Changes to Gospel Principles
The following are some notable changes between editions of Gospel Principles. The editions published are as follows: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1995, 1997, and 2009.
Underlined text marks something as new. Not all changes have been
compiled, but only what seemed at least moderately notable. The most
salient changes are marked in
yellow. The removed parts are dashed-through. We recommend taking a special look at the changes made in
the 2009 version to chapter 47.
The author is Aaron S. If you would prefer to look at individual chapters, click here.
Chapter 1 - Our Heavenly Father
1997 to 2009
God is the one Supreme and Absolute Being in whom we
believe and whom we worship. He is the Creator, Ruler, and
Preserver of all things (see Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 18–23) "the
Great Parent of the universe," and He "looks upon the whole of
the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard"
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 39)...
Because we are made in His image (see Moses 2:26; 6:9), we know that God
has a body that looks our bodies are like ours
His body. His eternal spirit is housed in a tangible body of flesh and
bones (see D&C 130:22). God's body, however, is perfected and
glorified, with a glory beyond all description.
God is perfect. He is a God of righteousness, with attributes such as love, mercy, charity, truth, power, faith, knowledge, and judgment. He has all power. He knows all things. He is full of goodness.
All good things come from God. Everything that He does is to help His
children become like Him—a
god. He has said, "Behold, this is my work and my
glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"
(Moses 1:39)...
Joseph Smith—History 1:17 (Father and Son are separate beings)
Chapter 2 - Our Heavenly Family
1997 to 2009
Every person who was ever born on earth was is
our spirit brother or sister in heaven. The first spirit born
to our heavenly parents was Jesus Christ (see D&C 93:21), so he
is literally our elder brother (see Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 26).
Because we are the spiritual spirit children of our
heavenly parents God, we have inherited the potential
to develop their His divine qualities. If
we choose to do so Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,
we can become perfect, just as they are like
our Heavenly Father and receive a fulness of joy...
We were not all alike in heaven. We know, for example, that we
were given sons and daughters of heavenly
parents—males and females (see "The Family: A Proclamation to the
World," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). We possessed different
talents and abilities, and we were called to do different things on
earth. (See Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 51.) We
can learn more about our talents and callings "eternal
possibilities" when we receive our patriarchal blessings (see Harold
B. Lee, Stand Ye Thomas S. Monson, in Holy
Places, p. 117). Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 82; or
Ensign, Nov. 1986, 66).
Even though we have forgotten, A veil covers our
memories of our premortal life, but our Father in Heaven remembers
knows who we are and what we did before we came here (see
Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 50)...
Our heavenly parents provided us with a celestial home more
glorious and beautiful than any place on earth. We were happy there. Yet
they Heavenly Father knew we could not progress beyond a
certain point unless we left them Him for a time. They
He wanted us to develop the godlike qualities that they
have He has. To do this, we needed to leave our celestial
premortal home to be tested and to gain experience. We
needed to choose good over evil. Our spirits needed to be
clothed with physical bodies. We would need to leave our physical bodies
at death and reunite with them in the Resurrection. Then we would
receive immortal bodies like those that of our heavenly
parents Heavenly Father. If we passed our tests, we
would receive the fulness of joy that our heavenly parents have
Heavenly Father has received. (See D&C 93:30-34.)...
Since we could not
progress further in heaven, Our Heavenly
Father called a Grand Council to present His plan for our progression...
We learned that He would provide an earth for us where we would be
tested prove ourselves (see Abraham 3:24-26). A veil
would cover our memories, and we would forget our heavenly home. This
would be necessary so we could exercise our agency to choose
good or evil without being influenced by the memory of living with our
Heavenly Father...
At the Grand Council we also learned the purpose for our progression:
to have a fulness of joy. However, we also learned that not
all of our Father’s children would want to receive a fulness of joy.
Some of us some would be deceived, choose other
paths, and lose their way...
At this council we also learned that because of our weakness, all of
us except little children would sin (see D&C 29:46-47).
We learned that a Savior would be provided for us so we could overcome
our sins and overcome death with resurrection. We learned that if we
placed our faith in Him, obeying His word and following His example, we
would be exalted and become like our heavenly parents Heavenly
Father. We would receive a fulness of joy.
Chapter 3 - Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior
1997 to 2009
We understood that we would have to leave our heavenly home for a
time. We would not live in the presence of our heavenly parents
Heavenly Father...
Two of our brothers
offered to help. Our oldest brother, Jesus Christ, who
was called Jehovah, said, "Here am I, send me" (Abraham 3:27;
see also Moses 4:1-4)...
Satan wanted to force us all to do his will. Under his plan, we would not be allowed to choose. He would take away the freedom of choice that our Father had given us. Satan wanted to have all the honor for our salvation. Under his proposal, our purpose in coming to earth would have been frustrated (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 207)...
Satan and his followers fought against Jesus Christ and His followers. The Savior's followers "overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11)...
In our premortal life, we chose the right to follow
Jesus Christ and accept God's plan. We must continue to choose
the right follow Jesus Christ here on earth. Only by
following Him can we return to our heavenly home...
By following His teachings, we can return to live with him
and our heavenly parents inherit a place in the
celestial kingdom. He was chosen to be our Savior when we all
attended the great council with our heavenly parents. When he
became our Savior, He did His part to help us return to our
heavenly home. It is now up to each of us to do our part and become
worthy of exaltation.
Chapter 4 - Freedom to Choose
1997 to 2009
Agency maybe have been was one of the first
principal issues to arise in the premortal Council in Heaven.
It was one of the main causes of the conflict between the followers of
Christ and the followers of Satan. Satan said he would bring said,
"Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem
all of us back to our Father’s presence, but mankind,
that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give
me thine honor" (Moses 4:1). In saying this, he would
have taken away our agency. When his "rebelled
against [God] and sought to destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3).
His offer was rejected, he rebelled and he was cast out
of heaven with his followers (see D&C 29:36-37)...
We cannot choose righteousness unless the opposites of good and evil are placed before us...
The consequences, whether good or bad, follow as a natural result of
any choice we make (see Revelation 22:12). If we touch a hot flame,
for example, we are burned.
Chapter 5 - The Creation
God's Plan for Us
Discussion Discussion
Carrying Out the Creation
God's Creations Show His Love
Discussion
Discuss how we can show reverence for plants and animals.Discuss the purpose of God's creations (see D&C 59:18-19).How do God's creations show that he loves us?To help develop an appreciation for the beauty of God's creations,
you might do the following activities for home evenings: plan a
picnic, plant a garden, take a nature walk, enjoy a sunrise or
sunset.
Chapter 6 - The Fall of Adam and Eve
1997 to 2009
Adam and Eve Were the First to Come to Earth
- What evidence helps us know that Adam and Eve were valiant spirits?
Adam and Eve were chosen
to be the first people to live on the earth (see Moses 1:34; 4:26).
Discussion
- Read D&C 107:54-56. Who was Adam? What was he chosen to do?
Adam and Eve were among our Father's noblest children. In the spirit world
Adam was called Michael the Archangel (see D&C 27:11; Jude 1:9). He was
chosen by our Heavenly Father to lead the righteous in the battle against Satan
(see Revelation 12:7-9). Adam and Eve were foreordained to become our the
first parents
of the human race.
Although the scriptures do not tell us anything about Eve before she came to
earth, she must have been a choice daughter of God. She was called Eve because
she was the mother of all living (see Moses 4:26). She was given to Adam God
brought Adam and Eve together in marriage because
God said "it was not good that the man should be alone" (Moses 3:18; see
also 1 Corinthians 11:11).
Discussion
- Read Revelation 12:7-9. How did Adam (Michael) prove that he was a valiant spirit?
