Institute Students
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (Religion 390R)

“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (Religion 390R),” Institute Selected Course Outlines (2018)

“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (Religion 390R)”

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (Religion 390R)

Text for the course: Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007).

Lesson 1: The Life and Ministry of Joseph Smith

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. … He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people” (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3).

Related Scriptures

2 Nephi 3:6–11, 13–14; Doctrine and Covenants 124:1; 135:3.

Lesson 2: The First Vision: The Father and the Son Appear to Joseph Smith

Suggested Lesson Material

  • Teachings: Joseph Smith, 27–34.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Scripture study and sincere prayer invite revelation.

  • Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith.

  • When we strengthen our testimonies, we can be fortified against persecution.

Related Scriptures

Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26.

Lesson 3: God the Eternal Father

Suggested Lesson Material

  • Teachings: Joseph Smith, 37–42.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Heavenly Father is the loving Father of all mankind and the source of all that is good and true.

  • In the Godhead are three separate and distinct personages who are in perfect unity.

  • The more we come to understand the nature and character of God, the more we can exercise faith in Him and understand ourselves.

Related Scriptures

Romans 8:16; Mosiah 4:9–12; Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.

Lesson 4: Jesus Christ, the Divine Redeemer of the World

Suggested Lesson Material

  • Teachings: Joseph Smith, 45–54.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can we receive a remission of our sins.

  • Because Jesus Christ rose from the dead, all mankind will be resurrected.

  • Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become joint-heirs with the Savior.

Related Scriptures

Romans 8:16–17; 1 Corinthians 15:21–22; Mosiah 4:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 88:106–7.

Lesson 5: The Book of Mormon: Keystone of Our Religion

Suggested Lesson Material

  • Teachings: Joseph Smith, 57–66.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • The Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God.

  • The Book of Mormon is the word of God.

Related Scriptures

Introduction to the Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants 1:29; 17:6; 20:8–9.

Lesson 6: Repentance

Suggested Lesson Material

  • Teachings: Joseph Smith, 69–76.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • By repenting of our sins, we draw nearer to God and become more like Him.

  • Our Heavenly Father is willing to forgive those who repent and return to Him with full purpose of heart.

Related Scriptures

2 Nephi 31:13; Alma 34:31–32; Doctrine and Covenants 1:31–32.

Lesson 7: Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • The ordinance of baptism is necessary for exaltation.

  • Children who die before the age of accountability are redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ and do not need to be baptized.

  • The gift of the Holy Ghost brings us peace, joy, divine guidance, and many other spiritual gifts.

Related Scriptures

John 3:5; Galatians 5:22–23; Moroni 8:11–12, 17.

Lesson 8: The Everlasting Priesthood

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • The priesthood is everlasting and has been held by prophets in every dispensation.

  • The Melchizedek Priesthood is the channel through which God reveals Himself and His purposes.

  • The priesthood keys held by prophets in ancient times have been restored in this last dispensation.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–21; 107:18–19; 110; 128:19–21.

Lesson 9: Gifts of the Spirit

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • We are each given gifts of the Spirit through our obedience and faith.

  • Gifts of the Spirit are usually manifest in quiet, personal ways that are often not visible to the casual observer.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 46:8–26.

Lesson 10: Prayer and Personal Revelation

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • God hears our prayers and will answer us.

  • When we pray in faith, we receive the blessings God sees fit to bestow upon us.

  • We can receive personal revelation through the Holy Ghost.

Related Scriptures

Alma 37:37; Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–14; 88:63–64.

Lesson 11: The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • The true Church of Jesus Christ was organized according to the direction and order of God through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

  • The Lord leads His Church through His prophets and apostles.

  • Although the forces of evil may seek to destroy the Lord’s work, no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.

Related Scriptures

Ephesians 4:11–14; Doctrine and Covenants 10:43; 20:1–2; 65:2.

Lesson 12: Proclaim Glad Tidings to All the World

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Because the world is in spiritual darkness, we should be diligent in preaching the gospel.

  • Our duty is to invite all mankind to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and become heirs of salvation.

Related Scriptures

Luke 24:45–47; Doctrine and Covenants 123:12–13.

Lesson 13: Obedience: “When the Lord Commands, Do It”

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • God gives laws that prepare us for eternal blessings according to our obedience.

  • Those who are faithful to the end will receive a crown of righteousness.

Related Scriptures

2 Timothy 4:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21.

Lesson 14: Establishing the Cause of Zion

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • We build up Zion by becoming pure in heart and working together with one heart and mind.

  • Zion, the New Jerusalem, will be built upon the American continent.

Related Scriptures

Moses 7:18, 62; Articles of Faith 1:10.

