The Doctrines of Salvation


Living the Gospel of Christ

Gospel Topics


Introduction

Our Pre-Mortal Life

Leaving the Presence of God

Communication Between God and Men

Jesus Christ

The Priesthood

Organization and History of the Church

Living the Gospel of Christ

Perfecting our Lives


Contact me
Christ

Faith in Christ

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is necessary to our salvation. King Benjamin declared, �Salvation cometh to none . . . except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ� (Mosiah 3:12).

What Is Faith?

Faith is a hope for things which are not seen, but which are true. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that faith is a principle of power that motivates our day-to-day activities. Would we study and learn if we did not believe we could obtain wisdom and knowledge? Would we work each day if we did not hope that by doing so we could accomplish something? Would a farmer plant if he did not expect to harvest? Each day we act upon things we hope for when we cannot see the end result. This is faith.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
-(Hebrews 11:3)

Many scriptural stories tell how great things were accomplished through faith. By faith Noah built an ark and saved his family from the flood (see Hebrews 11:7). Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea (see Hebrews 11:29). Elijah called down fire from heaven (see 1 Kings 18:17�40). Nephi called for a famine (see Helaman 11:3�5). He also asked the Lord to end the famine (see Helaman 11:9�17). Seas have been calmed, visions opened, and prayers answered, all through the power of faith. As we carefully study the scriptures, we learn that faith is a strong belief of truth within our souls that motivates us to do good.

In whom should we have faith?

We must center our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in him that we obey whatever he commands. There is no faith where there is no obedience. Likewise, there is true obedience only where there is faith. As we place our faith in Jesus Christ, becoming his obedient disciples, Heavenly Father will forgive our sins and prepare us to return to him.

The Apostle Peter preached that �there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved� (Acts 4:12). Jacob taught that men must have �perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel [Jesus Christ], or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God� (2 Nephi 9:23). Through faith in the Savior and through repentance, we make his atonement fully effective in our lives. Through faith we can also receive strength to overcome temptations (see Alma 37:33).

We cannot have faith in Jesus Christ without also having faith in our Heavenly Father. If we have faith in them, we will also have faith that the Holy Ghost, whom they send, will teach us all truth and will comfort us.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
-(Acts 4:12)

How Can We Increase Our Faith in Jesus Christ?

Knowing of the many blessings that come through exercising faith in Jesus Christ, we should seek to increase our faith in him. The Savior said, �If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, . . . nothing shall be impossible unto you� (Matthew 17:20). A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large tree. How can we increase our faith? The same way we increase or develop any other skill. How do we develop skills in woodcarving, weaving, painting, cooking, making pottery, or playing a musical instrument? We study and practice and work at it. As we do so, we improve. So it is with faith. If we want to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we must work at it.

The Book of Mormon Prophet Alma compared increasing our faith to planting a seed:
�But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
�Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves� It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding. . . . �Now behold, would not this increase your faith?�
-(Alma 32:27�29).

So we can increase our faith in God by acting on our desire to have faith in him. We can also increase our faith by praying to Heavenly Father about our hopes, desires, and needs (see Alma 34:17�25). But we must not suppose that all we have to do is ask. We are told in the scriptures that �faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone� (James 2:17). The following story is about a man whose faith was shown by his works.

This man wanted to study the scriptures, but he could not read. He prayed for Heavenly Father to help him learn to read. In time a teacher came to his village, and he asked the teacher to help him. He learned the alphabet. He studied sounds and learned to put the letters together to make words. Soon he was reading simple words. The more he practiced, the more he learned. He thanked the Lord for sending the teacher and for helping him learn to read. This man has increased his faith, humility, and knowledge to such a degree that he has served as a branch president in the Church. President Spencer W. Kimball explained: �There must be works with faith. How foolish it would be to ask the Lord to give us knowledge, but how wise to ask the Lord�s help to acquire knowledge, to study constructively, to think clearly, and to retain things that we have learned� (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 205).

