Gospel Doctrine: A Well of Living Waterby Nola Redd | More from this Blogger 31 Jan 2007 11:00 AM The first fourteen verses of John 4 record Christ's encounter with the Samarian woman (well, part of it, anyway). This woman came to the well in search of drinking water, and instead found the source of living water, Christ himself. Elder Bruce R. McConkie defines living water as "the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrines of the gospel." He continues, "Where there are prophets of God, there will be found rivers of living water, wells filled with eternal truths, springs bubbling forth their life-giving draughts that save from spiritual death." 17 [17. Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-73), 1:151-52.] Water, as you probably know, is essential to our survival. Without water, we will quickly perish, but if we have water and no food, we can endure far longer. Our bodies crave water in some form to survive. (Have you been drinking your eight glasses a day?) Similarly, our spirits crave the 'living water' that Christ gives freely to all. As we learn of His teachings and doctrines, the spiritual desire we have is filled. We shall enjoy "a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14). As Elder McConkie said, this water will save us from spiritual death, but only so long as we drink it frequently and often. As our bodies require eight glasses each day, so do our spirits require a constant influx of the gospel. We cannot simply drink the water of baptism and be finished. We must continue to enjoy the teachings and blessings of the prophets. We must keep the Holy Spirit as a constant companion in our lives, so that we can enjoy the constantly flowing river of eternal life. Only then can we, too, know everlasting life. Related Articles: Gospel Doctrine: Spiritually Reborn Gospel Doctrine: Because of the Simpleness of the Way RS/EQ: Casually But Not Devoutly General Conference: "Discipleship" Learn more about Nola Redd  Freelance writer Nola Redd is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, with a fourth on the way. Relevantlds tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags eternal life, faith, samaritan, woman at the well Discuss this article
|
LDS categories |
