The Chief Cornerstone: Linking the Eternality of Christ to the Fullness of Times

To speak of the Savior is to speak of the absolute foundation of all truth. When we study the scriptures, particularly as we approach the commemoration of His birth, it is easy to let the narrative become a mere retelling of history. But for the disciple committed to the covenant path, Christ's life, death, and resurrection are not endpoints; they are the continuous, ongoing source of revelation and power.

The Indivisible Doctrine of Christ

The early Church leaders understood this truth profoundly. As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven, and all of the other things... are only appendages to it.” This declaration is not a suggestion; it is a doctrinal mandate. It establishes the Christ-centered nature of our entire system of belief and covenant keeping.

The scholarly deep dive into this doctrine reveals a divinity that predates time itself. We are taught that He was the Great Jehovah, the Creator—that “All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). This understanding of Christ’s eternality, His role as the Firstborn of the Father, means that our understanding of the Atonement is not merely a remedy for sin, but a restoration of man to the divine plan. It is a vicarious gift in behalf of all who ever lived or shall live.

The testimony provided by modern prophets and apostles serves a critical purpose: it anchors the resurrected doctrine of the Savior to the living covenants of the Church. These testimonies are not merely powerful speeches; they are authorized, Spirit-given declarations that validate the historical truth of Christ while simultaneously pointing us toward the ongoing work of the Restoration.

From Antiquity to the Modern Calling

Consider the shift in revelation. In the Old Testament, we see the preparation for the Redeemer; in the New Testament, we witness His ministry and sacrifice. But the doctrine is not static. It reaches us in the modern dispensation through the living prophet. When the Lord appeared to Joseph Smith, the accounts emphasize His power and authority—His voice "as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah." This was a confirmation that the divine authority and the priesthood had been restored, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.

The covenants we keep in the temple, the power we receive through the priesthood, the warnings we heed from the Brethren, and the ordinances we perform—all of it is predicated upon the reality of the Savior. We are not building a religion; we are participating in the fullness of the divine plan, a plan centered entirely on the Atonement and the ultimate return of the Lord.

This understanding should inform our studies and our callings. The scriptures are not simply texts to be read; they are eternal records to be studied and lived. We must approach the study of the Atonement with the gravity of those who understand that we are dealing with the divine pattern of existence. The doctrinal implications of Christ's life are vast, connecting the premortal existence, the covenant life on earth, and the glorious life to come.

We are called to be scholars, students, and disciples who do not treat Christ’s gospel as an academic exercise, but as the living, breath-giving Spirit that guides our lives and strengthens our resolve. Let us therefore commit to the deep study of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Book of Moses, viewing every passage through the lens of Christ’s eternal role.

A challenge for deeper study: As you review the covenants, consider how the doctrine of Christ—His divinity, His sacrifice, and His continual living testimony—is the primary motivator for keeping the covenants you have made. Submit any scholarly works or insights you have regarding the theological intersection of the priesthood and the divine nature of Christ for consideration in our training corpus. Let the Spirit lead your inquiry.