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The Gospel: An Exposition of its First Principles by Brigham Henry Roberts
In the investigation of any subject, it is of first importance that the terms employed be thoroughly understood; hence, I begin the subject in hand by asking and answering the question, What is the Gospel? The definition to the term I shall derive from the scriptures; not from one passage alone, but from the consideration of a number of passages.
The Apostle Paul, in defining the Gospel, calls it: "The power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth".[A]
[Footnote A: Rom i: 16.]
From other scriptures, to be considered presently, we shall see that Paul could not have meant a mere intellectual assent to the truth of the several principles composing the Gospel, but an active, living faith in them-a belief which accepts them, not in theory only, but in practice also-a belief which leads up to an implicit obedience to the ordinances and precepts of the Gospel. It is only such a belief that can make the Gospel the power of God unto salvation. In proof of this I call attention to the following scriptures: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven * * * Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."[B]
[Footnote B: Matt. vii: 21, 24-27.]
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."[C]
[Footnote C: James i: 21,22]
And now to come to a passage which must set at rest forever all controversy on the question. In speaking of Jesus, the writer of the book of Hebrews says: "Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience through the things which he suffered, and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."[D] Not to those who do not obey him.
[Footnote D: Heb. v: 8,9.]
From these scriptures we deduce the following definition: The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation unto every one who believes and obeys it.
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTORY.
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Chapter 2 GENERAL SALVATION.
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Chapter 3 GENERAL SALVATION. No.3
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Chapter 4 GENERAL SALVATION. No.4
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Chapter 5 INDIVIDUAL SALVATION.
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Chapter 6 PRINCIPLES AND ORDINANCES.
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Chapter 7 FAITH.
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Chapter 8 FAITH.-THE BIBLE.
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Chapter 9 FAITH.-THE OLD TESTAMENT.
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Chapter 10 FAITH.-THE NEW TESTAMENT.
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Chapter 11 FAITH.-THE NEW TESTAMENT. No.11
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Chapter 12 FAITH-THE NEW TESTAMENT.
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Chapter 13 FAITH-TRADITION.
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Chapter 14 FAITH.-REVELATION.
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Chapter 15 FAITH.-THE CHARACTER OF GOD.
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Chapter 16 FAITH.-COURSE OF LIFE.
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Chapter 17 REPENTANCE.
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Chapter 18 REPENTANCE. No.18
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Chapter 19 REPENTANCE.-HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION.
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Chapter 20 REPENTANCE.-HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION. No.20
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Chapter 21 BAPTISM.
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Chapter 22 OBJECT OF BAPTISM.
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Chapter 23 THE SUBJECTS FOR BAPTISM.
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Chapter 24 THE MODE OF BAPTISM.
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Chapter 25 THE HOLY GHOST.
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Chapter 26 THE HOLY GHOST.-WHO MAY RECEIVE IT.
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Chapter 27 THE HOLY GHOST.-HOW IMPARTED.
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Chapter 28 THE HOLY GHOST.-CHARACTER AND SOURCE.
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Chapter 29 THE HOLY GHOST.-ITS POWER.
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Chapter 30 AUTHORITY.
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Chapter 31 LAWS OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
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Chapter 32 HISTORY OF THE GOSPEL.
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Chapter 33 SALVATION FOR THE DEAD.
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