By Elder Dale G. Renlund
Elder Renlund emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ combined with His Church. Using the analogy of nitroglycerin and dynamite, he explains that while the gospel is perfect, the Church is essential for teaching it, administering ordinances, and maintaining the authority of God. Without the combination of the two, humanity would be left without the full power to change and progress spiritually. Elder Renlund encourages all to commit more fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church to experience the fullness of His power and joy.
The Power of the Gospel and the Church
Elder Renlund likens the gospel of Jesus Christ to nitroglycerin — a powerful but volatile substance — and the Church to kieselguhr — a powder made from a porous rock that has little value on its own. Just as both nitroglycerin and kieselguhr are necessary to create dynamite, Elder Renlund explains that both the Gospel and the Church are essential in bringing forth God’s power. Without the Church, the gospel cannot truly fulfill its potential to transform lives. The Church provides the structure and authority needed for the gospel to be effective in the lives of individuals.
“The gospel is perfect, but a divinely commissioned church is required to preach it, maintain its purity, and administer its sacred ordinances with the Savior’s power and authority.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 3 Nephi 27:21: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do.”
- Mosiah 26:22: “For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive.”
The Role of the Church in Administering Ordinances
The Church plays a crucial role in administering sacred ordinances that are required for salvation. Elder Renlund stresses that it is through the Church that individuals can partake in the covenants that bind them to God and access His power. The ordinances administered by the Church, such as baptism, help individuals draw closer to God.
“The Church offers the authoritative way for individuals to participate in ordinances and make lasting covenants with God.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 84:20: “Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.”
- Alma 7:15: “Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction.”
The Importance of Covenants
Covenants are an essential part of the gospel and the Church. Elder Renlund teaches that making and keeping covenants enables individuals to access the power of Christ and be transformed into who God intends them to become. Through covenants, individuals can grow spiritually and receive greater strength in overcoming challenges.
“Keeping those covenants draws us closer to God, gives us access to His power, and transforms us into who He intends us to become.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 82:10: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”
- Mosiah 5:7: “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made, ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters.”
The Restoration and the Role of the Church
Elder Renlund highlights the Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith and the re-establishment of Christ’s Church. Without the Restoration, the true doctrines and ordinances of the gospel would not be available. The Church is the only institution authorized by God to teach His gospel and administer His saving ordinances in these latter days.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enables access to God’s power because it is authorized by Him both to teach the doctrine of Christ and to offer the gospel’s saving and exalting ordinances.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 1:30: “And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth…”
- Isaiah 2:2-3: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established… and all nations shall flow unto it.”
Personal Transformation Through the Gospel and the Church
Elder Renlund concludes by sharing a personal story about how the gospel and the Church transformed his ancestors’ lives. The combination of the gospel and the Church allowed them to access God’s power, develop their testimonies, and become true disciples of Christ. He encourages listeners to follow their example by fully committing to the Savior and His Church.
“As you do so, you will find that the combination of the Savior’s gospel and His Church brings power into your life.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Ether 12:27: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness… then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
- Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Calls to Action:
- Commit more fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church.
- Make and keep sacred covenants to access God’s power in your life.
- Seek the ordinances of salvation and exaltation through the Church.
- Allow the gospel and the Church to transform your life into what God intends you to become.
- Strengthen your testimony and become a true disciple of Jesus Christ.