Revised Gospel Principals Manual

[David T]

Chapter 38: Eternal Marriage

Marriage is ordained of God Marriage between a man and a woman is a vital part of God's plan. The Lord has said, â??Whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto manâ? (D&C 49:15).

Many people in the world consider marriage to be only a social custom, a legal agreement between a man and a woman to live together. But to Latter-day Saints, marriage is much more. Our exaltation depends on marriage, along with other principles and ordinances, such as faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Heavenly Father has given us the law of eternal marriage so we can become like him. We must live this law to be able to have spirit children. The Lord has said:

â??In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

â??And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

â??And if he does not, he cannot obtain itâ? (D&C 131:1â??3).

In the temple, Latter-day Saint couples kneel at one of the sacred altars in the presence of their family and friends and two special witnesses who have received the temple endowment.

As Latter-day Saints, we are living for eternity and with an eternal perspective, not just for the moment. However, the blessings of an eternal marriage can be ours now as well as for eternity we can receive blessings in this life as a result of being married for eternity. The Some of these blessings we can enjoy in this life are as follows:

1. We know that our marriage can last forever. Death can part us from one another only temporarily. Nothing can part us forever except our own disobedience. This knowledge helps us work harder to have a happy, successful marriage.

2. We know that we can have our children with us our family relationships can continue throughout eternity. This knowledge helps us be careful in teaching and training our children. It also helps us show them greater patience and love. As a result, we should have a happier home.

3. Because we have been married in God's ordained way, we are entitled to an outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy.

Some of the blessings we can enjoy for eternity are as follows:

1. We can live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of God.

2. We can be exalted as God is and receive a fulness of joy.

3. We can, at some future time, increase our family by having spirit children.

President Spencer W. Kimball taught that â??Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects. . . . , for it affects not only the two people involved, but also their families and particularly their children and . . . their childrenâ??s children. . . . down through the many generations. In selecting a companion for life and eternity, certainly the most careful planning and thinking and praying and fasting should be done to be sure that Of all the decisions, this one must not be wrong.â? (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 193).

He recommended â??that all boys and girls from their infancy up plan to be married only in the temple . . . to keep their lives spotless so that this can be accomplishedâ? (â?? . . . The Matter of Marriage,â?

devotional address, Salt Lake Institute of Religion, 22 Oct. 1976). President Kimball also said:

â??We say to all youth regardless of what country is your home, and regardless of the customs in your country, your Heavenly Father expects you to marry for eternity and rear a good, strong family.

â??It would be our hope that parents would train you . . . to earn some money, and to put it away for your missions and your marriages. . . . â??There will be a new spirit in Zion when the young women will say to their boyfriends: â??I am sorry, but as much as I love you, I will not marry out of the holy templeâ?? â? (â??Marriageâ?? The Proper Way,â? New Era, Feb. 1976, p. 4).

After we receive a recommend from our bishop or branch president, we must have it signed be interviewed by a member of the stake presidency president or the mission president.

We must seek earnestly to obey every covenant that we make in the temple. The Lord has said that if we are true and faithful, we will pass by the angels enter into our exaltation. We will become gods. (See D&C 132:19â??20.) Temple marriage is worth any sacrifice. It is a way of obtaining eternal blessings beyond measure.

[Earl]

Since illegal immigrants are among the most faithful of the saints (and among the most converted in my neck of the woods), it would probably be bad salesmanship. "Biting the hand that feeds you" and all that.

Very much understand. Yet, while I do not know if the new manual specifically condemns porn, church leaders are not otherwise bashfull about instructing the brethren about the evils of pornography in no uncertain terms, even while fully understanding that porn cuts across all levels of belief and devotion, including "the most faithful".

I wonder if entering a country illegally and, perhaps, borrowing a Social Security Number to get a job is considered to be one of those "respectable sins" like pride, temper, anger, and arrogance?

Earl

[David T]

Chapter 39: The Law of Chastity

After the Creation, God commanded each living thing to reproduce after its own kind (see Genesis 1:22). Reproduction was part of his plan so that all forms of life could continue to exist upon the earth.

