Introduction

Joseph said that “a man could get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon's] precepts, than by any other book.” (DHC 4:461.) The Book of Mormon and other restoration scriptures clearly lay out what the authors of the respective books label “the doctrine of Christ.” For example, Nephi writes:

Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying. (2 Nephi 31:2.)

According to Nephi, the gospel of Christ begins with repentance, baptism by water, and baptism by fire:

...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. (2 Nephi 31:17.)

Nephi teaches that while baptism by water and fire are events, faith and repentance are processes—they must be practiced throughout life. Nephi teaches that we must continue to practice faith and repentance¹ until God says to us that we have obtained eternal life:

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. (2 Nephi 31:18-20.)

Nephi is clear that there is no other version of the doctrine of Christ, and no other pathway to salvation.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, 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. Amen. (2 Nephi 31:21.)