Faith involves doing all we can to bring about the things we hope and pray for. President Kimball said: �In faith we plant the seed, and soon we see the miracle of the blossoming. Men have often misunderstood and have reversed the process.� He continued by explaining that many of us want to have health and strength without keeping the health laws. We want to have prosperity without paying our tithes. We want to be close to the Lord but don�t want to fast and pray. We want to have rain in due season and to have peace in the land without observing the Sabbath as a holy day and without keeping the other commandments of the Lord.

An important way to increase our faith is to hear and study the word of the Lord. We hear the word of the Lord at our Church meetings. We can study his word in the scriptures. �And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith� (D&C 88:118).

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
-(James 2:17-20)

What Are Some Blessings That Follow Faith?

By faith, miracles are wrought, angels appear, the gifts of the Spirit are given, prayers are answered, and men become the sons of God (see Moroni 7:25�26, 36�37).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:
�When faith comes it brings . . . apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth; for these are the effects of faith. . . . And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent�whom to know is eternal life. Amen� (Lectures on Faith, p. 69).

Mary Magdelene

REPENTANCE

Faith in Jesus Christ naturally leads to repentance. There has been the need for repentance in the world from the time of Adam to the present day. The Lord instructed Adam, �Wherefore teach it unto your children, 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).

We All Need to Repent

We come to earth for the purpose of growing and progressing. This is a lifelong process. During this time we all sin. We all have need to repent. There are sins of commission and sins of omission. Commission means that we are actually committing a sin, while omission means that we are omitting or failing to do something that we should have been doing. For example, if our neighbor is in need but we fail to offer him assistance, then we are committing a sin of omission because the commandments tell us that we should help our neighbors in need. Sometimes we sin because of ignorance, sometimes because of our weaknesses or addictions, and sometimes because of willful disobedience. In the Bible we read that "there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not" (Ecclesiastes 7:20) and that "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).

What is sin?

The Apostle James said, �To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin� (James 4:17). Another Apostle described sin as �all unrighteousness� (1 John 5:17). That is why the Lord said �all men, everywhere, must repent� (Moses 6:57). Except for Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, everyone who has lived upon the earth has sinned. Our Heavenly Father in his great love has provided us this opportunity to repent of our sins.

What Is Repentance?

Repentance is the way provided for us to become free from our sins and receive forgiveness for them. Sins slow our spiritual progression and can even stop it. Repentance makes it possible for us to grow and develop spiritually again. The privilege of repenting is made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. In a way we do not fully understand, Jesus paid for our sins.

President Joseph Fielding Smith said of this:
�I have suffered pain, you have suffered pain, and sometimes it has been quite severe; but I cannot comprehend pain . . . that would cause the blood, like sweat, to come out upon the body. It was something terrible, something terrific. . . . �There was no man ever born into this world that could have stood under the weight of the load that was upon the Son of God, when he was carrying my sins and yours and making it possible that we might escape from our sins� (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:130�31). Repentance sometimes requires great courage, much strength, many tears, unceasing prayers, and untiring efforts to live the commandments of the Lord.

How Do We Repent?

President Spencer W. Kimball declared: �There is no royal road to repentance, no privileged path to forgiveness. Every man must follow the same course whether he be rich or poor, educated or untrained, tall or short, prince or pauper, king or commoner. . . . There is only one way. It is a long road spiked with thorns and briars and pitfalls and problems.�

1. We Must Recognize Our Sins

The first step of repentance is to admit to ourselves that we have sinned. If we do not admit this, we cannot repent. Alma counseled his son Corianton, who had been unfaithful in his missionary calling and had committed serious sins: �Let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. . . . Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point� (Alma 42:29�30). The scriptures advise us further not to justify our sinful practices (see Luke 16:15� 16). We cannot hide any act of our lives from ourselves or from the Lord.

2. We Must Feel Sorrow for Our Sins

In addition to recognizing our sins, we must feel sincere sorrow for what we have done. We must feel that our sins are terrible. We must want to unload and abandon them. The scriptures tell us, �All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and . . . have truly repented of all their sins . . . shall be received by baptism into his church� (D&C 20:37).

3. We Must Forsake Our Sins

Our sincere sorrow should lead us to forsake (stop) our sins. If we have stolen something, we will steal no more. If we have lied, we will lie no more. If we have committed adultery, we will stop. The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, �By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins�behold, he will confess them and forsake them� (D&C 58:43).

