followHIM Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Doctrine & Covenants 18 Part 2
Guest: Dr. Steven C. Harper
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Podcast Description:
The followHIM Podcast aims to enhance your Come, Follow Me study for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by interviewing experts to provide enjoyable, original, and educational content. Each episode delves into scriptures, doctrines, and practical applications to make your study fresh, faithful, and fun.

Introduction

In the second part of their deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants Section 18, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway welcome Dr. Steven C. Harper to explore profound theological concepts surrounding repentance, the intrinsic worth of every soul, and the significance of taking upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ. Released on February 19, 2025, this episode provides listeners with rich insights and actionable reflections to enhance their spiritual journey.

Understanding the Joy of Repentance and the Worth of Souls

Key Discussion Points:

• Joy in Repentance: Dr. Harper begins by linking the joy experienced by Jesus Christ in repentance to the joy parents feel when their children benefit from their sacrifices. He emphasizes that repentance brings immense joy to Christ as it signifies a return to the Father's presence.

• Infinite Worth of Souls: A critical revelation for Dr. Harper was realizing that, according to Doctrine & Covenants 18, God's joy in the repentance of souls does not scale with quantity. Whether one soul or many souls repent, the joy remains immense, highlighting that each soul has infinite worth in God's eyes.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steve Harper [00:24]: “When we repent, it brings him immense joy because we get back into the Father's presence on conditions of repentance.”
• Dr. Steve Harper [02:43]: “God does not... commodify people. We commodify people by saying, if you can hit a home run once every 14 times, you try, you're worth a lot. God does not do that.”

Reinterpreting Doctrine & Covenants Section 18

Key Discussion Points:

• Covenant of Taking Christ’s Name: Dr. Harper explains that taking upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ formalizes the relationship between the individual and Christ. This covenant signifies alignment with Christ's purpose and the believer's commitment to live in His name.

• Misinterpretations of Joy: Initially, Dr. Harper assumed that increasing the number of souls repentant would exponentially increase Christ's joy. However, a re-reading of verses 15 and 16 clarified that Christ's joy is consistently immense, regardless of the number of souls.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steve Harper [10:34]: “Remember, the worth of souls is great in God's sight. That's why this revelation means so much to me.”
• Dr. Steve Harper [26:21]: “There's only one road that goes there, and the way is Jesus Christ.”

The Infinite Value of Every Soul

Key Discussion Points:

• Equality of Souls: Dr. Harper challenges the notion that some souls are more valuable than others, asserting that in God's perspective, every soul holds infinite worth. This belief calls believers to treat all individuals with utmost respect and compassion.

• Impact on Personal Behavior: By internalizing the infinite worth of every soul, individuals can transform their interactions, avoiding the exploitation or belittlement of others.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steve Harper [06:16]: “Even those... are of immense worth, of infinite worth in the sight of God.”
• Dr. Steve Harper [48:49]: “The family that you're going home to, the children you're going home to... your neighbors, your friends, your enemies... their souls are precious.”

The Relational Significance of Taking Upon the Name of Jesus Christ

Key Discussion Points:

• Covenant Relationship: Taking upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ signifies a covenant relationship where the individual aligns with Christ's mission and identity.

• Perfecting Through Christ: Dr. Harper emphasizes that upon making this covenant, believers are considered perfect in Christ, not necessarily through their actions but through their sincere intent and covenantal commitment.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steve Harper [42:19]: “Relational. It signifies a relationship. And in this case, the relationship is a covenant.”
• Dr. Steve Harper [43:45]: “Oliver, what are you supposed to do? You're supposed to preach to the whole world.”

Historical Perspectives on Joseph Smith

Key Discussion Points:

• Defense Against Criticism: Dr. Harper addresses common criticisms and misconceptions about Joseph Smith, emphasizing the totality of historical evidence that supports Smith’s prophetic role.

• Oliver Cowdery’s Testimony: Highlighting Oliver Cowdery’s unwavering support for Joseph Smith, Dr. Harper illustrates the credibility and divine selection of Smith as the prophet who restored the gospel.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steve Harper [50:10]: “The historical record is really compelling... the people who knew him best believed him most, including Oliver Cowdery.”
• Dr. Steve Harper [52:06]: “Joseph Smith doesn't save me. He doesn't do anything for me except point me to Christ and be the conduit through which Christ restores the new and everlasting covenant.”

Application and Impact on Personal Behavior

Key Discussion Points:

• Transformative Power of Doctrine: The understanding that every soul is of infinite worth and that taking upon oneself Christ’s name can fundamentally alter one’s interactions and approach to others.

• Mission Focus: Emphasizing the importance of preaching repentance and baptism over contending with other churches, aligning with the mission to save souls rather than engage in doctrinal disputes.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bytheway [35:05]: “That's what the Lord means by church. And the Restored Church of Jesus Christ is going to be sort of the way he's going to go about that work.”
• Dr. Steve Harper [35:55]: “If you understand apocalyptically, your membership could be in the Church of Jesus Christ, and you could still belong to the Church of the Devil.”

Conclusion

Dr. Steven C. Harper’s insightful analysis of Doctrine & Covenants Section 18 unveils the profound theology surrounding the infinite worth of every soul and the sacred covenant of taking upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ. By reframing previous understandings and emphasizing a relational dynamic with Christ, the episode invites listeners to adopt a more compassionate and mission-focused approach to their faith. The discussion not only reinforces doctrinal foundations but also inspires actionable changes in how believers perceive and interact with others, underscoring the transformative power of true doctrine.

Final Thoughts:

• Empowerment Through Understanding: Grasping the infinite value of souls and the significance of Christ’s name empowers believers to live more faithfully and purposefully.

• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to internalize these truths, reflect on their relationships, and embrace the mission to help souls find joy in repentance and resurrection.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steve Harper [56:34]: “The only remaining question is for all of us to ask an answer. Is that what we want when we go to the most sacred place on the planet?”
• Dr. Steve Harper [57:41]: “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the long life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Turn to him. Follow Him.”

Resources:

• Show Notes: https://followhim.co
• YouTube: Follow Him Official Channel
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• Facebook: Follow Him Podcast

Disclaimer: The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guests and podcasters alone.