The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ

The Lord defined “the fulness of the gospel” (D&C 20:9) as “the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel” (D&C 39:11). The Doctrine and Covenants contains several revelations that indicate that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel (see D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12; 135:3).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained: “The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the ‘fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.’ (D&C 20:9.) That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation. The Book of Mormon offers so much that broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. Without it, much of what is taught in other scriptures would not be nearly so plain and precious” (“The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Jan. 1992, 5).