Lesson 7 The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel

Lesson organized around the theme rather than particular sections so specific sections weren't assigned for study

Headlines:
-First Principles/Ordinances are the gate and pathway to perfection (Matt 5:48)
-Define a journey or process that all of us should follow
-Fully encompass the Gospel

Introduction:
Life as a journey is reflected in much of the great world literature beyond scripture. Dante's Divine Comedy opens with "MIDWAY upon the journey of our life I found myself within a forest dark,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost." Dante was about halfway through life, about the same age and in a similar frame of mind as Lehi when he shared his vision of the tree of life saying that "it came to pass that as I followed him (the angel) I beheld myself that I was is in a dark and dreary waste" (1Ne 8:7). Joseph Smith shares a similar spiritual journey in J.S. 1:7-18.

We are all on a similar journey. The first principles and ordinances of the Gospel provide the framework for us to enter on this journey and return home to our Heavenly Father. Read 2Ne 31:17-18.

Note that the 4th Article of Faith that refers to the principles/ordinances comes directly after the Article of Faith confirming our believe in the Atonement of Christ.

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Chris is the first principle of the gospel

The Greek word used in the New Testament is "pistus" which can refer to a belief in a proposition but also often refers to trusting in another person (that is if we trust we follow). Also, in both Greek and Hebrew the word for "faith" and "faithfulness" is the same word. How would these readings change the meaning of having faith in Christ?

Faith grows as we exercise it. Note Joseph's faith developing as he comes to know the Lord better. In J.S. 1:11 he is "laboring under extreme difficulties" and untimately he "retired to the grove to make the attempt" in v. 12. He surely had some faith, otherwise he wouldn't have gone to the grove but compare this with v.29 where he shared Moroni's visit by saying "I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.

We can learn from honest mistakes or lack of faith.  Hectoring the Lord to allow Martin Harris to take the 116 pages resulted in Joseph losing his gift of translation and fearing that he may have lost his soul.  Later referring to the lesson learned he said, "I made this my rule, when the Lord commands, I do it!".

As described in the Lectures on Faith, Faith becomes the "motive power of all action". This is particularly true when is developed for righteous purposes (the power of the Lord is leveraged.

2. Through sincere repentance, we can partake of the blessings of the Atonement
Hamartano, usually translated in the Greek as sin means "to miss the mark".  "Ra ah" usually translated as sin from the Hebrew means "contrary to God's nature", "bad/evil". Note that there are many words in Hebrew that can be translated as sin.

Link to lesson notes scan:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B78D5btorZEeQnZVUWVWdG1ycnc/view?usp=sharing