The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Filed under: Basic Beliefs of Mormons, Basic LDS Beliefs, Bible, Book of Mormon, Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps, Finding Happiness, Finding Truth, Gospel & Doctrine, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Judge of all Humanity, Mortal Ministry & Mission, Plan of Salvation, Premortal Life
When Jesus Christ went into the Garden of Gethsemane, He embarked on one of the most powerful experiences in human history. As He took on our sins, He suffered extraordinary pain. It was an experience that was essential for our own salvation but also one essential for His own calling in life. By experiencing the pain of sin, He became able, despite having never sinned Himself, to completely understand what we go through when we sin. This makes Him uniquely qualified to be our Savior and judge. What we’ve experienced, He has also experienced. In this article, and the one that follows, we will explore the nature of the atonement and what it means for us personally.
The Atonement is Personal
Atonement is a gift of love. Nephi, in the Book of Mormon, said, “But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love, (2 Nephi 1:15) Doesn’t that scripture help you understand the extraordinary gift of atonement? Picturing ourselves encircled in the arms of Jesus’ love is what the atonement does for us, and it’s why the atonement was done at all. Read more
Jesus Christ: The Greatest of Us All
Filed under: Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
What can I say about Jesus Christ, the Greatest of us All that has not already been said. From “The Living Christ” signed and dated by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles we learn of our Savior:
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10). (The Living Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
There is such power in a prophet and apostles testifying of Jesus Christ and all His glory. I could quote scripture after scripture, prophet after prophet, apostle after apostle and disciple after disciple and all would say the same thing: Jesus Chris is the Son of God. He is our Savior and Redeemer and only through Him, and by Him, may we be saved.
Only because of the crowning glory of creation, the Atonement, paid for in blood by Jesus Christ, are we able to attain eternal life. Only because He allowed Himself to be unjustly crucified and then broke the bands of death with His resurrection, did the grave lose its sting.
Only because He and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith, Jr. in the spring of 1820 have the full keys and authority of the priesthood been restored upon the earth. Only because He chose that boy, Joseph, to be our prophet was the kingdom of God restored in its entirety to the children of God on the earth. Only because Jesus Christ loves us beyond all comprehension is He our advocate to the Father.
I testify with all my heart and soul that Jesus is the Christ. He is that one prophesied of for millennia and He was born into the world over 2,000 years ago fulfilling that prophecy. He is our King, our Lord, our Savior and our Redeemer. He did walk the dusty paths of the Middle East teaching the purity of the Gospel once again. Without prevarication I testify that He did suffer for all our sins, sorrows, illnesses and grief, meeting the demands of eternal law and justice. He paid the price for us and asks only that we offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit in return. I assure you He was raised up on the cross and died 1,975 years ago, just before the Jewish Sabbath began. His broken and torn body was taken down and lovingly carried to the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea and Jesus arose from the grave three days later, breaking the bands of death. I promise you that the Resurrection is real and guaranteed to every human being who has lived on, is living on or ever will live on this world of God’s creation. Believe, my friends, for it is truth I offer you.
Jesus Christ asks us to remember who we are. He wants us to remember the divine heritage from which we come. He wants us to remember Him. He wants us to remember our Heavenly Father. In all things, Jesus Christ stands for us, just as He told that prophet of old, Moses:
For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
He asks so little of us, can we not give Him our loyalty and love in return?
Redemption After Repentance
Filed under: Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
All of us at different points in our lives have made mistakes. Some are small and some are huge. Depending on the magnitude of that sin, you may be saying to yourself: “I’m useless. There is no hope for me. I am not loved. God is ashamed of me. My family is ashamed of me. I can’t believe I made that mistake, there is no way back for me now.”
My friends, those are complete and utter lies. Satan is the master deceiver and you must not believe him. His only goal is to destroy and bind you completely so that you will never think to turn back from the darkness. Your Heavenly Father pleads with you to turn back to Him and let Him help you on that path to repentance. Our Savior Jesus Christ willingly paid the price of your mistakes and because He did so, there is always a path back to Them.
