If It Be Not Built Upon My Gospelthey Have Joy in Their Works for a Season

Bryan Richards
"A church that is not built upon the Lord's true gospel may have temporary success, produce some good works, and possess some spiritual fruits, given through the grace of God to bless his children and to lead them to the truths and salvation that are available only through his true church and kingdom. Ultimately, however, those churches and organizations that are not built upon Christ's gospel and are without his authorization and approval-that however well intentioned are in doctrinal error-overthrown by the power of God. There is but one way to the Father, and that is through Christ and his gospel. The works of the wicked and the labors of man are not acceptable to God outside of the parameters of the gospel because 'a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God ... and not with real intent of heart ... it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such' (Moroni 7:6, 9)." (McConkie, Millet, and Top, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 177)

Neal A. Maxwell

"The temporal causes which we champion may fail-after all we can do. But God's work of which we are part will finally triumph! He is remarkably able to do His own work, just as He has so directly stated (see 2 Nephi 27:20-21). Indeed, we are at the very center of His work. In the hassling competition of the work of the world we may lose out. But we always win when we lose ourselves in God's service.
"In the worthy work of the world, mortals will have 'joy in [their] works for a season' (3 Nephi 27:11). But everlasting and full joy comes only with God's gift of eternal life. Granted, when we are in the service of our fellowmen we are in the service of God (Mosiah 2:17). But the more we do of spiritual significance, the greater the significance of service.
"Events may turn against us, but if we are turning ever more toward God, we are on course. This is the only turning that really matters." (Men and Women of Christ, p. 130)

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