4. We Must Confess Our Sins

Confessing our sins is very important. The Lord has commanded us to confess our sins. Confession relieves a heavy burden from the sinner. The Lord has promised, �I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts� (D&C 61:2). We must confess all our sins to the Lord. In addition, we must confess serious sins, such as murder, abortion, adultery, fornication, and robbery, which might affect our standing in the Church, to the proper priesthood authority. If we have sinned against another person, we should confess to the person we have injured. Some less serious sins involve no one but ourselves and the Lord. These may be confessed privately to the Lord.

5. We Must Make Restitution

Part of repentance is to make restitution. This means that as much as possible we must make right any wrong that we have done. For example, a thief should give back what he has stolen. A liar should make the truth known. A gossip who has slandered the character of a person should work to restore the good name of the person he has harmed. As we do these things, God will not mention our sins to us when we are judged (see Ezekiel 33:15�16).

6. We Must Forgive Others

A vital part of repentance is to forgive those who have sinned against us. The Lord will not forgive us unless our hearts are fully cleansed of all hate, bitterness, and bad feelings against other people (see 3 Nephi 13:14�15). �Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin� (D&C 64:9).

7. We Must Keep the Commandments of God

To make our repentance complete we must keep the commandments of the Lord (see D&C 1:32). We are not fully repentant if we do not pay tithes or keep the Sabbath day holy or obey the Word of Wisdom. We are not repentant if we do not sustain the authorities of the Church and do not love the Lord and our fellowmen. If we do not pray and are unkind to others, we are surely not repentant. When we repent, our life changes. President Kimball said: �Repentance means not only to convict yourselves of the horror of the sin, but to confess it, abandon it, and restore to all who have been damaged to the total extent possible; then spend the balance of your lives trying to live the commandments of the Lord so he can eventually pardon you and cleanse you.�

How Repentance Helps Us

As we repent, the atonement of Jesus Christ becomes fully effective in our lives, and the Lord forgives our sins. We become free from the bondage of our sins, and we find joy. Alma recounted his experience of repenting from his sinful past:
�My soul was harrowed up [troubled] to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins. �Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
� . . . So great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
� . . . It came to pass that as I was . . . harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy . . . concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. �Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me. . . .
�And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more. . . . �And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! � . . . There can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy� (Alma 36:12�14, 17�21).

When Should We Repent?

The prophets have declared that �this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God� (Alma 34:32). We should repent now, every day. When we get up in the morning, we should examine ourselves to see whether the Spirit of God is with us. At night before we go to sleep, we should review our acts and words of the day and ask the Lord to show us the things for which we need to repent. By repenting every day and having the Lord forgive our sins, we will experience the daily process of becoming perfect. As with Alma, our happiness and joy can be sweet and exquisite.

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
-(Ezekiel 18:30)


For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
-(2 Corinthians 7:10)

Baptism

BAPTISM

Today, as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel that we must learn and obey. A principle is a belief or a teaching. An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony. The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel. One of the instructions the Lord gave his Apostles was, �Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you� (Matthew 28:19�20).

Why Must We Be Baptized?

We Must Be Baptized for the Remission of Our Sins When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the atonement of Jesus Christ. From the scriptures we learn that John the Baptist �did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins� (Mark 1:4). The Apostle Peter taught, �Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins� (Acts 2:38). Following Paul�s conversion, Ananias said to him, �Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins� (Acts 22:16).

We Must Be Baptized to Become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ

�All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized . . . that . . . have truly repented of all their sins . . . shall be received by baptism into his church� (D&C 20:37).

We Must Be Baptized before We Can Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost

The Lord said, �If thou wilt turn unto me, and . . . repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, . . . ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost� (Moses 6:52).

We Must Be Baptized to Show Obedience

Jesus Christ was without sin, yet he was baptized. He said his baptism was necessary �to fulfill all righteousness� (Matthew 3:15). The prophet Nephi explained that the Lord told him, �Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do . . . with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism� (2 Nephi 31:12�13).

We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom

Jesus said, �Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized . . . shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned� (3 Nephi 11:33�34). Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom.

How Should We Be Baptized?