Sin is an insidious and dangerous thing. It chips away at your armor and then eats away at your soul until you are figuratively curled in a small ball in the farthest corner you can find from everyone. This is not as your Heavenly Father would have it. He would have you recognize what you have done, forsake that sin and come back.
There are two great examples in scriptural history of heinous crimes being committed and the complete transformation of body and spirit which occurred.
First, we have Saul of Tarsus:
A dramatic change came to Saul when he was on his way to Damascus. Saul had been “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). As he was on his way to Damascus, a light from heaven shone about him.
“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
“And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 9:4–5).
Perhaps Saul’s heart had been softened when the mob cast Stephen out of the city and stoned him and laid their clothes at Saul’s feet. But there was no doubt on the road to Damascus when he heard the voice of the Lord, which said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”
“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). Saul was blind when he arose and had to be taken to Damascus, where his sight was restored to him and he was baptized. He immediately began to preach “Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). Saul, who later became known as Paul, experienced a change that was total, absolute, complete, and unwavering until his death. (James E. Faust, “The Power to Change,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 122–24)
Saul, who stoned Christians, became Paul the Apostle, a man who dedicated his life to God once he’d seen the error of his ways. Without question, I’m certain, once he realized what he’d done, he suffered a great harrowing of his soul as he sought forgiveness for the murders he’d instigated. His repentance was complete, forgiveness was granted and redemption was found. It could not have been an easy path, but the point is that path was traversed and at the end, our Savior stood waiting to welcome him into His arms.
Repentance seems like such a scary thing, when in reality it is not only the forsaking of those behaviors and action, but also the willingness, in other words . . . loving yourself enough, to accept the forgiveness your Savior is offering you. Your Father in Heaven loves you, as does Jesus Christ, far more than you could ever imagine or understand. Yes, their hearts are saddened when sins are committed, for each sin committed draws you a little further from Them and little closer to the one who would have you drowning in an endless pool of misery.
A second example we will touch on is that of Alma the Younger:
Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.
And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king—
And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;
And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.
Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.
And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.
Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.
And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed. (Mosiah 27:8-17)
Now, that’s a wakeup call! For two days and two nights Alma lay in a state of stupor, unable to speak or move. He was suffering the tortures of the damned as everything he had done was played over and over in his mind while Satan did his best to make sure Alma stayed forever in a state of abject misery. But while this was happening, his father, Alma the Elder, along with the high priests of the Church were fasting and praying.
At his darkest moment, Alma remember his father’s teachings and he cried out to Jesus Christ for rescue from this hell. He was freed from Satan’s grasp, regained his strength and ability to speak and arose a new man. One of the greatest missionaries in the history of the world, Alma the Younger eventually cried:
O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. (Alma 29:1-2)
So, as you see my friends, there is great hope. The Savior will respond to all who cry unto Him. You have only to recognize that you are worthy of forgiveness and then you must forgive yourself. You must shake off those behaviors, turning to the Savior for strength if you cannot accomplish that.
What I would have you remember, above all else, there is hope. You must never believe the lies being told to you, or the ones running through your head. You made a mistake, now it is time to rectify it and receive that great peace of mind and heart which awaits the repentance that our Savior made possible.
An Interview with Author, Loralee Evans
Filed under: Book of Mormon, Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
Lorlee Evans and I belong to the same writers group, and as such, I have the privilege of being able to listen to testimonies being born on a number of gospel principles.
I am a single mom with four children, and am a high school English teacher. I have written two books based on events in The Book of Mormon. One is called The King’s Heir, the other is called The Birthright. I am working on a third book, and have tentatively entitled it, The Shores of Bountiful. (Loralee Evans, 28 July 2008)
Today, I invited Loralee to sit down with me and discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Candace: Loralee, as an author of Book of Mormon historical fiction, you have immersed yourself in the scriptures and then brought them to life through the medium of the modern written word. Please share with us why you chose the Book of Mormon and those particular stories to weave your tales around?
