The Law of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST (THE DUTIES OF DISCIPLES/BAPTIZED MEMBERS)

         Recently in discussions with my extended family regarding our studying of the Book of Mormon, I suggested a focus for myself–this is, better defining and understanding of  the new law or covenant that replaced the law of Moses as alluded to in 3 Nephi 12 and beyond.  It might be thought of as a companion to the new law of sacrifice described in 3 Ne 9:19-21 (also Romans 12:1), and could be called the higher law, the celestial law, the law of the gospel, or the law of the Church. (Hint: the answers may help us better understand some of the covenants we make in the temple).  
         I got started on this question several years ago by our former temple president, Pres. Sonne, who challenged us in a temple worker preparation meeting that we ought to study for ourselves and learn what the covenant to keep the Law of the Gospel meant, that it was at that time the only one of the temple endowment covenants that was not defined in the endowment process itself, and that we ought to know what we are covenanting to do.  (Note: There has been a recent clarification which appears to confirm the discussion that follows.)  He then pointed us to 3 Nephi 12-14 for the answers, which, of course, is a discussion by the Savior about the new, higher law that was replacing the Law of Moses.
          Jeffrey M. Bradshaw introduces his discussion of the Law of the Gospel in this way: “Although in a general sense, “the law of the Gospel embraces all laws, principles, and ordinances necessary for our exaltation, “the interpretive context of the temple specifically brings to mind pointed instructions relating to Christlike behavior toward one’s fellow man” (Jeffrey M. Bradshaw,  http://www.templethemes.net/publications/Meridian/100422-The%20Five%20Celestial%20Laws.pdf, p. 6).  Along the same vein, Elder James Talmadge, in his study of the temple defines this law as “being charitable, benevolent, tolerant, and pure,” (James E Talmadge, The House of the Lord: a Study of Holy Sanctuaries Ancient and Modern (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1912), 100)
         Similarly, here is a definition provided by Professor Hugh Nibley.  The law of the Gospel “puts restraints on personal behavior, it mandates deportment, self-control to make oneself agreeable to all.”  (p. 481)
         Nibley then provides this historical perspective on the giving of the gospel law:  “The gospel was given to Adam and Eve when “after many days” of sacrificing, “an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam” and taught him the plan of salvation (Moses 5:6-9).  Adam and Eve joyfully embraced it and taught to their children (see Moses 5:10-12).  But Satan came among them, saying:... Believe it not;,,, and men began to from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish” (Moses 5:13).  The gospel entails a definite pattern or style of life best defined as the opposite of “carnal, sensual, and devilish.”  One of the charges or responsibilities connected with adherence to the gospel is reiterated in the “Olive Leaf” revelation: “Organize yourselves;... establish a house, even a house of prayer... Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings (D&C 88:119, 121)   (Hugh Nibley, Of the Sacred and the Symbolic” and “Abraham’s Temple Drama,” in Stephen D. Ricks, ed., Eloquent Witness: Nibley on Himself, Others, and the Temple, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley: Vol 17, Salt Lake: FARMS/Deseret Book, 2008,  pp. 481, also 357-360.)
         The initial general-sense definition in Bradshaw’s article is a direct quote from President Benson, and seems to be echoed by other prophets and authorities, so certainly could be taken as the final and correct answer to the definitional question.  In the context of the temple however, I wonder along with Jeffrey Bradshaw, Elder Talmadge, and Hugh Nibley if a more specific meaning might be intended.  After all, most of the other covenants are quite specific.  Why would they need to be specified if this other law were to be understood to be quite comprehensive across all principles, etc.?  Note Jeffrey Bradshaw’s suggestion that this law might point primarily to how we treat other persons and Nibley’s that it had to do with our deportment in relations to others.  That seems to me to be consistent with President Sonne’s hint that we might find the answers in 3 Nephi 12-14.  These chapters are the New World version of the Biblical Sermon on the Mount, in which the Savior lists a series of directions for how his followers should live in contrast to specific rules under Mosaic Law.  These are higher laws and seem largely to pertain to how those of us have been baptized into Christ’s church should act and also think and feel in relationship to others.  Analyzing the focus of most of the other temple endowment covenants, with the exception of the law of chastity the focus seems largely on our personal response to the needs of the Kingdom.  Yet much of other higher level Gospel instruction in other contexts suggests a critical role for relationships.  For example,
         – Charity, the highest virtue, is all about our attitudes and treatment of others.
         – The finest of the members of the Church can be identified by their “peaceable walk with the children of men.” (Moro 7:3-4)
         – Salvation is for individuals, but the highest glory, exaltation, includes relationships with family.
         Perhaps then it would be reasonable and fitting that at least one of the temple endowment covenants be focused upon how our Father wants us to learn to treat to each other, about how to develop and maintain holy or Christlike relationships.
    To study further the meaning of the Law of the Gospel, I looked at several scriptural sources, in all of which we are taught the moral laws that are to be obeyed by disciples of Christ, those who have accepted by the covenant of baptism into His church.  They are found in
1) 3 Nephi 12-14, in which the Savior teaches the Nephites about the new covenant or higher law that replaced the Law of Moses,
2) the parallel chapters in the Bible about the same topic (Matthew 5-7),
3) Romans chapters 12-13 in which Paul discussed the moral laws of the gospel for persons who have become Christians with the grand summing up of all these commandments being the Golden Rule (Rom. 13:9),
4) 2 Nephi 26:29-32 where Nephi briefly recites the Lord’s commandments to the laborer in Zion,
5) D&C 42, in which the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph the “Law of the Church” (see the section heading and also verses 2 and 69),
6) Mosiah 18:8-10 (and the remainder of chapter 18), where the prophet Alma explains to persons he is preparing to baptize the covenant they are making,
7) Alma 5, in which Alma provides much detail about what is expected of members of the Church
8) King Benjamin’s instruction to Church members, Mosiah chapters 4 and 5.
9) Scriptural description of Zion-like communities of saints, where all the people “were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness”:
    –Enoch’s city of Holiness or Zion (Moses 7)
    –Nephite society for more than a century after Christ’s visit (4 Nephi 1-18)
    –New Testament apostolic church for a brief period (Acts 2:42-47)
    Here are my groupings of the various commandments and directions that are contained in these scriptures:

