Topic: The New Testament: A Guide to Understanding Christ’s Doctrine
SisterTami Snider

Brothers and sisters,

I am grateful for the privilege of speaking with you today about a book of scripture that has shaped the course of the world and, more importantly, the lives of countless men and women who have sought to follow the Savior of the world.

The New Testament is not simply a historical record. It is a loving invitation to come unto Christ and to learn His doctrine—not only with our minds, but with our hearts.

The pivotal message of the New Testament is clear:  Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Redeemer of the world. Everything in its page’s points to Him—His life, His teachings, His compassion, His mercy and His saving mission. 

Jesus declared,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6

This statement is more than doctrine—It is an invitation. Christ does not only show the way. He is the way.

At the center of Christ’s doctrine is love. 

When asked which commandment was greatest, 

Jesus responded,

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…and… thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37–39)

These two principles form the foundation of everything He taught.

This love is not merely kind feelings or good intentions. It shapes how we speak, how we forgive, and how we treat others—Especially when it is difficult. 

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most sacred teachings of Christ’s doctrine. In this sermon the Savior speaks with divine authority, teaching us not only how to live, but who we can become.

He began by blessing the meek, the merciful, and the pure in heart, teaching that true happiness comes through humility and compassion—not power or pride (Matthew 5:3–9).

He then invites us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” reminding us that discipleship is often lived quietly, through small and faithful acts (Matthew 5:13–14).

The Savior also taught that His doctrine reaches beyond outward behavior and into the heart—asking us to forgive, to let go of anger, and even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Finally, He invites us to build our lives upon a rock, promising that those who hear His words and live them will stand firm when the storms come (Matthew 7:24–25). 

As we continue to study the doctrine of Christ, we come to understand the nature of our Heavenly Father. 

The Savior taught, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” 

In Luke chapter 15, Jesus teaches with relatable stories that carry eternal truths—In the parables the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son.  We see a loving Father who notices the one, who does not forget, who does not give up and who rejoices when we return.

The pathway that leads us to Christ is Repentance.  In the New Testament, repentance is not taught as punishment, but as a divine gift made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is the process by which we turn away from sin and realign our lives with God. The Savior taught that repentance brings joy not only to those who repent, but in heaven itself, declaring, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

Repentance is not about being flawless; it is about choosing Christ—again and again. Each sincere step toward the Savior invites His power into our lives and brings peace, renewal, and enduring joy.

The heart of everything Christ taught points us to His Atonement.

His doctrine cannot be separated from His sacrifice.

Jesus taught faith, repentance, obedience, and love—not as isolated principles, but as a way of life made possible through His sacrifice.

Jesus declared His mission simply:

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)]

In Gethsemane and on the cross, the Savior took upon Himself our sins, pains, and sorrows. As a result, there is no burden He does not understand and no pain He cannot help heal. 

As a witness to the Resurrected Christ, 

Paul testified:

“But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept. … In Christ shall all be made alive.”” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Because of Jesus Christ, repentance is joyful, forgiveness is real, and death has been overcome.

Brothers and Sisters Throughout the New Testament, the Savior makes it clear that everything He taught begins with faith.  

Jesus said, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47), 

He is reminding us that belief in Him is not passive—it is life-giving. Without faith, His teachings remain words we admire from a distance. 

But when we believe in Jesus Christ, His doctrine becomes personal, His commandments become possible, and His promises become real. 

Faith opens the way for repentance, invites the power of His Atonement into our lives, and allows us to truly come unto Him and to follow Him—to live as He lived, love as He loved, and serve as He served.

Jesus said,

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I testify that the New Testament is a sacred guide to understanding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God. He lives. His teachings are true. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.