- Why was Eve given to Adam?
The Garden of Eden
- Under what conditions did Adam and Eve live in the Garden of Eden?
When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were not yet
mortal. In this state, "they would have no children" (2 Nephi 2:23).
They were not able to have children
God commanded them to have children
Discussion
- Read Moses 4:6-32. How was the Garden of Eden different from the world as we know it?
- Discuss the conditions of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
- What physical and spiritual changes occurred in Adam and Eve as a result of their transgression?
Their physical condition changed as a result of their eating the forbidden
fruit. As God had promised, they became mortal. They were
able to have children.
They and their children would experience sickness, pain, and physical death.
Because of their transgression, Adam and Eve also suffered spiritual death. This
meant they and their children could not walk and talk face to face with God.
Because Satan had introduced evil into the
world, Adam and Eve and their
children were separated from God both physically and spiritually.
Discussion
- As a result of their transgression, what physical change occurred in Adam and Eve? What spiritual change occurred?
- Read Moses 5:1-5. What was life like for Adam and Eve outside the Garden of Eden?
- How does the Fall provide opportunities for us to become like our Heavenly Father?
Discussion
- Read Moses 5:6-12. After the Fall, how did Adam and Eve feel about their transgression and the Lord's promise to redeem them?
Chapter 7 - The Holy Ghost
1997 to 2009
The Holy Ghost Came to Adam and Eve
- Why did Adam and Eve need the guidance of the Holy Ghost?
Thus, spirit children of our Heavenly Father began leaving his presence to come to the earth as they had been promised (see Abraham 3:24-25).
Why Did the Holy Ghost Come to
Adam?
Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer. He spoke to them
and gave them commandments, which they obeyed. (See Moses 5:4-5.)
Discussion
- Read the account of the Holy Ghost being sent to Adam and Eve (see Moses 5:4-11).
- Discuss why the Holy Ghost was sent to them.
Attributes of the Holy Ghost
- How does the Holy Ghost differ from the Father and the Son? Why is that difference important to us?
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (see 1 John 5:7; D&C
20:28). He is a "personage of Spirit" that
has the form and likeness of a man (D&C 130:22).
Discussion
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:22. Discuss how the Holy Ghost differs from the Father and the Son.
- How are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one? To answer, use the example of a father, mother, and children working for one same purpose. Relate examples.
- How can the influence of the Holy Ghost be in many places at one time? To answer, compare the Holy Ghost to the sun. There is just one sun, but its light and warmth are felt by everyone on earth.
The Mission of the Holy Ghost
- What are some of the truths that the Holy Ghost reveals to us?
The Holy Ghost will witness to us that Jesus is our Savior and
Redeemer (see 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 20:27; Hebrews 10:15).
Discussion
- Why is the Holy Ghost necessary? Read again the statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith.
- Encourage the members to tell how they felt when the Holy Ghost bore witness to them of the truthfulness of the gospel.
Additional Scriptures
- D&C 130:22
2 Nephi 31:21(Holy Ghost identified)
Chapter 8 - Praying to Our Heavenly Father
Additional Scriptures
- 3 Nephi 19:6, 24;
1 Timothy 4:15 (how to pray)
Chapter 9 - Prophets of God
1997 to 2009
Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet, sailed journeyed
from Jerusalem to the American continent about six hundred Americas
600 years before the birth of Christ...
He holds "the keys of the kingdom," meaning that he has the
right authority to control direct
the administration entire Church and kingdom of God
on earth, including the administration of priesthood
ordinances (see Matthew 16:19). No person except the chosen prophet and
President can receive God's will for the entire membership of
the Church. The Lord said, "There is never but one on the
earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are
conferred" (D&C 132:7). The President of the Church is assisted
by his counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum
of the Twelve, who are also prophets, seers, and revelatory...
"I say to Israel, The Lord will never permit me or
any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.
It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to
attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so he
will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from
the oracles of God and from their duty. God bless you." (Discourses
of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 212-13; see also Official Declaration 1 Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff [2004], 199)...
A story from the life of Lorenzo Snow, the fifth president of
the restored Church, shows how God rewards his people for their
obedience. In those days the Church was suffering great financial
trouble and had little money to pay its debts. Then more trouble came. A
great drought afflicted many of the Saints. President Snow went to the
Lord and prayed for relief. One day as the prophet was speaking in the
St. George Tabernacle in Utah, the Holy Ghost inspiredhimto promise the
Saints that they would receive rain if they would pay a full tithe. He
quoted Malachi: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . .
and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open
you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). The people obeyed
their prophet, and the rains fell on the parched crops.
In order to stand, the true Church must be built upon the
foundation of prophets "built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
Chapter 10 - Scriptures
1997 to 2009
Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has expanded our understanding of some passages in the Bible. The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to restore truths to the Bible text that had been lost or changed since the original words were written. These inspired corrections are called the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. In the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible, selected passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are found on pages 797-813 and in many footnotes...
The book of Moses contains an account of some of the visions and
writings of Moses, revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in June and
December 1830...
Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications,
the Liahona or Ensign magazine, and instructions to local
priesthood leaders...
Our standard works should be placed where our children will see
them and We should read the standard works with our children
so they will learn to love them and use them for the truths they
contain.
Chapter 11 - The Life of Christ
1997 to 2009
All of the prophets since Christ have testified that He did come. All
of us need to study the life of the Savior and follow Him faithfully
throughout our lives. We
each need to have a personal relationship with him...
By the time He was 12 years old, Jesus knew he had
grown in His understanding that He had been sent to do the will of
His Father. He went with His parents to Jerusalem. When His parents were
returning home, they discovered that He was not with their group. They
went back to Jerusalem to look for Him. "After three days they
found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both
hearing them, and asking them questions and they were hearing
him, and asking him questions" (Joseph Smith
Translation, Luke 2:46)...
Joseph and Mary were relieved to find Him, but unhappy that he
had treated them so "they were amazed: and his mother said
unto him, Son, why bast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and
I have sought thee sorrowing." Jesus answered her gently,
reminding her that Joseph was only a stepfather, saying, "Wist
ye not that I must be about my [Heavenly] Father's business?" (Luke
2:48-49)...
When Jesus was 30 years old, He came to his cousin John the
Baptist to be baptized in the Jordan River. John was reluctant to
baptize Jesus because he knew that Jesus had never sinned was
greater than he...
Soon after Jesus was baptized, Satan came to him to tempt him.
He wanted Jesus to fail his mission. If Satan could get him to commit
just one sin, then Jesus would not be worthy to be our Savior, and the
plan would fail. In this way Satan could make us as miserable as he is.
We would never be able to return to our Heavenly Father. Satan's
temptations came after Jesus had been fasting for forty days. He
fasted for 40 days and 40 nights to be with God. After that,
Satan came to tempt Him. Jesus firmly resisted all of Satan's
temptations and then commanded Satan to leave. (See Matthew 4:1-11;
see also Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1, 5-6, 8-9, 11.) Jesus
Christ remained sinless, the one perfect being to ever walk the earth
(see Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21-22)...
After being tempted by His fast and His encounter
with Satan, Jesus began His public ministry...
When his work of teaching and blessing the people was finished
Near the end of His mortal ministry, Jesus prepared to make
the ultimate sacrifice for all the sins of mankind...
In a modern revelation the Savior described how great His suffering
was, saying it caused Him "to tremble because of pain, and to bleed
at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (D&C 19:18).
The awful anguish of taking upon himself every sin that any human
being has ever committed went through the Savior's body. He
suffered "according to the flesh," taking upon himself our
pains, sicknesses, infirmities, and sins (see Alma 7:10-13)...
