling upon men everywhere to believe in the Lord God of heaven, he that created the heavens and the earth, the seas, and the fountains of waters; to believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, repenting of their sins, to be baptized for the remission of the same; and then we have promised them the Holy Ghost. In doing this the Lord has stood by us, sustaining those principles that we have advanced; and when we have ministered unto men the ordinances of the gospel they have received for themselves the witness of the Spirit, even the Holy Ghost, making known to them for a surety that the principles that they had received were from God. (At Ephraim, Utah, Aug. 20, 1882, JD23:235-36) TLDP:419

Bruce R. McConkie

The gospel "is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of (God's) Only Begotten." It recognizes that "all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence." (Moses 6:57-62It consists of hearkening unto the voice of God and believing in his Only Begotten; of forsaking the world and repenting of one's sins; of being baptized in water for the remission of sins; of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, so that the newly born saint may be sanctified and become pure and spotless; and of then enduring to the end and working the works of righteousness all one's days. "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) (The Mortal Messiah, 2:8-9) TLDP:234

Elder Harold B. Lee

"With the first principles of the gospel," came the answer. The discussion brought out that these first principles of the gospel are: faith, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost, by which one could come to know the truth of all things, the greatest of which revealed knowledge would he the true knowledge of God. (CR 1969Apr; Third Day—Morning Meeting, p.132)

Related Witnesses:

President Joseph F. Smith

In the theological sense, the gospel means more than just the tidings of good news, with accompanying joy to the souls of men, for it embraces every principle of eternal truth. There is no fundamental principle, or truth, anywhere in the universe, that is not embraced in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is not confined to the simple first principles, such as faith in God, repentance from sin, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, although these are absolutely essential to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God.

The laws known to man as the "laws of nature," through which the earth and all things on it are governed, as well as the laws which prevail throughout the entire universe, through which heavenly bodies are controlled and to which they are obedient in all things, are all circumscribed and included in the gospel. Every natural law or scientific principle that man has truly discovered, but which was always known to God, is a part of the gospel truth. There never was and never will be any conflict between truth revealed by the Lord to his servants, the prophets, and truth revealed by him to the scientist, who makes his discoveries through his research and study. (Gospel Doctrine, pp. 85-86) TLDP:238

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

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. (Revelation received Jan. 5, 1831) D&C 39:6

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you. (The record of Moses : Enoch recounts God speaking to Adam) Moses 6:52

Author's Note: Earlier editions of the Articles of Faith tied the fourth article with the third: "3. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 4. We believe that these ordinances are: [etc.]" (See Ready References, published by The Deseret News Co. 1887, printed in "An 1877 Mormon Catechism for Children Together with Ready Reference," republished by Jerry Burnett and Charles Pope, Mormon Heritage Publishers, Salt Lake City, Utah 1976)

297. The principles of the gospel are unchanging, eternal truths.

President Heber J. Grant

Elder John Taylor

John A. Widtsoe

Elder Harold B. Lee

Elder Wilford Woodruff

Elder George Albert Smith

Peter

Paul

President Heber J. Grant,

J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay

(First Presidency)

The principles of the gospel are all-embracing—they are everlasting, unchangeable, ultimate truth. They will fit every situation, every problem, every contingency that may arise in the life of man. There are no local problems, no peculiar situations, in ward or stake, that may not be solved under these principles. It will not do for any Church officer or member to work out for himself a different course from that prescribed. This will lead to disorder, and the Lord's house is a house of order. When new light is needed, or further instructions, the Lord will make them known through His appointed representative. What we should seek is wisdom to apply the old and true principles to new situations. Let us not suppose that man has recently changed in his essential qualities or habits, for this is not true; all that has happened today is that some basic passions which, through the generations, mankind had brought under control, have now broken loose in something of their primeval strength. They are not new passions. We possess the principles which brought them under subjection once; these principles were given to man in the very beginning for this exact purpose; we must now apply them again to conquer these same old foes of righteousness. This is not a new world; it is an old and sinful world again returned, and now once more to be reconquered and rejuvenated. CR1942Oct:14

