Principles of Perfection, Volume II from the series Foundations of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ

Principles of Perfection, the second volume in a series of four on the thought and teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, is an analysis of the program of the gospel of Jesus Christ which was restored to earth through the latter-day Seer. Joseph Smith taught that the primary purpose of the plan of life and salvation is to bring man into a meaningful spiritual union with the Son of God so that he can be taught and renewed spiritually by the Master, through the Holy Spirit. The Prophet held that only within this divine union can man develop to his full potential as an eternal being and be glorified in Christ as Jesus is glorified in the Father. It follows that the value of a theological analysis of the gospel is that it may show man, through the systematic treatment of the principles, laws, and ordinances of the plan of life and salvation, how to achieve the primary purpose of that divine plan. Such a study may also help man to understand why he must achieve the spiritual union with Christ, which the gospel makes possible, and what benefits he may expect to receive by subordinating his life in truth to Christ.