The Lord commanded, “Seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). As a missionary, your faith in Jesus Christ prepares you to learn from the scriptures and from the Lord’s anointed prophets and apostles. When you exercise your faith by praying for understanding during personal study, your faith will increase. As your faith increases, you build a more secure doctrinal foundation for teaching the restored gospel and inviting others to come unto Christ. Personal and companion study are key components of missionary work.
Prayer and pondering the scriptures help prepare us to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost.
We must seek to obtain the word.
We obtain the word by study and by preparing to teach the restored gospel.
■ Obedience to the Lord’s commandments is an important spiritual prerequisite for having the Holy Ghost influence your life. In the mission field, obedience to mission rules is necessary for building spirituality. Along with obedience, prayer and pondering the scriptures help prepare you to receive inspiration from the Lord through the Holy Ghost.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder L. Lionel Kendrick talked about prayer as a means of communication between God and His children: “When we speak to Heavenly Father, we do so by means of prayer. When he speaks to us, he does so by means of personal revelation. This two-way divine communication is critically important to our success, to our sense of well-being, to our feelings of security, and to our spiritual salvation. It is imperative that we understand the process of receiving personal revelation. We always pray to our Father in Heaven, and to him alone. Our prayers are rendered in the name of the Son and communicated by the power of the Holy Ghost. We do not pray to the Savior or to anyone else. To do so would be disrespectful of Heavenly Father and an indication that we do not properly understand the relationship of the members of the Godhead. The Savior and the Holy Ghost have important roles to play in the process of personal revelation” (“Personal Revelation,” Brigham Young University 1996–97 Speeches [1997], 251).
■ President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught the following about prayer: “Learn how to pray and how to receive answers to your prayers. When you pray over some things, you must patiently wait a long, long time before you will receive an answer. Some prayers, for your own safety, must be answered immediately, and some promptings will even come when you haven’t prayed at all” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 47; or Ensign, May 1976, 31).
■ As a counselor in the Primary general presidency, Sister Anne G. Wirthlin taught that a pattern of pondering deepens understanding: “The Savior has given us a pattern to follow as we study the scriptures. We hear the word, we ponder upon its meaning, we ask our Heavenly Father to help us understand, and then our minds and hearts are prepared to receive the promised blessings. . . . The Spirit bears witness to our hearts as we prayerfully seek to know the things of our Heavenly Father” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 10; or Ensign, May 1998, 10).
■ A missionary must study and learn the restored gospel as taught in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets and apostles. Learning gospel truths increases understanding of Heavenly Father’s eternal plan and our ability to teach it clearly to others.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Ezra Taft Benson taught about what is necessary before we can teach with power: “Before you can strengthen your students [or investigators], it is essential that you study the doctrines of the kingdom and learn the gospel by both study and faith. To study by faith is to seek understanding and the Spirit of the Lord through the prayer of faith. Then you will have the power to convince your students” (The Gospel Teacher and His Message [address to religious educators, Sept. 17, 1976], 3–4).
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■ “‘Missionaries aren’t just memorizing one message to be given all the time, like turning on a tape player,’ says Elder [Richard G.] Scott. ‘They are to fill their minds and hearts with the basic doctrine, the supporting scriptures, and how that relates to their own experiences that they can call upon. We now have missionaries who are much better equipped to introduce individuals to the magnificent message of the Restoration’” (in “Be One of the Greatest,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 15).
■ There is no substitute for studying the scriptures and the words of the prophets and apostles. There are wonderful promises made to those who immerse themselves in the study of the gospel, particularly in the scriptures. President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke about the blessings that will come: “I hope that for you [reading the scriptures] will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine” (“The Light within You,” Ensign, May 1995, 99).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder
Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Ezra Taft Benson explained what would happen when we make the scriptures a vital part of our study:
“Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. Does the Lord promise and not fulfill? Surely if He tells us that these things will come to us if we lay hold upon His word, then the blessings can be ours. And if we do not, then the blessings may be lost. However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree of life. . . .
“. . . I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings” (“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 82).
■ Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reflected on how missionary scripture study benefited him:
“[A] fond memory I have as a missionary is that of daily engaging in scripture study. The discipline of following a scripture-study plan of learning the gospel was a wonderful, rewarding experience. The knowledge of the teachings of the scriptures would unfold in a glorious way through individual study. . . .
“We would also take an hour or more each day to study as companions together. Having two sets of eyes examine the doctrine of the kingdom seemed to multiply our understanding. We would read together, then share our insights.
“Our minds were sharpened as we followed the daily practice of individual and companion study. The practice brought us closer together as companions and increased our understanding of the doctrines of the kingdom” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 93; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 76).
■ President Howard W. Hunter urged regular, daily scripture study: “We should not be haphazard in our reading but rather develop a systematic plan for study. There are some who read to a schedule of a number of pages or a set number of chapters each day or week. This may be perfectly justifiable and may be enjoyable if one is reading for pleasure, but it does not constitute meaningful study. It is better to have a set amount of time to give scriptural study each day than to have a set amount of chapters to read. Sometimes we find that the study of a single verse will occupy the whole time” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 92; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).
■ The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that study of the restored gospel is not a casual activity: “The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 137).
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley suggested that we study the gospel as he does, from the scriptures, rather than from lengthy commentaries:
“I do not concern myself much with reading long commentary volumes designed to enlarge at length upon that which is found in the scriptures. Rather, I prefer to dwell with the source, tasting of the unadulterated waters of the fountain of truth—the word of God as he gave it and as it has been recorded in the books we accept as scripture. . . . Through reading the scriptures, we can gain the assurance of the Spirit that that which we read has come of God for the enlightenment, blessing, and joy of his children.
“I urge our people everywhere to read the scriptures more” (“Feasting upon the Scriptures,” Ensign, Dec. 1985, 45).
■ Scripture study methods and strategies. The following methods and strategies can help make our scripture study more effective:
Look for principles. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the detail used to explain them. Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 117; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86). Many principles can be found succinctly stated in the scriptures, such as the Savior’s teaching on repentance (see D&C 58:42–43) and Mormon’s declaration regarding Satan (see Alma 30:60).
Mark scriptures. Marking scriptures helps you remember where certain scriptures are located, arrange scriptures into related groups, follow certain topics, and so on. Ways to mark scriptures include underlining, outlining, shading, circling, numbering, and cross-referencing. Develop a method of marking scriptures that will best help you understand them.
Use the study aids in the scriptures. The Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures include study aids such as the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary, cross-references, word and phrase helps, excerpts from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (JST), Bible and Church history maps and photographs, and chapter headings, section headings, and verse summaries. (The Guide to the Scriptures is a collection of study aids prepared for languages other than English. It can also be found on the Internet at scriptures.lds.org.)
Ask questions relating to the text. Ask such questions as: Who is speaking? To whom is the person speaking? What is the message of this verse or chapter? When and where did the events described in this scripture occur? What are some of the key words and phrases in these verses? What do these verses teach about Christ or the plan of salvation? How does this scripture apply to me right now?
Notice questions asked in the scriptures. Questions often cause us to pause and ponder important gospel truths and how well we are personally living them. For example, consider your personal response to a question the Savior asked His disciples: “Whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) or “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
Look for definitions of unfamiliar words or phrases. Sometimes the scriptures follow a word or phrase with a definition. For example, Nephi taught that some people “trample under their feet . . . the very God of Israel,” and then he explained that the phrase meant that “they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels” (1 Nephi 19:7).
Notice and learn about symbols. The scriptures often use symbols and imagery. Symbolism can be found in colors, animals, names, clothing, and so on. Many symbols lead us to Christ (see Moses 6:63). For example, use the Bible Dictionary or the Guide to the Scriptures to learn the meaning of Bethlehem, the city of Jesus’s birth. How does its meaning testify of Christ? (see John 6:35).
Insert your name. Use your name in a verse to help make scriptural teachings more personal. For example, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of [your name]” (Moses 1:39).
Notice scripture lists. The scriptures contain numerous lists that illustrate and teach the Lord’s will and doctrine. For example, qualifications for baptism are listed in Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. King Benjamin listed what we must do to put off the natural man (see Mosiah 3:19).
