The law of the gospel

[joheri]

When talking about the gospel one cannot escape talking about God's laws. For instance, we have the law of sacrifice, the law of obedience and the law of consecration. There are other laws as well, but one in particullar has caught my mind lately. The law of the gospel.

Can anyone explain to me what that is? Remeber, it is not the lawS of the gospel but the LAW of the gospel (singular).

[Maxel]

I'm confused as to what, exactly, you're looking for. I guess the LAW of the Gospel is obedience to Christ in all things, times, and places. However, that law is only as good as the person who if following it (if one doesn't know Christ's laws, then one cannot follow them).

Perhaps you could provide more information on what you're looking for?

[joheri]

I am a little reluctant as to how much I should elaborate on this as I have only heard this phrase in the Temple. Searching the scripture doesn't give any perfect match to that phrase.

If you have been through the Temple, you know what I am pointing to...

[Maxel]

Nope, unfortunately. I guess I'll leave this to others.

Your weariness is good: it's against site rules to talk about the things that happen in the temple. So, good luck with your discussion!

[Traveler]

When talking about the gospel one cannot escape talking about God's laws. For instance, we have the law of sacrifice, the law of obedience and the law of consecration. There are other laws as well, but one in particullar has caught my mind lately. The law of the gospel.

Can anyone explain to me what that is? Remeber, it is not the lawS of the gospel but the LAW of the gospel (singular).

All laws come with covenants - The law of the gospel is a covenant to accept scripture. Not any particular verse but the stand works and in particular the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Traveler

[Justice]

I think part of the answer you may be looking for is in recognizing the difference between a law and a commandment. There are commandments that are part of the Gospel, but the law of the Gospel is pretty straightforward... if you understand what a law is and what the Gospel is.

[joheri]

Traveller, are you saying that the law of the gospel is of a general nature as opposed to commandments which are more specific?

If so, how about the other laws? I find them more specific than the law of the gospel. Or maybe the answer is, as you say, in understanding what the gospel really is about.

[Misshalfway]

I don't know if I am getting this right or not but I think the law of the gospel stems from the laws that demanded a sacrifice for sin in place of total justice -- the reason we have a savior in the first place. And then because of the Atonement we then have the conditions of repentance or the "gospel" which is faith repentance baptism and the gift of the HG. And our covenants make us bound to working within this process in obedience.

[Traveler]

Traveller, are you saying that the law of the gospel is of a general nature as opposed to commandments which are more specific?

If so, how about the other laws? I find them more specific than the law of the gospel. Or maybe the answer is, as you say, in understanding what the gospel really is about.

I believe the first and great principle is covenant. For this example we covenant to “keep” the Law of the Gospel. Within the law there may be several commandments. It is a worthwhile effort to associate commandments with the corresponding law. But the Law goes beyond commandments in what many view as the spirit of the law verses the letter of the law. In the same context covenant goes beyond the law when one realizes that divine laws are not confining or a type of bondage but liberating and the path to freedom.

The Traveler

[Moksha]

Is there a short one paragraph description of all these laws somewhere on the net? I have heard them mentioned occasionally on various forums, but everyone defines them a bit differently and they haven't been discussed in much detail in the Gospel Doctrine class.

[sixpacktr]

I think if you take the scriptures as a whole, particularly the teachings of the BoM and the D&C, you are taught you should and should not do, how to 'run' the church (organizationally), the manner of prayers, ordinances, the importance of covenants, the importance of sharing said Gospel with everyone, both in and out of the church, etc.

This is a good question. I've never thought much of it, as I always considered said law as all-encompassing. We know that the Gospel is the 'good news' of Christ's mission and the saving ordinances that allow us to return and live with our HF. Perhaps it is as Traveler stated: the spirit of the Law. IOW, we commit to be as Christlike as possible in our dealings with each other and with our HF. We serve, we teach, we exhort, we learn, etc., all in an effort to become like the Master and bring as many others as we can to Him so that they too may be saved...

[Just_A_Guy]

This talk seems to suggest that "the Law of the Gospel" is a generic term for all divinely-appointed laws pertaining to this Creation.

I'm not sure how satisfying this explanation is, though; in context of the Endowment it would seem to make certain elements of the ceremony redundant.

Can we find a better explanation?

[Traveler]

May I offer some additional understanding? I tried to give some hints but so many seem to be missing my point. Let me offer some specific commandments associated with the covenant and Law of the Gospel.

First Commandment: Have Faith in the L-rd Jesus Christ and remember him.

Second Commandment: Repent

Third Commandment: Be baptized for the remission of sins.

Forth Commandment: Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Traveler

PS. I am not really saying this to make anyone feel bad but the the 7 year olds in my primary class all know this answer.

Edited September 9, 2009 by Traveler

[Hemidakota]

When talking about the gospel one cannot escape talking about God's laws. For instance, we have the law of sacrifice, the law of obedience and the law of consecration. There are other laws as well, but one in particullar has caught my mind lately. The law of the gospel.

