Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Twenty
Attributes of the Church of God
Introduction – After the miraculous deliverance of the people of Alma and the people of Limhi from the Lamanites in the Land of Nephi they rejoined the main body of Nephites comprised of the people of Nephi and the people of Zarahemla living in the land of Zarahemla. The Nephites were now all led by king Mosiah. Mosiah was the last of the Nephite prophet-kings. Because of the need to accommodate both growth and diversity the Lord reordered his Church. (See Mosiah 18, 25-27). He also inspired the reordering of the civil government (see Mosiah 29).
Central authority, unity, righteousness, and equality are attributes of the Church of God set forth in the Book of Mormon. For the Church in our dispensation to accommodate growth and diversity worldwide it must continue to develop these attributes.
Central authority – Mosiah 18 – Alma was authorized by the Lord to establish the Church of Christ. (18:13-17) Alma was the presiding high priest and “the founder of their church” (Mosiah 23:16). This is similar to the authority and role of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
“We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:6). This was also the belief of the Nephite church as recorded in Mosiah 18. “Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests…to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (18:18).
The practice of the Church is essentially same in every ward, stake and temple in the Church. Like Alma our leaders expend tremendous effort to insure that the local leaders worldwide understand and follow the order of the Church.
Unity – Mosiah 25 – As the Nephite church grew it became more diversified. The new-comers desired to join the Church (see 25:17-18), and the old-timers welcomed them into the Church (see 25:7-11). Units of the Church, presided over by local priesthood leaders, were established “throughout all the land of Zarahemla” (25:19-21). Because they were “all one church” united in righteousness “they were called the people of God. And the Lord did pour out his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed, and prospered in the land” (25:22-24).
In our dispensation we are able to observe firsthand how the Lord guides his chosen leaders in unifying a very diverse world-wide Church. A powerful example of this is the revelation making the priesthood available to all races. (See Official Declaration 2) One of the great evidences of the divine mandate of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the worldwide unity of its active members.
Righteousness – Mosiah 26 – Unfortunately, as the Nephite church grew wickedness in the church also increased. Many members began to sin. Alma was troubled and uncertain about what should be done, so he referred the problem to king Mosiah. Mosiah referred the problem back to Alma as the leader of the church, thereby introducing the notion of separation of the church and civil government. Alma wanting to do right “inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter” (26:1-13).
The Lord directed Alma on how he should “regulate all the affairs of the church” (26:37; see also 26:21-36). The process is the same today. Great effort is made to encourage and allow all people to repent, and if necessary, to confess their more serious sins to their priesthood leaders that they might repent and not be excommunicated. Some members ask that “their names are blotted out” and they are no longer “numbered among the people of the church” (26:36).
Today the world is becoming more wicked, but the great concern of the Lord and his chosen servants is that the members of His Church are righteous. Like Alma our leaders, both general and local, agonize over members who will not repent.
Equality – Mosiah 27 – The world often over simplifies equality and thinks of it as sameness. This is a superficial definition. Equality in a gospel sense is essential for the growth and prosperity of the Church. Furthermore, the doctrinal concept of equality is profound and ennobling.
To understand the doctrine of equality it is helpful to realize that the Book of Mormon often uses the word "persecution" in the same sense that we use the word "prejudice.” Persecution or prejudice does not usually involve physical force but rather "they did persecute them and afflict them with all manner of words" (Alma 1:20). How we feel about equality and whether we are inclined to persecute or be prejudiced is revealed by how we think and what we say.
With the Nephites “there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions [prejudice] among them, that there should be an equality among all men;
That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support (Vs 3-4). In the gospel, equality is the opposite of pride, and it is closely related to love and respect for others.
In the latter day Church none are more sensitive to the need for equality than the Lord’s chosen leaders. They teach and testify of equality and the need to show love for all people. Moreover, their lives exemplify it.
Testimony – Another evidence of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that it has a wonderful central authority, and that it emphasizes the need for unity, righteousness, and equality.
“The Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it save it is the transgression of my people” (Mosiah 27:13). I am certain that the Church will stay on course, and that the main body of its members will increase in unity, righteousness, and equality. Therefore, if we keep our covenants and stay in the main stream of the Church we can have complete confidence in the future. This especially applies to the rising generation. They can, with confidence, obtain an education, get married, raise a family, and prepare for the Second Coming.