Memorize key scriptures. The ability to recall important scripture references and their content is beneficial to missionaries. Following are some ways you might find helpful in memorizing scriptures:
Write or print the scripture on a small card or piece of paper and carry it with you. Read it several times a day.
Divide a scripture passage into phrases. Repeat the first phrase until you can recite it. Add the second phrase, and repeat the phrases until you can recite them both. Add the third phrase, and so on.
Write the passage down numerous times each day.
Record yourself reading the passage several times, and play the recording back while traveling to school, work, or other places.
Using your scriptures, copy the first letter of each word of the scripture on a piece of paper. Then try to write the scripture from memory.
Ask family members, roommates, or friends to help you learn the passage by listening to you recite the scripture, reading the scripture to you and leaving out groups of words that you must fill in, or reading to you random phrases unique to a particular scripture and having you identify and recite the scripture.
Ponder and pray about specific passages. Pondering and praying are essential elements in scripture study. You may choose or even feel prompted to seek the meaning of a specific verse or passage of scripture. Take time to think about the scripture, pray specifically for understanding, and then be prepared for insights that enter your mind as you listen for impressions. Look to other scriptures and the teachings of the current prophets and apostles to be sure your understanding is consistent with the doctrines of the Church. When impressions come, write them down in a study journal.
■ Creating a lesson plan enhances learning and teaching. A written lesson plan helps us organize our thoughts. It is a means of organizing information in a clear and brief manner. A lesson plan begins with a single idea or topic and is supported by information that relates to the main idea. An organized lesson plan makes the information easier to recall and present to an investigator. It also helps us identify principles we may have overlooked in our preparation. Lesson plans can be as basic as writing a topic and listing under it a few related items. Or it can be a more complex collection of related information divided into several subcategories.
There are many ways to make lesson plans. Try several to determine what methods work best for you. In preparation, you may develop some general questions to answer or categories of information to look for whenever you study a doctrine, or you may change them each time to fit a specific situation. You may find that organizing material visually with simple pictures is helpful to you, or you may prefer a simple table or list. Learn the principles of preparing a lesson plan, and then choose the methods that best serve the needs of those you will be teaching.
Use a lesson plan as an aid, but speak from the heart as directed by the Spirit while you are actually teaching. Elder Charles Didier of the Presidency of the Seventy stated, “What we’re asking is for the missionary to prepare an outline [lesson plan] during personal and companion study, personalized for who will be taught that day” (in “Be One of the Greatest,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 14). He also explained: “Every investigator is different. So the missionaries prepare outlines to plan how they are going to teach an investigator according to his or her needs. The outline [lesson plan] helps the missionaries conceive the presentation in their own minds. If the presentation is well conceived, it is clear, and then the words will come easily as missionaries teach by the Spirit” (in “Teaching from the Heart,” Ensign, June 2004, 8).
The following are some general guidelines for preparing lesson plans:
Determine the main ideas and supporting concepts that are to be taught, and organize them in a logical order.
Use the scriptures and statements of the living prophets as your main resources. You may also use the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary (or the Guide to the Scriptures in some international settings), and True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference for additional insights.
Allow for sharing your personal testimony of the principles you teach.
Your general lesson plans can be enlarged and modified as you use them throughout your mission. From those you will be able to develop specialized lesson plans for the various investigators you teach. Each teaching experience is different, and a variety of ideas and approaches will help you teach effectively.
The following lesson plan considerations are provided to help stimulate ideas of how you may develop or outline a lesson presentation. A sample lesson plan is also included.
Lesson Plan ConsiderationsDoctrine, Principle, or Event State the central message you will teach. This could be a word or short phrase (for example, “Baptism,” “Faith,” or “The First Vision”) or a simple statement (for example, “Baptism is necessary for salvation,” “Faith is necessary to come to Jesus Christ,” or “Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son”). The central message may also be a more complex study of doctrine (for example, “The Plan of Salvation”). What to Teach List the points you need to cover in teaching the main doctrine, principle, or event. Scriptures List scriptures that support and help teach each of the points you will cover in teaching the main doctrine, principle, or event. Use scripture references cited in the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures, and True to the Faith and verses you find in your ongoing scripture study. Study Aids Find and write summaries of statements from the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures, True to the Faith, Church magazines, and similar sources that teach or clarify the various points of the main doctrine, principle, or event. Where possible, use the words of living prophets and apostles. How to Teach List the specific teaching methods you plan to use. These might include scriptures, pictures, and personal stories. Testify Consider how you might express your feelings about the doctrine, principle, or event. For example, you could bear your testimony or use faith-promoting examples from your own life. Remember, “faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith” (Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” 669). Central Commitments List what you will do to invite your investigators to live and apply gospel principles and keep the commitments you have given them. |
Sample Lesson PlanDoctrine, Principle, or Event The gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. What to Teach
Scriptures and Study Aids
How to Teach
Testify
Central Commitments Ask the family to pray about this message. Ask them to read selected portions of the Book of Mormon before the next visit. |
How would you describe the difference between scripture reading and scripture study?
What is the value of written preparation in teaching the restored gospel?
Think about where you are in your gospel knowledge compared with where you would like to be when you enter the mission field. Determine what you will need to do to reach that level and write some goals to help you gain that growth in your gospel understanding.
Select a doctrine or principle of the restored gospel that you would like to understand better. Study that doctrine or principle, and develop a lesson plan for teaching from your study. Use your lesson plan to teach a friend or family member.
Begin or enhance a scripture-marking program for your own set of scriptures.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
It has been said that you can’t teach what you don’t know anymore than you can come back from where you’ve never been. You must first learn and understand the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel to enable you to teach with the Spirit. You must exercise faith as you study the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets and apostles, and Preach My Gospel in preparation for teaching investigators. As you live worthily and work diligently, the Holy Ghost will help you become a proficient teacher of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bearing testimony invites the Spirit into our teaching.
We obtain the word by faith.
God promises the Holy Ghost to those who treasure up His word.
■ “A testimony is a spiritual witness and assurance given by the Holy Ghost. To bear testimony is to give a simple, direct declaration of belief—a feeling, an assurance, a conviction of gospel truth. Sharing your testimony often is one of the most powerful ways of inviting the Spirit and helping others feel the Spirit. It adds a current, personal witness to the truths you have taught from the scriptures. An effective missionary teaches, testifies, and invites others to do things that build faith in Jesus Christ. This includes making promises that come from living true principles” (Preach My Gospel [2004], 198).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained “how testimony is instilled in our hearts”: “Since it is the Holy Ghost who testifies of sacred truth, we can do at least three things to make that experience more likely for [those we teach]. First, we can teach some sacred truth. Then we can testify that we know what we have taught is true. And then we must act so that those who hear our testimony see that our actions conform with what we said was true. The Holy Ghost will then confirm to them the truth of what we said and that we knew it to be true” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 84; or Ensign, May 1996, 62).
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized the importance of testimony and the Holy Ghost in personal conversion: “The true church does not convert by signs and wonders, but by the testimony of the Holy Ghost. The Lord’s way of teaching religious truths is not by a public miracle or sign, but by a personal testimony” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 88).
■ When we study the restored gospel “by faith,” we seek understanding from Heavenly Father by praying, applying gospel principles, and searching scriptures. Our understanding and our faith in what we study grows as we live according to the truths we learn. “Like all blessings from God, faith is obtained and increased through individual obedience and righteous action” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 55). This principle concerning faith is true for both missionaries and investigators. Heavenly Father rewards our faithful efforts with increased revelation. The Lord taught, “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61). One of the challenges in teaching investigators is communicating these principles of happiness in such a way that they will apply them in their own lives and thus become converted.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “Learning is to be accompanied by faith, and as the Book of Mormon teaches us, learning ‘is good if [we] hearken unto the counsels of God.’ (2 Ne. 9:29.)” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1982, 121; or Ensign, May 1982, 84).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how gospel study works together with faith: “Profound spiritual truth cannot simply be poured from one mind and heart to another. It takes faith and diligent effort. Precious truth comes a small piece at a time through faith, with great exertion, and at times wrenching struggles. The Lord intends it be that way so that we can mature and progress” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 119; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 88).