Can anyone explain to me what that is? Remeber, it is not the lawS of the gospel but the LAW of the gospel (singular).

D&C 88:78 - Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated (General Conference OCt 1968) - "In the final analysis, the gospel of God is written, not in the dead letters of scriptural records, but in the lives of the Saints. It is not written with pen and ink on paper of man's making, but with acts and deeds in the book of life of each believing and obedient person. It is engraved in the flesh and bones and sinews of those who live a celestial law, which is the law of the gospel. It is there to be read by others, first, by those who, seeing the good works of the Saints, shall respond by glorifying our Father in heaven, and finally by the Great Judge to whom every man's life is an open book."

Putting in simple terms, the 'Law of the Gospel' = 'Celestial Laws'

[Snow]

Apparently is is the over-arching law that contains and controls all other laws including the laws of physics:

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Safety of the Gospel Law

[Traveler]

Very often I see individuals proclaim that they have a personal relationship with G-d. However, it is rare that I ever see anyone proclaim that they understand their covenant(s) with G-d and do enjoy “keeping” their covenant(s). As I understand things, both by experience and in studying the scriptures, there is a direct correlation between our relationship (personal or otherwise) with G-d and our appreciation towards the commandments given to us in regards to our covenants.

If you agree with my observation; may I ask a question? How many think they have a personal relationship with G-d really do not mind being reminded of the commandments we have promised to keep?

The Traveler

[Justice]

In a word, it is faith.

Faith can overcome the law of physics, like when Christ walked on the water.

Remember, faith is not to have a sure knowledge. Interesting, huh?

I'd like to see a discussion on why the above is true.

[Traveler]

In a word, it is faith.

Faith can overcome the law of physics, like when Christ walked on the water.

Remember, faith is not to have a sure knowledge. Interesting, huh?

I'd like to see a discussion on why the above is true.

It is my belief that having a sure knowledge does not mean that a person cannot have faith - a knowledge of one's belief is necessary for faith but faith (even in things of physics - like electrons that people utilize the benefits from and have faith in every time they turn on a light even though they have no clue what electrons really are) stands by itself.

The Traveler

[Guest Utahrulzz]

It is my belief that having a sure knowledge does not mean that a person cannot have faith - a knowledge of one's belief is necessary for faith but faith (even in things of physics - like electrons that people utilize the benefits from and have faith in every time they turn on a light even though they have no clue what electrons really are) stands by itself.

The Traveler

One still has to have faith to believe what has been revealed. Faith is required to know what you are seeing is of The Lord and not from other sources - be it ones brain or the other source.

You never stop having faith as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught the universe was created by faith.

[lassenrich]

I am trying to understand what is specifically ment by the Law of the Gospel. Is it the general law that is a compilation of the commandments the Savior left us plus those of the Mosaic Law that were not superceded or is it something more?

[alexm8]

It's taken two years to answer this question, lol... It's interesting that Catholics actually know more about the Law of the Gospel (also called the New Law) than Mormons do. In a nutshell, it's the law Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount. (Matt 5-7) It's a higher law that works on our thoughts and desires, rather than the Ten Commandments which deals with actions.

It is also a progression in spirituality. The world has the Ten Commandments. LDS members live a higher law when they are baptized. That is: Law of Chastity (greater than don't commit adultery), Word of Wisdom (greater than thou shalt not kill - yourself), Law of Tithing (greater than thou shalt not covet), and Keeping the Sabbath to a greater degree (attend church meetings). Living these laws allows members to enter the Temple.

In the Temple members commit to the Law of the Gospel. So, in the sense that instead of just keeping the Law of Chastity, Christ says to not lust. Instead of killing, He says don't get angry. These are higher laws, and those who perfect these commandments here will be better off in the world to come.

[Blackmarch]

When talking about the gospel one cannot escape talking about God's laws. For instance, we have the law of sacrifice, the law of obedience and the law of consecration. There are other laws as well, but one in particullar has caught my mind lately. The law of the gospel.

Can anyone explain to me what that is? Remeber, it is not the lawS of the gospel but the LAW of the gospel (singular).

well two things come to mind.

1 is when Christ is asked what is the greatest commandment, and when he is asked what is needed to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Which was, Love God, Love men, Give up everything and Follow Christ.

[jaychic13]

I realize that this is an old topic, but as I looked through I did not find someone who used a scriptural reference to the law of the gospel.  There are several. The law of the gospel is to take care of the poor and the needy. Doctrine and Covenants 104: 17-18 states;

 

17 For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.

 18 Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment.

 

We know that the full name of the gospel is the gospel of Jesus Christ, (he references that in the above verse) so the term “law of the gospel” can be used synonymously with the “law of Christ,” since it is His gospel. With that in mind, Galatians 6:2 reads;

 

2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

 

The gospel of Christ in a general sense is the new and everlasting covenant (DC 66:2), but the law of the gospel or the law of Christ are very specific, and we who have been through the temple have covenanted to take care of the poor and the needy through agreeing to obey this law. Hope it helps. Happy studying!