Then he placed Adam and Eve on the earth. They were different from his other creations because they were his spirit children. God married Adam and Eve In the Garden of Eden, He brought Adam and Eve together in marriage and commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth (see Genesis 1:28). However, their lives were to be governed by moral laws rather than by instinct.

God wanted his spirit children to be born into families so they could be properly cared for and taught. We, like Adam and Eve, are to provide physical bodies for these spirit children through sexual reproduction.

The powers of procreation are sacred. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have stated, â??We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointedâ? (â??The Family: A Proclamation to the World,â? Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102) God has commanded us that only in marriage between a man and a woman are we to have sexual relations. This commandment is called the law of chastity.

To the Israelites the Lord said, â??Thou shalt not commit adulteryâ? (Exodus 20:14). Those Israelites who broke this commandment were put to death (see Leviticus 20:10) subject to severe penalties. The Lord has repeated this commandment to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the latter days(see D&C 42:24).

We have been taught that the law of chastity encompasses more than sexual intercourse. Elder Spencer W. Kimball warned young people of other sexual sins: â??Among the most common sexual sins our young people commit are necking and petting. Not only do these improper relations often lead to fornication, [unwed] pregnancy, and abortionsâ??all ugly sinsâ??but in and of themselves they are pernicious evils, and it is often difficult for youth to distinguish where one ends and another begins. They awaken lust and stir evil thoughts and sex desires. They are but parts of the whole family of related sins and indiscretionsâ? (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 65). The First Presidency has warned young people of other sexual sins:

â??Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person's body, with our without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your own bodyâ? (For the Strength of Youth [pamphlet, 2001], 27).

Like other violations of the law of chastity, homosexual behavior is a serious sin. Latter-day prophets have spoken about the dangers of homosexual behavior and about the Church's concern for people who may have such inclinations. President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

â??In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.

â??People enquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.

â??We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of familiesâ? (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).

Satan attacks the standards of modesty. He wants us to believe that because the human body is beautiful, it should be seen and appreciated flaunted and exposed .

President Gordon B. Hinckley warned: â??You live in a world of terrible temptations. Pornography, with its sleazy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible, engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you all your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly of evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly. Be virtuous in thought and in deed. God has planted in you, for a purpose, a divine urge which may be easily subverted to evil and destructive ends. When you are young, do not get involved in steady dating. When you reach an age where you think of marriage, then is the time to become so involved. But you boys who are in high school don't need this, and neither do the girlsâ? (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 71-72; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 51).

Our Heavenly Father has promised Paul taught, â??There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear itâ? (1 Corinthians 10:13). Alma emphasized that we will â??not be tempted above that which [we] can bearâ? as we â??humble [ourselves] before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continuallyâ? (Alma 13:28).

If a child is conceived by those who If a man and a woman break the law of chastity and conceive a child, they may be tempted to commit another abominable sin: abortion. There is seldom any excuse justifiable reason for abortion. â??The only exceptions are when Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances may justify and abortion, such as whenâ??1. Pregnancy has resulted from is the result of incest or rape, when â??2. The life or health of the woman is judged by competent medical authority to be in jeopardy in the opinion of competent medical authority; or when â??3. The fetus is known by competent medical authority, to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. â??Even in these cases the couple But even these circumstances do not automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances should consider an abortion only after consulting with each other and their bishop [or branch president] their local Church leaders and receiving divine confirmation through earnest prayerâ? (General Handbook of Instructions [30943], p. 11-4).

â??When a man and a woman concieve a child out of wedlock, every effort should be made to encourage them to marry. When the probability of a successful marriage is unlikely due to age or other circumstances, unwed parents should be counseled to place the child for adoption through LDS Family Services to ensure that the baby will be sealed to temple-worthy parentsâ? (First Presidency letter, June 26, 2002 and July 19, 2002).