President John Taylor

There is not a principle associated with the Gospel of the Son of God but what is eternal in its nature and consequences, and we cannot with impunity trample upon any principle that is correct without having to suffer the penalty thereof before God and the holy angels, and in many instances before men. The principles of the Gospel being eternal, they were framed and originated with the Almighty in eternity before the world was, according to certain eternal laws, and hence the Gospel is called the everlasting Gospel. (At American Fork, Utah, Nov. 28, 1879, JD21:112) TLDP:234

Elder John Taylor

We are not connected with a something that will exist only for a few years, some of the peculiar ideas and dogmas of men, some nice theory of their forming; the principles that we believe in reach back into eternity, they originated with the Gods in the eternal worlds, and they reach forward to the eternities that are to come. We feel that we are operating with God in connection with those who were, with those who are, and with those who are to come. (General conference, Oct. 7, 1874, JD17:206) TLDP:234

John A. Widtsoe

The Gospel itself, the so-called plan of salvation, or Great Plan, in obedience to which men guide their earth-lives, is eternal. It is not a temporary or transient thing, made primarily for the handful of men and women on earth, but it is an eternal plan based upon the everlasting relationships of the elements of the universe—a plan which, in some form, is adapted everywhere and forever to the advancement of personal beings. This must be so, for as it leads always to the same definite end, in accordance with the law of cause and effect, it must have a universal meaning. . . .

The Gospel may be said to be The Philosophy of Eternalism. The Gospel is immersed in the ocean of eternity. (A Rational Theology, p. 15) TLDP:235

Elder Harold B. Lee

The gospel is divine truth, "it is all truth existent from eternity to eternity." The laws contained in the gospel are God's laws. They are not to be changed or modified to suit the whims of individuals and are designed to develop our inward souls through proper observance of and respect therefor. (Decisions for Successful Living, p. 8) TLDP:233

Elder Wilford Woodruff

No man ever did or ever will obtain salvation only through the ordinances of the Gospel and through the name of Jesus. There can be no change in the Gospel; all men that are saved from Adam to infinitum are saved by the one system of salvation. The Lord may give many laws and commandments to suit the varied circumstances and conditions of his children throughout the world, such as giving a law of carnal commandments to Israel, but the laws and principles of the Gospel do not change. (In Bowery, June 12, 1863, JD10:217) TLDP:234-35

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

I think the idea prevails throughout the so-called "Christian" world that the plan that was given from the days of Adam until the days of Jesus Christ was a different plan—something other than what our Savior gave—and that the gospel of Jesus Christ as introduced by him is another system entirely from that which was in force or required of mankind before the coming of our Lord in his ministry. But that is not true. The decrees of the Almighty are unchangeable so far as the laws pertaining to the kingdom of God are concerned. They always were what they are today. We have not changed them. They are not different from what people had to subscribe to from the days of Adam on down. (Seek Ye Earnestly, pp.407-08) TLDP:235

Related Witnesses:

Elder George Albert Smith

Peter

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole 11. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Under arrest, Peter testifies before the Jewish rulers, elders and scribes) Acts 4:10-12

Paul

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Letter from prison to the Church in Colossae, Asia Minor, about A.D. 60) Colossians 2:8

Paul

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Letter to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor declaring one Lord, one faith, one baptism, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 4:5

298. The blessings of salvation and exaltation are available to all, not to a select few.

John A. Widtsoe

Peter

Elder Joseph F. Smith

John A. Widtsoe

Man's earth-career is designed to enable him to acquire more power, more development, and therefore more joy. In the nature of existence, it is impossible for an intelligent being to attain the highest degree of joy unless other like beings move along with him. The Great Plan will succeed only if all, or at least a majority of those who accepted it are saved. The Church, a part of the Great Plan, must have as its main purpose the saving of all human beings. All must be saved The work of the Church cannot be completed until all have at least heard the truth and have been given the chance to accept it. There can be no talk of a few souls before the throne of God, with the many in hell. The great mission of the Church must always be to bring all men into a knowledge and acceptance of the truth. This is the cementing purpose of the Church. (A Rational Theology, p. 122) TLDP:411

Peter

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Peter in a vision is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles) Acts 10:34-35

President Joseph F. Smith

We believe that salvation is for no select few, but that all men may be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)4