Loralee: I chose the Book of Mormon because there are so many possibilities for great stories within it. The scribes, Mormon and others, didn’t have much space on the plates, or time to dedicate to things other than what was absolutely necessary to write for our day, and therefore there are many things that happened, that are mentioned very briefly in the Book of Mormon, but not explored in depth. For example what kind of young lady was the girl who fled from Morianton and ran and told Captain Moroni all of his plans? I’ve often wondered what kind of person she was, because to do something like that, I think would take a lot of gumption and courage. Also, who was the servant of Teancum in Alma 51:33 who went with him when he went down into the camp of the Lamanites and killed Amalickiah in his sleep? Or who was the servant of Helaman in Helaman 2:6-9 who was out by night, and had learned “through disguise” about the plans of the Gadiantons? These had to be pretty gutsy, special people to do what they did, and I find it fascinating to explore what kinds of people they might have been.
Candace: What is your favorite scripture in the Book of Mormon and why? And then, adding all the scriptures in, is it still your favorite, and if not, which one is and why?
Loralee: I think the Psalm of Nephi, 2 Nephi 4:15-35 is my most favorite scripture in the Book of Mormon. Because it shows both that Nephi struggled with life, just like the rest of us, yet found strength when he put his trust in God. That scripture is very comforting to me when I am dealing with life’s struggles.
I think my favorite scripture out of all the scriptures is Isaiah 40:31. “For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” The reason why, is that I love the promises in that scripture that those who serve the Lord by obeying Him and doing what is right, will be rewarded for it. The natural consequences of their choices will come back to them in good ways.
Candace: Who is your favorite Book of Mormon prophet and why?
Loralee: My favorite Book of Mormon prophet is Abinadi. He did not see the results of his efforts before he died, but because of him, countless lives were changed for the better.
Candace: Will you please share with us your conversion? All of us, whether we are born into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, have a moment of conversion.
Loralee: My freshman year in high school, was the year we were studying the Book of Mormon, and my seminary teacher, Sister Bradshaw, challenged us to read the Book of Mormon and also to take Moroni’s challenge in Moroni 10:3-5 to find out for ourselves about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. When I tested Moroni’s promise, I was able to find out for myself that the Book of Mormon is indeed true, and that it is everything Joseph Smith said it was.
Candace: Will you please share your personal testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ?
Loralee: I am very grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the hope that it gives us all, so that we can repent of our mistakes, and get back on track. Without Christ’s example for us to follow, and the Atonement, there wouldn’t be much purpose to life.
Candace: Christians across the globe face an ever-increasing battle against those who would destroy and erase all that our Savior has done for us. What would you say to them, iven the chance?
Loralee: I would say be more concerned about doing what is right, than what is popular. There are certain rights and wrongs in this world, and they do not change just because popular opinion changes.
Candace: Please share your testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to every human soul.
Loralee: The Gospel of Jesus Christ helps me understand my own worth, and the worth of other people. As people come to learn of the Gospel, they come to see their own great worth. We are not here by accident. We are children of God, and our worth is greater than we can realize. As people come to realize this, they see themselves and others the way God wants them to.
Candace: You stand, as it were, on a world stage. In that circumstance, what message do you have for this troubled world?
Loralee: I would say, don’t be afraid to do what’s right, no matter how tough it may seem at the time. Don’t forget that you are a son or daughter of God, and thus, have worth far greater than you may know. Follow the good examples you see around you, especially the one perfect example of Jesus Christ. Doing what is right, and having the courage to stand up and defend what is right may be difficult, but it is worth it.
Loralee, thank you for being willing to share your testimony and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Gospel with the world.
Making the Most of Personal Revelation
Filed under: Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
Personal revelation is one of the key differences between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons, and other Christian churches. We believe we have the right to speak with and be spoken to by our Heavenly Father.
This people believe in revelation. This people did believe and do believe that the Lord has spoken from the heavens. They did believe and do believe that God has sent angels to proclaim the everlasting Gospel, according to the testimony of John [see Revelation 14:6–7] (DBY, 38).
We often hear it said that the living oracles must be in the Church, in order that the Kingdom of God may be established and prosper on the earth. I will give another version of this sentiment. I say that the living oracles of God, or the Spirit of revelation must be in each and every individual, to know the plan of salvation and keep in the path that leads them to the presence of God (DBY, 38).