It is extremely important to our Heavenly Father that his children obey the law of chastity. Members of the Church who break this law or influence others to do so may be disfellowshipped or excommunicated (see D&C 42:22â??26, 80â??81) are subject to Church discipline. All those who do not repent after committing adultery will not be able to live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ but will live in the telestial kingdom (see D&C 76:81â??86, 103â??5; see also chapter 46, â??The Last Judgmentâ?).

Peace comes only through forgiveness. But forgiveness has a high price.

[David T]

Chapter 40: Temple Work and Family History

The atonement of Jesus Christ assures each of us that we will be resurrected and live forever. But if we are to live forever with our families in Heavenly Fatherâ??s presence, we must do all that the Savior commands us to do. This includes being baptized and confirmed and receiving the ordinances of the temple.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have each been baptized and confirmed by one having the proper priesthood authority.

When a man and woman are married in the temple, their children also become part of their eternal family. Couples who have been married civilly can receive these blessings by preparing themselves and their children to go to the temple and be sealed to each other. Parents who adopt children legally may have those children sealed to them.

A good way to begin gathering information about our ancestors is to see what we have in our own homes. We may have birth, marriage, or death certificates. We may also find family Bibles, obituaries, family histories, or diaries and journals. In addition, we can ask relatives for information they have. After gathering information from our homes and from our ancestors, we can search other resources, such as FamilySearch.org. We may also visit one of the Church's local family history centers.

To find out which ancestors need temple ordinances, we can look in two places. Our own family records might have information about what has been done. If not, the Church has a record of all ordinances that have been performed in the temple. Your ward or branch family history consultant can help you in this effort.

Serve in the Churchâ??s name extraction program where it is available Help in the Church's indexing program. Through this program, members prepare genealogical information for use in the Churchâ??s family history computer programs. These programs make it easier for us to identify our ancestors.

Contribute family history information to Ancestral FileTM, one of the Churchâ??s computer programs the Church's current computer programs for family history. It These programs contains genealogies contributed by people all over the world. Ancestral File allows They allow people to share their family information. Family history consultants can provide more information about Ancestral File the Church's computer programs.

[David T]

Chapter 45 41:The Postmortal Spirit World

Many of us people have wondered what the spirit world is like. The scriptures and latter-day prophets have given us information about the spirit world.

Where Is the Postmortal Spirit World?

In a funeral sermon, Joseph Smith declared that the spirits of righteous people who have died "are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 326). Other Latter-day prophets have made similar statements said that the spirits of those who have died are not far from us. President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Sometimes the veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 18; or Ensign, June 1971, p. 33). President Brigham Young said: "Where is the spirit world? It is right here" taught that the postmortal spirit world is on the earth, around us(Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 376 see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 279).

The righteous and the wicked are separated (see 1 Nephi 15:2830), but the spirits may progress from one level to another as they learn gospel principles and live in accordance with them. (see Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 762) the spirits in paradise can teach the spirits in prison (see D&C 138).

The Church is organized in the spirit world, with each prophet standing at the head of his own generation (see Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:209). and Priesthood holders continue their responsibilities in the spirit world there (see D&C 138:30). President Wilford Woodruff taught: "The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. . . . Every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry" (in Journal of Discourses, 22:33334 Deseret News, Jan. 25, 1882, 818).

The Apostle Peter referred to the postmortal spirit world as a prison, which it is for some (see 1 Peter 3:1820).

Also in the spirit prison are those who rejected the gospel after it was preached to them on earth or in the spirit prison. These spirits suffer in a condition known as hell. They have removed themselves from the mercy of Jesus Christ, who said, "Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (D&C 19:1618). After suffering in full for their sins, they will be allowed, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, to inherit the lowest degree of glory, which is the telestial kingdom.

[David T]

Chapter 42: The Gathering of the House of Israel

Jacob was a great prophet who lived hundreds of years before the time of Christ. Because Jacob was faithful, the Lord gave him the special name of Israel, which means â??a prince of Godâ? (see Genesis 32:28) â??one who prevails with Godâ? or â??let God prevailâ? (Bible Dictionary, â??Israel,â? 708).