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

[Respecter of persons] does not mean that the Lord does not respect those who obey him in all things more than he does the ungodly. Without question the Lord does respect those who love him and keep his commandments more than he does those who rebel against him. The proper interpretation of this passage is that the Lord is not partial and grants to each man, if he will repent, the same privileges and opportunities of salvation and exaltation. He is just to every man, both the righteous and the wicked. He will receive any soul who will turn from iniquity to righteousness, and will love him with a just love and bless him with all that the Father has to give; but let it not be thought that he will grant the same blessings to those who will not obey him and keep his law. If the Lord did bless the rebellious as he does the righteous, without their repentance, then he would be a respecter of persons. CHMR1:255; DCSM:6

Elder Joseph F. Smith

God is not a respecter of persons. The rich man may enter into the kingdom of heaven as freely as the poor, if he will bring his heart and affections into subjection to the law of God and to the principle of truth; if he will place his affections upon God, his heart upon the truth, and his soul upon the accomplishment of God's purposes, and not fix his affections and his hopes upon the things of the world. (General conference, Oct. 1875) TLDP:714

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh; 35. For I am no respecter of persons. . . . (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:34-35

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons. (Commandments to Saints in conference, Jan. 2, 1831) D&C 38:16

Rudger Clawson

Now let me impress upon your minds the fact that it takes just as much to save the dead as the living, and whatever ordinance is conferred upon the living for their salvation in the Kingdom of God must also be conferred upon the dead. Hence these glorious temples which have been erected in our midst, that ordinances may be performed therein for the living and the dead. In this we see again that God is no respecter of persons, and that He is feeling after the dead as well as after the living. We cannot be made perfect without our fathers and mothers and our ancestors, and they cannot be made perfect without us. CR1904Oct:37

Richard G. Scott

I testify that God's plan of salvation has been made available to all who will honestly seek it. Embrace it. Live it for your peace and happiness. (Truth Restored, CR October 2005)

Bruce R. McConkie

The higher priesthood administers the gospel; the Church is the vehicle through which the Lord’s affairs on earth are regulated and through which salvation is made available to all who believe and obey. (CR 1981Oct; “Who Hath Believed Our Report?”, Ensign, November 1981, p.46)

Related Witnesses:

Paul

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. (Paul writes to his assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 1 Timothy 5:21

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself.

26. For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there—and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just? (Commandments to Saints in conference, Jan. 2, 1831) D&C 38:25-26

Mormon

But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism . . .

18. For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity. (Epistle of Mormon to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:12,18

James E. Talmage

Now when we say that the Lord is not pleased with those churches, we do not mean that he is not pleased with the members thereof. We hold that God is no respecter of persons, but, on the contrary, that he will acknowledge good in any soul, no matter whether that person belongs to a church or not. But the Lord is not pleased with those churches that have been constructed by men and then labeled with his name. . . .

I do not understand that all members of those churches are to meet destruction, physically or otherwise. He is speaking there of the church collectively, and he is not pleased with it; but individually he may be well pleased with many of his sons and daughters who have been under an environment that has led them into those churches which are not of God. CR1928Oct:120

299. The gospel is universally applicable to all people everywhere; it will bring to each person exactly what is necessary for salvation.

N. Eldon Tanner

Regardless of country, clime, or condition, the gospel of Jesus Christ applies to every individual just the same. It is a way of life that each can accept, and if lived, will bring greater joy, success, and happiness than anything else in the world. In fact, it sets forth in all simplicity the principles of the gospel established by Jesus Christ while he was here upon the earth. ("Christ's Worldwide Church," EN1974Jul:6) TLDP:237-38

Francis M. Lyman

The Gospel is suited to all the conditions of mankind. It will meet every requirement of man, and it will satisfy every rational ambition and every righteous desire of the human heart. It is perfect in every respect. It is broad enough and deep enough for the rich and for the poor, for the intelligent and for the ignorant. It will bring to every person exactly what is necessary for his salvation. If men need to be humbled, it will school them. If they need to be exalted, it will lift them up. If they have need to be reformed, it will reform them. In fact, as I have said, it will meet all the requirements of human nature. CR1899Apr:37

