[Part 1]

The idea that a person can receive the Savior, Jesus Christ, in mortality can be a new concept to some. I admit that’s fair, and there’s nothing wrong with you if you’re studying this for the first time or coming to a realization of it no matter how old or young you might be. It’s certainly not a subject that we discuss openly in the LDS church even though it has been openly taught by church leaders since Joseph Smith.

Part of the purpose of The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide is to help people accept this truth and reality by seeing it in the scriptures. This is especially true with the Book of Mormon. It truly has been restored in the latter days to be a testament and guide to literally receiving the Savior.

In versions prior to v2.0, it was a good chance to add a lot of content (scriptures) to support different parts of the Doctrine of Christ. However, what those versions did not do well was give the right perspective on “why” The Doctrine of Christ other than, “Hey, that would be really cool to see the Savior.”

The problem with those versions is that it presents the Doctrine of Christ as if it is a “treasure hunt.” As if, “If you’re lucky enough to find the clues, overcome unbelief and have faith, then you have some sort of secret key to making your second comforter experience a reality.” Trust me, this is a developing thought. Some think that if they can just overcome the very real hurdle of “unbelief,” then it’s “a go.” While “unbelief” really is a huge hurdle to overcome, it is not the key that opens the door to the Savior, Jesus Christ.

The truth is that the Savior is looking for “servants.” He’s preparing for difficult days ahead prior to His second coming. He’s looking to have a mentor-apprentice relationship with each and every person that is willing to offer themselves as a servant. He is not offering up a “second comforter” experience as if it were a lottery ticket.

He offered His life as an example. He was the ultimate servant–constantly putting the will of His Father before His own. He put off the natural man and sought to learn from His Father about His own mission. Each step of the way He was exercising His own free will.

Line upon line, precept, upon precept He progressed in the learning of His Father–hearing, believing, trusting and ultimately receiving more. He received light and knowledge in preparation for receiving gifts (baptisms) from His Father. He received His baptisms in preparation for receiving more light.

His relationship with His Father is exactly what he is offering to mentor you through. He is offering you a personal journey of your own–to become His servant.

This is the reason that the Doctrine of Christ Study Guide was removed for a few days. I realize that the changes may not seem significant enough to warrant bringing it down and then back up again. However, it was significant enough that the Lord woke me early that day and taught me exactly what needed to be changed. The right context is all the difference.

With this context, you should be asking yourself every step of the way, “Why should a servant receive this from the Lord?” Through the word of the Lord, both written and personal revelation, the Lord will teach you exactly why a servant needs to:

• Receive the Light of Christ
• Receive a witness via the Holy Ghost
• Receive a baptism of water
• Receive a baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost
• Receive the Lord’s word through the Gift of the Holy Ghost
• Receive the Savior, Jesus Christ, Himself
• Receive the Father

Clearly, this servant-journey is not something that everyone will choose. The world and the adversary have such a tight hold on so many people. For your sake, I hope you will accept the Lord’s invitation to start your servant-journey that will lead you to the Master.

Part 2 to come

JourneyDoctrineOfChrist.org is based on complimentary, online Study Guides to help you learn, believe, live and teach the Doctrine of Christ. The Study Guides invite any and all to see and know this truth for themselves that the Savior, Jesus Christ, has, in fact, introduced His doctrine and He personally invites all to literally receive Him while in the flesh (mortality).

These study guides are intended to point you to both the Lord’s written word and His voice (personal revelation). These study guides will help you uncover what the Doctrine of Christ is and other essential topics that will help you in your journey to come into His presence while in mortality. All study guides are available at http://www.JourneyDoctrineOfChrist.org