There is only one correct mode of baptism. Jesus revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that a person having the proper priesthood authority to baptize �shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism. . . . Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water� (D&C 20:73�74). Immersion is necessary. The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death and resurrection. Our sins are washed away when we are baptized. After baptism we start a new life. Paul said: �Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? �Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. �For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.�
-(Romans 6:3�5).

Baptism by immersion by a person having the proper authority is the only acceptable way of being baptized.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who has reached eight years of age and is accountable (responsible) for his or her actions should be baptized. Some churches teach that little children should be baptized. This is not in keeping with the teachings of the Savior. When Jesus spoke of little children, he said, �Of such is the kingdom of heaven� (Matthew 19:14). The prophet Mormon said that it is mockery before God to baptize little children because they are not capable of sinning. Likewise, baptism is not required of people who are mentally incapable of knowing right and wrong (see Moroni 8:9�22). All other people are to be baptized. We must receive the ordinance of baptism and remain true to the covenants we make at that time.

We Make Covenants When We Are Baptized

Many scriptures teach about baptism. In one of these scriptures, the prophet Alma taught that faith and repentance are steps that prepare us for baptism. He taught that when we are baptized we make a covenant with the Lord. We promise to do certain things, and God promises to bless us in return. Alma explained that we must want to be called the people of God. We must be willing to help and comfort each other. We must stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. As we do these things and are baptized, God will forgive our sins. Alma told the people who believed his teachings about the gospel: �Behold, here are the waters of Mormon. . . . And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, . . . what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?� (Mosiah 18:8�10). The people clapped their hands for joy and said it was their desire to be baptized. Alma baptized them in the Waters of Mormon. (See Mosiah 18:7�17.)

Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to�

1. Come into the fold of God.
2. Bear one another�s burdens.
3. Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places.
4. Serve God and keep his commandments.

When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to�

1. Forgive our sins.
2. Pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us.
3. Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost.
4. Let us come forth in the First Resurrection.
5. Give us eternal life.

Baptism Gives Us a New Beginning

With baptism we begin a new way of life. That is why we call it a rebirth. Jesus said that unless we are born of the water and of the spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of God (see John 3:3�5). This principle was explained clearly to Adam: �Inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten� (Moses 6:59).

The Apostle Paul said that after our baptism we should begin a new life: �We are buried with him by baptism; . . . even so we also should walk in newness of life� (Romans 6:4). One of the great blessings of baptism is that it provides us with a new start on our way toward our eternal goal.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
-(Acts 2:38�39)


Gift of the Holy Ghost

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He is a spirit in the form of a man. He does not have a body of flesh and bones. He can be in only one place at a time, but his influence can be felt everywhere at once. His mission is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of all truth. Furthermore, the Holy Ghost purifies, or sanctifies, us to prepare us to dwell in the presence of God. The Holy Ghost purifies our hearts so we no longer have the desire to do evil. There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

What Is the Gift of the Holy Ghost?

The gift of the Holy Ghost is the privilege, given to people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, been baptized, and been confirmed as members of the Church, to receive guidance and inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith said we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now as much as it was enjoyed in the days of the first Apostles. We believe in this gift in all its fullness, power, greatness, and glory.

A person may be temporarily guided by the Holy Ghost without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. However, this guidance will not be continuous unless the person is baptized and receives the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We read in Acts 10 that the Roman soldier Cornelius received inspiration from the Holy Ghost so that he knew the gospel of Jesus Christ was true. But Cornelius did not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if Cornelius had not received baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost would have left him. Today many nonmembers of the Church learn by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:4�5). But that flash of testimony leaves them if they do not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. They do not receive the continuing assurance that can come to those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.

How Do We Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost?

People who have been baptized and confirmed are given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands by the elders of the Church. The Lord said, �Whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them� (D&C 33:15).

Every worthy elder of the Church, when authorized, may give the gift of the Holy Ghost to another person. However, there is no guarantee that the person will receive inspiration and guidance from the Holy Ghost just because the elders have laid their hands on his or her head. Each person must �receive the Holy Ghost.� This means that the Holy Ghost will come to us only when we are faithful and desire help from this heavenly messenger.

