Christofferson - The Doctrine of Christ - April 2012

Elder Christofferson speaks about the attention that is on the church as politics brings to light some of the church beliefs.  His desire is to share with us what the doctrine of Christ is and how it is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• While there is much we do not yet know, the truths and doctrine we have received have come and will continue to come by divine revelation.

He talks about worldly knowledge but that our desire is to ultimately know the mind and will of the Lord.

• We value scholarship that enhances understanding, but in the Church today, just as anciently, establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine revelation to those the Lord endows with apostolic authority.

He ask us a question and provides us understanding by answering.

1. How does the Savior reveal His will and doctrine to prophets, seers, and revelators? He may act by messenger or in His own person. He may speak by His own voice or by the voice of the Holy Spirit—a communication of Spirit to spirit that may be expressed in words or in feelings that convey understanding beyond words (see 1 Nephi 17:45 ; D&C 9:8 ). He may direct Himself to His servants individually or acting in council (see 3 Nephi 27:1–8 ).

He goes on to share two examples from the New Testament that show that divine guidance from Christ is provided to his individual apostles and then another example of how the apostles unite themselves when determining doctrine for the entire church.  This same way is present in Christ's church today.  We have a prophet who can lead us and guide us and a council of twelve who unite together to share with the world what we need to know.

He does point out that not all that the apostles and prophets say is scripture.

• At the same time it should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.

He then shares with us a quote from J. Reuban Clark:

• “… The Church will know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost in the body of the members, whether the brethren in voicing their views are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’; and in due time that knowledge will be made manifest.”

Christ's doctrine is for us to be receive the proper ordinances that allow us to return to live with God again after this life.  He has given us individual along our journey to make that easier and to provide guidance.  The inspiration that Christ gives to us individually and to his leaders for the entire Church is God's pattern for guiding us.

How grateful I am for wise men who lead us on earth.  These are wise men who seek the inspiration of God for the church.  How grateful I am that we have a Savior who recognizes that although we have leaders in the church, that we can gain direction in our own lives personally as the Spirit speaks to us individually.  We are not alone in this journey of life and Christ has given us the individual inspiration to understand our own lives, and given us wise men to lead his church as a whole.  We are so blessed to have these leaders to help us get back to our Heavenly Father.