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained:
“In modern revelation the Lord has told us to ‘seek learning even by study and also by faith.’ (D&C 109:7.) Seeking learning by study, we use the method of reason. Seeking learning by faith, we must rely on revelation. Obedient to heavenly decree, we should seek learning by reason and also by revelation. . . .
“The things of God cannot be learned solely by study and reason. . . . We cannot come to know the things of God while rejecting or failing to use the indispensable method God has prescribed to learn these things. The things of God must be learned in his own way, through faith in God and revelation from the Holy Ghost” (The Lord’s Way, 16, 56).
■ Elder Henry B. Eyring used the Prophet Joseph Smith as an example of how the Lord blesses those who study the scriptures with faith: “Pondering the scriptures will lead you to ask the right questions in prayer. And just as surely as the heavens were opened to Joseph Smith after he pondered the scriptures in faith, God will answer your prayers and He will lead you by the hand” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2002, 81; or Ensign, Nov. 2002, 76).
■ Elder Eyring also spoke about two keys to receiving the Spirit:
“There are two great keys to inviting the Spirit to guide what words we speak as we feed others. They are the daily study of the scriptures and the prayer of faith.
“The Holy Ghost will guide what we say if we study and ponder the scriptures every day. The words of the scriptures invite the Holy Spirit. . . .
“We treasure the word of God not only by reading the words of the scriptures but by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture.
“Just as pondering the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost, so does daily pleading in prayer. If we do not ask in prayer, He will rarely come, and without our petition He is not likely to linger. . . . Heartfelt, constant pleading for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, with the pure intent to nourish our Father’s children, will surely bring blessings to us and to those we love and serve” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 114–15; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 83–84).
■ When missionaries pay the price to learn the restored gospel by study and faith, the Holy Ghost blesses them with power to teach in a manner that quenches the spiritual thirst of sincere investigators of truth and motivates them to draw closer to Jesus Christ by accepting the principles and ordinances of salvation restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder D. Todd Christopherson of the Presidency of the Seventy gave insight regarding how to learn by the Spirit: “For the gospel to be written in your heart, you need to know what it is and grow to understand it more fully. That means you will study it. When I say study, I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 9–10; or Ensign, May 2004, 11).
■ The manner in which the Lord wants us to teach requires that we prepare ourselves for the Spirit. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve taught: “Our teaching will be effective if we approach it humbly through prayer and study. We will then be assisted by the Spirit in imparting the word, consistent and in harmony with what the Lord would have us teach” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1999, 7; or Ensign, May 1999, 8).
■ President Spencer W. Kimball explained how reading the scriptures brings the influence of the Holy Ghost: “The years have taught me that if we will energetically pursue this worthy personal goal [to read and study the scriptures in depth] in a determined and conscientious manner, we shall indeed find answers to our problems and peace in our hearts. We shall experience the Holy Ghost broadening our understanding, find new insights, witness an unfolding pattern of all scripture; and the doctrines of the Lord shall come to have more meaning to us than we ever thought possible. As a consequence, we shall have greater wisdom with which to guide ourselves and our families, so that we may serve as a light and source of strength to our nonmember friends with whom we have an obligation to share the gospel” (“Always a Convert Church: Some Lessons to Learn and Apply This Year,” Ensign, Sept. 1975, 3).
Why is it important that missionaries bear their testimonies often?
In what ways can you study by faith?
What does it mean to “treasure up in your minds continually the words of life” (D&C 84:85)?
Consider bearing your testimony in the next fast and testimony meeting in your ward or branch.
Select a favorite chapter from the Book of Mormon or a favorite section in the Doctrine and Covenants and spend significant time “studying by faith.” Take time to pray regarding the scripture, ponder, analyze, identify principles, and determine how you can apply what you learn in your life. Talk about your efforts with a close friend or priesthood leader.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
Heavenly Father desires a fulness of joy for all of His children. He provided a plan whereby His children may become like Him and receive a fulness of joy. This plan is often referred to as the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, or the plan of happiness. Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice are essential in this plan.
There are three stages of Heavenly Father’s plan: premortal, mortal, and postmortal. Three vital elements that make the plan possible are the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement. In our premortal existence as spirit children of Heavenly Father, we could not become fully like Him without the experience of living in mortality with a physical body. Accordingly, under the direction of the Father, Jesus Christ created the earth (see Hebrews 1:1–3). The Fall of Adam and Eve made it possible for us to be born of mortal parents, receive a physical body, and exercise agency in choosing between good and evil (see 2 Nephi 2:25–27). The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides for a resurrection, forgiveness of sin, and a judgment into a degree of glory (see 1 Corinthians 15:40–42; Revelation 20:12–13; 2 Nephi 9:22; Alma 42:23).
Jesus Christ is central to all parts of our Heavenly Father’s plan. He suffered and died to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life (see Moses 1:39). We accept His atoning sacrifice by having faith in Him, repenting, being baptized by one having authority from God, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and living in harmony with His commandments.
There are three stages of Heavenly Father’s plan: premortal, mortal, and postmortal.
Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father’s plan.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to overcome the obstacles of spiritual and physical death.
Heavenly Father prepared degrees of glory for His children.
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■ Knowing where we came from and why we are here in this mortal life helps us understand that we are living in a three-stage journey. The first stage was our premortal life, the second is mortality, and the third is our postmortal life. Mortality prepares the faithful to return to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
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| Pre-Existence, by Jerry Harston, © IRI |
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ As a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Alexander B. Morrison taught that there is a plan that will enable us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father: “Latter-day Saints affirm that life is a three-stage process, to be viewed within the context of the Father’s ‘great plan of happiness’ (Alma 42:8). Long ago, before the earth on which we now dwell came into existence, God our Father, the mighty Elohim whose children we are, established a plan whereby his offspring would experience life in mortality, with all its trials, temptations, and opportunities, and then return to dwell with Him in eternal glory. The plan provided the perfect way for all of God’s children to receive immortality and gain eternal life. Indeed, the very purpose of God’s existence—His work and glory—is to ‘bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ (Moses 1:39)” (“Life—the Gift Each Is Given,” Ensign, Dec. 1998, 15–16).
■ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the following analogy: “This is the day of our mortal probation. We might compare our eternal journey to a race of three laps around the track. We have completed the first lap [our pre-earth life] successfully and have made wonderful progress. We have started on the second lap. Can you imagine a world-class runner stopping along the track at this point to pick flowers or chase a rabbit that crossed his path? Yet this is what we are doing when we occupy our time with worldly pursuits that do not move us closer to the third lap toward eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God [see D&C 14:7]” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 15; or Ensign, May 1998, 14).
■ Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave perspective and hope regarding man’s eternal existence: “Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven. There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth and obtaining a physical body. Knowingly we wanted the risks of mortality, which would allow the exercise of agency and accountability. ‘This life [was to become] a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God’ (Alma 12:24). But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through—and not around—the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live (see 2 Corinthians 6:9). As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 102; or Ensign, May 1992, 72).
■ President Thomas S. Monson, a counselor in the First Presidency, described some of the reasons we chose to come to mortality and be separated from our Heavenly Father: “Clearly, one primary purpose of our existence upon the earth is to obtain bodies of flesh and bones. We are here to gain experience that could come only through separation from our heavenly parents. In a thousand ways, we are privileged to choose for ourselves. Here we learn from the hard taskmaster of experience. We discern between good and evil. We differentiate as to the bitter and the sweet. We learn that decisions determine destiny” (“Invitation to Exaltation,” Ensign, June 1993, 4).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about our feelings in the premortal life regarding our coming to mortality:
“One of the most exhilarating moments of your life—when you were filled with anticipation, excitement, and gratitude—you are not able to remember. That experience occurred in the premortal life when you were informed that finally your time had come to leave the spirit world to dwell on earth with a mortal body.
“You knew you could learn through personal experience the lessons that would bring happiness on earth—lessons that would eventually lead you to exaltation and eternal life as a glorified, celestial being in the presence of your Holy Father and His Beloved Son.
“You understood that there would be challenges, for you would live in an environment of both righteous and evil influences. Yet surely you resolved that no matter what the cost, no matter what the effort, suffering, and testing, you would return victorious” (in Conference Report, Mar.–Apr. 2001, 5; or Ensign, May 2001, 6).
■ The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the Savior’s Atonement was essential to the plan of salvation: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 121).
Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Presidency of the Seventy taught: “When we speak of the Atonement, we speak of the voluntary act of Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, who came to earth to provide a means whereby all mankind could elect to return to their loving Father. This ‘great plan of happiness’ is important to us and should inspire us to qualify under the provisions of the Atonement to receive salvation and eternal life” (The Atonement: Fulfilling God’s Great Plan of Happiness [2000], 8).
Recognizing that Jesus Christ was foreordained as the Redeeming Messiah before the foundation of this earth enables us to better recognize our dependence upon Him. He was central to Heavenly Father’s plan in our first estate and is central to His plan in our second estate and postmortal existence. Without the Atonement of Christ, immortality and eternal life would not be possible. Only in and through Christ can the Father’s plan for our salvation be accomplished.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that Christ is the central figure in the plan of salvation:
“Our Father in Heaven understood the need for His children to be reminded of the promises He has made to us if we would obey His laws. In making such covenants, the Lord offered blessings in exchange for obedience to particular commandments. A plan was laid out for us from the very beginning. The central figure in His plan of salvation is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice for all mankind is the centerpiece of the history of our Father in Heaven’s children here on earth.
“Each of us who accepts the divine plan must accept the role of our Savior and covenant to keep His laws that our Father has developed for us. As we accept Christ in spirit and in deed, we may win our salvation. We read in the scriptures: ‘Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore’ (Moses 5:8)” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 77–78; or Ensign, May 1996, 53).
■ From the beginning, Jesus Christ was the key to Heavenly Father’s plan for His children:
“Before you were born on the earth, you lived in the presence of your Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children. In this premortal existence, you attended a council with Heavenly Father’s other spirit children. At that council, Heavenly Father presented His great plan of happiness (see Abraham 3:22–26).
“In harmony with the plan of happiness, the premortal Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of the Father in the spirit, covenanted to be the Savior (see Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:27). Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life. Lucifer, another spirit son of God, rebelled against the plan and ‘sought to destroy the agency of man’ (Moses 4:3). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the privileges of receiving a physical body and experiencing mortality (see Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:27–28)” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 115–16).
■ Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained the roles Christ plays in the salvation of man:
“Before we can even begin to understand the temporal creation of all things, we must know how and in what manner these three eternal verities—the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement—are inseparably woven together to form one plan of salvation. No one of them stands alone; each of them ties into the other two; and without a knowledge of all of them, it is not possible to know the truth about any one of them.
“Be it known, then, that salvation is in Christ and comes because of his atoning sacrifice. The Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ is the heart and core and center of revealed religion. It ransoms men from the temporal and spiritual death brought into the world by the Fall of Adam. All men will be resurrected because our blessed Lord himself died and rose again, becoming thus the firstfruits of them that slept.
“And further: Christ died to save sinners. He took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. Eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God, is available because of what Christ did in Gethsemane and at Golgotha. He is both the resurrection and the life. Immortality and eternal life are the children of the Atonement. There is no language or power of expression given to man which can set forth the glory and wonder and infinite import of the ransoming power of the great Redeemer” (“Christ and the Creation,” Ensign, June 1982, 9).
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| The Greatest of All, by Del Parson, © 1987 IRI |
■ Why do we need the Atonement to return to Heavenly Father’s presence? Is not our best effort enough to return us to our Father? President Joseph Fielding Smith described our condition and the reason for our dependence on the Savior’s sacrifice:
“A man walking along the road happens to fall into a pit so deep and dark that he cannot climb to the surface and regain his freedom. How can he save himself from his predicament? Not by any exertions on his part, for there is no means of escape in the pit. He calls for help and some kindly disposed soul, hearing his cries for relief, hastens to his assistance and by lowering a ladder, gives to him the means by which he may climb again to the surface of the earth.
“This was precisely the condition that Adam placed himself and his posterity in, when he partook of the forbidden fruit. All being together in the pit, none could gain the surface and relieve the others. The pit was banishment from the presence of the Lord and temporal death, the dissolution of the body. And all being subject to death, none could provide the means of escape.
“Therefore, in his infinite mercy, the Father heard the cries of his children and sent his Only Begotten Son, who was not subject to death nor to sin, to provide the means of escape. This he did through his infinite atonement and the everlasting gospel” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:126–27).
The great joy and good news of the gospel is that we will live again because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ all obstacles can be overcome by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. He alone can succor and save the children of men because He “descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things” (D&C 88:6). He paid the price for our sins; therefore, as we come unto Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, we can return to the presence of the Father (see D&C 45:3–5). In addition, “as we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (Preach My Gospel [2004], 52).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Russell M. Nelson shared his feelings about the Atonement:
“I weep for joy when I contemplate the significance of it all. To be redeemed is to be atoned—received in the close embrace of God with an expression not only of His forgiveness, but of our oneness of heart and mind. What a privilege! And what a comfort to those of us with loved ones who have already passed from our family circle through the gateway we call death!” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 46; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 34).
■ “As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for an act of sin, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinners and allowing them to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross. He was the only one capable of making a perfect Atonement for all mankind. He suffered the penalty for our sins in Gethsemane and died on the cross. He took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, temptations, afflictions, and infirmities of us all (see Alma 7:11–12)” (Preach My Gospel, 58).
■ Spiritual death is described as “separation from God and his influences; to die as to things pertaining to righteousness. Lucifer and a third part of the hosts of heaven suffered a spiritual death when they were cast out of heaven (D&C 29:36–37).
“Spiritual death was introduced into the world by the fall of Adam (Moses 6:48). Mortals with evil thoughts, words, and works are spiritually dead while still alive on earth (1 Tim. 5:6). Through the atonement of Jesus Christ and by obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel, men and women can become clean from sin and overcome spiritual death” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Death, Spiritual,” 62–63).
■ Elder Earl C. Tingey explained the need for overcoming physical death:
“Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the physical body. At death, the body is laid in the ground, and the righteous spirit is received into a state of happiness called paradise (Alma 40:11–12). Those who are wicked and choose evil rather than good while in mortality go to a place within the postmortal spirit world referred to as ‘darkness’ (Alma 40:13–14) or spirit prison. From among the righteous in paradise, missionaries are selected to teach the gospel to those in spirit prison (D&C 138:30).
“It was never intended that the spirit and the body remain forever separated. After all, ‘the spirit and the body are the soul of man’ (D&C 88:15). Man was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–27), who is a glorified personage possessing a spirit and a perfected physical body (Joseph Smith—History 1:17). When we, as personages of spirit, were in the pre-earthly existence, we recognized that God had a spirit and a perfected body. Could we, in a spirit state only, become like God? No. We had to gain physical bodies through birth on a physical earth. That process began when Adam and Eve became the first physical beings on earth, possessing bodies that housed their spirits (Moses 3:7). When Adam and Eve died physically, as does every other human being, their spirits were separated from their bodies.
“One of the missions of Jesus Christ was to overcome physical death by providing a literal and universal resurrection for all mankind” (The Atonement, 56–57).
■ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bore testimony of the Savior: “The Atonement of Jesus Christ, an act of pure love, overcame the effects of the Fall and provided the way for all mankind to return to the presence of God. As part of the Atonement, the Savior overcame physical death and provided immortality for every one of God’s children through the Resurrection. He also overcame spiritual death and provided the possibility of eternal life, the life that God lives and the greatest of all the gifts of God. This He did by taking upon Himself the suffering for the sins of all humankind” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 96–97; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 71).
■ The Savior’s suffering for our sins was a part of His Atonement. We needed the Atonement to be rescued from our physical and spiritual deaths. Elder Bruce R. McConkie described the Lord’s ordeal:
“We do not know, we cannot tell, no mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane. . . .
“We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name. . . .
“. . . On a hill called Calvary . . . the Roman soldiers laid him upon the cross.
“With great mallets they drove spikes of iron through his feet and hands and wrists. Truly he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. . . .
“. . . While he was hanging on the cross . . . all the infinite agonies and merciless pains of Gethsemane recurred.
“And, finally, when the atoning agonies had taken their toll—when the victory had been won, when the Son of God had fulfilled the will of his Father in all things—then he said, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30), and he voluntarily gave up the ghost. . . .
“His rising from death on the third day crowned the Atonement. Again, in some way incomprehensible to us, the effects of his resurrection pass upon all men so that all shall rise from the grave” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1985, 9–11; or Ensign, May 1985, 9–10).
■ Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy taught what we must do to overcome spiritual death: “The Savior has atoned for our personal sins on the condition of our repentance. Personal repentance is a necessary condition of salvation but is not by itself sufficient to assure salvation. Without the Atonement, our repentance will not save us. One must also accept the ordinances of baptism and receive the Holy Ghost, by which one is born again as a spiritual child of Christ” (“The Restored Doctrine of the Atonement,” Ensign, Dec. 1993, 12).
■ Both ancient and modern scripture help us understand that all the children of God, except the sons of perdition, will be saved in a degree of glory (see D&C 76:41–43). The glories of the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms surpass our ability to comprehend. The celestial kingdom is the highest degree of glory and is the only kingdom where we can become like our Heavenly Father.
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| The City Eternal, © 2000 Keith Larson. Do not copy |
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described how comprehensive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is: “The theology of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is comprehensive, universal, merciful, and true. Following the necessary experience of mortal life, all sons and daughters of God will ultimately be resurrected and go to a kingdom of glory. The righteous—regardless of current religious denomination or belief—will ultimately go to a kingdom of glory more wonderful than any of us can comprehend. Even the wicked, or almost all of them, will ultimately go to a marvelous—though lesser—kingdom of glory. All of that will occur because of God’s love for his children and because of the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, ‘who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands’ (D&C 76:43)” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 115; or Ensign, May 1995, 87).
■ Elder David B. Haight, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught how we are all equal as we seek to inherit the celestial kingdom:
“Revelations to Joseph Smith expand man’s knowledge that Jesus Christ was crucified to save the world from sin, that through his act of redemption all mankind will be resurrected from the grave and given the possibility of eternal life if obedient to gospel principles.
“We are taught further enlightenment on Jesus’ statement ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions’ (John 14:2). We learn not only of the degrees of glory and those eligible, but that man should strive for the highest ‘heaven’ which is available, and is reachable only through obedience to all of God’s commandments. President George Albert Smith said: ‘One of the beautiful things to me in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that it brings us all to a common level. It is not necessary for a man to be a president of a stake, or a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, in order to attain a high place in the celestial kingdom. The humblest member of the Church, if he keeps the commandments of God, will obtain an exaltation just as much as any other man in the celestial kingdom. The beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that it makes us all equal. . . . As we keep the commandments of the Lord . . . we have equal opportunities for exaltation’ (in Conference Report, Oct. 1933, p. 25)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 33–34; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 23–24).
What is the importance of agency and accountability in the three stages of our eternal existence?
How does our immortality and eternal life depend upon Jesus Christ?
In what ways can the Fall be considered a positive event for mankind?
Why is the combining of spirit and body essential to our salvation?
Study “Atonement” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 617) or “Atone, Atonement” in the Guide to the Scriptures (pp. 22–23). You may want to mark information you intend to use when you teach about the Atonement.
Make a one-page summary or illustration of the plan of salvation.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
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| Moses and the Tablets, by Jerry Harston |
The Lord calls prophets to teach His children the plan of salvation. Adam was the first prophet, followed by others, such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Time and again throughout the history of the world, the people eventually rejected the prophets’ message. When this happened, prophets, ordinances, and priesthood authority were taken away and the people lived in spiritual darkness. These periods of darkness are referred to as periods of apostasy. Because of His mercy, in time the Lord called and sent new prophets to restore His gospel. Understanding this pattern of teaching, rejection, and restoration prepares a person to recognize the Lord’s hand in the latter-day Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith, who opened the dispensation of the fulness of times.
“A dispensation of the gospel is a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth. When this occurs, the gospel is revealed anew, so that people of that dispensation do not have to depend basically on past dispensations for knowledge of the plan of salvation. . . .
“The plan of salvation, which is older than the earth, has been revealed and taught in every dispensation beginning with Adam and is the same in every age of the world” (Bible Dictionary, “Dispensations,” 657–58).
There have been many dispensations on the earth. The first dispensation began with Adam. He was commanded to teach his family the gospel (see Moses 5:12). As time passed, many chose not to listen or obey and rejected God’s plan of salvation (see Moses 5:13). Because of His great love and mercy, Heavenly Father also revealed anew the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Noah (see Moses 8:16–17). But as with Adam’s family, many people chose darkness over light and ultimately turned away (see Moses 8:20).
Other dispensations were brought forth through prophets such as Abraham (see Abraham 1:2–5) and Moses (see Exodus 3:1–10). All dispensations provided the opportunity for people to come unto Christ through faith in Him, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Lord provides truth, priesthood authority, ordinances, and organization through His prophets.
Throughout history there has been a recurring pattern of apostasy and restoration.
The rejection of the Savior, His teachings, and priesthood authority resulted in the Apostasy of the New Testament Church.
The European Reformation helped prepare the way for the final Restoration.
■ God loves His children and has provided a plan of salvation and happiness for them. This plan includes saving truths and ordinances. He always reveals His plan through His prophets. Under divine guidance, these prophets ensure that the teaching of gospel truths and the performance of saving ordinances are done in the correct manner and by the proper authority. Prophets also have a commission to ensure that the Church is organized properly and functions for the benefit of those who accept the Lord’s commandments. To those who are not familiar with the role of prophets, missionaries teach why these inspired men are necessary.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that one of the roles of prophets has always been to provide truth to the Lord’s children: “Ancient prophets warned not only of things to come, but, more importantly, they became the revealers of truth to people. It was they who pointed the way men should live if they were to be happy and find peace in their lives” (Be Thou an Example [1981], 124).
■ The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that the Melchizedek Priesthood “is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven. . . . It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time” (History of the Church, 4:207; paragraphing altered).
■ President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that the Lord provides and directs the use of His sacred ordinances through His prophets: “In every age when the gospel is on earth, it must be revealed to the Lord’s prophets, and they must be called to stand as legal administrators to perform and to direct the performance of the ordinances of salvation for their fellowmen” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 6).
■ President Marion G. Romney, who was a counselor in the First Presidency, taught about the reasons for the Restoration of the gospel and the reestablishment of the Church of Jesus Christ: “For the purpose of saving mankind in this world, and in the world to come, the Lord revealed it anew in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jun. Through him also the Lord . . . reestablished his Church, ‘. . . even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ (D&C 115:4). . . . This Church is the Lord’s appointed custodian and legal administrator of the ordinances of his gospel” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1965, 105).
■ Heavenly Father loves His children and provided a plan for them to return to live with Him. To show His love, He calls prophets to whom He gives priesthood authority and revelation. Prophets have always taught Heavenly Father’s plan to His children. Those who follow the prophets’ words are blessed with great happiness. However, those who choose to disregard or distort the principles and ordinances of the gospel begin to live in spiritual darkness. The Lord often removes His prophets from among those people who reject them. When prophets are no longer present, truth, priesthood authority, ordinances, and Church organization become corrupted, changed, or lost (apostasy). When the time is right, God calls a new prophet to restore His truth, priesthood authority, ordinances, and Church organization (restoration).
The repeated cycle of apostasy and restoration through the Lord’s prophets continued through much of the Old Testament times.
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| The Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood, by Kenneth Riley, © 1965 IRI |
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Marion G. Romney described the repeating pattern of apostasy and restoration: “This has been the pattern now for nearly 6,000 years. In each gospel dispensation, men have rejected the gospel and as a consequence have sunk into apostasy, debauchery, and darkness. In each dispensation, the true nature of the Godhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—has been revealed anew. The fundamental principles and ordinances have also been revealed anew and emphasized. The importance of complying with gospel teachings has been stressed” (“‘Choose Ye This Day,’” Ensign, Feb. 1977, 2).
■ “Adam was the first prophet on the earth. By revelation, Adam learned of mankind’s proper relationship with God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ; and of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Adam and Eve taught their children these truths and encouraged them to develop faith and to live the gospel in all aspects of their lives. Adam was followed by other prophets, but over time the posterity of Adam rejected the gospel and fell into apostasy, choosing to be unrighteous.
