What is the Gospel of Christ? - 5 Steps to Follow Him

What exactly is the gospel of Jesus Christ? How can you know you’re doing enough to live it? With over two thousand pages of scripture in the Church’s standard works, there are a lot of commandments to live up to. This might make “living the gospel” seem daunting sometimes, with so many things to do to live it “right”. But the gospel is much simpler than you may think.

So what exactly is the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The gospel of Jesus Christ has been defined as “our Heavenly Father’s plan for the happiness and salvation of His children” (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). This plan is made possible by following Jesus Christ and living the gospel, which can be summed up in five steps:

Faith
Repentance
Baptism
Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost
Enduring to the end

But with so many principles and doctrines that we learn about in Sunday School, how can living the gospel only be five steps?

Let me show you.

The circle containing the words "The gospel of Jesus Christ", with a "faith" puzzle piece on one corner. — The first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ

1. Faith in Jesus Christ

Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It means believing in Christ, His power, and His atonement, even though you may not have physical evidence. It’s the opposite of doubt.

Faith comes before everything else in gospel living because it provides a reason to do everything else. For example, would you pray if you didn’t have faith that God was listening? Would you pay tithing if you didn’t have faith that the Lord would help you provide for your family?

If you build your faith in Jesus Christ, the desire to keep all the commandments He gives will follow naturally. That is why it is the first step in gospel living.

"Repentance" has been added to the next corner of our gospel of Jesus Christ puzzle. — Repentance is the second principle of the gospel.

2. Repentance

Repentance is the act of change. You change your beliefs, desires, and actions to align with God’s will. It usually includes prayer, seeking forgiveness for your sins, and asking for grace through the Atonement of Christ. This grace gives you the strength to make better choices in the future.

Repentance helps you make the changes needed to live the gospel. You go from the “natural man” to a disciple of Christ. You start walking the path He has set and following His plan.

The "baptism" piece has been added to the next corner of the puzzle. — Baptism is the third step in following Christ.

3. Baptism

Baptism has been called the “firstfruits of repentance” (Moroni 8:25) and the “gate by which [we] should enter” (2 Nephi 31:17). In other words, it is the first natural step after repenting, and the beginning of the path set by Christ.

Baptism is an ordinance, or a sacred act or ceremony, that includes promises made to God. When you are baptized, you promise to keep His commandments, always remember Him, and take the name of His Son upon you. In return, your sins are forgiven and you receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The "Holy Ghost" piece has been added to the last corner of the puzzle, completing the circle. — Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is the fourth step in following Christ

4. The Gift of the Holy Ghost

The Gift of the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest promises and blessings that you can receive. The Holy Ghost, or the Spirit, can teach, warn, inspire, comfort, and guide. After living with the Spirit, it’s hard to go without him.

This may seem like a more passive step to living the gospel. However, this one takes just as much effort as the rest.

While the Holy Ghost is a gift from God to all who are baptized, you have to invite him. You need to take time to hear his voice and seek counsel from God through him. You have to live in a way that you can feel that Spirit. Then you can have that constant companion as your guide through life.

A ring entitled "Enduring to the End" surrounds the Gospel of Jesus Christ puzzle. — We continue to follow Christ by enduring to the end.

5. Endure to the End

The final step is to endure to the end. It might seem vague, but it really means to continue on this path you have started for the rest of your life. You can think of it as a “repeat” button at the end of the other principles.

Continue building your faith in Jesus Christ.

Don’t stop repenting and changing.

Keep on keeping the promises you made at baptism, and make more in the temple.

Always seek the voice of the Spirit.

Repeat.

Until you return to your Heavenly Father’s arms.

Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ

If you are doing these things, you are living the gospel. You can rest assured that you are on the right path, and doing what God wants you to do. Everything else you do as a disciple of Christ falls into these steps, which makes your task much simpler.