After nine hours suffering on the cross, He
cried out in agony, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me?" (Mark 15:34). In Jesus's bitterest hour, the Father had
withdrawn his spirit from Him so Jesus could finish suffering
the penalty for the sins of all mankind that Jesus might have complete
victory over the forces of sin and death (see James E. Talmage,
Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 660-61)...
Some friends took the Savior's body to a tomb, where it lay for
three days until the third day...
He willingly and humbly went through the sorrow in Gethsemane and the
suffering on the cross. The Savior will have died in vain for our
sins if we do not so we could receive all the blessings of
the plan of salvation. To receive these blessings, we must come
unto Him, repent of our sins, and love Him with all our hearts.
Chapter 12 - The Atonement
1997 to 2009
No minor or major changes.
Chapter 13 - The Priesthood
1997 to 2009
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God.
By his Through the priesthood power He
created and governs the heavens and the earth were created...
Our Heavenly Father shares delegates His
priesthood power with to worthy male members of
the Church...
Only those who hold the priesthood can ordain others, and they can do so only when authorized by those who hold the keys for that ordination (see chapter 14 in this book)...
He can baptize, confirm, and administer the sacrament when authorized by those who hold the keys for those ordinances...
Men and women who hold positions in the Church as officers and
teachers work under the direction of the priesthood priesthood
leaders and under the guidance of the Holy Ghost...
Chapter 14 - Priesthood Organization
1997 to 2009
Those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood have the power and authority
to lead the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel in all parts
of the world. They are in charge of administer all
the spiritual work of the Church (see D&C 84:19-22; 107:8). They
direct the work done in the temples; they preside over wards, branches,
stakes, and missions; they heal the sick, bless babies, and give
special blessings to Church members...
They are usually ordained to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood and
can soon be advanced ordained to higher
other offices if as they are
remain worthy...
To help fulfill this responsibility, they are usually called
assigned to serve as home teachers...
Patriarchs are ordained by General Authorities, or by stake
presidents when they are authorized by the Council of the Twelve, to
give special patriarchal blessings to members of the
Church...
An Apostle is a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world (see D&C 107:23)...
All organizations in the Church work under the direction of priesthoodleaders and help them carry out the work of the Lord. Forexample, the presidencies in a ward's Relief Society, Young Women,Young Men, Primary, and Sunday School organizations serve underthe direction of the bishopric. These organizations are called auxiliariesto the priesthood.
Chapter 15 - The Lord's Covenant People
1997 to 2009
As members of the Church, we also covenant to obey the law of
chastity, to keep the Sabbath day holy, and to be honest...
He made a special covenant with Abraham and his descendants that
blesses members of the Church and all nations of the earth and all
nations of the earth today...
God made the same covenant with Abraham’s son Isaac and again
with Isaac’s son Jacob. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Since
that time, the descendants of Jacob, called Israelites, have been known
as God’s covenant people...
When we are baptized into the Church, we are adopted enter
into Abraham's family and have part in the covenant the Lord
made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Galatians 3:26-29)...
We Worthy males have the right to hold the
priesthood. Families can receive the blessings of the
priesthood...
As the Lord's covenant people, we must should
keep His commandments...
How blessed we are to be God's covenant people. To the faithful
Saint, the Lord has promised, "All that my Father hath shall be
given unto him" (D&C 84:38).
Chapter 16 - The Church of Jesus in Former Times
1997 to 2009
Through the persecution and martyrdom of Church leaders and the
general wickedness of the people, the Church of Jesus Christ was taken
from the earth. Today the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored and
is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All
of the offices and functions of the Church in the days of Jesus are
present in the Church today...
The Church Organization
It was compared to a perfectly
formed building that was "built upon the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone" (Ephesians 2:20)...
The Apostles and other Church leaders visited and wrote
letters to the leaders in the various branches...
Later, other Apostles died or were killed. Paul, Barnabas, and
James, the brother of the Lord, were all ordained in their places...
First Principles and Ordinances
Everyone needed these saving ordinances of baptism and the gift
of the Holy Ghost...
The Church of Jesus Christ in the Americas
After Jesus was resurrected, he visited the people in America and organized his Church among them, teaching the people for three days and then returning often for some time thereafter (see 3 Nephi 11-28).
Apostasy from the True Church
Some members taught ideas from their old pagan or Jewish beliefs
instead of the simple truths taught by Jesus. Some rebelled openly...
One by one, the Apostles were killed or otherwise taken from the
earth.
Because of wickedness and apostasy, the persecution,
surviving Apostles could not meet to choose apostolic
authority and ordain men to replace those who were dead.
Eventually, local priesthood leaders keys
were also taken from the only ones who had authority to
direct the scattered branches of the Church earth. The perfect
organization of the Church that Jesus Christ had
established no longer existed, and confusion resulted. More and
more error crept into Church doctrine, and soon the destruction
dissolution of the Church was complete...
This church was very different from the church Jesus organized. Members
of this church believed It taught that God was a being
without form or substance...
The emperor chose his own leaders and sometimes called
them by the same titles used by priesthood leaders in the true Church of
Christ. Church officers were given honor and wealth. Bishops and
archbishops fought among themselves to gain more power.
Additional Scriptures
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Church likened to a
perfectbody) - Mosiah 27:13 (apostasy comes as a result of transgression)
Chapter 17 - The Church of Jesus Christ Today
1997 to 2009
The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church
was not on the earth. He also said that the teachings creeds
of present churches were "an abomination in his sight" (
Joseph Smith-- History 1:19; see also verses 7-18, 20)...
When the Church was first organized, only the framework was set up.
The organization was
completed during the next several years would develop as
the Church continued to grow...
Twelve Apostles, who are special witnesses of the name of Jesus Christ, teach the gospel and regulate the affairs of the Church in all parts of the world...
Other important truths that the Lord restored include the following:
1. Our Heavenly Father is a real person being
with a tangible, perfected body of flesh and bones, and so is Jesus
Christ. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit...
6. There are three degrees kingdoms of glory in
the heavens, and through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
people will be rewarded according to their actions on earth and
according to the desires of their hearts...
8. The temple endowment and sealings Ordinances and
covenants are required for salvation and are available for both
the living and the dead.
Chapter 18 - Faith in Jesus Christ
1997 to 2009
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel.
It is a spiritual gift, and it is necessary to our
salvation... The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that Faith
is a principle of action and power that motivates our
day-to-day activities...
There is no faith where there is no obedience. Likewise, there
is true obedience only where there is faith...
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "When faith
comes it brings . . . apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors,
teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues,
interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on
the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth; for these
are the effects of faith. . . . And he who possesses it will, through
it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God,
and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent-- whom to know is eternal
life" (Lectures on Faith [19851, 83).
Chapter 19 - Repentance
Principles
of Repentance
Elder Spencer W. Kimball declared: "There is no royal road to
repentance, no privileged path to forgiveness. Every man must follow
the same course whether he be rich or poor, educated or untrained, tall
or short, prince or pauper, king or commoner. . . . There
is only one way. It is a long road spiked with thorns and briars and
pitfalls and problems" (The
Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 149 Teachings of
Presidents of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 38; italics in
original).
We Must Confess Our Sins
We must confess all our sins to the Lord. In addition, we must confess
serious sins, such as adultery, fornication, robbery,
homosexual relations, spouse or child abuse, and the sale or use of
illegal drugs - which might affect our standing in the Church, to
the proper priesthood authority.
We Must Keep the Commandments of God
To make our repentance complete we must keep the commandments of the
Lord (see D&C 1:32). We are not fully repentant if we do not pay
tithes or keep the Sabbath day holy or obey the Word of Wisdom. We are
not repentant if we do not sustain the authorities of the Church and do
not love the Lord and our fellowmen. If we do not pray and are unkind to
others, we are surely not repentant. When we repent, our life changes.