“Thus began the pattern of prophetic dispensations that makes up much of the recorded history of the Old Testament. Heavenly Father revealed His gospel through direct communication to prophets such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Each prophet was called by God to begin a new dispensation of the gospel. To each of these prophets God granted priesthood authority and revealed eternal truths. Unfortunately, in each dispensation people eventually used their agency to reject the gospel and then fell into apostasy” (Preach My Gospel [2004], 33).
■ Elder Charles Didier of the Presidency of the Seventy explained the role of prophets in the restoration of truth during dispensations:
“Because of what Adam heard and what he saw, he qualified to be called the first prophet on earth, a personal witness of revelation given to man. His major responsibility now was to preserve the truth of the gospel and to teach it as it was given to him. Satan, on the other hand, representing the opposition, was going to do and teach anything to deny, to reject, or to ignore the gospel received by revelation, thus inducing the people who had accepted it into apostasy—a state of confusion, division, abandonment, or renunciation of their previous faith!
“The rest of the story of the Old Testament became, then, a religious history of continuous revelation through various prophets like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, at various times—called dispensations—to restore what had been lost because of renewed apostasy. These prophets were always called by God. They were given divine authority; they had the keys of the priesthood; they had a divine commission to speak in the name of the Lord and to teach and prophesy of the coming and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world (see Amos 3:7)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2003, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 2003, 74).
■ Several hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the people again fell into apostasy. Heavenly Father sent His Son to atone for our sins and restore His gospel. The Savior taught the gospel and performed many miracles during His ministry. He called twelve men to be His Apostles and laid His hands upon their heads to give them priesthood authority. He organized His Church and fulfilled prophecy. Most importantly, He completed the Atonement. The Son of God completed all that His Heavenly Father sent Him to do.
Jesus Christ gave His Apostles authority to teach His gospel, perform the ordinances of salvation, and establish His Church. However, most people rejected Jesus, and He was crucified. The wickedness of the people resulted in the persecution, killing, and scattering of the Apostles and Church members. Without revelation or priesthood authority, false doctrines began to be taught and the true Church of Jesus Christ was lost. God allowed truth, as well as His priesthood authority, ordinances, and Church organization to be taken once again from the earth because of the apostasy of His children.
This apostasy eventually led to the emergence of many churches. False ideas were taught and knowledge of the true character and nature of the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was lost. The doctrine of repentance became distorted. Baptism and other ordinances and covenants were changed or forgotten. The gift of the Holy Ghost was no longer available. This period of time when the true Church no longer existed on the earth has come to be known as the Great Apostasy. It lasted until the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Prospective missionaries should have an understanding of this apostasy and be able to teach it in a simple manner to their investigators.
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| Paul Mann, © 2002 IRI |
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Thomas S. Monson, a counselor in the First Presidency, described factors leading to the Great Apostasy:
“Most men did not come unto Christ, nor did they follow the way He taught. Crucified was the Lord, slain were most of the Apostles, rejected was the truth. The bright sunlight of enlightenment slipped away, and the lengthening shadows of a black night enshrouded the earth.
“Generations before, Isaiah had prophesied, ‘Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people’ [Isaiah 60:2]. Amos had foretold of a famine in the land, ‘not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord’ [Amos 8:11]. The dark ages of history seemed never to end. Would no heavenly messengers make their appearance?” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 73; or Ensign, May 1997, 51).
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
“[Greek] philosophical concepts transformed Christianity in the first few centuries following the deaths of the Apostles. For example, philosophers then maintained that physical matter was evil and that God was a spirit without feelings or passions. Persons of this persuasion, including learned men who became influential converts to Christianity, had a hard time accepting the simple teachings of early Christianity: an Only Begotten Son who said he was in the express image of his Father in Heaven and who taught his followers to be one as he and his Father were one, and a Messiah who died on a cross and later appeared to his followers as a resurrected being with flesh and bones.
“The collision between the speculative world of Greek philosophy and the simple, literal faith and practice of the earliest Christians produced sharp contentions that threatened to widen political divisions in the fragmenting Roman empire. . . .
“In the process of what we call the Apostasy, the tangible, personal God described in the Old and New Testaments was replaced by the abstract, incomprehensible deity defined by compromise with the speculative principles of Greek philosophy. The received language of the Bible remained, but the so-called hidden meanings of scriptural words were now explained in the vocabulary of a philosophy alien to their origins” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 113; or Ensign, May 1995, 84–85).
■ Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about how the Lord’s priesthood authority was lost from the earth:
“Early Christians endured the challenges of persecution and hardship. Peter and his brethren had a difficult time holding the Church together and keeping the doctrine pure. They traveled extensively and wrote to one another about the problems they were facing, but information moved so slowly and the Church and its teachings were so new that heading off false teachings before they became firmly entrenched was difficult [see 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Timothy 4:3–4]. . . .
“Eventually, with the known exception of John the Beloved, Peter and his fellow Apostles were martyred. The Apostle John and members of the Church struggled for survival in the face of horrifying oppression. To their everlasting credit, Christianity did survive and was truly a prominent force by the end of the second century A.D. Many valiant Saints were instrumental in helping Christianity to endure.
“Despite the significance of the ministries of these Saints, they did not hold the same apostolic authority that Peter and the other Apostles had received through ordination under the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. When that authority was lost, men began looking to other sources for doctrinal understanding. As a result, many plain and precious truths were lost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 84–85; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 65–66).
■ Elder James E. Talmage, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained that “a general apostasy developed during and after the apostolic period, and that the primitive Church lost its power, authority, and graces as a divine institution, and degenerated into an earthly organization only” (The Great Apostasy [1958], iii).
With the Apostles gone, some local Church officers gradually assumed more control without priesthood authority. These local leaders determined policy and doctrine for their local areas, claiming to be the proper successors to the Apostles. These local leaders relied upon logic and rhetoric rather than upon revelation and compromised the true teachings of Jesus Christ.
“After centuries of spiritual darkness, truth-seeking men and women protested against the current religious practices. They recognized that many of the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel had been changed or lost. They sought for greater spiritual light, and many spoke of the need for a restoration of truth. They did not claim, however, that God had called them to be a prophet. Instead, they tried to reform teachings and practices that they believed had been changed or corrupted. Their efforts led to the organization of many Protestant churches. This Reformation resulted in an increased emphasis on religious freedom, which opened the way for the final Restoration” (Preach My Gospel, 35).
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| Martin Luther Posts His Religious Theses, Dale Kilbourn, © IRI |
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from this scripture in your study journal. |
■ Elder M. Russell Ballard explained how God helped create an environment where the gospel could be restored:
“In 1517 the Spirit moved Martin Luther, a German priest who was disturbed at how far the church had strayed from the gospel as taught by Christ. His work led to a reformation, a movement that was taken up by such other visionaries as John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, John Wesley, and John Smith.
“I believe these reformers were inspired to create a religious climate in which God could restore lost truths and priesthood authority. Similarly, God inspired the earlier explorers and colonizers of America and the framers of the Constitution of the United States to develop a land and governing principles to which the gospel could be restored” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 85; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that the reformers were doing their best to find the truths that had been lost to the Great Apostasy:
“This was . . . a season of growing enlightenment. As the years continued their relentless march, the sunlight of a new day began to break over the earth. It was the Renaissance, a magnificent flowing of art, architecture, and literature.
“Reformers worked to change the church, notably such men as Luther, Melanchthon, Hus, Zwingli, and Tyndale. These were men of great courage, some of whom suffered cruel deaths because of their beliefs. Protestantism was born with its cry for reformation. When that reformation was not realized, the reformers organized churches of their own. They did so without priesthood authority. Their one desire was to find a niche in which they might worship God as they felt He should be worshiped” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 92–93; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 73).
■ President Thomas S. Monson taught about the crucial contributions of the reformers:
“Honest men with yearning hearts, at the peril of their very lives, attempted to establish points of reference, that they might find the true way. The day of the reformation was dawning, but the path ahead was difficult. Persecutions would be severe, personal sacrifice overwhelming, and the cost beyond calculation. The reformers were like pioneers blazing wilderness trails in a desperate search for those lost points of reference which, they felt, when found would lead mankind back to the truth Jesus taught.
“When John Wycliffe and others completed the first English translation of the entire Bible from the Latin Vulgate, the then church authorities did all they could to destroy it. Copies had to be written by hand and in secret. The Bible had been regarded as a closed book forbidden to be read by the common people. Many of the followers of Wycliffe were severely punished and some burned at the stake.
