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Ponderize 2 Nephi 31:20-21 (31 Jan - 6 Feb 2016)

 20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
 21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

I chose this scripture more because of the second verse rather than the first verse.  Of course I appreciate the doctrine of pressing forward with faith in Christ.  That that it key, but I wanted to think more about the second verse.  

Particularly I focused on a couple of phrases.  
First there is no other way to be saved other than through Jesus Christ.
Second, is the concept of the pure doctrine of the gospel of Christ.   

As I pondered this scripture I was reminded of President Packer’s statement
“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” Boyd K. Packer

Often we focus on the application of the gospel at the expense of teaching pure doctrine.  This is evidenced when people select faith promoting stories over teaching from the scriptures.  When we replace diligent scripture study with reading someone’s interpretation of the scriptures.  Teaching pure doctrine is like drinking from the source of the stream.  This is the undiluted and pure message of the doctrine of Christ.  

Cross References.  
1 Nephi 8:24  Press forward to the rod of iron
Alma 31:5  Preaching of the word has a more powerful effect than the sword.  
Jeremiah 15:16  Feasting on the word
Matthew 7:24  Whoever hears and does is wise
3 Nephi 11:30-40  Explanation of the doctrine of Christ.  
3 Nephi 2:2  Satan tries to lead us away from the doctrine of Christ. 
D&C 10:67  Doctrine of Christ


D&C 68:25  The doctrine of Christ includes the first principles of the gospel 

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