To be worthy to have the help of the Holy Ghost, we must seek earnestly to obey the commandments of God. We must keep our thoughts and actions pure. President David O. McKay said: �One chief purpose of life is to overcome evil tendencies, to govern our appetites, to control our passions� anger, hatred, jealousy, immorality. We have to overcome them; we have to subject them, conquer them because God has said: �. . . the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples�� (Helaman 4:24), nor will it �. . . always strive with man� (2 Nephi 26:11).�

One of God�s Greatest Gifts

The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of God�s greatest gifts to us. Through the Holy Ghost we may know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that his Church has been restored to the earth. We may have the promptings of the Holy Ghost to tell us all the things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:5). The Holy Ghost sanctifies us to prepare us for God�s presence. We may enjoy the gifts of the Spirit. This great gift from our Heavenly Father can also bring peace to our hearts and an understanding of the things of God.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
-(1 Corinthians 3:16�17)


Clouds

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

Following baptism, each of us had hands laid on our heads to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If we are faithful, we can have his influence constantly with us. Through him, each of us can be blessed with certain spiritual powers called gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are given to those who are faithful to Christ. They help us know and teach the truths of the gospel. They will help us bless others. They will guide us back to our Heavenly Father. To use our gifts wisely, we need to know what they are, how we can develop them, and how to recognize Satan�s imitations of them.

The scriptures mention many gifts of the Spirit. These gifts have been given to members of the true Church whenever it has been on the earth (see Mark 16:16�18). The gifts of the Spirit include the following:

1. The Gift of Tongues

Sometimes it is necessary to communicate the gospel in a language we have not learned. When this happens, the Lord can bless us with the ability to speak that language. Many missionaries have received the gift of tongues when there was a great need for it. For example, Elder Alonzo A. Hinckley was a missionary in Holland who understood and spoke very little Dutch even though he had prayed and studied hard. When he returned to a home he had visited before, a lady opened the door and spoke to him very angrily in Dutch. To his amazement he could understand every word. He felt a strong desire to bear his testimony to her in Dutch. He began to speak, and the words came out very clearly in Dutch. But when he returned to show his mission president that he could speak Dutch, the ability had left him. Many faithful members have been blessed with the gift of tongues.

2. The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues

This gift is sometimes given to us when we do not understand a language and we need to receive an important message from God. For example, President David O. McKay had a great desire to speak to the Saints in New Zealand without an interpreter. He told them that he hoped that the Lord would bless them that they could understand him. He spoke in English. His message lasted about forty minutes. As he spoke, he could tell by the expression on many of their faces and the tears in their eyes that they were receiving his message.

3. The Gift of Translation

If we have been called by the leaders of the Church to translate the word of the Lord, we can receive a gift to translate beyond our natural ability. As with all gifts, we must live righteously, study hard, and pray to receive it. When we do these things, the Lord causes us to feel a burning inside concerning the correctness of the translation. Joseph Smith had the gift of translation when he translated the Book of Mormon. This gift came to him only when he was in tune with the Spirit.

4. The Gift of Wisdom

Some of us have been blessed with the ability to understand people and the principles of the gospel as they apply in our lives. We are told:
�If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
-(James 1:5�7)

The Lord said, �Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you� (D&C 6:7).

5. The Gift of Knowledge

Everyone who becomes like Heavenly Father eventually knows all things. The knowledge of God and his laws is revealed by the Holy Ghost. We cannot be saved if we are ignorant of these laws. The Lord revealed, �If a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come� (D&C 130:19).

The Lord has commanded us to learn as much as we can about his work. He wants us to learn about the heavens, the earth, things that have happened or will happen, things at home and in foreign lands. However, there are those who try to gain knowledge by their own study alone. They do not ask for the help of the Holy Ghost. They are those who are always learning but never arrive at the truth (see 2 Timothy 3:7). When we receive knowledge by revelation from the Holy Ghost, his Spirit speaks to our minds and our hearts and we feel the truth burn within us (see D&C 8:2).

Some people are given a special ability to explain and testify of the truths of the gospel. This gift can be used when we teach a class. It can be used by parents to teach their children. This gift also helps us instruct others so they can understand the gospel.