The Lord is not everywhere in person; but he has his agents speaking and acting for him. His angels, his messengers, his apostles and servants are appointed and authorized to act in his name. And his servants are authorized to counsel and dictate in the greatest and what might be deemed the most trifling matters, to instruct, direct and guide his Saints (DBY, 41).
No man can gain influence in this Kingdom, and maintain himself in it, magnify his calling without the power of God being with him. Persons must so live that they can enjoy the light of the Holy Spirit, or they will have no confidence in themselves, in their religion, or in their God, and will sooner or later turn from the faith (DBY, 33).
It was asked me by a gentleman how I guided the people by revelation. I teach them to live so that the Spirit of revelation may make plain to them their duty day by day that they are able to guide themselves. To get this revelation it is necessary that the people live so that their spirits are as pure and clean as a piece of blank paper that lies on the desk before the [writer], ready to receive any mark the writer may make upon it (DBY, 41).
No earthly argument, no earthly reasoning can open the minds of intelligent beings and show them heavenly things; that can only be done by the Spirit of revelation [see 1 Corinthians 2:9–14] (DBY, 37).(“Chapter 6: The Communication between God and Man,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 41)
Indeed, we not only have the right to answers for our prayers, but we have the right to be inspired, guided and protected by our Father in Heaven.
Elder Richard G. Scott, a living apostle, spoke in length about getting the most of any personal revelation that is received in a CES (Church Educational System) Symposium in 1998. Without going into any great length, and breaking it down to a simple statement, he said that if we were to write down any revelation we receive and then ask if there were more, more would come. His talk detailed this process in detail as well as offering the caution to be humble and teachable.
Take this advice to heart, I have received the most precious and personal revelation, pertaining to me and my family, that I never would have imagined. You must understand, our Father in Heaven waits to hear from each of us. Much as you would call your mother or father now, to catch up and re-establish and strengthen that love and familial connection, our Heavenly Father wishes for you to do the same.
My friends, remember who you are. For you are children of God, beloved of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. Who you are matters to Heavenly Father. Your happiness or sorrow matter to Jesus Christ. Your life, every minute of every day, is lovingly watched over, rejoiced over, grieved over and wept over as decisions are made and consequences are met, be they positive or negative.
You have a right to kneel, pour your heart out and if you are willing to be still and listen, hear, literally hear the words with your heart, our Father in Heaven wishes you to feel or hear.
The first place to start would be to shake off your preconceptions and prejudices, with a humble and loving heart, kneel and ask: Is Jesus Christ the Messiah? Did He redeem the world? Is He the Son of God? Are you my Heavenly Father? Do you love me? Do you believe in me? Will you help me?
I assure you, the answers will come. Maybe not immediately, maybe a day, week, month, year or decades later, but the answer will come and you will clearly remember your question when the answer comes. When you finish praying, and listening, write all your thoughts down and then place them in a quiet and safe place where you can turn back to them often.
Your Father in Heaven did not send you to mortality without the means to “call home.” Prayer is that very sacred manner by which we may “call home.” I urge you to do it and do it often. You may be completely surprised by the changes which will take place in your life.
Trust in the Arm of the Lord
Filed under: Book of Mormon, Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
Sometimes, it is a very difficult manner to turn from the arm of the flesh, or mankind, and rely completely on the arm of the Lord. Other times it is very easy. In the Book of Mormon, we find the ancient American prophet, Nephi, beseeching the Lord in a tender, beautiful prayer known as Nephi’s Psalm. During that prayer, Nephi offers his thoughts about relying on the Lord, rather than man:
O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. (2 Nephi 4:34)
Nephi suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers, Laman and Lemuel. They tortured him, tried to kill him, tried to rid themselves of their troublesome little brother. They were wicked men who turned fully and completely from God, despite the numerous miracles they witnessed, despite the humility of their father, Lehi, and brother, Nephi, they simply chose to never turn from the ways of man.