Elder President Kimball said: "
Repentance means not only to convict yourselves of the horror of the
sin, but to confess it, abandon it, and restore to all who have been
damaged to the total extent possible; then spend the balance of your
lives trying to live the commandments of the Lord so he can eventually
pardon you and cleanse you" (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p.
200) "First, one repents. Having gained that ground
he then must live the commandments of the Lord to retain his vantage
point. This is necessary to secure complete forgiveness" (Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, 43).
Additional Scriptures
- D&C 19:15-20 (the Lord has commanded us to repent so we will not have to suffer as He did)
Chapter 20 - Baptism
The Commandment to Be Baptized
A gospel principle is a true belief or a teaching. An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony.
We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
Jesus said, "Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized . . .
shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is
not baptized, shall be damned" (3 Nephi 11:33-34). Baptism is the
gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom (see
2 Nephi 31:17-18).
The Correct Mode of Baptism
Immersion is necessary. The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed
in water and coming out again is symbolic of death, burial, and
resurrection. Our sins are
washed away when we are baptized.
Chapter 21 - The Gift of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost
In chapter 7 we learned that the Holy Ghost is a member of the
Godhead. He is a spirit in
the form of a man. He is a "personage of
Spirit" (D&C 130:22). He
can be in only one place at a time, but His
influence can be everywhere at once.
Receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Each person must "receive the Holy Ghost." This means that
the Holy Ghost will come to us only when we are faithful and desire help
from this heavenly messenger (see Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon
Doctrine, p. 313).
To be worthy to have the help of the Holy Ghost, we must seek earnestly
to obey the commandments of God. We must keep our thoughts and actions
pure. President David O. McKay said: "One chief purpose of
life is to overcome evil tendencies, to govern our appetites, to control
our passions--anger, hatred, jealousy, immorality. We have to overcome
them; we have to subject them, conquer them because God has said: '. . .
the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples--' (Helaman
4:24), nor will it '. . . always strive with man' (2 Nephi
26:11)" ("Emotional Maturity," Instructor, Sept.
1959, p. 281).
One of God's Greatest Gifts
We may have the promptings of the Holy Ghost to tell show
us all the things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:5).
Additional Scriptures
- Acts 19:1-7 (gift of the Holy Ghost bestowed anciently)
Chapter 22 - The Gifts of the Spirit
The Gift of Tongues (D&C 46:24)
Sometimes it is necessary to communicate the gospel in a language we
have not learned that is unfamiliar to us. Many
missionaries have received the gift of tongues when
there was a great need for it.
The Gift of Translation (D&C 5:4)
[picture has been removed]
Joseph Smith had the gift of translation when he translated the Book
of Mormon. This gift came to him only when he was in tune with the
Spirit.
The Gift of Knowing That Jesus Christ Is the Son of God (D&C
46:13)
This has been the gift of prophets and apostles who have been
called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. However, others are also
given this gift. Every person can have a testimony .
It usually comes through the whispering of the Holy Spirit but
may come in a dream or vision. Elder Orson F. Whitney saw a vision of
the Savior in Gethsemane. He saw the great suffering of the Savior, and
it caused him to weep. Then the Savior took him into his arms and
blessed him. (See Bryant S. Hinckley, The Faith of Our Pioneer
Fathers, pp. 211-13.)
The Gift of Prophecy (D&C 46:22)
It is contrary to the order of heaven for a person to receive
revelation for someone higher in authority over whom he or
she does not preside. If we truly have the gift of prophecy, we will
not receive any revelation that does not agree with what the Lord has
said in the scriptures (see Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines
of Salvation, 3:203-4).
Additional Scriptures
- 1 Corinthians 12 (
spiritualgifts of the Spirit in the ancient Church of Jesus Christ) Acts 10 (a gift given at baptism)- D&C 46:9-26 (gifts of the Spirit in the Church today)
Chapter 23 - The Sacrament
How the Sacrament Is Administered
The sacrament is administered by those who hold the necessary priesthood
authority. A priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder elder
breaks bread into pieces, kneels, and blesses it (see D&C 20:76). A
deacon or other priesthood holder then passes the sacrament bread to the
congregation. Then the priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder elder
blesses the water and it too is passed to the members.
Our Attitude When Taking the Sacrament
The scriptures say, "If any have trespassed, let him not partake
until he makes reconciliation" (D&C 46:4). The scriptures
also say The Lord instructed His twelve Nephite disciples,
"Ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and
blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it; For whoso eateth and
drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to
his soul" (3 Nephi 18:28-29).
Chapter 24 - The Sabbath Day
What Is the Sabbath Day?
The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning day
of rest. Before the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,
the Sabbath day commemorates God's covenant day
of rest after he finished the Creation. It was a sign of the covenant
between God and His people. Now the Sabbath also
commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
President Elder Spencer W. Kimball cautioned,
however, that if we merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath, we
are not keeping the day holy. The Sabbath calls for constructive
thoughts and acts. (See The
Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 96-97. Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 170.)
What kinds of things may we do on the Sabbath? The
Lord has told us to prepare only simple foods on that day, keeping the
purpose of the Sabbath in mind (see D&C 59:13).
In deciding what other activities we should properly engage in on the
Sabbath, we should ask ourselves: Will it uplift and inspire me? Does
it show respect for the Lord? Does it direct my thoughts to Him?
Additional Scriptures
- Exodus 31:14-17 (
under Mosaic law the Sabbath was kept holy under pain of deaththe Sabbath is a perpetual covenant between the Lord and His people)
Chapter 25 - Fasting
How to Fast Properly
Discussion
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:76. Discuss why fasting is given as a commandment.
Fasting means to go without food and drink (see Joseph F. Smith,
Gospel Doctrine,
p. 243). Occasional fasting is good for our bodies and helps our
minds become more active (see Principles
of the Gospel, p. 175).
We Should Fast with a Purpose
We can fast to help for our nonmember friends to become converted
to others embrace the truth.
The Fast Day
Everyone who can do so should fast. All members who are
physically able should fast. However, "many are subject to
weakness, others are delicate in health, and others have nursing babies;
of such it should not be required to fast. Neither should parents compel
their little children to fast" (
Gospel Doctrine, p. 244).
Fasting Teaches Self-Control
Fasting helps us gain strength of character. This reason alone
makes fasting important (see David O. McKay, True
to the Faith, p. 81). When we fast properly, we will
learn to control our appetites, our passions, and our tempers. Solomon
said, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he
that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32).
Even fasting for only two meals can give us a feeling of success.
Additional Scriptures
- Mosiah 4:26 (retaining a remission of our sins as we help those in need)
Chapter 26 - Sacrifice
Animal Sacrifice Was an
Ordinance of the Gospel
The Law of Sacrifice Was Practiced Anciently
From the time of Adam and Eve to the time of Jesus Christ, the Lord's
people practiced the law of animal sacrifice (see Moses
5:5). It was an ordinance of the gospel.
The emblems of bread and water remind us of the Savior's bruised
body and of his blood, which he shed for us (see chapter 23, "The
Sacrament").
Discussion
- Read Moses 5:5-7. What did the sacrifice of a lamb represent in ancient times?
- What event brought blood sacrifice to an end?
- What ordinance was given to replace the ancient law of sacrifice?
We Must Be Willing to Sacrifice Everything We Have to the Lord
If we are to be a living sacrifice, we must, if asked, be willing to
give everything we have for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints - to build the kingdom of God on the earth and labor to bring
forth Zion (see 1 Nephi 13:37).
