Gospel Doctrine Lesson 2: “Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World”

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)