6/15/2025

Understanding the Dynamics of Living the Gospel

This conceptual three-dimensional model is designed to demonstrate the dynamics of one’s success in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each axis of the model conveys a crucial aspect of discipleship, and together they create a holistic view of spiritual growth and dedication.

The Axes of the Model

X-Axis: Knowledge and Understanding of the Gospel

The X-axis represents the quality and quantity of one’s knowledge and understanding of the gospel and the scriptures. This dimension focuses on the intellectual grasp of divine truths, doctrines, and principles. It includes:

• The quality of scriptural study and comprehension one has achieved.
• The clarity of one’s understanding of gospel principles such as faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
• The ability to apply gospel knowledge in real-life situations, day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment.

A high value on this axis signifies a deeply rooted knowledge base, cultivated through consistent scripture study, prayerful reflection, and pondering the teachings of Christ and His prophets.

Y-Axis: Integration of Christlike Attributes

The Y-axis quantifies how well one has integrated into their character the attributes and qualities of Christ. This dimension reflects spiritual transformation and personal sanctification, emphasizing the embodiment of Christlike virtues such as:

• Charity and Love
• Humility
• Meekness
• Patience
• Diligence
• Forgiveness
• Justice
• Judgement
• Mercy

The higher one moves on this axis, the more their life aligns with the Savior’s example, exuding His light through actions, thoughts, and attitudes.

Z-Axis: Productivity in Works of Righteousness

The Z-axis measures one’s efficiency and productivity in doing the works of righteousness. It encompasses the outward manifestation of faith through:

• Obedience to all the commandments of God
• Striving for perfect faith in Jesus Christ, perfect repentance, and perfect steadfastness in always doing what you sincerely believe Jesus would do in your place
• Never doing what you know or suspect is wrong, immoral, or contrary to the commandments or character of God

A high value on this axis reflects one’s commitment to action, demonstrating that faith without works is indeed dead (James 2:26). If you are not willing to actually do the works of righteousness, then you obviously do not truly believe that righteousness leads to maximum happiness; and you manifestly do not believe in the promises of Jesus.

We have been commanded to multiply our talents. We are to be industrious, efficient, productive, and diligent in doing all we can for righteousness’ sake, according to the talents and opportunities we are given. If we do not, then we have no claim on the salvation God offers.

Interpreting the Model

Each axis is interconnected. For example:

• Increased gospel knowledge (X-axis) informs and strengthens one’s ability to cultivate Christlike attributes (Y-axis).
• A Christlike character (Y-axis) enhances the quality and intent behind one’s righteous works (Z-axis).
• Engaging in works of righteousness (Z-axis) demonstrates a belief in gospel principles (X-axis). Righteous works also enable the increase of comprehension and belief in the principles of the gospel.

Neglecting any axis zeros out the volume of goodness and advancement one represents. For instance, without deep gospel knowledge, what you think is wise and good most likely is not and will lead to works that are not righteous or productive. And even if you understand the true attributes of godliness, if you never incorporate them into your character, then you will remain just as devilish as the devils in hell, and hell shall be your just reward. And if you neglect to do the works of righteousness, albeit you understand what they are, then you are not a wise, but a slothful servant, and shall be cast out.

Salvation belongs to those who 1) understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, 2) understand and incorporate the attributes of godliness into their character, and 3) always do the works of righteousness, doing what Jesus would do, thereby truly becoming his sons and daughters.

Salvation and exaltation are not about receiving God’s forgiveness, avoiding hell, or gaining access to heaven by following some churchy formula; it is all about becoming even as God is. The churches persist in teaching that this is not possible. The scriptures persist in teaching that this is the requirement. We really are required to believe in Jesus Christ, have faith in Him, repent of our sins, stop sinning as best we can, be baptized in His name by always doing what His name represents, and receive the Holy Ghost by experiencing the transformation and sanctification that faith and repentance enable.