The fifth phase of the Doctrine of Christ

I was reflecting on the doctrine of Christ as taught in in the scriptures and how it differs from what is typically taught in the church.

The scriptures make it clear that we need to teach these things as Priesthood Holders in D&C 88:77-78

77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.

 78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

And again as parents we have an obligation as found in D&C 68:25

25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

The final phase is described in two ways as I believe I’ve mentioned before. Early in Christ’s instruction the last phase is described and "Becoming as a little Child", for example in 3 Nephi 11:37-39:

 37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

 38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

 39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

Then in other instruction the final phase is referred to "Enduring to the End". It is this last name that holds new meaning for me. For example in 2 Nephi 31:20 as stated by Nephi at the end of his life.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

It has become Very clear to me that this enduring to the end means continually working to become more like Christ until you become like him. Other names for Christ are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Christ admonition to become like a little child is to begin at the Alpha and to endure to the end is to become the Omega. It is to walk his path and live his life, and to become like him. The final phase has little to do with just enduring, as in doing good as you have always done, but to endure the process of purification that is full of trials and tribulations with an eye single to the glory of god that we might one day stand worth to receive that glory.

Doctrine of Becoming as a Little Child

In King Benjamin’s words to his people after they have taken upon themselves the name of Christ he gives this instruction. Mosiah 5:7-8

7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

 8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

Doctrine Covenants section 50:40-43 adds to this:

40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

 41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;

 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.

 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.

Matthew 18:1-5 dictates the need to become like a little child.

 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me

Luke 18:17

17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein

It is interesting to note that Christ, as far as I can find, does not teach the "Enduring to the End" as a part of the Doctrine of Christ. He does mention it when talking about the Gospel. The real interesting thing is who does teach about “Enduring to the End”. In 2 Nephi 31 were enjoy a very rear occurrence in the scriptures. Christ’s direct discussion with his Prophet, Nephi. Were he discusses the first 4 points in the Doctrine of Christ. Then we get this addition.

15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

Nephi even reaffirms in verse 20 that the Concept of 'Enduring to the End' is from the Father not Christ.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Updated 3/2/2017

I'm still preparing for my lesson on the Doctrine of Christ and I'll admit each time I pick it up I'm reminded of something I have lost sight of. The fifth element becoming like a child as taught in 3 Nephi 11 it is taught as both before and after baptism. I always considered this a mistake by the poor man that engraved the plates, that he simply corrects in the next line but then I was reminded that this part of instruction was only given to the 12 apostles of the new world. 3 Nephi 12 goes on to teach the same principle to the crowed of people. He talks about becoming meek as a child to come to baptism then teaches about the beatitudes and the expansion/clarification of the commandments and letting your light shine and how all of this helps you become a child of god and drives you towards protection.