Elder Boyd K. Packer said:
“[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] is the very root of Christian doctrine.
You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you
only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have
been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor
redemption in them” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 80; or Ensign, May 1977,
56).
Reading 1 – Joseph Smith said, "Let us here observe,
that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent
being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. First, the idea that
he actually exists. Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and
attributes. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is
pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three
important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and
unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful,
abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and
the Lord Jesus Christ." ( Lectures on Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Co., 1985], 3:5.)
The last sentence of the Explanatory Introduction to the
Doctrine & Covenants [second page, at the end of the paragraph beginning
"In the revelations the doctrines"] reads: "Finally, the testimony that is given of
Jesus Christ--his divinity, his majesty, his perfection, his love, and his
redeeming power--makes this book of great value to the human family and of more
worth than the riches of the earth."
Reading 1A – Elder Wilford Woodruff said, "I consider
that the Doctrine and Covenants,
our
testament, contains a code of the most solemn, the most godlike
proclamations ever made to the human family.” (Elder Wilford Woodruff, J.D.,
Vol. 22, p. 147
Reading 2 - Doctrine and Covenants 50:40-45
Reading 3 – Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19
Doctrine and Covenants 18:9-14
Reading 4 – Definition of Repentance in Bible Dictionary,
page 760
Reading 5 – Doctrine and Covenants 88:14-16
Reading 6 – Doctrine and Covenants 93:33
Reading 7 – Alma 11:42-44
Doctrine and Covenants 18:11-12
Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-17
Doctrine and Covenants 88:15-18
Doctrine and Covenants 58:42
Reading 7A - Brother Robert Millet wrote: “Life is repentance
. . . progression and improvement and growth and maturity and refinement are
all forms of repentance . . . the God-fearing live in a constant state of
repentance. It is not intended that we exist in a constant fear or frustration
or anxiety but rather that we have desires for holiness and purity, longings to
feel quiet confidence before God.
To push ourselves beyond the mark
is, in a strange sort of way, a statement that we fear we must do the job
ourselves if we expect to get it done.
Balance – that is the key. I have
come to sense the need to balance a type of “divine discontent” – a healthy
longing to improve – with what Nephi called a “perfect brightness of hope,” the
Spirit-given assurance that in and through Jesus Christ we are going to make it.
(Robert Millet, Grace Works, Deseret Book , 2007)
Reading 8 – Doctrine and Covenants 76:62-70
Doctrine and Covenants 122:8
Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5
Doctrine and Covenants 19:23
Reading
9 - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said: "When … difficult times come to us,
we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could
ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations
of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His
people in their infirmities." (Ensign, Nov 1995, p69)