Nephi chose, even tightly bound to a mast and left to die by his brothers, to rely on the Lord and he was delivered. The Lord never let Nephi down, at any time in his life, never. And He never lets us down either.
Jesus Christ proved His love of us in the Garden of Gethsemane and in again on Golgotha. And when we are faced with the greatest trials or are carrying the heaviest of burdens, if we turn to Him, putting our trust in the arm of the Lord, our burdens WILL be lighter. Our trials, although rough, will be overcome and we will be stronger for it.
When major and important decisions come before me, I would never make a decision without kneeling first to be certain it is the proper path for me to take.
Did I pray about going to Ricks College when I was 18? Without question and it was there my desire to become a prosecutor was turned to the knowledge that I was to pursue writing. At Ricks, which is now BYU-Idaho I formed lifelong friendships I still treasure.
Did I pray about going to BYU after finishing at Ricks? Yes, absolutely I did. At BYU is where I met Alvin, my sweetheart and husband, and hosts of lifelong friends who are still a part of my life today. Oh, and I obtained a stellar education in the process.
Did I pray about whether I should begin writing books instead of focusing on forming my own production company and making movies? Certainly. And here I am, five books under my belt and more on the way. It has sent me in a direction I never anticipated my life would go.
Once I became a published author did I pray about still pursuing a movie career, as a screenwriter? Of course I did, and now I have accepted a partnership in a movie production company. An opportunity which never would have come my way had I not been a published author.
The point I make is not to brag of my own successes, but to show you the path I have trod in my life is not the one I had planned for myself, but rather the one the Lord planned for me and without question, I am ecstatic I followed His plan instead of mine. I love my life and wake up every day grateful to be doing what I’m doing, married to the man I love and able to testify of God and His gospel on a daily basis. Life is good.
Oh, did you translate that to mean perfect? My life is far from perfect and if there were things I could change tomorrow, I’d do so. But then no one’s life is perfect, and it is what we make of what the Lord has given that proves our mettle.
So my friend, rely on the Lord. For in doing so, you will find great and unexpected treasure in places you never would have gone, had you not asked.
Will we fight our way through trials, obstacles and tragedies to find our Savior on the other side?
Filed under: Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
This is a subject I speak about with great reverence and gratitude to our Father in Heaven. Life can be very difficult, even unbearable, at times. There are moments when we are drowning in the darkness and despair and feel as if there is no light, no hope left in the world. This is never as our Heavenly Father intended it to be. He intended these to be times of reaching toward the heavens and trusting in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, to get us through.
Many years ago, President David O. McKay, the ninth prophet called in these modern times, told of a desperate time in Mormon history:
Some years ago President David O. McKay told from this pulpit of the experience of some of those in the Martin handcart company. Many of these early converts had emigrated from Europe and were too poor to buy oxen or horses and a wagon. They were forced by their poverty to pull handcarts containing all of their belongings across the plains by their own brute strength. President McKay relates an occurrence which took place some years after the heroic exodus: “A teacher, conducting a class, said it was unwise ever to attempt, even to permit them [the Martin handcart company] to come across the plains under such conditions.
“[According to a class member,] some sharp criticism of the Church and its leaders was being indulged in for permitting any company of converts to venture across the plains with no more supplies or protection than a handcart caravan afforded.
“An old man in the corner … sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it, then he arose and said things that no person who heard him will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.
“In substance [he] said, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here, for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there, too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.
“ ‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.’ ” He continues: “ ‘I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.
“ ‘Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.’ ” (As quoted by James E. Faust in “The Refiner’s Fire“, Ensign May 1979, 53 — Relief Society Magazine, Jan. 1948, p. 8.)
Can any of us say we have undergone a test such as this? Yes, I think some of us can. Certainly abuse, illness, loneliness and addiction occurs in the lives of more than we could ever possibly know. But having been through some dark times myself I can now look back and see the points in the journey through those trials where I grew stronger. I looked more to heaven. I spoke more often with my Heavenly Father. At times I simply begged for divine intervention in situations which went far beyond my control.
