The Fulness of the Gospel

The fulness of the gospel is to be found in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon according to the word of the Lord. “And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel” (D&C 42:12). Why might that be news to some? Because of the frequency with which we say, hear, and read that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel. Consider for example the following testimony of the Lord concerning the Book of Mormon: “Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also” (D&C 20:9). For this reason, it is just possible that some members of the Church are of the mistaken opinion that the fulness of the gospel is not to be found in the Bible. Such is clearly not the case. Well then, as long as this question is being explored, where do the Doctrine and Covenants as well as the Pearl of Great Price stand on this issue? Clearly, they contain the fulness of the gospel as well. If so, then why did the Lord not include them in the revelation we know as Section 42? In February 1831, neither of those two books existed.

What is meant by the fulness of the gospel? In this context, we do not mean that any one of these books of scripture contains every gospel truth. No book existing on this earth today does. However, what is meant by this statement is that all of the information needed by any truth seeking individual to discern the correctness of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is contained therein. Thus the sincere investigator will find in any one of these sources sufficient information for them to understand the basic principles of the gospel which understanding is required of one seeking to be baptized and confirmed into the Lord’s true Church. Moreover, any one of these books of scripture contains those gospel truths that will assist new members having set their feet upon the strait path to salvation to prepare themselves and make the necessary advancement toward receiving the additional saving ordinances required for exaltation or eternal life that are available only in the Lord’s temples.

As a temple sealer, I use often in my remarks to couples who have come to the temple to be sealed for time and for all eternity a particular verse of scripture that should be enlightening to any member of the Church whether new or more seasoned. In Section 93 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord quotes to the Prophet Joseph Smith from the writings of John the Baptist wherein the Baptist bears testimony concerning the pre-mortal and earthly works and mission of the Savior. And then the Lord tells the Prophet the following: “I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness” (verse 19). Very simply, if we have any hope of receiving eternal life, the fulness of what our Heavenly Father is offering us, we must “understand and know” who it is that we are worshipping and how we are to worship them. The gospel truths that we need in order to succeed in fulfilling our full individual potential are to be found in our standard works of scripture and in our temple worship combined.