RULES HEREIN EXPLAINED.
In the foregoing the first principles of the Gospel of Christ have been briefly explained, namely.
1. Faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ.
2. Repentance.
3. Baptism by Immersion, for the Remission of Sins.
4. Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
That this is the order in which these principles were taught by the Savior and His disciples, is evident from the writings of the New Testament.
John the Baptist first called upon those who believed his word to repent of their sins; and he refused to baptize those who did not show fruits of repentance. (Matthew 3: 2-8). He also promised that after their baptism of water they should receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 3: 11).
To those who believed his words, spoken on the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter said,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Act 2: 38).
The people of Samaria who believed Philip's preaching "were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8: 12). Afterwards Peter and John were sent to them that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8: 17).
These four rules must be obeyed in order to gain admission into Christ's church. They are the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
These doctrines were taught by the Savior and His disciples, as recorded in the Bible. There is no other way of entering the Church of Christ. Anyone who teaches that there is some other way is under condemnation. St. Paul says:
Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1: 8).
St. John, in speaking of the doctrine of Christ, says:
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 10, 11).
All the doctrines taught by Jesus and His disciples are believed and taught to-day by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and all the blessings and gifts that characterized the primitive church are enjoyed by the Latter-day Saints.