I look back to the moment when I first realized the gospel was true and look at where I am today and it is a night and day difference. I have become a student of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a fierce defender of my Savior. I am a better wife, a better aunt and a better daughter because of the trials I have been through.
In 2005 I had the occasion to be involved in the gathering of stories of people who suffered through great trials and came out stronger and closer to God. As I filtered through these stories I began to feel a common thread which was woven in and out of the stories. Hope and faith. With these two things came heavenly ministrations which strengthened them to the point where they could continue on, step by step, toward Jesus Christ. As I pulled the book together, placing the stories in an order that brought the smoothest flow, thoughts began to pour into my head.
As we truly began to understand the refining process, we realize, just as in the case with precious ore, that our weaknesses and addictions are swept away in that fire, and what remains is the purity and strength of children of God that we are. I testify to you, all we endure is an opportunity to grow that divine potential into a flame which will render you stronger than you have ever been. This I can tell you from personal experience.
Take on every obstacle with the understanding you do not go it alone. Realize that it is part of the refining process we agreed to before we were ever bone. Understand that we are better, stronger and more righteous at the end of these trials, more so than we ever could be then if we lived a charmed life. Know that you are loved and treasured, beyond all measure or understanding, by our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Believe it is possible, lift up your head, pick up your feet and move forward.
Will We Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Filed under: Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
Will we live our lives according to the principles, practices and precepts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Mormons don’t drink, smoke, do drugs or indulge in promiscuity. At least, Mormons who live their religion. But just what is that religion? Much conjecture, supposition and outright falsehoods have been bandied around about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormons. Many claim we are not Christians, that simply isn’t true. Many claim we don’t worship the same Jesus Christ as the rest of the Christian world. That probably is true because we worship the Jesus Christ of the New Testament, fully believing He held on to that perfected and resurrected body He ascended into heaven with. (See Acts 1:9-11)
But let’s get into the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Mormons teach it:
Our Articles of Faith say it the best, but let me summarize:
1. We believe in Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe they are three separate and distinct personages with one purpose, one heart and one mind as it pertains to the salvation of Heavenly Father’s children . . . you and me.
Joseph Smith said:
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join. (Joseph Smith History 1:17-18)
Joseph Smith later identified these personages as God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ.
3. We believe in baptism by immersion. (See Mark 1:9-11)
4. We believe in heaven, not just not a generic all encompassing heaven. Because there are varying levels of spirituality and goodness, there must needs be different levels of heaven: the Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial Kingdoms. Of course, Satan, his minions and all his followers will still abide in hell, we just call it outer darkness. For the total absence of light and hope, which is Jesus Christ and His Gospel, is outer darkness.
5. We believe families are forever if parents are sealed under the proper priesthood authority. One of the greatest aspects of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is abounding hope which accompanies the knowledge that those you love will be with you forever. There is no “until death do us part” in this scenario. Parents and children can absolutely be together forever. As one who has suffered 8 miscarriages this is of great import and comfort to me.
6. We believe in living prophets and apostles. The connection between heaven and earth was restored in the spring of 1820 when God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, Jr. Again, what hope springs forth when it is realized God has not abandoned us, nor has He ever. For even in the Dark Ages it was because man turned from Him, not the other way around.
7. We believe wholly and completely in the right of all men, women and children to worship according to the dictates of their consciences, within the dictates of the law in their own nations.
8. We believe ancient and modern scripture contains the entire Gospel of Jesus Christ, everything we need to learn and internalize to find our way back to our heavenly home.
9. We believe faith is the “substance of things hoped for, but not seen” (see Hebrews 11:1). In the Book of Mormon a fantastic lesson faith is taught in Alma, Chapter 32. We also believe, as the apostle, James taught, that “faith without works dead (see James 2:17).
We really aren’t so different from you. And in order to meet our full and divine potential we live by these teachings. We believe in loving our neighbors, worshiping our God, living good lives and remembering who we are. We believe Satan is doing his level best to make us forget and to turn us from that eternal light which awaits us.
