“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32)

There’s a huge chasm between us and God. But not because God desires it! The chasm can be bridged, and it is His desire that we experience the goodness of God in increasing ways every day until we have come to know him in full. Jesus taught us how.

We live in a day where much doctrine is preached, but where very few truly live with God’s power and fruits. Why is that?

23 And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.

24 And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief.

25 And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God.

26 And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not.

Moroni 10:23-26 (Book of Mormon)

Good doctrine is powerful! It seems rather obvious that faith is fading in today’s world. Miracles and power are rarely experienced. According to the scripture above, this isn’t God’s fault! Could it be that we’ve strayed from him?

Good doctrine is truth that motivates us to change our lives in ways to work daily to get closer to Christ in this life. Our hope is for life in Christ now. That’s how we come to know the goodness and mercy of God. It can happen today, and every day. If we can learn to live in God now, it will only be natural for us to be restored to his presence in the next life. If we live this life without God, the next life will naturally not be in his presence either.

Good doctrine is consistent with the true meaning of the scriptures. But how do we know what that true meaning is? Good doctrine can be confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Good doctrine–understood and properly implemented in our lives–will cause us to be abundant in the fruits of the spirit [“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23)]. It truly will make us happy, will give us peace, and will change our very countenances.’

Many will be willing to teach you the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. Many will teach you things that are pleasing to the ears, or confirm that which you already believe–and will not require change.

Bad doctrine will give you enough truth to whet your appetite, but not enough truth to help you understand truth.

Let’s look at some examples of not-so-good doctrine:

• You’re perfect just as you are.
• God grades on a curve.
• I got baptized; therefore, I’m saved.
• Follow the pope/prophet/president/bishop. He’s got an “in” with Christ, and we’ve got a 100% ironclad ticket to heaven if we just do what they tell us.

Can you detect the half-truths in each of the above areas? How does the presence of half-truths impede our desire and ability to connect directly to God today?

Satan adulterates and counterfeits all good things, including–and especially–doctrine. His goal with those who seek doctrine is to satisfy just enough to stop our progress.

The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

Light and truth forsake that evil one.

And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.

Doctrine and Covenants 93:36-37, 39

False traditions modify God’s commandments, and in doing so they take away their exalting and saving power. We’ve seen this countless times over the last 6000 years, and there’s no reason to think that our day is different. It’s more of the same today, and in many case it’s much more!

Truth is, Good Doctrine is not complicated. It is plain and simple.

2 Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying.

3 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

2 Nephi 31:2-3

The search for truth is not tedious nor laborious. It brings freedom and joy. When we learn and act on true doctrine, it resonates with our souls.

This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more.

Joseph Smith, King Follet Sermon

Come with us on a journey to seek the plain and simple saving doctrines of Christ.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20