The Bedrock of Gospel Doctrine

- Sermon -

There was once a father named Alma whose son, Corianton, had sinned some grievous moral sins.  The father brought his son before him to call him to repentance, to instruct, and to edify.  The record of this father-son interview is found in the Book of Mormon, Alma chapters 39 through 42.

It is instructive to note that Alma takes only 19 verses to (1) identify the problem, (2) show how Corianton’s actions are affecting him and those around him, (3) call him to repentance, (4) show him how to repent and change his behavior, and finally (5) give words of encouragement --- 19 Verses.

Alma then takes 72 verses, not to expound further on the evils of immoral behavior, or to berate his son, but instead, he teaches and emphasizes key doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the plan of salvation, temporal and spiritual death, the Spirit World, the resurrection, the doctrine of restoration, the doctrines of justice and mercy, and how all of this is brought about by the great Atonement of the Savior.  In these 72 verses we find several layers of truth, revelation, and light that form the bedrock of gospel doctrine.

Why did this father spend so little time dwelling on his son’s sins and so much time teaching these doctrines to this wayward son?  Why did he not do what we might be tempted to do and dwell on what punishments would be inflicted and, then set up a long list of rules for Corianton to follow? Rather than do these things he drilled down to the bedrock of sacred doctrines and taught them directly, pointedly, and plainly to Corianton.  This young-adult son, now having a better perspective of his place in the Lord’s kingdom and his accountability before God, could then exercise his agency to make wiser choices, govern his behavior, and be totally accountable.   This is an example of wise and prudent parenting behavior.

Alma had experience in how to change people’s behavior.  As the great missionary-leader of his day, he saw how powerful the doctrines of the gospel were to change lives.  Here is what he said a year or so prior to this interview with Corianton: “And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”  Alma 31:5

How does this relate to us?  Our desire, like Alma, is to help change and shape righteous behavior in ourselves and our children.  We want to help our families build their lives on the bedrock of rectitude and righteousness.  Alma shows us that this is done best through the acquiring and applying of key doctrines – that is -- gospel knowledge, and skills and experience derived from the Bible, other sacred scriptures and the words of prophets, seers and revelators in all ages and times.  Such knowledge provides the wisdom to make correct choices and, as the scripture says, “it (has) a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than…anything else.”  By teaching true doctrine in a persistently powerful and loving way we help ourselves and our families to build upon a bedrock of righteous behavior -- withstand temptations, increase in faith, exercise moral courage, make righteous choices, and be more reliant on God.

Indeed, as declared by an apostle, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. . . . That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel." (Boyd K. Packer, Conference Report, October 1986, p. 20.) 

Therefore, in today’s increasingly secular world, let us be evermore faithful in gathering our families together, enjoying wholesome activities, while always grounding them in the bedrock of true doctrine.

Larry Doyle Crenshaw