My friends, there is so much hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With all truth restored there is no question which cannot be answered, no heart which cannot be comforted and no failing spirit which cannot be enriched. I invite you to dive in and immerse yourself in this Gospel for you will find a strength you have never known, a happiness which you have never felt and a connection with heaven unlike anything you have enjoyed previously. Dedicate yourself to God and trust that He has and will be your strength and your life.
Will We Remember Why We Are Here
Filed under: Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Jesus Christ, Plan of Salvation
Why is it so important to remember why we came to this earth? In the previous post we talked about remembering our divine heritage. Just as important as that is, this is equally so. If there was one thing Satan wanted you to never remember is why you are here.
Consider for a moment that life did not begin with your birth, nor will it end with your death. That is a powerful and enticing concept. It is also truth in its purest form. You are part of a great and noble heritage, my friend.
When Heavenly Father presented His plan of happiness, also known as the plan of salvation, to His children . . . to us, we rejoiced at the opportunity to progress. We were overjoyed at the thought we would now gain physical bodies and be able to continue on in the path that our Heavenly Father had shown us.
We knew, even then, that eternal law demanded justice and it was then that Jesus Christ stepped forward and offered to be our Savior and Redeemer. Our elder Brother, the most perfect of us all, loved us and our Father in Heaven enough to step forward although He knew the consequence. Through His great and everlasting sacrifice we now have the opportunity for eternal life. When He broke the bands of death He guaranteed resurrection, thereby immortality, for each and every one of us. When He suffered and survived the Atonement He assured our opportunity to pursue eternal life.
That’s why we’re here, to continue the journey we began so long ago. Do not let Satan distract you from the path, for at the end of that path waits our Savior and our Heavenly Father.
In the Book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price we read:
For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
And therein lies our purpose as well, to achieve immortality, which is assured, and to gain eternal life which relies entirely on our efforts and willingness to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer and to adhere to the teaching and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
No Pain That We Suffer
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.” (Elder Orson F. Whitney, in Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, 98)
Sounds tough, I know, but it is definitely worth it. This journey through mortality we are all taking was given to us as a time of testing, as Elder Whitney has just stated. We definitely knew what we were getting into, the risk and rewards, that were at stake. The whole revolves around the following:
- Will we remember our divine heritage?
- Will we remember why we are here?
- Will we accept living prophets and apostles?
- Will we accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Will we accept Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Lord, Savior and Redeemer?
- Will we live our lives according to the principles, practices and precepts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Will we fight our way through trials, obstacles and tragedies to find our Savior on the other side?
These are few questions I ask myself often. Let me take you through my thoughts on the first one:
Will we remember our divine heritage?
Last week, I had the opportunity of reading a new book called “The Journey” by J. Adams. It was a thinly veiled parable of premortality and it caused me to ponder our heavenly home as well as the thoughts and emotions I may have had as I left. I can’t remember, but a distant part of me knows that I was torn between sorrow of leaving loved ones and sheer unadulterated excitement at what I was about to undertake. According to prophets, both ancient and modern, mortality is about continuing our eternal progression–a testing period in which we could prove ourselves to our Father in Heaven–and I am certain I couldn’t wait to get started.
You might ask how I know this? It’s how I still handle things today. I look at a big job, break down into manageable pieces and get to work. Generally, about 3/4′s of the way through a job seemingly similar to the magnitude of this one I think to myself, “What was I thinking?”
Eternally speaking, I know exactly what I was getting myself into when I accepted Heavenly Father‘s call to come to earth. I did what each of you did. I said, “yes” and all of you did too, that’s why you’re here. So what do I say now when I look at what remains of my life and say “what was I thinking?” Simply this, “I am a daughter of God. See (Moses 6:18)” This is all I need to remember, every single day, to move forward with all I know I must do. So yes, it is the remembrance of my divine heritage that plays a large part in keeping me pushing forward.
Over the course of the next few days I will answer each question posed in this blog article, but for now . . . remember that you are so much more than the face you see in the mirror every morning. Remember the divine spark inside you, fanned to flame, will take you further than you had ever hoped. Align your thoughts with God. Follow the path He has trod and you might be startled to see what comes about.