Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What role does symbolism play in the gospel?
- How can understanding symbolism deepen our understanding of the gospel?
- What is the symbolism behind the covenants we make with God?
- What is the symbolism of the garment of the holy priesthood?
- How does the Savior fit into the symbolism of covenants and the garment of the holy priesthood?
Topics
Understanding Gospel Symbolism
Sister Dennis discusses the role of symbolism in the gospel, explaining how Jesus taught through stories and symbols to convey deeper lessons. She underscores the importance of seeking to understand these deeper meanings.
Jesus taught through stories and symbols—a mustard seed to teach the power of faith, a lost sheep to teach the worth of souls, a prodigal son to teach the character of God.
His parables were symbols through which He could teach deeper lessons to those who had “ears to hear.”
- What are some examples of symbols used in the scriptures?
- Why do you think Jesus used symbols in His teachings?
- How can we better seek to understand the deeper meanings in gospel symbolism?
- Can you think of a time when understanding the symbolism in a scripture story deepened your understanding of a gospel principle?
- How can you apply the principle of seeking deeper meanings in your personal scripture study?
Entering Into Covenants with God
Sister Dennis explores the concept of covenants, explaining that they create a relationship that allows God to mold us and draw us closer to Him. She discusses the blessings and obligations associated with making covenants, and emphasizes the central role of the Savior in all covenants.
We have the privilege and blessing of being invited into a covenant relationship with God, in which our own lives can become a symbol of that covenant.
Jesus Christ is at the center of all covenants we make, and covenant blessings are made possible because of His atoning sacrifice.
- What is a covenant?
- What are some of the blessings associated with making covenants with God?
- What is the role of the Savior in our covenants?
- What covenants have you made with God?
- How have these covenants affected your relationship with God and your spiritual growth?
- In what ways can you better honor your covenants?
Symbolism in Baptism and the Sacrament
Sister Dennis discusses the symbolism in the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament. She explains that baptism is a symbolic death and rebirth, and that partaking of the sacrament is a symbolic renewal of our covenants.
Baptism by immersion is the symbolic gate through which we enter into a covenant relationship with God.
The ordinance of the sacrament also points to the Savior. The bread and water are symbolic of Christ’s flesh and blood shed for us.
- What is the symbolism behind the ordinance of baptism?
- What is the symbolism behind the ordinance of the sacrament?
- How do these ordinances help us to "put on Christ"?
- How did you feel when you were baptized?
- How does partaking of the sacrament each week help you to remember the Savior and renew your covenants?
- What can you do to better prepare yourself to partake of the sacrament?
The Symbolism of the Temple and the Garment of the Holy Priesthood
Sister Dennis discusses the symbolism found in the temple and in the wearing of the garment of the holy priesthood. She explains that everything done in the temple points to the Father's plan and the Savior's atoning sacrifice, and that the garment serves as a reminder of the Savior's covering Atonement.
As we make covenants with God in the house of the Lord, we further deepen our relationship with Him.
The garment of the holy priesthood is deeply symbolic and also points to the Savior.
- What is the symbolism associated with the temple?
- What is the symbolism of the garment of the holy priesthood?
- How does wearing the garment serve as a reminder of the Savior's Atonement?
- How has attending the temple deepened your relationship with God?
- How does wearing the garment remind you of your covenants and of the Savior?
- What can you do to better appreciate and honor the symbolism of the temple and the garment?
Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ
Sister Dennis concludes by emphasizing the importance of "putting on" the Lord Jesus Christ through keeping our covenants, including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood. She testifies of the blessings and protection that come from doing so.
I am so grateful for the privilege of wearing the garment of the holy priesthood to remind me that the Savior and the blessings of His infinite Atonement constantly cover me throughout my mortal journey.
As I keep my covenants and obligations with God, including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood, my very life can become a personal symbol of my love and deep gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my desire to have Him with me always.
- What does it mean to "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ?
- How do our covenants help us to "put on" Christ?
- What blessings come from "putting on" Christ?
- How have you experienced the blessings and protection of "putting on" Christ?
- What can you do to better keep your covenants and "put on" Christ?
- How can you make your life a personal symbol of your love for the Savior?