The Law of the Gospel: The Nineteen Commandments
1    Be one body in Christ, united with other believers in a Christian community that regularly and together pledges faithfulness to Christ;
Love one another
In your local Christian community (branch/ward/stake) minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of other members and contribute to a Zion-like spirit
Serve faithfully in the offices of the Church
Labor for Zion, not for gain or the praise of the world  Rom.12:4-8, 10
Mosiah 18:8-10
2 Ne. 26:29-31 Moses 7
4 Nephi 1-18
Acts 2:42-47

2    Preach/share the gospel
Stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places    D&C 42:6-15
Mosiah 18:8-10

3    Not kill     D&C 42:19
Rom. 13:9
2 Ne. 26:32

4    Not steal     D&C 42:20
Rom. 13:9
2 Ne. 26:32

5    Not lie     D&C 42:21
Rom. 13:9
2 Ne. 26:32

6    Not covet    Rom. 13:9
2 Ne. 26:32

7    Avoid ill-feeling and ill-speaking to others:
Prohibition against anger, ill-speaking and ridicule of brethren (Lord’s Anointed) and others  
Manage and redirect feelings of anger, hatred, vengeance, covetousness/greed
Avoid provocative language     
Be slow to be offended, avoid quarrels and contention
Deal in Christ-like way with those who give offense to you        Matt 5:21-22
3 Ne 12:21-22
D&C 42:27
D&C 42: 88-92
2 Ne. 26:32

8    Heal relationships:
Go more than half-way to resolve differences
Foundational to other religious practices; do first; do quickly
Reconciliation is required before proceeding with other religious practices    Matt 5:23-26
3 Ne 12:23-26

9    Be quick to forgive
Love neighbor/enemies, no vengeance        
Be forgiving of others, tolerant of others’ weaknesses
Not be judgmental of others
Love others and weep for those who die     Matt 5:38-47 Matt 6:14-15 Matt 7:1-5, 12 Rom 12:14-15, 17-21
3 Ne 12:38-45
3 Ne 13:16-18
3 Ne 14:1-5
D&C 42: 44-45

10    Spiritual integrity, fully committed to God and righteousness, in actions, feelings, and thoughts
Not light minded
Steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works
Blameless, humble, stripped of pride and envy    Matt 5:29-30 Matt 6:19-24
3 Ne 13:19-24
3 Ne 14:13-27
Mosiah 5:15
Alma 5:28-29

11    Actions/behaviors are motivated by love of God and charity, as opposed to fear of punishment or to be admired by other persons
Be charitable privately
Fast and pray privately     Matt 6:1-6, 16-18
3 Ne 13:1-6

12    Chastity, be faithful to marital covenants
Be holy, cleanse mind of lustful and impure thoughts, the desire for unrestrained sexual gratification, or using another for selfish exploitation    Matt 4:27-28
3 Ne 12:27-30 D&C 42:22-26, 74-77
2 Ne. 26:32

13    Love spouse with all thy heart; cleave unto her/(him) and none else
Marriage not to be dissolved lightly
Take good care of and provide for your children,
Teach them to walk in truth and soberness, to not fight and quarrel with one another, to love and serve one another    D&C 42:22
Matt 5:31-32
3 Ne 12:31-32
Mosiah 4:14-15

14    Oaths should be Yes Yes and No No    
Avoid vulgar or obscene language
Not take God’s name in vain     Matt 5:33-37
3 Ne 12:33-37
2 Ne. 26:32

15    Appearance/clothing not ostentatious
Dress modestly
Clean  
Not boisterous, or display loud laughter
Walk honestly, not in rioting, drunkenness, wantonness, strife and envy
Eat healthily, abstain from harmful substances    Rom. 12:13
D&C 42:40-41
Alma 5:53
D&C 89

16    When praying, express feelings honestly, not vain repetitions
Be prayerful continually    Matt 6:7-13
Rom. 12:12
3 Ne 13:7-13

17    Not be idle,
Work to provide for self
Owe no-one anything    D&C 42:42
Rom. 13:8

18    Generosity with own resources, impart of substance to poor
Not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish    D&C 42:30-39 Rom. 12:13  2 Ne. 26:30-31

19    Be subject to higher earthly powers    Rom. 13:1-7

    The Apostle Paul presents a grand summing up of all these commandments (the Golden Rule):  “... and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Rom. 13:9-10)