Elder John Taylor

[The everlasting gospel] is adapted to the wants of the human family, to the world morally, socially, religiously and politically. It is not a sickly, sentimental, effeminate plaything; not a ghostly, spiritual, sing-song, ethereal dream, but a living, sober, matter-of-fact reality, adapted to body and spirit, to earth and heaven, to time and eternity. It enters into all the ramifications of life. It does not adopt itself to the philosophy, politics, creeds and opinions of men, but fashions them in its divine mould. It cannot be twisted into the multitudinous latitudinarian principles of a degenerate world; but lifts all that are in the world, who will be subject to its precepts, to its own ennobling, exalted, and dignified standard. It searches all truth, and grasps at all intelligence; it is the revealed living and abiding will of God to man; a connection between the heavens and the earth; it is nature, philosophy, heavens and earth, time and eternity united; it is the philosophy of the heavens and the earth, of God, and angels, and saints. ("What Is Mormonism?", The Mormon, July 28, 1855, p.1) TLDP:238

Stephen L. Richards

The organizations of the Church are established in such a manner that service may be rendered by everyone within its membership to the ultimate benefit of every other member. It is a mutual plan whereby each may help every other and the common good may be promoted.

So that, in brief, the gospel fulfills every requirement of a human life. CR1920Apr:98-99

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (The third of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :3

Peter

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Peter in a vision is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles) Acts 10:34-35

Bruce R. McConkie

James E. Talmage

More is included in the gospel than all Scripture thus far written. . . . The Gospel is broad enough, and deep enough, and of such towering heights as to surpass the powers of the greatest mind to comprehend and yet so simple in its fundamentals as to satisfy the honest inquiry of the child. CR1918Apr:160,163

Rudger Clawson

And let me say to you, brethren and sisters, that the heights and the depths of the Gospel are quite beyond our reach. The finite mind is not capable of wholly comprehending the great plan of redemption. We, occasionally, have a glimpse of its power and beauty; but we must learn line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until we come up to the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus. It cannot be comprehended in a day, or a month, or a year, it is the study of a life-time. CR1904Oct:35

300. The gospel was preached from the beginning, starting with Adam.

President Joseph Fielding Smith

Elder Joseph F. Smith

Paul

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.

59. And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, until the end thereof; and thus it was. Amen. (Revelation to Moses about the beginning of man on earth) Moses 5:58-59

Bruce R. McConkie

Anyone who, with Moroni, knows, "That God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing" (Mormon 9:9), also knows, automatically and instinctively, that Adam had the gospel of Jesus Christ in the same literal sense that the same plan of salvation was enjoyed by Paul. Modern religionists, with the light before them, choose darkness rather than light if they elect to believe that an eternal and unchangeable God saves one soul on one set of standards and another soul in some other way. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 285-87) TLDP:235-36

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying: I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh.

52. And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you. (The record of Moses : Enoch recounts God speaking to Adam) Moses 6:51-52

President Joseph Fielding Smith

We announce that this plan of salvation, this gospel plan, has been revealed to men in successive dispensations beginning with our father Adam, the first man; that it was known to Enoch and Noah, to Abraham and Moses ; that it was proclaimed in plainness to the ancient inhabitants of the American continent; and that it is the same plan which was taught by Jesus and Peter and Paul, and the former Latter-day Saints who lived in the meridian of time.

And further—and this is exceedingly important where all men now living are concerned—we believe that following a long night of darkness, unbelief, and departure from the truths of pure and perfect Christianity, the Lord in his infinite wisdom has again restored to earth the fullness of the everlasting gospel. CR1971Apr:5

Elder Joseph F. Smith

Undoubtedly the knowledge of this law [of sacrifice] and of other rites and ceremonies was carried by the posterity of Adam into all lands, and continued with them, more or less pure, to the flood, and through Noah, who was a "preacher of righteousness" to those who succeeded him, spreading out into all nations and countries, Adam and Noah being the first of their dispensations to receive them from God. What wonder, then, that we should find relics of Christianity, so to speak, among the heathens and nations who know not Christ, and whose histories date back beyond the days of Moses, and even beyond the flood, independent of and apart from the records of the Bible. The ground taken by infidels, that "Christianity" sprang from the heathen, it being found that they have many rites similar to those recorded in the Bible, &c, is only a vain and foolish attempt to blind the eyes of men and dissuade them from their faith in the Redeemer of the world, and from their belief in the Scriptures of divine truth, for if the heathen have doctrines and ceremonies resembling to some extent those which are recorded in the Scriptures, it only proves, what is plain to the Saints, that these are the traditions of the fathers handed down from generation to generation, from Adam, through Noah, and that they will cleave to the children to the latest generation, though they may wander into darkness and perversion, until but a slight resemblance to their origin, which was divine, can be seen. (In 13th Ward, Feb. 9, 1873, JD15:325) TLDP:29