Sacrifice Helps Us Prepare to Live in the Presence of God
Many who have lived before us have sacrificed all they had. We must
be willing to do the same if we would earn the rich reward they enjoy (see
Joseph Smith, Lectures on
Faith, p. 58).
Additional Scriptures
Alma 27:5-10 (the people of Ammon offer to become slaves in payment of their sins)
Chapter 27 - Work and Personal Responsibility
God
Condemns Idleness and Gain Obtained from Evil or Idle Practices
God condemns receiving
gain from evil and idle pursuits. Elder Spencer W. Kimball said, "I
feel strongly that men who accept wages or salary and do not give . . .
[fair] time, energy, devotion, and service are receiving money that is
not clean." He also said that money obtained by evil or idle
practices, such as theft, gambling (including lotteries), graft, illegal
drugs, oppression of the poor, and the like is unclean money.
Elder Kimball defined the difference between honorable work and evil
work: "Clean money is that [pay] received for a full day's honest
work. It is that reasonable pay for faithful service. It is that fair
profit from the sale of goods, commodities, or service. It is that
income received from transactions where all parties profit. Filthy lucre
is . . . money . . . obtained through theft and
robbery, . . . gambling, . . . sinful operations, . . .
bribery, and from exploitation" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1953,
p. 52).
Discussion
- How can idleness lead people into sinful practices?
Work, Rest, and Relaxation
On other days of the week, in addition to working, we
should schedule some when we can visit with family, friends, and
relatives. we may spend time to improve our talents and
enjoy our hobbies, recreation, or other activities that will refresh us.
Chapter 28 - Service
How We Can Serve
Service is helping others who need assistance.
We can help those in need by giving a generous fast offering.
The Savior provided the perfect example of service. He explained that
he didn't come to earth to be served but to serve and to give his life
for us (see Matthew 20:28).
He is our God.
He is the creator of the earth and Savior and Lord of the
universe, yet he did many humble acts of services.
Chapter 29 - The Lord's Law of Health
Our Bodies Are Temples of God
Because our bodies are important, our Father in Heaven wants us to take
good care of them. He knows that we can be happier, better people if we
are healthy. The Spirit of our Heavenly Father Holy Ghost
can be with us if our bodies and minds are clean. Our Father
knows that we face temptations to treat our bodies unwisely or to take
harmful things into them. For this reason he has told us which things
are good for our health and which things are bad. Much of the
information God has given us concerning good health is found in Doctrine
and Covenants 89. This revelation is called the Word of Wisdom.
We must obey the Word of Wisdom to be worthy to enter the temple. If we
do not obey the Word of Wisdom, the Lord's Spirit may
not dwell with us withdraws from us. If we defile
the "temple of God" which is our body, we hurt ourselves
physically and spiritually.
We Are Commanded Not to Take Certain Things into Our Bodies
The Lord commands us not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning
drinks containing alcohol. The First Presidency has taught that strong
drink often brings cruelty, poverty, disease, and plague into the home.
It often is a cause of dishonesty, loss of chastity, and loss of good
judgment. It is a curse to all who drink it (see "Message of the
First Presidency," Improvement Era, Nov. 1942, p. 686).
Expectant mothers who drink can cause physical and mental damage to
their children. Many automobile accidents are caused each year by people
who drink alcohol.
The Lord has also told us that "tobacco is not for the body"
(D&C 89:8). It is harmful to our bodies and our spirits. We should
not smoke cigarettes or cigars or use chewing tobacco. Scientists have
shown that tobacco causes many diseases and can harm unborn children.
The Lord also counsels us against the use of "hot drinks."
Church leaders have said that this means coffee and tea, which contain
harmful drugs substances.
We should avoid all drinks that contain harmful drugs
substances.
We should not use any substance that is habit forming. We should also
avoid overeating. The Word of Wisdom does not tell us everything to
avoid or consume, but it does give us guidelines.
We Are Taught That Certain Things Are
Good for Our Bodies
Grains are good for us. Wheat is especially good for us. Grains
may be used also to make mild drinks.
Work, Cleanliness, Rest, and Exercise Are Important
In addition to Doctrine and Covenants 89, other scriptures tell us
how to be healthy. They tell us that we should "cease to be idle;
cease to be unclean; . . . cease to sleep longer than is
needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early,
that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" (D&C
88:124). We are also told, "Six days shalt thou labour and do all
thy work" (Exodus 20:9). The Lord counsels us not to labor more
than we have strength for (see D&C 10:4).
A latter-day prophet has told us that people "should learn to keep our
their bodies healthy by right living, . . .
by inhaling pure air,
taking plenty of exercise, and bathing
. . . often in fresh water" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel
Doctrine, p. 241).
Promised Blessings for
Living the Lord's Law of Health
The Lord also promises that the destroying angel shall pass us by.
President Heber J. Grant said, "If you and I desire the
blessings of life, of health, of vigor of body and mind; if
we desire the destroying angel to pass us by, as he did in the days of
the children of Israel, we must obey the Word of Wisdom; then God
is bound and the blessing shall come to us." Elder
Spencer W. Kimball said that in our time this means we will be saved
from spiritual death: "For observing the Word of Wisdom the reward
is life, not only prolonged mortal life but life eternal" (The
Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 211).
Additional Scriptures
- D&C 136:24 (cease drunkenness)
Chapter 30 - Charity
Charity Is the Greatest of All Virtues
The prophet Moroni Mormon tells us,
"Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for
all things must fail--but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it
endureth forever" (Moroni 7:46-47).
The Savior gave us the example of his life to follow. He
was a perfect man. He was the Son of God. He had
perfect love, and he showed us how we must love. By his example, he
showed us that the spiritual and physical needs of our fellowmen are as
important as our own. Before he gave his life for us, he said:
President Harold B. Lee Thomas S. Monson reminded
us that there are those who need more than material goods: "It
is well to remember that there are broken hearts and wounded souls among
us that need the tender care of a brother who has an understanding heart
and is kind" (Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 228).
One way we can become charitable is by studying the life of Jesus
Christ and keeping his commandments. We can study what he did in certain
situations and do the same things when we are in the same kinds of
situations.
Second, when we have uncharitable feelings, we can pray to have them
taken away greater charity. Moroni urges us, "Pray
unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with
this love [charity], which he hath bestowed upon all who are true
followers of his Son, Jesus Christ" (Moroni 7:48).
Third, we can learn to love ourselves, which means that we understand
our true worth as children of our Heavenly Father.
Fourth, as we love ourselves, our love for others will increase.
we will not think we are we can avoid thinking we are better than
other people.
Additional Scriptures
- Alma 34:28 (
prayers are not answered unless we act charitablyour prayers are vain if we do not act charitably) - 1 Corinthians 12:29-13:3 (
charity is greater than any spiritual giftdefinition of charity) - D&C 121:45-46 (
charity is necessary to have the companionship of the Holy Ghostlet us be full of charity toward all people)
Chapter 31 - Honesty
Honesty Is a Principle of Salvation
Complete honesty is necessary for our salvation. President Brigham
Young An Apostle of the Lord has said: "Honesty
is a principle of salvation in the kingdom of God. . . .
Just as no man or woman can be saved without baptism, so no
one can be saved without honesty" (Mark E. Petersen, in
Conference Report, Oct. 1971, p. 63; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 72)
"If we accept salvation on the terms it is offered to us, we
have got to be honest in every thought, in our reflections, in our
meditations, in our private circles, in our deals, in our declarations,
and in every act of our lives" (Teachings of Presidents of the
Church: Brigham Young [1997], 293).