This has been the gift of prophets and apostles who have been called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. However, others are also given this gift. Every person can have a testimony. It usually comes through the whispering of the Holy Spirit but may come in a dream or vision. Elder Orson F. Whitney saw a vision of the Savior in Gethsemane. He saw the great suffering of the Savior, and it caused him to weep. Then the Savior took him into his arms and blessed him.

6. The Gift of Believing the Testimony of Others

By the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things. If we want to know whether someone else is speaking the truth, we must ask God in faith. If the thing we are praying about is true, the Lord will speak peace to our minds. In this way we can know when someone else, even the prophet, has received revelation. Nephi asked the Lord to let him see, feel, and know that his father�s dream was true (see 1 Nephi 10:17�19).

7. The Gift of Prophecy

Those who receive true revelations about the past, present, or future have the gift of prophecy. Prophets have this gift, but we too can have it to help us govern our own lives. We may receive revelations from God for ourselves and our own callings, but never for the Church or its leaders. It is contrary to the order of heaven for a person to receive revelation for someone higher in authority. If we truly have the gift of prophecy, we will not receive any revelation that does not agree with what the Lord has said in the scriptures.

8. The Gift of Healing

Some have the faith to heal, and others have the faith to be healed. We can all exercise the faith to be healed when we are ill. Many who hold the priesthood have the gift of healing the sick. Others may be given a knowledge of how to cure illness. When Christ was on the earth, he healed many who were sick. He told us to follow His example and do likewise.

9. The Gift of Working Miracles

The Lord has blessed his people many times in miraculous ways. When the Utah pioneers planted their first crops, a plague of locusts nearly destroyed them. The pioneers prayed that the Lord would save their crops, and he sent sea gulls to devour the locusts. When we need help and ask in faith, if it is for our good the Lord will work miracles for us.

10. The Gift of Faith

The brother of Jared had great faith. Because of his faith, he received other gifts. His faith was so great that the Savior appeared to him (see Ether 3:9�15). Without faith, no other gift can be given. Moroni promises, �Whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him� (Mormon 9:21). We should seek to increase our faith, find out our gifts, and use them.

Some people lack faith and deny that these gifts of the Spirit actually exist. Moroni says to them: �And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healings, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; �Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them� (Mormon 9:7�8).

11. The Gift of Courage

This gift is the ability to do the will of God regardless of the circumstances that we find ourselves in. Your friends may tempt you to drink alcoholic beverages or to look at pornographic materials but you won't do it because you don't want to offend the Spirit of God. In other words, you have the courage to overcome something that you know is not right.

We Can Develop Our Gifts

The Lord has said: �For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby� (D&C 46:11�12).

To develop our gifts, we must find out which gifts we have. We do this by praying and fasting. We should seek after the best gifts. Sometimes patriarchal blessings will tell us which gifts we have been given. We must be obedient and faithful to be given our gifts. We then should use these gifts to do the work of the Lord. They are not given to satisfy our curiosity or to prove anything to us because we lack faith. Our gifts are to be used to build up the kingdom of God and to strengthen our testimonies.

Satan Imitates the Gifts of the Spirit

Satan can imitate the gifts of tongues, prophecy, visions, healings, and other miracles. Moses had to compete with Satan�s imitations in Pharaoh�s court (see Exodus 7:8�22). Satan wants us to believe in his false prophets, false healers, and false miracle workers. They may appear to be so real to us that the only way to know is to ask God for the gift of discernment. The devil himself can appear as an angel of light (see 2 Nephi 9:9).

Satan wants to blind us to the truth and keep us from seeking the true gifts of the Spirit. Satan even tries to emulate the serene peaceful feelings that we get from the Holy Spirit through drugs. Drugs such as heroin and cocaine are used by Satan to induce feelings of well-being. These drugs will make whoever uses them a slave and will speedily drag them down to hell. Also, mediums, astrologers, fortune tellers, and sorcerers are inspired by Satan even if they claim to follow God. Their works are abominable to the Lord (see Isaiah 47:12�14; Deuteronomy 18:9�10). We should avoid all associations with the powers of Satan.

