Early Christian Church Theology Either Lost or Changed Now Found in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

In preparation for a paper I am writing I have been reading James L. Barker’s book  Apostasy from the Divine Church. In Dr. Barker’s book is a list of early Christian Church doctrines that were clearly accepted by the Apostles and early Christian Church Fathers, yet are disputed and in many cases rejected in modern Christianity. While the paper will include analyses of these doctrines, I do not have time to post the analyses here at this time. Check back in a week or so and I’ll post the paper in its entirety.

1. God as a loving Father
2. Jesus is the Son of God—a distinct being from the Father
3. The Holy Ghost is a spirit being, distinct from the Father and the Son
4. Lucifer is a spirit son of God fallen in the pre-earth life
5. Man existed with God before he came to earth
6. God is the Father of our Spirits
7. Heavenly beings are not immaterial (created ex Nihilo)
8. The soul of man is an intelligence, spirit, and body combined.
9. Some spirit children of God were more intelligent and obedient than others.
10. The world was organized by pre-existent material, rather than created ex-Nihilo
11. Jesus was chosen in the pre-mortal world to fulfill the plan of Salvation
12. Jesus was known as Jehovah before His mortal birth
13. Jesus, a distinct being from God the Father, is the Christ
14. Jesus came to fulfill the will of the Father
15. Jesus is our Redeemer
16. Jesus atoned for Adam’s transgression and redeemed mankind from death
17. Jesus atoned for the sins of individual on condition of their repentance and obedience to the gospel
18. Jesus taught the gospel, teaching it by precept and example
19. All of God’s children must kneel before the Savior and accept Him as their king and ruler
20. The two great commandments: love God and love your fellowman
21. We must keep the commandments of God if we are to show our love and devotion to Him
22. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel
23. The office of the Holy Ghost in the godhead
24. Man has agency or freedom to choose
25. The rain falls on the just and the unjust, implying God blesses those who are not righteous
26. Repentance is necessary and must be genuine
27. Asceticism is condemned by God
28. The Lord sends “witnesses” into the world to proclaim his truth
29. The Holy Ghost bears “witness” of the truth
30. The gospel of Jesus Christ was taught to Adam
31. The gospel was revealed through dispensations
32. God presented a universal plan of Salvation  for all of His children
33. All men will hear the gospel and accept or reject it before the judgment
34. Others beside Jesus Christ will preach the gospel to the dead
35. Saints were baptized for the dead
36. The second coming of Jesus Christ
37. Elias or Elijah will come prior to the Savior’s second coming
38. The Savior will reign on earth for a millennium or thousand years of peace
39. The Resurrection was a physical re-embodiment of Jesus Christ
40. Multiple resurrections—first, second, and so on
41. Man is accountable for his actions—his use of agency
42. Man will engage in eternal progression after his resurrection
43. Elements of true worship: apostolic teaching through reading the word and expounding on scripture, breaking of bread as sacrament, prayer, and hymns
44. The Lord’s Supper or Sacrament received as a covenant by those who were baptized
45. The Church received revenue in the form of tithes and voluntary offerings
46. Church organized by Jesus Christ and ordered by His Apostles and Seventy ordained with priesthood authority to represent the Savior
47. The Church was directed by revelation through the Spirit, by vision, messenger (angel), or in person (visited by God or the Son)
48. Revelation functioned for the following purposes: reveal the future and transcend human wisdom
49. Authority to run the Church was given to prophetic leaders who were endowed with power and priesthood keys
50. Revelation to all members of the Church who were worthy and sought for it
51. The Twelve Apostles were the central leadership of the Church
52. Local leaders received their authority as delegated to them by senior church leaders
53. Bishops superseded elders in authority
54. Divine authority and guidance used in the selection of church officers

Barker, James L. 1960. Apostasy from the Divine Church. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News Press.