“Built Upon My Gospel”

The name is only one of the attributes of which Jesus spoke concerning his “only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (D&C 1:30). There are many churches that have the name of Jesus Christ or a derivative in their official title, but that alone does not mean they are the kingdom of God on earth. The Savior said that it becomes his Church “if it be called in my name” and also is “built upon my gospel.”

The name alone is insufficient. The true church of Jesus Christ will undoubtedly bear his holy name, but it also must be built upon, preach, and practice his gospel as he has conveyed it to the earth both through his prophets and through his own personal ministry. These verses concerning the name of the Church serve as a preface to Jesus’ subsequent teachings about the gospel upon which the Church must be built.