“The Only and True Doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Which is One God”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

The doctrine of Christ is, in effect, the doctrine of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We recognize that the Godhead consists of three distinct beings as noted in the scriptures (see Matthew 3:17; 3 Nephi 11:7; D&C 130:22; JS—H 1:17; Articles of Faith 1:1). Nevertheless, they are “one God.” Oneness has many definitions, but when used in the scriptures by the Lord in reference to the oneness of the Godhead, it refers to unity of mission, being of one accord and purpose—just as the Lord prayed for His disciples to be one as He and His Father are one (see John 17:20–21). Another example is the occasion when the Apostle Paul speaks of husband and wife being one flesh (see Ephesians 5:31). The multitude is described as being of one heart and one soul (see Acts 4:32). We are one in the Lord (see Galatians 3:28). We are told to be one with the Lord as He is one with the Father (see D&C 35:2). We are commanded to be one, else we are not considered to be the Lord’s (see D&C 38:27). The Lord states that we are one in unity with Him and our Heavenly Father (see D&C 50:43). The doctrine of unity and oneness is the opposite of division and contention—which is fostered by the father of contention (see 3 Nephi 11:29).

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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