The reason several past post were driven on the restoration of the Gospel [and praying to know if it is true] is to lay foundation for what action needs to be done.
It is a five step process, each building upon each other as a ladder into the pathway into heaven.
Step 1: “have a little faith...”
We've heard the word faith over...and over... and over....
So what's it mean?
In the gospel, faith is having trust. True faith/trust leads to action.
It doesn't mean you understand everything off bat, nor does it mean you'll understand everything later [that comes after].
For example, having faith is like trusting numbers in math are true, even if you don't fully understand equations or functions. However, the results of such equations show true answers when applied correctly. Walking in faith is the first step that leads you to better things.
Step 2: Repent and Change Lanes...
The next is repentance. ALL of us need to do this, as we all in some way fall short in doing what is right. The process, however, is not as painful as some people claim it is [ex: some monks/people overdo the process and beat himself in order to gain repentance]
The process is a ABCD process:
Acknowledge the sin: The difference between a sin and a transgression is that a sin is knowing you did something wrong [by the way, no man can be saved in ignorance]. This is the first step in Repenting
Be sorry: Some people acknowledge the sin, but they don't think about its consequences nor it's adverse effects. Being sorry, however, does not mean you should mope; being sorry simply is knowing that you need to make a necessary change in your behavior to be a better person.
Confess/Call for help: For some, this sounds like the most painful step. As humans, we generally believe we can fix things ourselves. In reality, our complete self sufficiency will not come in this life, so we need the help of our Father in Heaven by calling him in prayer for help. In part of confessing, restitution is necessary to correct the wrong done. In other cases, emotional support from specialist and friends are necessary to overcome guilt and addiction. God helps man in many ways, even through other human beings who want to help [please don't deny them].
Drop the sin: Sometimes the biggest person we need to forgive is ourselves. When the savior suffered, He VOLENTEERED to go through the lasting pain of our consequences so that man wouldn't have to if they repented. Memory should serve to remind and warn of the consequences, NOT to revisit/lengthen the pain. The sin should be dropped and never repeated under circumstances of choice. Repentance will bring about a guilt free life and help you move on to better things.
Step 3: Purify yourself by Covenants [ex: baptism]
When we fix the wrong, we go ahead and begin taking covenants such as Baptism. Such covenants are required of all people; even the savior was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
Baptism is a symbolic ceremony in which a person is “buried” in water [ideally not for long] and brought back up clean, and with a new resolve to be better. Once a person is baptized, they no longer need to perform this ordinance [ritual] in the exact same way again [there are exceptions, but they are just that].
However, renewing these commitments are required, as newly baptized and lifelong members participate in a ritual [known as the sacrament [communion]] during a church meeting to remember what promises they made in baptism.
Step 4: Align and Stay “in tune” with the Holy Ghost
Baptism/ making commitments is only beginning. After baptism, there is an ordinance where the spirit of the Holy Ghost can stay with you. The Holy Ghost acts through conscious, and can [before baptism] come warn and confirm truths time to time. However, after being clean from baptism can one receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to forever warn, protect and confirm as long as worthiness of spiritual things maintained.
Step 5: Repeat
Mistakes are a part of life, but it needs not keep us from moving forward. One cannot reach the end of the Journey until they have reached the end of the journey, and one can only achieve that if repetition is exercised. For example, human's learn how to crawl, then walk, then crawl again if necessary. The same is with this gospel; no substitute may be used.
Faith must increase by continual study and action of God's holy word.
Repentance must always restore order and peace and re-stoked with a determination to do better.
Baptism must be renewed by partaking the sacrament.
The companionship of the Holy Ghost must be maintained on the principles of righteousness.
It continues, even when one makes further covenants in God's holy temple to seal their loved one's together, and until that day when we all look into God's face to give him an accounting of all of our time and effort.
May we follow His example day by day, is my hope in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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