I see many people who ask what the gospel really is. I see many who ask how we can know what is true. I see many who ask why if there is a truth, why are there so many churches.
I think this is an important question. And I think one of the reasons why there is so much controversy over the matter is because the purpose for the gospel gets glossed over, making it easy for men to capitalize with their own agendas and lead people astray.
The simplest definition I have, the cleanest way to define it that I have found is this. "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the story of how God became God, and how we can apply a set of principles to become like Him." In a nutshell that's what it is. It's goal is to teach us what actually makes God, God. Then by extension He has promised that if we follow His teachings we can be "joint heirs with Him".
So in looking at any church or organization, let us ask "what does this church teach?" If that church teaches us to feel good about who we are, that's not going to make you into a Godlike person. If a church teaches that ordinances save you, but does not require any actual repentance, that's not going to make you like Christ either.
In order to become like God, you must first determine what His attributes are. To do that you must read and study the scriptures. You must study out what the prophets can teach us about Him. Then you must strive to apply those same principles into your life.