“Martin Luther asserted the Bible’s supremacy. His study of the scriptures led him to compare the doctrines and practices of the church with the teachings of the scriptures. Luther stood for the responsibility of the individual and the rights of the individual conscience and this he did at the imminent risk of his life. Though threatened and persecuted, yet he declared boldly: ‘Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me.’
“John Huss [or Hus], speaking out fearlessly against the corruption within the church, was taken outside the city to be burned. He was chained by the neck to a stake, and straw and wood were piled around his body to the chin and sprinkled with resin; and he was asked finally if he would recant. As the flames arose, he sang, but the wind blew the fire into his face, and his voice was stilled.
“Zwingli of Switzerland attempted through his writings and teachings to rethink all Christian doctrine in consistently biblical terms. His most famous statement thrills the heart: ‘What does it matter? They can kill the body but not the soul.’
“And who cannot today appreciate the words of John Knox? ‘A man with God is always in the majority.’
“John Calvin, prematurely aged by sickness and by the incessant labors he had undertaken, summed up his personal philosophy with the statement: ‘Our wisdom . . . consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves.’
“Others could indeed be mentioned, but a comment concerning William Tyndale would perhaps suffice. Tyndale felt that the people had a right to know what was promised to them in the scriptures. To those who opposed his work of translation, he declared: ‘If God spare my life, . . . I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the scripture than thou dost.’
“Such were the teachings and lives of the great reformers. Their deeds were heroic, their contributions many, their sacrifices great—but they did not restore the gospel of Jesus Christ” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, 20–21; or Ensign, May 1975, 15–16).
■ President Monson concluded that the work of the reformers was not in vain. It prepared an environment where the Bible was available to honest truth seekers, including young Joseph Smith Jr.: “Of the reformers, one could ask: ‘Was their sacrifice in vain? Was their struggle futile?’ I answer with a reasoned ‘no.’ The Holy Bible was now within the grasp of the people. Each person could better find his or her way. Oh, if only all could read and all could understand! But some could read, and others could hear, and all had access to God through prayer” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 74; or Ensign, May 1997, 51).
■ President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that the work of all these reformers prepared the way for the Restoration of the gospel:
“In preparation for this restoration the Lord raised up noble men, such as Luther, Calvin, Knox and others whom we call reformers, and gave them power to break the shackles which bound the people and denied them the sacred right to worship God according to the dictates of conscience. . . .
“Latter-day Saints pay all honor to these great and fearless reformers, who shattered the fetters which bound the religious world. The Lord was their Protector in this mission, which was fraught with many perils. In that day, however, the time had not come for the restoration of the fulness of the gospel. The work of the reformers was of great importance, but it was a preparatory work” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:174–75).
■ President Smith explained that the Reformation “was really the dawn of our present day. The yoke of that great power, which kept the nations bound, not merely physically but spiritually, was broken; and rays of light commenced to find their way through so that freedom of religious belief and liberty were established” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:177). The time and circumstances were now right for young Joseph Smith Jr. to be called as the first prophet of the Restoration.
What lessons can be learned from the recurring cycle of apostasy and restoration?
In what ways did the reformers help make the Restoration possible?
What can we do to detect and protect ourselves from personal apostasy?
Memorize at least two scriptures that teach about the Apostasy. Some references include Isaiah 29:13–14; Amos 8:11–12; Acts 20:29–30; Galatians 1:6–8; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Nephi 27:1; Mormon 8:28; and Doctrine and Covenants 1:14–16.
Read the account of the First Vision in Joseph Smith—History 1:5–20.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
We live in the dispensation of the fulness of times. This final gospel dispensation opened with the First Vision. President Joseph F. Smith taught: “The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world, since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith, to prepare the way for the laying of the foundation of his kingdom—not the kingdom of man—never more to cease nor to be overturned” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 495).
The First Vision began a restoration of truth, authority, scripture, sacred ordinances, and the true Church organization from God through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We share this message with the world by duty and sacred privilege.
God called Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration.
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and brought forth other scriptures by the gift and power of God.
The Book of Mormon helps bring people to Christ.
The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the Restoration.
Under the direction of Jesus Christ, the priesthood and the Church were restored through His servants.
■ One of the glorious events of the latter days is the appearance of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The First Vision opened the work of Joseph Smith as a latter-day prophet and the Lord’s anointed to usher in the dispensation of the fulness of times.
Joseph Smith was not the first prophet called of God. As discussed in chapter 8 of this student manual, God has always called prophets. Through His prophets He gives or restores truths, authority, ordinances, and scripture. He organizes His Church on the earth for the benefit and salvation of His children. If, through apostasy, the truth and authority of the gospel are lost, God eventually calls another prophet at the appropriate time and place to restore His authority and truth. The Prophet Joseph Smith was called to usher in the gospel dispensation that will lead to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Millennium.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught about the restoration of essential priesthood authority:
“Jesus called and ordained Apostles and gave them the keys of the kingdom. These keys authorized them to bind the ordinances for eternity. . . .
“The Apostles were martyred, and in time an apostasy took place. The doctrines of the Church were corrupted and the ordinances changed. The keys of priesthood authority were lost. This universal Apostasy required a restoration of authority—of the priesthood keys, of doctrines, and of ordinances.
“Joseph Smith was visited in person by God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. They told him they had a special work for him to do. Through him the keys would be restored, and the Church, as had been established by Jesus Christ when He was on the earth, would be restored. . . .
“Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist (see Joseph Smith—History 1:68–69). They were ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood by the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John (see D&C 27:12). These ordinations restored the authority and the keys for the kingdom of God, never again to be taken from the earth.
“In April of 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The true church of Jesus Christ was once again among men, with authority ‘to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof’ (Articles of Faith 1:5)” (“Restoration,” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 2003, 2).
■ President Alvin R. Dyer, who was a counselor in the First Presidency, emphasized the important and unique character of this final gospel dispensation: “Joseph Smith was informed that he had been foreordained and consequently called to be the instrument through whom God would work to establish his kingdom here upon the earth as it had been in former intermittent dispensations. But this, the last of all dispensations, is to be characterized by even greater truth, a depository period when all truths, all laws, all covenants, all promises planned by God our Heavenly Father in the pre-existence and revealed to man in part at various times in mortality for the redemption and exaltation of his spirit children, were now to be fully revealed and made available to mankind. The Lord had thus spoken unto the Prophet Joseph Smith” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1963, 50).
■ The Prophet Joseph Smith stated: “The ancient prophets declared that in the last days the God of heaven should set up a kingdom which should never be destroyed, nor left to other people. . . . I calculate to be one of the instruments of setting up the kingdom of Daniel by the word of the Lord, and I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 365–66; paragraphing altered).
■ We may not know all of the details about how the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, but we do know that the process was inspired. Spiritual gifts, combined with Joseph Smith’s faith and diligent work, enabled him to accomplish the divine purposes for the translation. He was also instrumental in bringing forth additional scripture, including the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Joseph Smith Translation of the King James Version of the Bible.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder
Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the remarkable accomplishment of translating the Book of Mormon and bringing forth other revelations by God’s power:
“Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God!
“Compare this unique accomplishment with that of other scriptural translations. The King James Version of the Bible, for example, was produced by 50 English scholars who accomplished their work in seven years, translating at the rate of one page per day. Expert translators today do well if they can also translate scripture at the rate of one page per day.
“In contrast, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon at the rate of about 10 pages per day, completing the task in approximately 85 days! . . .
“Such a pace is even more remarkable considering the circumstances under which the Prophet labored. In that same period, while enduring constant distractions and incessant hostility, Joseph Smith moved more than 100 miles from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Fayette, New York. He applied for a copyright. He received revelations comprising 12 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. Heavenly beings restored the holy priesthood. Yet he completed the translation in less than three months” (Helping Missionaries Understand the Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion [address at seminar for new mission presidents, June 23, 2000], 4–5).
■ Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also referred to the impressive rate of translation accomplished by the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“The process of translation was truly ‘a marvellous work and a wonder,’ or, as rendered in Hebrew, ‘a miraculous miracle’ (Isaiah 29:14). Depending upon his sequence of translation, scholars estimate that Joseph in 1829 was translating at a rapid daily equivalent of from eight to thirteen of today’s printed pages (see John W. Welch and Tim Rathbone, “The Translation of the Book of Mormon: Basic Historical Information” [Provo: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1986], pp. 38–39). An able, professional translator recently told me he considers one page a day productive.
