Small Steps

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost." 

-4th Article of Faith-

The first principle of the gospel is Faith in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? When we have faith in Jesus Christ we follow his example.  Faith is a principle of action. It is taking a step forward towards a place that maybe we aren't sure of, but with a hope that once we take the step Christ will do rest. Miracles are wrought through and in response to our faith and the steps we take. Some may wonder why He can't just give us what we need without us having to go through all the work, well, we can't move forward if we aren't willing to move. As a result of our faith we have a desire to repent, the second principle of the gospel.

I love the bible dictionary definition of repentance, "a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world...Repentance is not optional for repentance; it is a commandment of God." Repentance should not be something we shy away from, it is an opportunity for us to see God in a different way and to increase our relationship with him. Following adequate faith in Jesus Christ, repentance is a sacred experience where we remember what the Savior did for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. Repentance leads us to desire to be baptized by the proper authority. 

Baptism, by the proper authority, is the path way to receiving exaltation! We make sacred covenants with Heavenly Father that gives us full access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, including a remission of sins! I often think back to the day that I was baptized and what that really means to me now! I have felt my Saviors love so many times and it never ends! I know that each time I fully repent I am forgiven and he remembers my sins no more! But baptism is dead with the Gift of the Holy Ghost! 

Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority is the baptism by fire or the purifying process! He refines us and purifies our sins and as we live worthy of him he will help to guide us through our lives and give us peace when we are doing what we need to do! 

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings happiness! Baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority will bring added happiness and will be the means of true joy! It has done that for me and I know it can do if for anyone who pursues this course! I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has given us a simple path with simple steps to follow. He doesn't complicate it! I know he lives and loves each and every one of us!