Jacob was a grandson of Abraham. The Lord made an everlasting covenant with Abraham that was renewed with Isaac and with Jacob and his children

Gradually the Israelites began to break Despite this warning, the Israelite consistently broke the commandments of God.

About one hundred years after the capture of the Northern Kingdom, the Southern Kingdom was conquered. The capital city of Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 b.c., and many members of the remaining two tribes of Israel were taken captive. Later, some of the members of these tribes returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Just before Jerusalem was destroyed, Lehi and his family, who were members of the house of Israel, left the city and settled in the Americas. The Lamanites are descendants of Lehiâ??s people.

The Lord promised that the Israelites, his covenant people would someday be gathered:

God gathers His children through missionary work. As people come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ, receiving the ordinances of salvation and keeping the associated covenants, they become â??the children of the covenantâ? (3 Nephi 20:26). HeThe Lord has some important reasons for gathering the Israelites His children. The people of Israel need to He gathers them so they can learn the teachings of the gospel and prepare themselves to meet the Savior when He comes again. The Israelites have the responsibility of building He gathers them so they will build temples and performing sacred ordinances for ancestors who died without having this opportunity. He gathers them so they can strengthen one another and be unified in the gospel, finding protection from unrighteous influences in the world. The covenant people of God must take the gospel to all nations. They must fulfill the covenant to be a blessing to all the world He also gathers them so they can prepare themselves to share the gospel with others.

The house of Israel is covenant people are now being gathered as they accept the restored gospel and serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

The Israelites are to be gathered spiritually first and then physically. They are gathered spiritually when they join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and make and keep sacred covenants.

The physical gathering of Israel means that the Israelites covenant people will be â??gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promiseâ? (see 2 Nephi 9:2). The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh will be gathered in the to the land of Americas. The tribe of Judah will return to the city of Jerusalem and the area surrounding it. The ten lost tribes will receive from the tribe of Ephraim their promised blessings (see D&C 133:26â??35).

When the Church was first established, the Saints were instructed to gather in Ohio, then Missouri, and then the Salt Lake Valley. Today, however, modern prophets have taught that Church members are to build up the kingdom of God in their own lands. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: â??Every stake on earth is the gathering place for the lost sheep of Israel who live in its area. â??The gathering place for Peruvians is in the stakes of Zion in Peru, or in the places which soon will become stakes. The gathering place for Chileans is in Chile; for Bolivians it is in Bolivia; for Koreans it is in Korea; and so it goes through all the length and breadth of the earth. Scattered Israel in every nation is called to gather to the fold of Christ, to the stakes of Zion, as such are established in their nationsâ? (â??Come: Let Israel Build Zion,â? Ensign, May 1977, p. 118). Elder Russel M. Nelson said: The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. People can be "brought to the knowledge of the Lordâ? [3 Nephi 20:13] without leaving their homelands. True, in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as well. But now the gathering takes place in each nation...The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea; and so forth. Zion is "the pure in heart." Zion is wherever righteous Saints areâ? (in Conference Report, Oct. 2006, 85; or Ensign, Nov. 2006, 81).

The physical gathering of Israel will not be complete until the second coming of the Savior and on into the Millennium (see Joseph Smithâ??Matthew 1:37).

[David T]

Chapter 41 43: Signs of the Second Coming

Jesus has told us that certain signs and events will warn us when the time of his second coming is near. This second coming is also called â??the great and dreadful day of the Lordâ? (D&C 110:16).

Jesus told his disciples that war would fill the earth: â??Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. . . . For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdomâ? (Matthew 24:6â??7). These wars will continue until a great and final war, the most destructive the world has known. In the midst of this war the Savior will appear. (See Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 732.)The Prophet Joseph Smith said: â??be not discouraged when we tell you of perilous times, for they must shortly come, for the sword, famine, and pestilence are approaching. There shall be great destructions upon the face of this land, for ye need not suppose that one jot or tittle of the prophecies of all the holy prophets shall fail, and there are many that remain to be fulfilled yet.â? (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 252).

