1910
NOTE--The elder, in the beginning of his studies and his presentation
of the gospel, does not need a multitude of texts, which often lead to
confusion, but a few strong, appropriate quotations under each topic,
the references having as much as possible, a logical relationship to
each other. It is earnestly suggested that the Scriptures in their
fullness be carefully studied, for in no other way can the full
meaning and true spirit of isolated texts be obtained. Missionaries,
especially, should compile their own ready reference from their study
of the Scriptures, for by so doing the texts and their arrangement
become fixed in the mind. It is hoped that this outline will be a
valuable help in this direction.
_THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD._
_1. A Knowledge of God Is Essential,_ for
JOHN 17:3.--"This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
_2. Personality of the Godhead_--In the Godhead there are three
personages--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. These are separate
individuals, proved by
{504} MATT. 3:16, 17.--The baptism of Jesus; the Father speaking from
heaven; the sign of the Holy Ghost descending from above.
ACTS 7:55, 56.--Stephen sees Jesus standing on the right hand of God.
JOHN 16:28.--Jesus came from the Father, and went back to Him.
JOHN, CHAP. 17.--Jesus prays to His Father.
DOC. & COV. 130:22.--The Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and
bone; the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE; WRITINGS OF JOSEPH SMITH.--The Father and the Son
visit Joseph Smith.
_3. The Unity of the Godhead_--consists in a oneness of powers,
attributes, purpose, etc.
JOHN 10:30-38.--Jesus and the Father are one.
JOHN 17:20-22.--Jesus prays that His disciples may be one, even as He
and the Father are one.
_4. The Father is Revealed through the Son;_ for
JOHN 14:6.--"No man cometh to the Father, but by me" (the Son).
MATT. 11:27.--No man knows the Father save he to whom the Son will
reveal Him.
JOHN 5:37.--The Jews had not seen God the Father's shape, nor heard His
voice; but
JOHN 1:18.--The Son hath declared Him. Therefore, we receive our
knowledge of the Father, not directly, but through a study of the Son.
"As the Father, so the Son."
_5. Jesus Christ the Son_
JOHN 1:2.--He was in the beginning with God.
JOHN 1:3; COL. 1:16; DOC. & COV., 38:1-4.--All things were created by
Him.
P. of G. P. MOSES, 1:33.--God has created worlds without number by the
Son.
P. of G. P. MOSES, 4:1-4; ABR. 3:22-28.--Jesus in the council and the
rebellion in heaven.