Study Guide for "Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ?"

In this talk, Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt shares a profound conversation he had with a woman on a bus ride home. Through this conversation, he explains the core principles of Christianity and why he, as a Christian, believes in Jesus Christ. He delves into the eternal law of justice, the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of Christ. He also shares how the doctrine of Christ can bless all of God's children.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the eternal law of justice?
Why did Jesus Christ have to suffer and die according to Elder Corbitt?
What is the doctrine of Christ?
How does Elder Corbitt suggest we can apply the doctrine of Christ in our lives?
How does Elder Corbitt suggest parents should approach a child struggling with gospel principles?

Topics

Understanding the Eternal Law of Justice

Elder Corbitt explains that the eternal law of justice demands an eternal penalty for every sin or violation of God's laws. This law is what prevents us from returning to live in God's holy presence.

This eternal law demands that an eternal penalty be paid for every one of our sins, or violations of God’s laws or truth, or we could never return to live in His holy presence.

What is the eternal law of justice?
How does the eternal law of justice affect our ability to return to God's presence?
How have you seen the law of justice at work in your life?
How can understanding the eternal law of justice help you in your spiritual journey?

Recognizing the Infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ

Elder Corbitt emphasizes that Jesus Christ had to suffer, die, and rise again to redeem all humanity from physical death and give eternal life to all who would follow Him. This is the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is that Savior, that He had to suffer, die, and rise again—His infinite Atonement—to redeem all humanity from physical death and to give eternal life with God and our families to all who would follow Him.

What does it mean that Jesus Christ's atonement is infinite?
Why did Jesus Christ have to suffer, die, and rise again according to Elder Corbitt?
How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ affected your life?
What can you do to better understand and appreciate the Atonement?

Applying the Doctrine of Christ

Elder Corbitt highlights the doctrine of Christ, which includes faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. He shares how prophets and apostles have taught how this doctrine can bless all of God's children.

The pure doctrine of Christ is powerful. It changes the life of everyone who understands it and seeks to implement it in his or her life.

We invite missionaries to do what they ask those they teach to do: … apply the doctrine of Christ in their lives [and] get on and stay on the covenant path.

What is the doctrine of Christ?
How can the doctrine of Christ bless all of God's children?
How can you better apply the doctrine of Christ in your life?
What steps can you take to stay on the covenant path?

Guiding Children Towards Christ

Elder Corbitt advises parents to resist any type of evil speaking or activism towards the Church or its leaders if their child struggles with a gospel principle or prophetic teaching. Instead, they should teach their children why they need Jesus Christ and how to apply His doctrine.

Teaching your beloved child why we all desperately need Jesus Christ and how to apply His joyful doctrine is what will strengthen and heal him or her.

What is Elder Corbitt's advice to parents whose children struggle with gospel principles?
Why does Elder Corbitt emphasize teaching children about the need for Jesus Christ and His doctrine?
How can you guide your children or loved ones towards Christ?
What can you do to help your children understand and apply the doctrine of Christ?

Sharing the Gospel and Gathering Israel

Elder Corbitt encourages members of the Church to share the gospel and invite others to understand the principles of the gospel. This is part of the effort to gather Israel in all communities and families.

Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, the Book of Mormon declares—to love, share, and invite as we gather Israel in all our communities and families.

What is the role of members of the Church in gathering Israel?
Why is it important to share the gospel with others?
How can you contribute to the gathering of Israel in your community or family?
What opportunities do you have to share the gospel with others?