[ssecnirp]

I know this is an old thread, but non the less extremely valuable topic. So for our future seekers.....

Let's not forget D&C 42 along with D&C 104:18. The Law of the Gospel is what Jesus Christ did:

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together in my name, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, the Savior of the world; inasmuch as ye believe on my name and keep my commandments.
            2 Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you.
            3 For verily I say, as ye have assembled yourselves together according to the commandment wherewith I commanded you, and are agreed as touching this one thing, and have asked the Father in my name, even so ye shall receive.
            4 Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you this first commandment, that ye shall go forth in my name, every one of you, excepting my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon.
            5 And I give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when they shall return.
            6 And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God.
            7 And ye shall go forth baptizing with water, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
            8 And from this place ye shall go forth into the regions westward; and inasmuch as ye shall find them that will receive you ye shall build up my church in every region—
            9 Until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you from on high, when the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will be your God.
            10 And again, I say unto you, that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand in the office whereunto I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass, that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead. Even so. Amen.
            11 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.
            12 And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.
            
            13 And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.
            14 And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.
            15 And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given.
            16 And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good;
            17 For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son.
            18 And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.
            19 And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.
            20 Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast out.
            21 Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.
            22 Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.
            23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
            24 Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.
            25 But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;
            26 But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.
            27 Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.
            28 Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out.
            29 If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments.
            30 And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.
            31 And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose.
            32 And it shall come to pass, that after they are laid before the bishop of my church, and after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church, agreeable to my commandments, every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which he has received by consecration, as much as is sufficient for himself and family.
            33 And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more than is necessary for their support after this first consecration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who have not, from time to time, that every man who has need may be amply supplied and receive according to his wants.
            34 Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my storehouse, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the high council of the church, and the bishop and his council;
            35 And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed—
            36 That my covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when I shall come to my temple. And this I do for the salvation of my people.
            37 And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out of the church, and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and the needy of my church, or in other words, unto me—
            38 For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me.
            39 For it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets shall be fulfilled; for I will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles unto the poor of my people who are of the house of Israel.
            40 And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands;
            41 And let all things be done in cleanliness before me.
            42 Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.
            43 And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy.
            44 And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me.
            45 Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection.
            46 And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them;
            47 And they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter.
            48 And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.
            49 He who hath faith to see shall see.
            50 He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
            51 The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
            52 And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities.
            53 Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship.
            54 Thou shalt not take thy brother’s garment; thou shalt pay for that which thou shalt receive of thy brother.
            55 And if thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my storehouse, that all things may be done according to that which I have said.
            56 Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety;
            57 And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full.
            58 And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
            59 Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church;
            
            60 And he that doeth according to these things shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned if he so continue.
            61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
            62 Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time where the New Jerusalem shall be built.
            63 And behold, it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west, to the north and to the south.
            64 And even now, let him that goeth to the east teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of secret combinations.
            65 Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them.
            66 Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful.
            67 And ye shall hereafter receive church covenants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you, both here and in the New Jerusalem.
            68 Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
            69 Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church have been given. Even so. Amen.
            70 The priests and teachers shall have their stewardships, even as the members.
            71 And the elders or high priests who are appointed to assist the bishop as counselors in all things, are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned;
            72 Or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop.
            73 And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services in the church.
            74 Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever persons among you, having put away their companions for the cause of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you;
            75 But if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the sake of adultery, and they themselves are the offenders, and their companions are living, they shall be cast out from among you.
            76 And again, I say unto you, that ye shall be watchful and careful, with all inquiry, that ye receive none such among you if they are married;
            
            77 And if they are not married, they shall repent of all their sins or ye shall not receive them.
            78 And again, every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church.
            79 And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.
            80 And if any man or woman shall commit adultery, he or she shall be tried before two elders of the church, or more, and every word shall be established against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and not of the enemy; but if there are more than two witnesses it is better.
            81 But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses; and the elders shall lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with according to the law of God.
            82 And if it can be, it is necessary that the bishop be present also.
            83 And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come before you.
            84 And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
            85 And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
            86 And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
            87 And if he or she do any manner of iniquity, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that of God.
            88 And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess thou shalt be reconciled.
            89 And if he or she confess not thou shalt deliver him or her up unto the church, not to the members, but to the elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not before the world.
            90 And if thy brother or sister offend many, he or she shall be chastened before many.
            91 And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.
            92 If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended, and to God, that the church may not speak reproachfully of him or her.
            93 And thus shall ye conduct in all things.

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/07/understanding-our-covenants-with-god?lang=eng

[wenglund]

On 9/8/2009 at 2:08 PM, joheri said:

Remember, it is not the lawS of the gospel but the LAW of the gospel (singular).

Actually, the word "law" (singular) is often used in reference to a collection of laws and commandments, etc.. For example, all the commandments and laws and rituals and covenants, etc. implemented by Moses, are referred to as the law of Moses. I believe the same is true for the law of the gospel. It entails all the commandments, laws, covenants, rituals, etc. instituted by Christ and restored through Joseph Smith and the latter-day  prophets.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-