Topic

Gospel

What is the gospel and why is it important? Which set of beliefs is the true gospel? These questions have led many people on journeys of exploration and discovery throughout the years. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that while Jesus Christ lived on the earth, he taught the gospel. The gospel is God’s plan for the salvation of His children. It consists of five main principles that will allow us to return to live with our Heavenly Father: faith in Jesus Christ, sincere repentance, baptism by immersion, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. When we study and live these principles, we draw closer to our Heavenly Father and prepare ourselves to live with Him again. Developing faith comes from studying the scriptures, praying, attending Church meetings, and doing other things that show God we trust Him. When we develop this faith, we gain a desire to change our actions to be more in line with God’s will for us. We begin to change our sinful behavior and instead adopt practices that help us draw closer to God. God wants us to make promises, or covenants, with Him that will help solidify the changes we have started making. The first covenant we make in this lifetime is baptism. When we are baptized, we promise God that we will keep the commandments, take His name upon us (represent Him in all our actions), and remember Him always. In return, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which means that we can always have the Spirit with us. After making this sacred covenant, the journey is not over, but merely beginning. God asks us to endure to the end, to continue living a faithful life regardless of what trials and challenges we may encounter. We are expected to keep developing our faith, continue repenting, and eventually make more covenants with God through this process.

Brigitte C. Madrian | October 8, 2019

I testify to you that there is another, a greater One, who lived, who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, who atoned for our sins, who was crucified and resurrected, and who lives again.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf | January 15, 2019

So the process of learning to hear the voice of the Spirit not only refines us and allows us to enjoy the wondrous music of the Spirit, but it also blesses us, directs our steps, and brings us the favor and guidance of heaven.

Weatherford T. Clayton | March 14, 2017

If we have true faith in our Redeemer, we do something about it, because we have real intent.

Douglas D. Holmes - Young Men Presidency

Douglas D. Holmes | January 17, 2017

I invite you to be serious about your study of God and your pursuit to truly know Him. He is revealed by His prophets and through the power of the Holy Ghost as we seek Him.

James C. Brau | March 1, 2011

Recognizing that you, as students, have come to BYU for more than academic rigor, I have made it a point to share a spiritual thought in each section I teach every day I am in the classroom.

Steven L. Taylor | June 22, 2010

As we make and keep these sacred covenants with the Lord, He will keep His promises to us. Our lives will be built on that sure foundation, and there will be no need to fear.

Ross Spencer | March 30, 2010

The Lord’s program is to make bad men and women good and good men and women better as He prepares us for eternal life. Participation in His kingdom here on earth can change us in wonderful ways if we are faithful.

C. Jeffrey Belliston | March 16, 2010

May we all remember that gospel gifts typify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; that they may be given to us by God or by our fellow mortals; that the giving and receiving of gospel gifts are two separate actions; that our true receipt of a gospel gift is manifested by keeping the gift; and that giving thanks for our gospel gifts is itself a gospel gift because giving thanks also typifies Jesus Christ.

Earl C. Tingey | January 13, 2008

I know that my counsel to you tonight is very weighty. For some, it would appear impossible to obtain. But please have faith, and join that faith with works. The Lord is aware of you as individuals and of your particular circumstances. He will bless you. He will assist you in bringing to pass that which is right and which you righteously desire. Please have faith.

Larry Echo Hawk | August 7, 2007

I remember slipping out of bed to my knees. It was the first time in my life that I had ever prayed intently. There I was, with bandages on my eyes, alone in my bedroom, praying for help.

Daniel K Judd | December 7, 2004

What a blessing it is to be living in a day when we are privileged to have such “a wonderful flood of light” by which we may live. I testify to you of the truthfulness of the restored gospel and that we are led by a living prophet of God.

Lora Beth Larson Brown | March 30, 2004

The gospel offers us a feast fit for royalty, and we are immature and growing princes and princesses. But to receive the fullness offered to us—and think of that in the physical sense of being full when you eat—we must partake wholeheartedly, joyfully.

F. Melvin Hammond | February 10, 2004

It requires the gospel and the Church to bring everything that is important in our lives into one eternal sphere. There is nothing else in this life of eternal worth—just family, friends, and the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ.

Rex D. Pinegar | June 12, 2001

The Christlike qualities of selflessness, patience, honesty, and integrity are the most valuable assets we can acquire that will bless the lives of others as well as our own and should be demonstrated in all of our associations and endeavors.

Phillip J. Bryson | July 11, 2000

When we remember that the war may extend beyond mortality and the rewards may be far greater than the short-term recognition, income, or influence we may have sought, we will not lose the eternal perspective we need to keep.

Robert H. Daines | June 20, 2000

Let us establish clearly our priorities in life. Let us go to the sacrament table repenting of our sins and renewing our covenants on a weekly basis. Let us serve others. Let us fast from critical talk and worldly behavior. Let us feast upon the Word.

Daniel J. Fairbanks | May 2, 2000

I now view creation not as something that occurred long ago but as a process that continues today in which we are given the sacred privilege to participate.

Robert L. Millet | February 3, 1998

Our conduct and our way of life cannot be separated from our doctrine, for what we believe empowers and directs what we do.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | August 18, 1992

Latter-day Saints should have all the genuine excitement others have in the traditional adventure of learning, including learning secular truths—and we, of all people, should have a little more!

Glen L. Rudd | February 16, 1988

The gospel is "simply beautiful and beautifully simple." Understanding the simplicity of the first gospel principles helps us to live righteously.

Neal A. Maxwell | October 11, 1986

Through the witness of the Book of Mormon and prophetic revelation, the gospel offers great answers to age-old questions of the soul.

George P. Lee | May 13, 1986

George P. Lee calls for an individual and worldwide return to full belief in God and His gospel, as opposed to half-believing and counterfeit faith.

Hartman Rector Jr. | September 29, 1985

The gospel of Jesus Christ, at its center, is simple. Because of Christ's atonement, we can and must repent and learn to become more like our Father.

Robert D. Hales | January 10, 1982

I add my testimony to that of Nephi. I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is the way.

Arthur Henry King | March 11, 1981

Arthur Henry King points to classic passages of Shakespeare's work to show that Shakespeare and the gospel share some important themes in common.

Royden G. Derrick | October 26, 1980

As we base our behavior on sound gospel concepts, we will find that our lives are much richer than those that are founded in the faulty concepts of men.

Bruce R. McConkie | August 18, 1978

Elder McConkie testifies that the revelation extending priesthood blessings to those of all nations and races is divine and that "all are alike unto God."

James M. Paramore | May 2, 1978

Constant study of the gospel will help you in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be guided by the Spirit in following the Savior.

Bruce R. McConkie | August 15, 1972

Though the plan of salvation is universal, it is also extremely personal. Each of us must follow our own path of repentance, covenant-making, and obedience.

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | April 18, 1972

As he receives the Exemplary Manhood Award, President Joseph Fielding Smith takes a moment to speak about the importance of the work of the gospel.