The Doctrine of Christ
​Reflected Throughout Psalm 23

Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd, is among the most familiar passages of scripture. The symbolism and parallels found intertwined within these verses are beautiful and illustrative of a loving shepherd caring for his flock. Did you know that these verses also provide a summary of the Lord’s path of salvation for us? Indeed, the Doctrine of Christ in totality can be found within the comforting words and phrases of Psalm 23. The Doctrine of Christ includes believing in Jesus Christ, repentance, becoming as a little child, baptism of water, and baptism of fire or reception of the Holy Ghost, leading to the literal return into God’s presence. A closer look at the 6 verses of Psalm 23 enables us to find the deeper meaning encoded between the words and lines.

1. The Lord is my shepherd:
This declaration shows a statement of faith. It says, I have faith in the Lord. I choose to follow Him. As my shepherd, He will watch over me, guide me and will be ever close at hand.

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…I shall not want.
He will supply me with all I need, especially showing and teaching me the path to return to Him.
 
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He causes me to ignore the chaos of the world—to reflect and ponder on His life-giving teachings of salvation and eternal life. As I repent, I also lay down my incorrect beliefs and turn away from the things that are not in harmony with His ways.
 
…He leadeth me beside the still waters.
The waters are not dangerous or tumultuous. They are calm. This phrase calls to mind baptism by water. Faith in the Lord leads me to be baptized. I am washed, cleansed and by the very act, show an outward commitment to follow the Lord’s commandments.
 
3. He restoreth my soul
This is reflective of the baptism by fire, or being reborn, and receiving the Holy Ghost—my spirit taking dominance over my body.
 
…He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Now, with the spirit as my guide, I will follow where I am directed. I am of His flock and I recognize His voice. Through my actions, I will honor His reputation and glorify His name.
 
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
The shadow of death, meaning deep and thick darkness where danger is dominant.  The earthly experience. The shepherd will lead His sheep through the darkness to safety one step at a time.
 
…I will fear no evil; for thou art with me;
I will not give up. I will rely on the Lord for I know He is there. The shepherd gives comfort and confidence. He will fight the predators attempting to destroy the sheep, even suffering wounds himself in order to protect the flock.
 
…Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Though I may feel alone, the rod, or the word of God will sustain me. His shepherd’s rod will be used to defend against attacking animals. His staff will guide and lovingly correct my path. He provides comfort to those who rely on Him.
 
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
The table is an altar, symbolizing the sacrifice prepared for and required of me. This requirement is done in the presence of enemies which is symbolic of being on earth. Notice here, as well as in a few previous lines, the pronoun for the Lord is changed from "he" to "thou". “Thou”, because God is not distant any more. The relationship has progressed from a distant to a personal one.
 
…Thou anointest my head with oil;
This is the ordinance of being personally anointed by the Lord.
 
…My cup runneth over.
I receive promises and blessings of all the Lord has.
 
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
Goodness represents God’s love and blessings. Mercy reflects the atonement realized.  Thus calling and election is made sure.
 
…And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I am now a member of the family of Christ, living in the House of the Lord forever. I complete the physical and spiritual return to Christ and God the Father. 
 
This beautiful passage of scripture from Psalms has embedded within it the Doctrine of Christ and shows the complete path of returning to God. Truly, we will not want for anything when the Lord is our Shepherd, He will lead us home.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: ​and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.