Doctrine

At the end of Nephi’s writings, he tells us he has a few more things to say concerning “the doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:2). After emphasizing the importance of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, Nephi adds:

This is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end.

2 Nephi 31:21

Doctrine is a set of principles taught by a doctor, which is the Latin word for “teacher” or “instructor.” When the word “doctrine” appears in the Bible, it is either a translation of the Hebrew word leqach (לֶקַח), which means literally something received, or the Greek word didache (διδαχή), which means something taught.

Put simply, the doctrine of Christ is the collection of principles Jesus taught and the instructions He gave. We often associate it with the five principles and ordinances emphasized by Nephi or the similar list in Hebrews 6:1-2, but as Elder Evan Schmultz has explained, the Savior’s doctrine is “much more profound than a mere summary repetition of its five key elements. It encompasses the law of the gospel. It is the great plan for eternal life.” Elder Schmultz added that we should strive be become more familiar with everything Jesus taught:

If we trust the doctrine of Christ, we will trust Christ enough to live by His every word. We will make a lifelong study of Jesus Christ, His ministry, His teachings, and His infinite Atonement, including His glorious Resurrection. We will study His promises and the conditions upon which those promises are given. As we study, we will be filled with greater love for the Lord.

“Trusting the Doctrine of Christ,” General Conference, October 2023, italics in original

And we should be open to receiving new doctrine from Jesus as well. After reminding us to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, Nephi said, “Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do” (2 Nephi 32:6).

Today, I will strive to better understand and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ. I will remember that His doctrine includes everything He taught, and I will trust that doctrine to lead me toward eternal life.