Gospel Foundation

Several Come, Follow Me resources suggested that we read D&C Sections 20-22 and look for the doctrines and principles that laid the foundation of the organization of the church. As we did this together as a family, here are the things we found that are foundational to our faith...

1. Book of Mormon/other scripture (20:8-12, 20:35)
2. Reality of God (20:17)
3. God created all, including man and woman (20:17-18)
4. God gave us commandments (20:19)
5. The Fall (20:20)
6. The Savior was sent and provided the Atonement (20:21-24)
7. Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end (20:25-29)
8. Justification and Sanctification through grace (20:30-32)
9. Prayer (20:33)
10. Revelation (20:35)
11. Ministering (20:47)
12. Priesthood and Ordinances (20:72-84, Section 22)
13. Prophets (21:1)

As we discussed this list, I noticed that in Section 20 verses 17-24, the doctrine taught is the same doctrine we are taught in the temple Endowment ceremony. So even though at that time in the history of the church the temple ceremonies hadn’t been fully revealed, those foundational gospel and temple doctrines were already being revealed to all members of the church.

This is a great list to look through and think about how strong our foundation/testimony is in each of these areas. And if there's an area that seems weaker than others, we should focus on strengthening that spot in our foundation because we have been promised that if we build ourselves a sure foundation, then we cannot fall.(Helaman 5:12)