Doctrine, Principles and Application

In our zone trainings this week we discussed the importance of doctrine, principles and applications as it relates to teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. In review:

-Doctrine: (Answers the question “Why?”)

-Simple fundamental truths revealed by God for the salvation and of His children.

-Examples: The Godhead, Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, etc.

Principles: (Answers the question “What?”)

-Guidelines and laws that answer the question “What do I do?

-Examples: Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, confirmation, commandments, etc.

Applications: (Answers the question “How?”)

-Steps, Activities, Programs, Auxiliaries

-Examples: Pray, Study the Scripture, Attend Church, Seminary, Family Home Evening, etc.



We talked about the importance for our investigators and members to be taught the doctrine so that they understand why we do what we do in living the Gospel daily. We have the great responsibility to “OBSERVE, LISTEN, DISCERN, and then TEACH so that our investigators and members truly understand the doctrine so that they become truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By understanding why they should have faith in the Atonement, repent, be baptized, confirmed, make and keep sacred convenants, and endure to the end will provide a firm foundation of testimony. A foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.(Helaman 5:12)

However, in order to do so we must practice what we preach to our investigators and members. “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my

word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21). In Preach My Gospel, Chapter 3 we read, “The lessons in this chapter contain the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments

that you are to study, believe, love, live, and teach.” As we do this we will teach with power and authority. As we study, ponder and pray to understand the doctrine, we will develop the faith to bring thousands of souls to salvation. We will gain a deep understanding of why we are here and a burning desire to not merely to serve a mission but rather magnify our calling giving our whole heart, might mind and strength to serve the Lord.

Let us not live in the “Application Mode” of simply doing the things that missionaries should do. We will never be able to accomplish all of what the Lord expects us to do especially in challenging and difficult times. As we prayerfully and diligently seek to understand the Atonement and the basic doctrines and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and apply them in our lives, we will become powerful instruments in the Lord´s hands to bring salvation to may of His children here in Santiago.


We love you and appreciate all of your dedicated service,