“From Joseph the translator—untrained in theology—more printed pages of scripture have come down to us than from any other mortal” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 54–55; or Ensign, May 1992, 38).
■ President Ezra Taft Benson referenced the timing of the Book of Mormon in the Restoration as evidence of its importance:
“A . . . powerful testimony to the importance of the Book of Mormon is to note where the Lord placed its coming forth in the timetable of the unfolding Restoration. The only thing that preceded it was the First Vision. In that marvelous manifestation, the Prophet Joseph Smith learned the true nature of God and that God had a work for him to do. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon was the next thing to follow.
“Think of that in terms of what it implies. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon preceded the restoration of the priesthood. It was published just a few days before the Church was organized. The Saints were given the Book of Mormon to read before they were given the revelations outlining such great doctrines as the three degrees of glory, celestial marriage, or work for the dead. It came before priesthood quorums and Church organization. Doesn’t this tell us something about how the Lord views this sacred work?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4).
■ President Benson emphasized that the Prophet Joseph Smith brought forth scriptures in addition to the Book of Mormon: “‘This generation,’ said the Lord to Joseph Smith, ‘shall have my word through you’ (D&C 5:10). And so it has through the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and other modern revelations” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 104; or Ensign, May 1987, 83).
■ Elder Robert K. Dellenbach of the Seventy said: “All over the world people are seeking the witness of Jesus Christ as found in the Book of Mormon. They come from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. As was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, ‘The ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name’ (D&C 122:1). And why are they seeking after the name of Joseph Smith? Because the Book of Mormon testifies of the divinity and atonement of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Because Joseph is the prophet of the Restoration” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 11; or Ensign, May 1995, 11).
When we read the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart and real intent, it will convince us “that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God” (Book of Mormon title page).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President James E. Faust, a counselor in the First Presidency, taught that “a confirming testimony of the Book of Mormon convinces ‘that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God’ and also spiritually verifies the divine calling of Joseph Smith and that he did see the Father and the Son” (“The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Jan. 2004, 4).
■ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained why the Book of Mormon is important in bringing people to Christ:
“This inspired book of scripture is the heart of missionary proselyting. Conversion to it is conversion to Christ, because this book contains the words of Christ. The very title page of the Book of Mormon proclaims its purpose: ‘To the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.’
“Additionally, conversion to this inspired book is conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, because it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord told Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants, ‘And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel’ (D&C 42:12)” (“The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting,” Ensign, Sept. 2002, 14).
■ President Ezra Taft Benson described the Christ-centered influence of the Book of Mormon:
“The honest seeker after truth can gain the testimony that Jesus is the Christ as he prayerfully ponders the inspired words of the Book of Mormon.
“Over one-half of all the verses in the Book of Mormon refer to our Lord. Some form of Christ’s name is mentioned more frequently per verse in the Book of Mormon than even in the New Testament.
“He is given over one hundred different names in the Book of Mormon. Those names have a particular significance in describing His divine nature. . . .
“. . . Let us read the Book of Mormon and be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Let us continually reread the Book of Mormon so that we might more fully come to Christ, be committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 101, 104; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 83, 85).
■ The truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is evidence for other truths about the Restoration. The Book of Mormon stands as a witness not only for Jesus Christ, but also for His servant Joseph Smith, who translated it and laid the foundation for the latter-day kingdom of God.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley explained the importance of the Book of Mormon in relation to the Church and the Bible:
“If the Book of Mormon is true, the Church is true, for the same authority under which this sacred record came to light is present and manifest among us today. It is a restoration of the Church set up by the Savior in Palestine. It is a restoration of the Church set up by the Savior when he visited this continent as set forth in this sacred record.
“If the Book of Mormon is true, the Bible is true. The Bible is the Testament of the Old World. The Book of Mormon is the Testament of the New. The one is the record of Judah, the other is the record of Joseph, and they have come together in the hand of the Lord in fulfilment of the prophecy of Ezekiel. Together they declare the Kingship of the Redeemer of the world, and the reality of his kingdom” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1959, 119).
■ President Ezra Taft Benson testified that the Book of Mormon is the keystone to a testimony of the truthfulness of the Restoration: “The Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony. Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it” (A Witness and a Warning [1988], 19).
■ President Benson also offered inspired counsel regarding how to use the Book of Mormon to respond to objections investigators may have to the restored truths of the gospel:
“We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. . . .
“. . . All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. Here, then, is a procedure to handle most objections through the use of the Book of Mormon.
“First, understand the objection.
“Second, give the answer from revelation.
“Third, show how the correctness of the answer really depends on whether or not we have modern revelation through modern prophets.
“Fourth, explain that whether or not we have modern prophets and revelation really depends on whether the Book of Mormon is true.
“Therefore, the only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was his prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation.
“Our main task is to declare the gospel and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection. Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand” (A Witness and a Warning, 4–5).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave counsel that we can follow personally and share with investigators: “Try reading the Book of Mormon because you want to, not because you have to. Discover for yourself that it is true. As you read each page, ask, ‘Could any man have written this book, or did it come as Joseph Smith testified?’ Apply the teachings you learn. They will fortify you against the evil of Satan. Follow Moroni’s counsel. Sincerely ask God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, with real intent, if the teachings of the Book of Mormon are true (see Moroni 10:3–5). Ask with a desire to receive a confirmation personally, nothing doubting. . . . I know that you can receive a spiritual confirmation that the book is true. You will then know that Jesus Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church (see introduction to the Book of Mormon, especially the last paragraph). You will confirm that the Savior guides His Church through a living prophet. These truths will become a foundation for your productive life” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2003, 45; or Ensign, Nov. 2003, 42–43).
■ The Restoration dispelled the darkness of the Apostasy. Priesthood authority was restored. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord organized His Church again upon the earth so that the saving principles and ordinances of the gospel could be correctly administered in order to help people come unto Christ.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke reverently of the Melchizedek Priesthood Peter, James, and John held and restored:
“No king, no president, no head of state, no man of business or secular activity of any kind has such authority. . . . And yet it was given to these humble men who walked with Jesus as His Apostles.
“Three of these chosen apostles—Peter, James, and John—appeared to Joseph and Oliver somewhere ‘in the wilderness’ along the Susquehanna River. They placed their hands upon their heads and conferred upon them this holy authority.
“We do not have the date, but evidence points to the fact that likely it was late May or some time in June of the same year 1829” (address given at the Priesthood Restoration 175th Anniversary, May 16, 2004).
■ Elder David B. Haight, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, testified: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims to the world that this church is a restoration of Christ’s church. A restoration was necessary because prophets and Apostles, who were the foundation of the Lord’s original church, were put to death or otherwise taken. The Church today is built on a foundation of prophets and Apostles, with Jesus Christ as its chief cornerstone. It is therefore not a reformation, a revision, a reorganization, or a mere sect. It is the Church of Jesus Christ restored in these latter days” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 7; or Ensign, May 1986, 7).
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley also bore witness that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored:
“This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. . . . We testify that the heavens have been opened, that the curtains have been parted, that God has spoken, and that Jesus Christ has manifested Himself, followed by a bestowal of divine authority.
“Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of this work, and it is built upon a ‘foundation of . . . apostles and prophets’ (Ephesians 2:20)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2002, 87; or Ensign, Nov. 2002, 81).
In what ways is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints different from other churches?
In what ways has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to the Savior?
How will you use the Book of Mormon to help others gain a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration?
How do you feel knowing that the Lord has shared priesthood authority He gave to Peter, James, and John with young elders?
Teach one or more of the principles covered in this chapter in a home evening or other appropriate setting. Use basic scriptures and bear testimony of the truth of these principles. (It would be good practice to make a lesson plan before teaching.)
Memorize the following scriptures: Acts 2:37–38; 7:55–56; Ephesians 2:19–20; 4:11–14.
Memorize the two paragraphs of the introduction on the Book of Mormon title page.
Select and memorize key verses in Joseph Smith—History.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference