QUESTION.—What is the
Gospel?
ANSWER.—There is one
only and true system of doctrine that can properly be called the Gospel; and
that one system is so definite in every point, and so exactly adapted to the situation
of sinners; that every person may immediately embrace it wherever it is
preached, and by so doing they become saints, or, Christians.
The first principle
of action required in the Gospel is belief in the name of Jesus Christ, the
once crucified and now risen redeemer.
The second is
repentance; which signifies nothing more nor less than the putting away of
sins, with humility and meekness before God—feeling sorry for our sins, and a
determination to forsake them.
The third is baptism,
by immersion in water, in the name of the Lord, FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.
The fourth is the
laying on of hands, in the name of Jesus, for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
All who do these things is a proper manner, and under proper authority, are
saints; and if they endure to the end they will be saved in the kingdom of God.
. . . .
Q.—Did not the
Apostle say to the people of old, that, if they would confess with their
mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and would believe in their hearts that God had
raised him from the dead, they should be saved?
A.—Yes. But he was
writing to the church of God, whose members had already obeyed the Gospel, and
had been planted together in the likeness of his death; being buried with him
by baptism, and having risen again to newness of life, he was encouraging them
to continue in the belief and confession of his name.
Q.—But did not the
Apostle thank God that he had not baptized many of the Corinthians?
A.—Yes. But the
reason was, lest they should say he had baptized in his own name.
Q.—But did he not
say, that he was not sent to baptize, but to preach the Gospel?
A.—Yes. But others were
sent to water those whom he planted. He as a wise master builder, laid the
foundation by preaching the word, and others attended to the other part of the
work, and thus builded thereon.
Q.—Did not Cornelius
and his friends receive the Holy Ghost before they were baptized?
A.—Yes. But it was to
convince the Jews that they (the Gentiles) had part in the Gospel as well as
the Israelites.
Q.—Would Cornelius
and his friends have been saved, after all they had received, if they had
refused baptism?
A.—No, for Peter was
sent to tell them words whereby they should be saved, and part of these words
were, that they should be baptized; and, if they had refused to comply with
this message, they would have been worse than those who had never known the way
of truth.
Q.—Was not the thief
on the cross saved without baptism?
A.—If he was, it was
because he had no opportunity to obey; and, therefore, was nt saved through a
Gospel ministration, but was included in the same mercy as the heathens, in the
same mercy as the heathens, who have never had the offer of the Gospel, and
therefore, are under no condemnation for not obeying it.
Q.—Would the thief on
the cross have been saved if he had lived to hear the Gospel, and had opportunity
to obey it, and refused?
A.—No. The Gospel
condemns all who do not obey it. It was a savour of life not life, or of death
unto death, to all who are privileged to hear it. (Parley P. Pratt, “The Gospel:
Illustrated in Questions and Answers,” The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial
Star 1, no. 2 [June, 1840]:25, 27; note: this was before the reception of
the revelation concerning baptism for the dead)
Further Reading on the Salvific Efficacy of Water Baptism
I have written a full-length book addressing water baptism and related topics (e.g., two appendices refuting imputed righteousness):
"Born of Water and of the Spirit": The Biblical Evidence for Baptismal Regeneration
If one wants a free copy (PDF format), you can contact me at:
ScripturalMormonismATgmailDOTcom