Related Witnesses:

(Author's Note: The following witnesses show that the Gospel was Preached to Abraham, to Enoch and Noah, and to ancient Israel):

Paul

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. (Letter to the churches of Galatia in Asia Minor, about A.D. 55) Galatians 3:8

Paul

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 4:2 [See Hebrews 3:15-19 for context.]

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

And the Lord said unto me: Go to this people, and say unto them—Repent, lest I come out and smite them with a curse, and they die.

11. And he gave unto me a commandment that I should baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is full of grace and truth, and of the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and the Son.

12. And it came to pass that Enoch continued to call upon all the people, save it were the people of Canaan, to repent; (Enoch talks to the Lord face to face) Moses 7:10-12

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

And it came to pass that Noah continued his preaching unto the people, saying: Hearken, and give heed unto my words;

24. Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods will come in upon you; nevertheless they hearkened not. (The record of Moses : The Lord has told Noah, "My spirit shall not always strive with man . . . and if men do not repent I will send in the floods. . . ." Moses 8:17) Moses 8:23-24

Joseph Smith

[T]he Book of Mormon;

9. . . . contains . . . the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; the Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work) D&C 20:8-9

301. Every person will at some time have opportunity to hear the gospel, whether on earth or in the spirit world.

John

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The Lord has made it known that his mercy extends to the uttermost bounds and that every soul is entitled to hear the gospel plan, either in this life or in the spirit world. All who hear and believe, repenting and receiving the gospel in its fulness, whether living or dead, are heirs of salvation in the celestial kingdom of God. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:133) DGSM:85

President John Taylor

And this provision [the Atonement] applies not only to the living, but also to the dead, so that all men who have existed in all ages, who do exist now, or who will exist while the earth shall stand, may be placed upon the same footing, and that all men may have the privilege, living or dead, of accepting the conditions of the great plan of redemption provided by the Father, through the Son, before the world was; and that the justice and mercy of God may be applied to every being, living or dead, that ever has existed, that does now exist, or that ever will exist. (The Mediation and Atonement, p. 181) TLDP:38

John A. Widtsoe

George F. Richards

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the prescribed law by which all men are to be judged and by it to be condemned or justified according to merit. Justice demands, therefore, that all men shall have the privilege of learning and of receiving or rejecting the Gospel and its ordinances. God has graciously made provision through the Gospel that such shall be the case. ("All May Be Saved," IE1936Apr:201) TLDP:246

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. . . .

4. And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days. (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831; preface to the doctrines given to the Church) D&C 1:2,4

Joseph Smith

For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Revelation received March 8, 1833; the gospel to be preached to the nations of Israel, to the Gentiles, and to the Jews) D&C 90:11

M. Russell Ballard

Every soul is to have an opportunity to hear and then accept or reject the gospel. (CR 1988Oct; The Hand of Fellowship, Ensign, November 1988, p.28)

David B. Haight

Eternal justice requires that all of God’s children have adequate opportunity to hear and receive the gospel message. (CR 1988Oct; A Call to Serve, Ensign, November 1988, p.82)

Related Witnesses:

President Joseph F. Smith

But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.

31. And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.

32. Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. (Vision regarding the Savior's visit to the spirits of the dead, Oct. 3, 1918) D&C 138:30-32

John

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7. Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (The Apostle John sees the gospel restored in the last days by angelic ministry) Revelation 14:6-7

President Joseph F. Smith

The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God. (Vision regarding the Savior's visit to the spirits of the dead, Oct. 3, 1918) D&C 138:58

302. A physical body is essential to obtaining a fulness of joy in the celestial kingdom of God.