In John 20 and 21 we learn that Christ, following His resurrection, visited a group of His disciples at the sea of Tiberius. Peter, had left the ministry - had gone back to his fishing. Some of the disciples had done likewise. In a dramatic display the Savior appeared and redirected them. Specifically, he told Peter to gather His sheep. (John 21:15-17) It is not hard to hear the seriousness of the responsibility given to Peter at that moment. The Savior had done his part - had made his incomparable sacrifice. At last, through grace and mercy, the way had been paved for all mankind to return to God and attain salvation. (2 Nephi 2:6-9) But the work was not yet done. The Savior had answered the ends of the Law. Now it was up to those who remained to show mankind the way, the only way, to eternal life.
The sheep must be gathered – or - the wheat must be placed safely into the garners. Throughout the scriptures, we hear both of these metaphors repeatedly. The Lord commands each of us to secure His sheep. Additionally, He charges us all with gathering the wheat from the tares, with binding them up and placing them into the granary. He wants them to be preserved while the tares are hewn down and burned. (D&C 101:65-66) The plea of the Savior is tender but firm – “Feed My Sheep”.
How can we help the Lord, as Peter was commanded? How can we bless those
around us (including ourselves) with protection and salvation?
The answer is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Lesson 3 of Chapter 3(P. 60) in Preach My Gospel describes this simply but completely. What is the Gospel and why do we need it?
Faith, baptism, repentance and the power of the Holy Ghost qualify us for the mercy and the grace that make Salvation possible. (2 Nephi 31:14-21)
Here are the steps that take us through the gate that leads to Eternal Life.
Faith in Jesus Christ (Page 61) The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only through the Saviour’s grace and mercy that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Grace and mercy are extended to those with faith in Christ.
Faith in Christ leads to action. It creates a sincere desire for repentance – a hunger to learn about and become more like Him. Faith is a consequence of keeping the commandments (John 7:17). Our faith increases as we hear (Romans 10:17) and as we read the word of God (Helaman 15:7–8).
Repentance (Page 62) Repentance often has a heavy, negative connotation because we link it with guilt and the ugliness of human weakness. Truthfully, repentance is a brilliant opportunity. Our faith in the Saviour gives us a perfect model with which to align our vision – a supreme mentor. Then repentance becomes a way of embracing a new vision, of changing and fitting ourselves into a more empowering mold. Our obedience is the vehicle for that transformation.
Baptism, Our First Covenant (Page 63) As we align our selves with Jesus Christ, we will be filled with the desire to participate in the ordinances of the Gospel and to make covenants with our Heavenly Father. Our first covenant involves the ordinance of Baptism, administered through priesthood authority. As we keep our part of the sacred covenant of baptism, God promises us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and a remission of our sins. Another sacred and important ordinance is the sacrament. Each Sunday we renew our baptismal covenant as we take the sacrament. Weekly we have the opportunity to recommit and align ourselves once more to the Saviour. Each time we revisit our commitment we can be blessed again with the same desires and the same witness of our faith that was kindled when our faith was new.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost (Page 65) Baptism is not complete until we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by proper authority. Then we are able to receive a remission of our sins and begin a new spiritual life as Disciples of Christ.
If we remain worthy we will enjoy the influenc of the Holy Ghost throughout our lives. The Holy Ghost is one of Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts and has multifaceted benefit for each of us. One role of the Holy Ghost of particular value is the power to cleanse and sanctify us.
Endure to the End (Page 66) (2 Nephi 31:14-21)
Each time we keep a commandment, every time we embrace a covenant, as we daily put our focus upon the Saviour and make sacrifices for his kingdom, as we embrace those around us and strive to gather all that we see – our faith is being renewed, layer upon layer and we are placing ourselves in the garner. Over time, the Holy Ghost and the Saviour’s mercy will sanctify us. Eventually we will be fit for the kingdom of God! (Moroni 7:48 Wherefore my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ, that ye may become the sons of God: that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as He is pure. Amen)
We, like Peter, are responsible for the Savior’s living Sheep. We are also charged to gather those who have passed from this life. Here is a brilliant talk by Dale LeBaron that shows us our responsibility to “Turn our Hearts to the Fathers”.
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