To Steal Is Dishonest
Copying music,
movies, pictures, or written text without the permission of the
copyright owners is dishonest and is a form of theft.
Chapter 32 - Tithes and Offerings
Obeying the Law of TithingIn modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed, "O Lord, show
unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy
people for a tithing" (D&C 119, section introduction). The Lord
answered: "This shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.
And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of
all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them
forever" (D&C 119:3-4).
A tithe is one-tenth of our
increase. This means that we give one-tenth of all we earn before we pay
for our own needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. If our increase
is in the form of flocks, herds, or crops rather than money, we give
one-tenth of those things (see Leviticus 27:30-32).
The First Presidency has explained that "one-tenth of all their
interest annually" refers to our income (see First Presidency
letter, Mar. 19, 1970).
Tithing and Other Offerings
As members of the Church, we give tithing and other offerings to the
Lord in money, goods, and
time.
Additional Scriptures
2 Chronicles 31:5-6, 12; Nehemiah 10:37-38 (children of Israel paid tithing)- 3 Nephi 24:8-10 (will a man rob God?)
Chapter 33 - Missionary Work
The Lord's Church Is a Missionary Church
The Lord revealed the gospel plan to Adam: "And thus the Gospel
began to be preached, from the beginning" (Moses 5:58). Later, when
people became wicked, Adam's righteous sons were sent to
preach the gospel to the others on the earth: "They . . .
called upon all men, everywhere, to repent; and faith was taught unto
the children of men" (Moses 6:23).
The Lord's Church Is a Missionary Church
Missionary work began again when the Lord's Church was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Since that time over one million thousands of
missionaries have been called and sent forth to preach the gospel. The
message they take to the world is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
and our Savior. They testify that the gospel has been restored to the
earth through a prophet of God (see David O. McKay, Gospel
Ideals, p. 132). The missionaries are given the responsibility
to preach the gospel to all people, to baptize them, and to teach them
to do all things that the Lord has commanded (see Matthew 28:19-20).
Latter-day Saint missionaries go at their own expense to all parts of
the world to preach the gospel message.
The Gospel Will Be Preached to All the World
We have been told in latter-day revelation that we must take the
restored gospel to every nation and people (see D&C 133:37). The
Lord never gives us a commandment without preparing a way for us to
accomplish it (see 1 Nephi 3:7). The Lord has prepared ways for us to
teach the gospel in nations that were once closed to us. As we continue
to pray and exercise faith, the Lord will open other nations to
missionary work.
The Lord is also "inspiring the minds of great people to create
inventions that further the work of the Lord in ways this world has
never known" (Russell M. Nelson, "Computerized Scriptures Now
Available," Ensign, Apr. 1988, p. 73). Newspapers,
magazines, television, radio, satellites, computers, and related
discoveries help give the gospel message to millions of people (see
Spencer W. Kimball, "When the World Will Be Converted," Ensign,
Oct. 1974, pp. 10-14).
We Should All Be Missionaries
Every member of the Church is to
be a missionary.
Chapter 34 - Developing Our Talents
We All Have Different Talents and Abilities
When we were born, we brought these talents and abilities with us
(see chapter 2 in this book, "Our Heavenly
Family"). Each of us has been given at least one special talent.
We Should Use and Improve Our Talents
Our Heavenly Father has said it is up to us to receive the gifts
he has given us (see D&C 88:33). This means we must develop and use
our talents.
We Can Develop Our Talents in Spite of Our Weaknesses
Sometimes the Lord gives
us weaknesses so we will work hard and overcome them.
Because we are mortal and fallen, we have weaknesses. With
his help, our weaknesses and fallen nature can become our
strengths can be overcome (see Ether 12:27).
Chapter 35 - Obedience
No minor or major changes
Chapter 36 - The Family Can Be Eternal
The Importance of Families
The first family on
earth was established by our Heavenly Father when he gave Eve to Adam in
marriage (see Moses 3:21-24). Since then, each of us has been commanded
to marry and have children so that through our own experience we can
learn to be heavenly parents. President Brigham Young explained that our
families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how
we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us
forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy
to become heavenly parents (see chapter 2, "Our Heavenly
Family").
How to Have a Successful Family
All of us want to have happy, successful families. The following will help us achieve this:
- Keep a family history,
and gather family genealogyperform temple work together, and receive the sealing ordinances of the temple.
Chapter 37 - Family Responsibilities
Each person has an important place in his or her family. Through
prophets the Lord has explained how fathers, mothers, and children
should behave and feel toward one another. As husbands, wives, and
children we need to learn what the Lord expects us to do to fulfill our
purpose as a family. If we all do our part, we will be able
to live together as a family forever united eternally.
Parents should understand that sometimes children will make wrong
choices even after they have been taught the truth. When this happens,
parents should not give up or become discouraged.
Responsibilities of the Father
The father is the
patriarch of the family and has important responsibilities that are his
alone.
When a man holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, he can share these
blessings by naming and blessing babies, administering to the sick,
baptizing children, and giving special priesthood blessings and
ordinations. Under the
direction of a presiding priesthood leader, he can bless babies,
baptize, confirm, and perform priesthood ordinations.
Responsibilities of the Mother
President David O. McKay said that motherhood is woman's
noblest calling the
noblest calling. If there is no father in the home, the
mother presides over the family.
Chapter 38 - Eternal Marriage
Marriage Is Ordained of God.
Marriage between a man and a woman is a vital part of God's plan.
Eternal Marriage Is Essential for Exaltation
Many people in the world consider marriage to be only a social
custom, a legal agreement between a man and a woman to live together.
But to Latter-day Saints, marriage is much more. Our exaltation depends
on marriage, along with other principles and ordinances, such as
faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that marriage is the most sacred relationship that can exist
between a man and a woman. This sacred relationship affects our
happiness now and in the eternities.
Heavenly Father has given us the law of eternal marriage so we can
become like him. We must
live this law to be able to have spirit children. The Lord
has said:
Eternal Marriage Must Be Performed by
Proper Authority in the Temple
In the temple, Latter-day Saint couples kneel at one of the sacred
altars in the presence of their family and friends who
have received the temple endowment and
two special witnesses.
Benefits of an Eternal Marriage
However, we receive blessings in this life as a result of being
married for eternity. Some of the blessings are as follows:
- Because we
have been married in God's ordained way, we are entitled to an
outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy.
Some of the blessings we can enjoy for eternity are as follows:
- We can live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of God.
- We can be exalted as God is and receive a fulness of joy.
We can, at some future time, increase our family by having spirit children.
We Must Prepare for an Eternal Marriage
President Spencer W. Kimball taught that "marriage is perhaps
the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching
effects. . . . It affects not only the two people
involved, but their children and . . . their children's
children. . . . Of all the decisions, this one must not
be wrong." He
recommended "that all boys and girls from their infancy up plan to
be married only in the temple . . . to keep their lives
spotless so that this can be accomplished" (" . . .
The Matter of Marriage," devotional address, Salt Lake Institute of
Religion, 22 Oct. 1976).
President Kimball also said:
"We say to all youth regardless of what country is your home, and
regardless of the customs in your country, your Heavenly Father expects
you to marry for eternity and rear a good, strong family.
"It would be our hope that parents would train you . . .
to earn some money, and to put it away for your missions and your
marriages. . . .
"There will be a new spirit in Zion when the young women will say
to their boyfriends: 'I am sorry, but as much as I love you, I will not
marry out of the holy temple' " ("Marriage--The Proper
Way," New Era, Feb. 1976, p. 4).
The Lord has said that if we are true and faithful, we will pass by
the angels to enter our exaltation. We will become like
our Heavenly Father gods.
(See D&C 132:19-20.)
