Building Our Theology on Scripture: Standing Firm in the Last Days

Brothers and sisters, as we study the covenants and the promises of the restored gospel, the sheer weight of what the Lord has done for us can sometimes feel overwhelming. We are called to be disciples in every sphere—an internet missionary in our living rooms, a disciple in our workplaces, and a disciple in our hearts. It’s a glorious calling!

But with great revelation comes great responsibility. As we prepare to be faithful disciples in these last days, we must be diligent students of the word. It’s so easy, when the subject matter is weighty—like the signs of the times—to start building a theology based on assumption rather than on the clear, revealed testimony of scripture.

I was reflecting recently on a conversation about the signs of the times, and it struck me how easily we can get caught up in what feels *comforting* rather than what is *true*. We all love to hear reassuring thoughts—"I'm not waiting for the Antichrist, I'm waiting for the real Christ!"—and while that sentiment comes from a pure heart, we must always ask: What does the scripture actually say?

The core message I want to emphasize today, as we look at these profound topics, is this: Our doctrines, our beliefs, and our understanding of the plan of salvation must be built on what the scripture *reveals*, not what our hopes or desires lead us to conclude.

The Necessity of a Scripture-Based Theology

When we approach challenging topics, like the Antichrist, it’s vital that we approach it with the humility of a student, ready to let the Spirit guide us to the plain truth. If we build our theology on assumptions, we risk being easily deceived, no matter how earnest our intentions are.

Remember that we are called to be disciples of Christ, and that means being disciples of His word. This isn't just for our missionary discussions; it's for our daily lives. It's how we maintain our footing when the cultural currents try to pull us off course.

I highly recommend diving into the material from the video we're looking at today. It provides a wonderful framework for how to test our assumptions against the revealed word. It’s a perfect primer for anyone wanting to strengthen their doctrinal foundation.

A Skill for Every Disciple: Questioning Our Assumptions

If you're feeling shaky on a doctrine, or if you're preparing for those tough questions in missionary preparation, I want to point you toward a powerful tool. I encourage you to utilize Davee, our AI Investigator. He is trained specifically to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask—the ones that make you pause and think—and help you structure an answer that is both compassionate and doctrinally sound. It’s practice for every internet missionary.

This principle of rigorous study applies everywhere. If you are in a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, remember to ask those clarifying questions. Don't let ambiguity settle into belief.

Keep the Learning Going

The Spirit testifies of truth, and that truth is found in the scriptures. If you want to continue deepening your understanding of how to build a theology rooted in revelation, I've found the writings of Iron Rod invaluable. I suggest picking up a book on doctrinal integrity from LivingBook this week.

And if you're feeling the call to connect with other earnest disciples, join us this week! We are hosting a casual gathering to discuss doctrinal clarity. Check the community calendar for details, or if you're ready to dive deeper into scripture study, explore the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook—it’s a wonderful place to see how others are wrestling with the same truths.

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep learning, keep questioning, and keep pointing our fellow Latter-day Saints back to the infallible word of God.