The Fullness of Absolute Truth: Doctrine and Covenants 93:24

# The Fullness of Absolute Truth: Doctrine and Covenants 93:24

In our modern age, the rejection of **absolute truth** has become widespread. Many claim that truth is relative, subjective, or even unknowable. This attitude has infiltrated spiritual circles as well, where some assert that **Gnosticism** is “post-doctrinal,” that it is not about dogma or fixed teachings but only about personal spiritual experience. However, this is a misunderstanding both of classical Gnosticism and of what true knowledge—*gnosis*—entails.

### Gnosticism Is Not Post-Doctrinal

Valentinian cosmology, one of the richest classical Gnostic systems, is deeply **doctrinal**. It is a complex framework that explains the origins of the universe (*cosmogony*) and the nature of humanity (*anthropology*). These doctrines are not arbitrary or optional; they form the essential foundation for understanding salvation and the human condition.

For the Valentinians, and for us modern Gnostics who seek fidelity to classical sources, doctrine matters because:

* **Cosmogony determines Anthropology**: Our view of the universe’s origin directly shapes how we understand human nature, our spiritual potential, and the path to salvation.

* **Salvation by knowledge is absolute**: Gnosis is not vague spiritualism; it is the **correct knowledge** of divine realities, interpreted through Jesus’s teachings.

### Salvation Through Gnosis: The Absolute Truth

Salvation in Gnosticism is attained by acquiring a precise knowledge of divine truth. This is emphasized in the *Gospel of Thomas*, where Jesus says:

> “Whoever finds the correct interpretation of these sayings will never die.” (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 1, trans. Stevan Davies)

This “correct interpretation” is the gnosis—the understanding that leads to eternal life beyond physical death. It is not simply belief in a person or an idea but an awakened insight into the nature of reality as it truly is.

### Faith and Knowledge: Partners in Salvation

Some may argue that faith alone saves, pointing to verses like *Titus 3:5* (“saved by the renewing of the Holy Spirit”). Yet knowledge is always foundational. The Apostle Paul highlights this:

> “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

Faith presupposes knowledge. One cannot exercise faith without being informed of the gospel—of the divine truth.

Jesus himself prayed:

> “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

The Holy Spirit’s work is not arbitrary but works **through knowledge** revealed by God’s word. This knowledge renews the mind and spirit:

> “Ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)

Thus, the Spirit of truth operates by bringing knowledge that transforms intellectually and morally.

### Divine Truth as Absolute Reality

This understanding aligns perfectly with the teaching found in the *Doctrine and Covenants* 93:24–27:

> “And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;

> And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.

> The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth;

> And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.” (D\&C 93:24–27)

Truth here is presented as **comprehensive knowledge**—not partial, not relative, but absolute: knowledge of reality past, present, and future. Anything less is identified with **falsehood and deception**, “the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.”

This absolute truth is not merely theoretical. It requires obedience:

> “No man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.”

True knowledge and salvation come as a package of understanding and practice, of doctrine and lived faith.

### The Eternality of Truth

The Psalmist also declares:

> “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever.” (Psalm 117:2)

Truth is eternal; it transcends cultural shifts, personal opinions, or philosophical fashions. The enduring truth of the Deity is merciful, constant, and unchanging.

### Implications for Modern Gnosticism

Many modern “Gnostics” try to distance themselves from **dogma**, viewing it as a constraint or an obstacle to spiritual freedom. They sometimes claim:

> “Gnosticism is not about doctrines! That’s Orthodox!”

However, Valentinian Gnosticism teaches otherwise. Doctrines—especially about the origin of the cosmos, the nature of humanity, and the process of salvation—are essential. These doctrines are not meant to trap the spirit but to provide the framework within which gnosis becomes possible.

* Without a correct **cosmology**, anthropology becomes confused.

* Without a correct **anthropology**, salvation becomes a vague wish rather than a real transformation.

* Without **doctrine**, faith becomes blind and susceptible to error.

Thus, for the classical Valentinians and for serious modern practitioners, doctrine is **not** the enemy of truth but its necessary vehicle.

### Conclusion

The fullness of absolute truth is a foundational concept in Valentinian Gnosticism and Christian scripture alike. Doctrine and Covenants 93:24 makes it clear: **truth is knowledge of things as they are, were, and will be.** This truth is absolute and eternal, revealed by the Spirit of truth, and preserved through obedience.

To reject absolute truth is to fall into error—the “spirit of that wicked one.” To embrace gnosis is to seek the full knowledge that liberates, sanctifies, and unites us with the Deity.

As modern seekers, we must reclaim the classical Valentinian respect for doctrine and cosmology as indispensable for salvation. We must recognize that faith and knowledge go hand in hand, that gnosis is more than mystical feeling, and that truth is real, absolute, and everlasting.

---

.