$0+
Joseph Smith taught that the Saints would never leave the first principles and
ordinances of the gospel behind as they traveled the road to perfection in the kingdom
of God.1 Nevertheless, part of the plan of life and salvation is designated as the
preparatory gospel. The purpose of this phase of the gospel plan is “to prepare the way
for a greater revelation of God.”2 It does not function independent of the higher
principles and ordinances of the gospel, but in conjunction with them.
Place Of Faith In Preparatory Gospel
Faith the First Principle of the Gospel
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not designated specifically as part of the
preparatory gospel,3 yet Joseph Smith declared that it is the first principle in the over-all
program of life and salvation4 and "the foundation of all righteousness."5 For these
reasons, it is the basis of the preparatory gospel.