Believing Jesus Christ and Receiving His Reward

John 10:11, 27-28- I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of
mine… My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto
them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand.

Discuss shepherds and sheep.

Who is Christ as our Shepherd and how to be counted as his sheep…

Jesus Christ- Someone to Believe In

Proverbs 3:5-6- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Titles of Christ: The First Begotten, the Creator, the Messiah, Redeemer, the Savior,
Emmanuel, the Counselor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, Mighty one of Jacob,
Servant of the Lord, the Messenger of the Covenant, Holy One, Son of God, Son of the
Blessed, God’s anointed, the Chosen One, the Bread of Life, the Living Waters, the
Fountain of all Righteousness, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the Living Road, the
True Vine, the Just One, the Prince of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd,
and the Lamb of God.

Christ throughout time

1. Premortal role- Firstborn, Eldest of Father, willingness to sacrifice himself in our
behalf
2. Role in the creation
3. Mortal life- a perfect life, a life or love, a life of service
4. Atonement and resurrection- takes upon himself all our sins, sorrows, pains,
sicknesses, and tribulations. Atoning sacrifice allows repentance. Resurrection
unlocks death and atonement unlocks exaltation.
5. Current role- Leader of His Church via revelation to prophet

Hebrews 12:1-2- Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let
us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Becoming a Follower of Christ

Faith

John 11:25- Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in
me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me
shall never die…

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, of the Quorum of the Seventy: “True faith must be centered in
Jesus Christ… There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is
no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and
difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our
children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not
give them faith in Christ, we have given little.”

James 2:17-18- Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may
say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew my thy faith without thy works, and I will
shew thee my faith by my works.

Elder Kevin W. Pearson: “There is a quality of faith which develops as we focus all of
our heart, might, mind, and strength… It can be seen in the lives of individuals young and
old, in every land and culture, speaking every language, in every circumstance and station
in life. It is the ‘eye of faith’ spoken of by the prophet Alma- the ability to focus and be
steadfast, continually holding fast to true principles, nothing wavering, even when the
mist of darkness confronting us is exceedingly great. This quality of faith is exceedingly
powerful.”

Faith is power:
Christ taught faith unto grain of mustard seed all things are possible.
Paul (to the Hebrews) describes how world was created and that the works of prophets
done through faith.
Ether does the same in chapter 12

Ether 12:27-28- And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give
unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that
humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in
me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Behold, I will show unto the
Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope, and charity bringeth
unto me- the fountain of all righteousness.

As our faith grows we begin to appreciate our flaws and shortcomings, we have a clearer
vision of our own unworthiness when compared to Christ’s righteousness. And then we
have a desire to call upon our Savior for forgiveness and repent of our sins.
Obedience and Endurance

Faith leads to repentance, which leads to obedience and the making of sacred covenants:
Baptism and Temple covenants. After these covenants are made then we must continue
in our faith and obedience and endure to the end.

2 Nephi 31:17-20- Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your
Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me,
that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should
enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by
fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to
eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the
commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which
witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath
made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren,
after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I
say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with
unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect
brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press
forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the
Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

The Reward

What is our reward for believing in Christ, accepting Him as our Savior, obeying his
commandments, and enduring to the end?

Mercy, redemption, and rest

Alma 12:33-34- But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of
redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent and harden not your hearts, then will
I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son; Therefore, whosoever
repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only
Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.
Eternal Life
D&C 14:7- And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have
eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.