- What can we do to encourage young people to set a goal to be married in the temple. How can we help them prepare for this?
Additional Scriptures
Matthew 22:23-30 (no marriage in the Resurrection)
Chapter 39 - The Law of Chastity
The Power of Procreation
- Why should parents teach their children about procreation and chastity? How can they appropriately do this?
After the Creation, God commanded each living thing to
reproduce after its own kind (see Genesis 1:22). Reproduction was part
of his plan so that all forms of life could continue to exist upon the
earth.
God wanted his spirit children to be born into families so they could be
properly cared for and taught. We, like Adam and Eve, are to provide
physical bodies for these spirit children through
sexual reproduction. The First Presidency and Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles have state, "We declare the means by which
mortal life is created to be divinely appointed" ("The Family:
A Proclamation to the World," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
The powers of procreation
are sacred. God has commanded us that only in marriage between
a man and a woman are we to have sexual relations.
Discussion
- What are some important purposes of the marriage relationship?
What Is the Law of Chastity?
We are to have sexual relations only with our spouse to whom we are
legally married. No one, male or female, is to have sexual relations
before marriage. After marriage, sexual relations are permitted only
with our spouse.
To the Israelites the Lord said, "Thou shalt not commit
adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Those Israelites who broke this
commandment were subject to severe penalties put
to death (see Leviticus 20:10). The Lord repeated this
commandment in the latter days to the Prophet Joseph Smith
(see D&C 42:24).
We have been taught that the law of chastity encompasses more than
sexual intercourse. Elder
Spencer W. Kimball The First Presidency warned young
people of other sexual sins:
"Among the most common
sexual sins our young people commit are necking and petting. Not only do
these improper relations often lead to fornication, [unwed] pregnancy,
and abortions--all ugly sins--but in and of themselves they are
pernicious evils, and it is often difficult for youth to distinguish
where one ends and another begins. They awaken lust and stir evil
thoughts and sex desires. They are but parts of the whole family of
related sins and indiscretions" (The Miracle of Forgiveness,
p. 65).
"Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful
emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in
passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private,
sacred parts of another person's body, with or without clothing. Do not
allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your
own body" (For the Strength of Youth [pamphlet , 2001], 27).
Like other violations of the law of chastity, homosexual behavior is
a serious sin. Latter-day Prophets have spoken about the dangers of
homosexual behavior and about the Church's concern for people who may
have such inclination. President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
"In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.
"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.
"We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).
Satan Wants Us to Break the Law of Chastity
Satan attacks the standards of modesty. He wants us to believe that
because the human body is beautiful, it is something to flaunt and
expose.should be seen and appreciated. Our Heavenly
Father wants us to keep our bodies covered so that we do not put
improper thoughts into the minds of others.
[major part about church's warning about pornography]
Breaking the Law of Chastity Is
Extremely Serious
It is extremely important to our Heavenly Father that his children obey
the law of chastity. Members
of the Church who break this law may be disfellowshipped or
excommunicated (see D&C 42:22-26, 80-81). All those who do not
repent after committing adultery will not be able to live with our
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ but will live in the telestial kingdom
(see D&C 76:81-86, 103-5; see also chapter 46, "The Last
Judgment").
Members of the Church who break this law or influence others to do so
are subject to Church discipline.
Discussion
- Why is breaking the law of chastity such a serious transgression?
- What blessings do people lose if they break the law of chastity?
Those Who Break the Law of Chastity Can Be Forgiven
Peace can come to those who have broken the law of chastity. The Lord
tells us, "If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath
committed, and keep all my statutes, . . . all his
transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto
him" (Ezekiel 18:21-22). Peace comes only through forgiveness. But
forgiveness has a high price.
Additional Scriptures
- Alma 42:!6 (repentance does not come without punishment)
- D&C 58:42-43 (the repentant confess and forsake their sins)
Chapter 40 - Temple Work and Family History
Discussion
- What blessings does the Savior's atonement provide for us?
- What must we do to return and live with our Heavenly Father?
Temples of the Lord
- Why are temples important in our lives?
Discussion
- Show a picture of a temple. Why are temples important in our lives?
Temple Ordinances Seal Families Together Forever
When a man and woman are married in the temple, their children who
are born thereafter also become part of their eternal family.
Parents who adopt children legally may have those children sealed to
them.
Our Ancestors Need Our Help
- What responsibilities do we have toward our ancestors who have died without receiving priesthood ordinances?
Discussion
- How are baptism and other ordinances made available to our ancestors?
- What are the basic steps of doing family work history?
Additional Family History Opportunities
In addition to providing temple ordinances for the ancestors we know about, we can help those in the spirit world in many other ways. We should seek the guidance of the Spirit as we prayerfully consider what we might do. Depending on our circumstances, we can do the following things:
Serve in the Church's name extraction program where it is available.Help with the Church's indexing program.
Additional Scriptures
- 1 Peter 4:6 (gospel was preached to the dead)
- Malachi 4:5-6; D&C 2:2; 3 Nephi 25:5-6 (mission of Elijah)
- 1 Corinthians 15:29; D&C 128:15-18 (work for the dead)
- D&C 138 (redemption of the dead)
Chapter 41 - The Postmortal Spirit World
Life after Death
- What happens to us after we die?
The spirit world is a place of waiting, working, learning, and for the righteous, resting from care and sorrow.
Many of us people have wondered what the spirit
world is like.
Discussion
- What is the purpose of the spirit world?
In a funeral sermon, Joseph Smith declared Latter-day
prophets have said that the spirits of righteous
people those who have died "are not far from
us, and know and understand
our thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and are often pained
therewith" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.
326 in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 18; or Ensign, June
1971, 33). Other latter-day prophets have made similar
statements. President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Sometimes the
veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved
ones who have passed on are not far from us" (in Conference Report,
Apr. 1971, p. 18; or Ensign, June 1971, p. 33). President Brigham
Young taught that the postmortal world is on the earth, around us
(see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997],
279) said: "Where is the spirit world? It is right
here" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 376).
Discussion
- Where is the spirit world?
What is the Nature of Our Spirits?
Spirit beings have the same bodily form as mortals except that the
spirit body is in perfect form (see Ether 3:16). Spirits carry with them
from earth their attitudes of devotion or antagonism toward things of
righteousness (see Alma 34:34). They have the same appetites and desires
that they had when they lived on earth. All spirits are in adult form.
They were adults before their mortal existence, and they are in adult
form after death, even if they die as infants or children (see Joseph
F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 455 Teachings of
Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 131-32).
Discussion
- Read Ether 3:16. What do spirit bodies look like?
Divisions in the Spirit World
What Are the Conditions in the Postmortal Spirit World?
The spirits are classified according to the purity of their lives and
their obedience to the will of the Lord while on earth. The righteous
and the wicked are separated (see 1 Nephi 15:28-30), but the spirits may
progress from one level to another as they learn gospel principles and
live in accordance with them (see Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon
Doctrine, p. 762). The spirits in paradise can teach the
spirits in prison (see D&C 138).
Discussion
- What divisions are there in the spirit world?
Paradise
The Church is organized in the spirit world, with each
prophet standing at the head of his own generation (see Joseph Smith, History
of the Church, 4:209) and. Ppriesthood
holders continue their responsibilities in the spirit world (see
D&C 138:30). President Wilford Woodruff taught: "The same
Priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. . . .
Every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the
faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into
the work of the ministry" (in Journal
of Discourses, 22:333-34 Deseret News, Jan.
25, 1882, 818).
Family relationships are also important. President Jedediah M. Grant, a
counselor to Brigham Young, saw the spirit world and described to Heber
C. Kimball the organization that exists there: "He said that the
people he there saw were organized in family capacities. . . .