Another sign of Jesusâ?? coming the last days is that the â??gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nationsâ?

The prophet Malachi predicted that before Christ came the second time the Savior's Second Coming, the prophet Elijah would visit be sent to the earth.

Great numbers of Lamanites Lehi's descendants in North and South America and the South Pacific are now receiving the blessings of the gospel.

No one except our Heavenly Father knows exactly when the Lord will come. The Savior Speaking of His Second Coming, the Lord said, â??The hour and the day no man knoweth, neighter the angels in heavenâ? (D&C 49:7). He taught this with the parable of the fig tree.

We do not need to worry about the calamities but can We have been warned of calamities and told to prepare for them, but we can also look forward to the coming of the Savior and be glad.

[cinepro]

That's definitely a kinder, gentler End of Times. And a much less specific definition of "Lamanites".

[David T]

Chapter 43 44: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

He will usher in the Millennium. The Millennium is the thousand-year period when Jesus will reign on the earth. At the beginning of this period of time, the righteous will be caught up to meet Jesus at his coming. His coming will begin the millennial reign.

He will complete the First Resurrection. Those who have obtained the privilege of coming forth in the Resurrection of the Just will rise from their graves. They will be caught up to meet the Savior as he comes down from heaven.

After the beginning of the Millennium After the resurrection of those who will inherit a celestial glory, another group will be resurrected: those who will receive a terrestrial glory will be resurrected (see D&C 88:99; D&C 76:7180). When all these people have been resurrected, the First Resurrection will be completed.

The wicked who are living at the time of the Second Coming of the Lord will be destroyed in the flesh. They, along with the wicked who are already dead, will have to wait until the end of the Millennium before they can come forth from their graves. At the end of the Millennium, the Second Resurrection will take place. last resurrection. All of the remaining dead will rise to meet God. They will either inherit the telestial kingdom or be cast into outer darkness with Satan (see D&C 76:32 33, 81112).

[Rob Osborn]

Also in the spirit prison are those who rejected the gospel after it was preached to them on earth or in the spirit prison. These spirits suffer in a condition known as hell. They have removed themselves from the mercy of Jesus Christ, who said, "Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (D&C 19:16â??18). After suffering in full for their sins, they will be allowed, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, to inherit the lowest degree of glory, which is the telestial kingdom.

I was hoping that they would have changed this section. Still incorrect doctrine there! Christ will not save the unrepentant no matter how long they suffer for their sins. Why can't they get it right?

[cinepro]

Very much understand. Yet, while I do not know if the new manual specifically condemns porn, church leaders are not otherwise bashfull about instructing the brethren about the evils of pornography in no uncertain terms, even while fully understanding that porn cuts across all levels of belief and devotion, including "the most faithful".

I wonder if entering a country illegally and, perhaps, borrowing a Social Security Number to get a job is considered to be one of those "respectable sins" like pride, temper, anger, and arrogance?

Earl

If viewing pornography gave people green ears, we probably wouldn't hear so much about it from the Church leaders.

[zerinus]

Gospel Principles (2009)

I haven't seen it readable online at LDS.org yet, just for purchase. Does anyone know anything more about this manual?

EDIT: (august 6) Starting on post #155 of this thread, I've started documenting the changes in each chapter. Click ahead to skip the speculation, and see what actually has or has not changed in these chapters:

Chapter 1: Our Heavenly Father

Chapter 2: Our Heavenly Family

Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior

Chapter 4: Freedom to Choose

Chapter 5: The Creation

Chapter 6: The Fall of Adam and Eve

Chapter 7: The Holy Ghost

Chapter 8: Praying to Our Heavenly Father

Chapter 9: Prophets of God

Chapter 10: Scriptures

Chapter 11: The Life of Christ

Chapter 12: The Atonement

Chapter 13: The Priesthood

Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization

Chapter 15: The Lord's Covenant People

Chapter 16: The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times

Chapter 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today

Chapter 18: Faith in Jesus Christ

Chapter 19: Repentance

Chapter 20: Baptism

Chapter 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Chapter 22: The Gifts of the Spirit

