Saturday, September 27, 2014

283: THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST


 
Photo taken on the morning of September 27, 2014 at 8:00 AM

 
 I like "if" statements. An "if" statement is always followed by a "then" statement. If the requirements of the "if" statement are satisfied, then there will be an expected result or outcome.

If I agree to do something, I understand that a then statement will follow. There will be a result or consequence to my action.  For example, if you scratch my back, I will then scratch yours.  If you keep my commandments, you will then be blessed.  Depending on the "if" statement,  the "then" statement could be either positive or negative. 

"If and then" statements are commonly used in computer programming.  When an "if" statement is used in code, and all the mandatory requirements are true, the code will proceed to the "then" statement. This is common across many programming languages. 

We also see "if and then" statements in scripture. A very important "if and then" statement is found in II Nephi 31:13. Here is the verse in bullet points.
 
IF ye shall:
  • follow the Son with full purpose of heart,
  • acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God,
  • follow the Son with real intent,
  • repenting of your sins,
  • witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ,
  • following your Lord and your Savior down into the water by baptism.
Behold,

THEN shall ye receive the Holy Ghost;
  • yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost;
  • and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels,
  • and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
 
Sidenote: There is an "if and then" warning however in the next verse:
 
IF:
  • ye have repented of your sins,
  • witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments,
  • baptized of water,
  • received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost,
  • and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels,
  • and after this should deny me,
 
THEN:
 
 it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.
 
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The above "if and then" statement is basically the doctrine of Christ. We read in II Nephi 32: 5-6.

For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.
 
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