We Must Be Careful with Our Gifts of the Spirit

The Lord said, �A commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation� (D&C 84:73). We must remember that spiritual gifts are sacred. The Lord asks only one thing in return for giving us these gifts. He says, �Ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with� (D&C 46:32).

The Last Supper

THE SACRAMENT

Our Savior wants us to remember his great atoning sacrifice and keep his commandments. To help us do this, he has commanded us to meet often and partake of the sacrament. The sacrament is a holy priesthood ordinance that helps remind us of the Savior�s atonement. During the sacrament, we partake of bread and water. We do this in remembrance of his flesh and his blood, which he gave as a sacrifice for us. As we partake of the sacrament, we renew sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father.

Christ Introduced the Sacrament

Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus gathered his Apostles around him in an upstairs room. He knew he would soon die on the cross. This was the last time he would meet with these beloved men before his death. He wanted them to always remember him so they could be strong and faithful. To help them remember, he introduced the sacrament.

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
-(Matthew 26:26-28)

After his resurrection, Jesus came to the Americas and taught the Nephites the same ordinance (see 3 Nephi 18:1�11). After the Church was restored in the latter days, Jesus once again commanded his people to partake of the sacrament in remembrance of him, saying, �It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus� (D&C 20:75).

How the Sacrament Is Administered

The scriptures explain exactly how the sacrament is to be administered. Members of the Church meet each Sabbath day to worship and partake of the sacrament (see D&C 20:75). The sacrament is administered by those who hold the necessary priesthood authority. A priest or elder breaks bread into pieces, kneels, and blesses it (see D&C 20:76). A deacon or other priesthood holder then passes the sacrament bread to the congregation. Then the priest or elder blesses the water and it too is passed to the members. Jesus gave his disciples wine when he introduced the sacrament. However, in a latter-day revelation he has said that it doesn�t matter what we eat and drink during the sacrament as long as we remember him (see D&C 27:2�3). Today, Latter-day Saints drink water instead of wine.

Jesus has revealed the exact words for both sacrament prayers. We should listen carefully to these beautiful prayers and try to understand what we are promising and what is being promised to us. Here is the prayer that is offered to bless the bread:

Bread

�O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.�
-(D&C 20:77)


Here is the prayer that is offered to bless the water:

Water

�O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine [water] to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.�
-(D&C 20:79)

The Covenants We Renew during the Sacrament

Each time we partake of the sacrament, we renew covenants with the Lord. A covenant is a sacred promise between the Lord and his children. The covenants we make are clearly stated in the sacramental prayers. It is important to know what those covenants are and what they mean.

We covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. By this we show that we are willing to be identified with him and his Church. We promise that we will not bring shame or reproach upon that name. We covenant to remember Jesus Christ. All our thoughts, feelings, and actions will be influenced by him and his mission.

We promise to keep his commandments

We take these obligations upon ourselves when we are baptized (see D&C 20:37; Mosiah 18:6�10). Thus, when we partake of the sacrament, we renew the covenants we made when we were baptized. Jesus gave us the pattern for partaking of the sacrament (see 3 Nephi 18:1�12) and said that when we follow this pattern, believing on his name, we will gain a remission of our sins. The Lord promises that if we keep our covenants, we will always have his Spirit to be with us. A person guided by the Spirit will have the knowledge, faith, power, and righteousness to gain eternal life.

Our Attitude When Taking the Sacrament

Before partaking of the sacrament, we are to prepare ourselves spiritually. The Lord emphasizes that no one should partake of the sacrament unworthily. That means we must repent of our sins before taking the sacrament. The scriptures say, �If any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation� (D&C 46:4). The scriptures also say, �Ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it; For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul� (3 Nephi 18:28�29).

During the sacrament service we should dismiss from our minds all worldly thoughts. We should feel prayerful and reverent. We should think of the atonement of our Savior and be grateful for it. We should examine our lives and look for ways to improve. We should also renew our determination to keep the commandments.

We do not need to be perfect before partaking of the sacrament, but we must have the spirit of repentance in our hearts. The attitude with which we partake of the sacrament influences our experience with it. If we partake of the sacrament with a pure heart, we receive the promised blessings of the Lord.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
-(1 Corinthians 11:27�29)


Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1