The Gospel of Jesus Christ...

...is encapsulated most perfectly in a handful of scriptures from the old world and from the new. Over the centuries the “Good News” has been unsuccessfully altered and adjusted, expanded and deconstructed. Hundreds of churches and false christs have risen bringing many variations of the gospel of the Son of God. The focus has changed at times to someone or something other than the savior, but never to stand the test of time or scriptural backing.

The apostle John succinctly said, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This is the essence of the good news that we are to spread to the world for we are disciples of none other than Jesus Christ. Because of contention over this subject in the new world, the savior explained to his disciples in plain language his gospel saying, “Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.” (3 Nephi 27: 13). Simply put, the true Christ’s descent to this world from our Father’s presence to become the “Way, the Truth and the Life” whereby nobody can come back to the Father but by Him; THAT is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ continued in the Americas to say, “my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (3 Nephi 27: 14). The scriptures are full of history, guidance, and lessons on morality which lift us and bring us closer to our Father in Heaven and help us to avoid pain and misery in this life, but let us not forget at this special time of year, that all the scriptures and prophets are undone if not for the atoning sacrifice made by the Son of God who condescended to make known God’s love unto us. All the philosophies of men as recorded in books throughout the ages are unable to bridge the gap between our mortal weakness and God’s glory. Therefore, “this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do. (3 Nep 27: 20-21).

Like unto the holy temples of God, may we focus our temples more intently on the Savior Jesus Christ and thank God for the glorious gift of his Son. Merry Christmas.