Lesson 15: Revelation and the Living Prophet

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • In all generations, God has guided His people and His Church through revelation.

  • The President of the Church is appointed to receive revelation from God for the entire Church.

  • We sustain the prophet and other Church leaders by praying for them and heeding their counsel.

Related Scriptures

Amos 3:7; Doctrine and Covenants 21:1–6; 28:2.

Lesson 16: The Great Plan of Salvation

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • We are eternal beings who can progress toward exaltation as we obey the laws of God.

  • We came to earth to obtain a body, to gain knowledge, and to become like our Heavenly Father.

  • God has given us moral agency and the power to choose good over evil.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 101:78; 132:20; Abraham 3:24–26.

Lesson 17: The Second Coming and the Millennium

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • As we look for and recognize the signs of the Savior’s Second Coming, we can have peace in perilous times.

  • If we are wise and faithful, we will be prepared when the Lord comes again.

  • The Millennium will be a time of peace, when the Savior will reign over the earth.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 45:38–59, 64–71.

Lesson 18: Gaining Knowledge of Eternal Truths

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • The gospel of Jesus Christ embraces all truth. The faithful accept the truth God has revealed and put aside false traditions.

  • Gaining knowledge of eternal truth is essential to obtaining salvation.

  • God is the source of all truth. We obtain knowledge of eternal truth through diligent study of God’s word and through prayer.

Related Scriptures

John 8:32; Mosiah 4:9; Alma 17:2; Articles of Faith 1:9.

Lesson 19: Elijah and the Restoration of the Sealing Keys

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Elijah restored the sealing keys—the power and authority to bind in heaven all ordinances performed on earth.

  • Through the sealing power, families can be sealed for time and all eternity and sacred ordinances can be performed for the dead.

  • The coming of Elijah was a necessary preparation for the Second Coming of the Savior.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 2; 110:13–16; 132:19; 138:47–48.

Lesson 20: Missionary Service: A Holy Calling, a Glorious Work

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Faith, virtue, diligence, and love enable us to perform sacred missionary service.

  • We teach the simple truths of the gospel as directed by the Spirit and with humility and meekness.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 4; 42:12–14; 50:13–24.

Lesson 21: Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Our love of God will help us bear persecution with courage and faith.

  • God’s mighty power will sustain those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

Related Scriptures

Romans 8:35–39; 2 Nephi 26:8; 3 Nephi 12:10–12.

Lesson 22: The Power of Forgiving

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • The Lord commands us to forgive our brothers and sisters.

  • Forgiveness restores unity.

  • By showing long-suffering, patience, and mercy to the repentant, we can help them return to God.

Related Scriptures

Matthew 18:21–35; Doctrine and Covenants 64:9–11.

Lesson 23: Redemption for the Dead

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • God loves all His children and will judge them according to the law they have received.

  • The Savior, Jesus Christ, offers the opportunity for forgiveness and deliverance to both the living and the dead.

  • It is our duty and privilege to perform and receive the saving ordinances in behalf of those who have died without the gospel.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 128:11, 15; 138:11–37.

Lesson 24: Receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • God commands His people to build temples.

  • In the temple we learn the things of eternity and receive ordinances of salvation for ourselves and our ancestors.

  • The temple is a place of holiness where we receive the greatest blessings God has for His children.

Related Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 109:2; 124:25–31; 132:19.

Lesson 25: Charity, the Pure Love of Christ

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • As we become filled with the love of God, we become more anxious to bless others.

  • We have a special obligation to love and care for those in need.

  • We express charity through simple acts of service and kindness.

Related Scriptures

Moroni 7:45–48; Doctrine and Covenants 52:40.

Lesson 26: Becoming Saviors on Mount Zion

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • We become saviors on Mount Zion by performing sacred ordinances for the dead.

  • God has placed upon us a great responsibility to seek after our dead.

Related Scriptures

Obadiah 1:21; Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, 22.

Lesson 27: Family: The Sweetest Union for Time and Eternity

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • Husbands and wives have a solemn responsibility to honor each other by showing love, kindness, and affection.

  • Children honor their parents by expressing gratitude to them and cherishing them throughout their lives.

  • Parents who love, support, and pray for their children bring immeasurable blessings into their children’s lives.

Related Scriptures

Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 5:25, 33.

Lesson 28: The Restoration of All Things: The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

Suggested Lesson Material

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

  • In this last dispensation, all the authority, ordinances, and knowledge of earlier dispensations have been restored.

  • The Prophet Joseph Smith holds the keys of the dispensation of the fulness of times.

  • The work of this final dispensation is of eternal importance and requires the complete, unselfish dedication of the Lord’s people.

Related Scriptures

Ephesians 1:10; Doctrine and Covenants 112:15; 128:18–21.