Study Guide for "Eternal Truth"

In this talk, Elder John C. Pingree Jr. explores the importance of truth in our lives, how we can seek and recognize it, and how we can share it with others. He emphasizes the eternal nature of truth and discusses the roles of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and prophets in revealing truth to us. Elder Pingree also provides guidance on understanding the difference between doctrine and policy, and on teaching eternal truths effectively.

Before Reading

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

What is the definition of truth according to the scriptures?
How does God reveal eternal truth to us?
What are some ways to seek, recognize, and apply eternal truth?
What is the difference between doctrine and policy?
How can we effectively teach eternal truths?

Topics

Understanding the Nature of Truth

Elder Pingree explains that truth, as defined in scripture, is knowledge of things as they are, were, and are to come. It is not created or made and has no end. Truth is absolute, fixed, and immutable, meaning it is eternal. Truth helps us to avoid deception, discern good from evil, and provides us with protection, comfort, and healing.

The Lord has taught us in scripture that "truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).

Truth "was not created or made" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29) and has "no end" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:66).

Truth is absolute, fixed, and immutable. In other words, truth is eternal.

What is the scriptural definition of truth?
What are some of the benefits of understanding and living by truth?
How has understanding the eternal nature of truth impacted your life?
How can you apply the principle of eternal truth in your daily decisions?

Revelation of Eternal Truth

Elder Pingree outlines the network of revelatory relationships through which God reveals eternal truth. These relationships involve God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and us. Each participant plays a distinct yet interconnected role in this process. God is the source of eternal truth, the Holy Ghost testifies of all truth, prophets receive and share truth, and we are expected to seek, recognize, and act on truth.

God reveals eternal truth to us through a network of revelatory relationships involving Himself, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and us.

God is the source of eternal truth. He and His Son, Jesus Christ, have a perfect understanding of truth and always act in harmony with true principles and laws.

The Holy Ghost testifies of all truth. He reveals truths to us directly and witnesses of truth taught by others.

How does God reveal eternal truth to us?
What are the roles of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and us in the process of revelation?
How have you experienced the revelation of eternal truth in your life?
How can you strengthen your role in the network of revelatory relationships?

Seeking, Recognizing, and Applying Eternal Truth

Elder Pingree provides guidance on how to seek, recognize, and apply eternal truth. He suggests asking whether a concept is consistently taught in the scriptures and by living prophets and whether it is confirmed by the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared to receive spiritual impressions and of putting principles into practice to deepen our understanding of truth.

As we seek eternal truth, the following two questions can help us recognize whether a concept comes from God or from another source: Is the concept taught consistently in the scriptures and by living prophets? Is the concept confirmed by the witness of the Holy Ghost?

Once the Holy Ghost confirms a specific truth to us, our understanding deepens as we put that principle into practice.

What questions can help us recognize whether a concept comes from God or from another source?
How does our understanding of truth deepen?
What truths have been confirmed to you by the Holy Ghost?
How can you better prepare to receive spiritual impressions?

Understanding Doctrine and Policy

Elder Pingree explains the difference between doctrine and policy. Doctrine refers to eternal truths, while policy is the application of doctrine based on current circumstances. While doctrine never changes, policy adjusts from time to time. Misunderstanding this difference can lead to disillusionment when policies change.

When seeking truth, it helps to understand the difference between doctrine and policy. Doctrine refers to eternal truths, such as the nature of the Godhead, the plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Policy is the application of doctrine based on current circumstances.

While doctrine never changes, policy adjusts from time to time.

What is the difference between doctrine and policy?
Why is it important to understand this difference?
Have you ever been confused or disillusioned by a change in Church policy? How does understanding the difference between doctrine and policy help you?
How can you better differentiate between doctrine and policy in your personal study and teaching?

Teaching Eternal Truth

Elder Pingree provides guidance on how to teach eternal truth effectively. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and their fundamental doctrine, staying grounded in the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets, avoiding speculation and worldly ideas, and using teaching methods that invite the influence of the Spirit. He also stresses the importance of communicating clearly to avoid misunderstanding.

When we obtain truth from God, He encourages us to share that knowledge with others.

Our aim is to teach truth in a way that invites the converting power of the Holy Ghost.

What are some effective ways to teach eternal truth?
Why is it important to teach truth in a way that invites the converting power of the Holy Ghost?
How have you used these principles in your own teaching?
What changes can you make to teach eternal truth more effectively?