Chapter 23: The Sacrament

Chapter 24: The Sabbath Day

Chapter 25: Fasting

Chapter 26: Sacrifice

Chapter 27: Work and Personal Responsibility

Chapter 28: Service

Chapter 29: The Lord's Law of Health

Chapter 30: Charity

Chapter 31: Honesty

Chapter 32: Tithes and Offerings

Chapter 33: Missionary Work

Chapter 34: Developing Our Talents

Chapter 35: Obedience

Chapter 36: The Family Can Be Eternal

Chapter 37: Family Responsibilities

Chapter 38: Eternal Marriage

Chapter 39: The Law of Chastity

Chapter 40: Temple Work and Family History

Here, chapters were rearranged:

Chapter 41:The Postmortal Spirit World (was Chapter 45 in 1997 edition)

Chapter 42: The Gathering of the House of Israel

Chapter 43: Signs of the Second Coming (was Chapter 41 in 1997 edition)

Chapter 44: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (was Chapter 43 in 1997 edition)

Chapter 45: The Millennium (was Chapter 44 in 1997 edition)

Chapter 46: The Final Judgment

Chapter 47: Exaltation

Thank you nackhadlow for that useful work. However the forum software seems to corrupt the text, especially if you try to copy and paste it. The underlinings disappear, and unwanted characters apper in the text. If you could upload the original document you created as a Word file (or whatever) so that it could be downloaded in its original form that would be very helpful.

[David T]

[David T]

Here's a Word doc of the changes in all the chapters...

GospelPrinciples_changes.doc

[Lars Umlaut]

Here's a Word doc of the changes in all the chapters...

GospelPrinciples_changes.doc

Awesome! Mucho thankso!

[Avatar4321]

Ahem... The book of Doctrine and Covenants is not an official church publication?

Or the Bible?

[Avatar4321]

I recall the intent of the Presidents of the Church series was that, eventually homes in the Church would have a library of manuals covering teachings from each of the presidents of the Church. I guess that's no longer the intent.

I wonder if it's because the Church had trouble getting people to teach the material in the manuals instead of branching off on their own.

I am pretty confident they will continue the series. They are just taking two years off. Im sure because they were inspired to.

[zerinus]

Here's a Word doc of the changes in all the chapters...

GospelPrinciples_changes.doc

Thank you! I am going to have a lot of fun reading through that!

[Scott Lloyd]

I am pretty confident they will continue the series. They are just taking two years off. Im sure because they were inspired to.

You're very late in joining this thread. I posted later that I had found out from a knowledgeable source that the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series will indeed be continued, but it was felt by the Brethren that a period of retrenchment is in order because many Church members need a refreshing of their knowledge of the basic gospel principles.

[Calm]

You're very late in joining this thread. I posted later that I had found out from a knowledgeable source that the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series will indeed be continued, but it was felt by the Brethren that a period of retrenchment is in order because many Church members need a refreshing of their knowledge of the basic gospel principles.

With the Preach My Gospel becoming as much as a member's manual as a missionary manual, I think it's brilliant to take the time to cover the basic principles thoroughly. Hopefully this will be what it is, not a time to pull out speculations or try and makeover our beliefs into an extensive systematic theology (as opposed to a systematized doctrinal presentation such as the basic manual is).

[cinepro]

Here's a Word doc of the changes in all the chapters...

GospelPrinciples_changes.doc

That's incredibly cool. Thank you so much for your hard work.

[cinepro]

but it was felt by the Brethren that a period of retrenchment is in order because many Church members need a refreshing of their knowledge of the basic gospel principles.

I've got my fingers crossed for a "Retrenchment Association" revival.

[T-Shirt]

I've got my fingers crossed for a "Retrenchment Association" revival.

And, maybe, we can get some blood atonement preached all over again.

T-Shirt

[Scott Lloyd]

I've got my fingers crossed for a "Retrenchment Association" revival.

For the record, "retrenchment" was my word, and I used it somewhat with tongue in cheek.