He said, 'When I looked at families, there was a deficiency in some, . . .
for I saw families that would not be permitted to come and dwell
together, because they had not honored their calling here' " (Heber
C. Kimball, in Journal of
Discourses, 4:135-36 Deseret News, Dec. 10,
1856, 316-17).
Discussion
- What do the spirits in paradise do?
- Why are some families incomplete in paradise?
Spirit Prison
The Apostle Peter referred to the spirit world as a prison,
which it is for some (see 1 Peter 3:18-20). In the spirit prison are the
spirits of those who have not yet received the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These spirits have agency and may be enticed by both good and evil. If
they accept the gospel and the ordinances performed for them in the
temples, they may prepare themselves to leave the spirit prison and
dwell in paradise.
Also in the spirit prison are those who rejected the gospel after it was
preached to them on earth or in the spirit prison. These spirits suffer
in a condition known as hell. They have removed themselves from the
mercy of Jesus Christ, who said, "Behold, I, God, have suffered
these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering
caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of
pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and
spirit" (D&C 19:16-18). After suffering in
full for their sins, they will be allowed, through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ, to inherit the lowest degree of glory,
which is the telestial kingdom.
The hell in the spirit
world will not continue forever. Even the spirits who have committed the
greatest sins will have suffered sufficiently by the end of the
Millennium (see Acts 2:25-27). They will then be resurrected.
Discussion
- What are some of the activities that go on in the spirit world?
- How are conditions in the spirit world similar to conditions in this life?
Chapter 42 - The Gathering of the House of Israel
Chapter 43 - Signs of the Second Coming
Chapter 44 - The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Chapter 45 - The Millennium
People on the Earth during the Millennium
- Who will be on the earth during the Millennium?
A thousand years of peace, love, and joy will begin on the earth at
the second coming of Jesus Christ. This thousand-year period is called
the Millennium. It will be the final thousand years of the earth's
temporal existence. The scriptures and the prophets help us understand
what it will be like to live on the earth during the Millennium.
Discussion
- What is the Millennium?
Only righteous people will live on the earth during the Millennium. They will be those who have lived virtuous and honest lives. These people will inherit either the terrestrial or celestial kingdom.
Because of the destruction of the wicked at the Savior's Second
Coming, only righteous people will live on the earth at the beginning of
the Millennium. They will be those who have lived virtuous and honest
lives. These people will either inherit the terrestrial or celestial
kingdom.
During the Millennium, mortals will still live on earth, and they will
continue to have children as we do now (see D&C 45:58). Joseph Smith
said that immortal beings will frequently visit the earth. These
resurrected beings will help with the government and other work. (See Teachings
of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976],
268.)
Brigham Young taught that there will be nonmembers of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living on earth as well as members.
During the Millennium, Jesus will "reign personally upon the earth" (Articles of Faith 1:10). Joseph Smith explained that Jesus
- Who will be on the earth during the Millennium?
What Will Be Done during the Millennium?
The Work of the Church during the Millennium
- What are the two great works that will be done during the Millennium?
Many people have died without receiving these ordinances. People on the
earth must perform these ordinances for them. This work is now being
done in the temples of the Lord. There is too much work to finish before
the Millennium begins, so it will be completed during that time.
Resurrected beings will help us correct the mistakes we have made in
doing research concerning our dead ancestors. They will also help us
find the information we need to complete our records. (see Joseph
Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie,
3 vols. [1954-56], 2:167, 251-52.)
The other great work during the Millennium will be missionary work. The
gospel will be taught with great power to all people. Eventually there
will be no need to teach others the first principles of the gospel
because "they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the
greatest of them, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 31:34).
- How can we prepare now for work in the Millennium?
Discussion
- Discuss the great works to be done during the Millennium.
- In what ways will life during the Millennium be different from life on the earth now?
The earth will again be as it was when Adam and Eve lived in the
Garden of Eden (see Articles of Faith 1:10). The whole earth will be a
delightful garden. There will not be different continents as we have
now, but the land will be gathered in one place as it was in the
beginning (see D&C 133:23-24).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that during the Millennium,
"the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory"
(Articles of Faith 1:10).
Satan Bound
During the Millennium, Satan will be bound. This means he will not have
power to tempt those who are living at that time (see D&C 101:28).
The "children shall grow up without sin unto salvation"
(D&C 45:58). "Because of the righteousness of [the Lord's]
his people, Satan
has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many
years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they
dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth" (1
Nephi 22:26).
Peace on the Earth
During the Millennium, there will be no war. People will live in peace
and harmony together. Everything Things that has have
been used for war will be
turned to useful purposes. "They shall beat their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into plowshares pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more"
(Isaiah 2:4; see also Isaiah 11:6-7; D&C 101:26).
Righteous Government
President John Taylor taught: "The Lord will be king over all
the earth, and all mankind literally under his sovereignty, and every
nation under the heavens will have to acknowledge his authority, and bow
to his scepter. Those who serve him in righteousness will have
communications with God, and with Jesus; will have the ministering of
angels, and will know the past, the present, and the future; and other
people, who may not yield full obedience to his laws, nor be fully
instructed in his covenants, will nevertheless, have to yield full
obedience to his government. For it will be the reign of God upon the
earth, and he will enforce his laws, and command that obedience from the
nations of the earth, and he will enforce his laws, and command that
obedience from the nations of the world which is legitimately his
right" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor
[2001], 225).
Jesus Christ will not only lead the Church during the Millennium, but he
will also be in charge of the political government. This government will
be based on principles of righteousness and will preserve the basic
rights and freedoms of all people. Mortals, both members of the Church
and nonmembers, will hold government positions (see Brigham Young, in Journal
of Discourses, 2:310). They will receive help from resurrected
beings. At this time there will be two capitals in the world, one in
Jerusalem, the other in America (see Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines
of Salvation, 3:66-72). "For out of Zion shall go forth the
law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:3).
No Disease or Death
Even though mortals will live on the earth during During the
Millennium, they will not have diseases as we do now. There will be
no death as we know it. When people have lived to an old age, they will not die and be
buried. Instead, they will be changed from their mortal condition to an
immortal condition in an instant "the twinkling of an eye."
(see D&C 63:51; 101:29-31).
All Things Revealed
Some truths have not been revealed to us. All things These will be revealed during
the Millennium. The Lord said he will "reveal all things--things
which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the
earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof--things
most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath,
things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven"
(D&C 101:32-34).
Changes in the Animal Kingdom
The animal kingdom will also be at peace. All animals, even those that
are now enemies, will live together in harmony. Animals that now eat
flesh will eat grass and grain (see Isaiah 11:6-7).
Other Millennial Activities
In many ways, life will be much as it is now, except that everything
will be done in righteousness. People will eat and drink and will wear
clothing (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young
[1997], 333. Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 115). People will
continue to plant and harvest crops and build houses (see Isaiah 65:21).
Discussion
- Discuss the conditions that will exist during the Millennium. Use
the scriptural reference listed for each condition.
One Final Struggle after the Millennium
- What will be the final destiny of the earth?
At the end of the 1,000 thousand years, Satan will be set free for a short
time. Some people will turn away from Heavenly Father. Satan will gather
his armies, and Michael (Adam) will gather the hosts of heaven. In this
great struggle, Satan and his followers will be cast out forever. Then
will come the final judgment, and all people will be assigned to the
kingdoms they will have prepared for by the way they have lived. The
earth will be changed into a celestial kingdom (see D&C 29:22-29;
88:17-20, 110-15).
Additional Scriptures
- Zechariah 14:4-9; 1 Nephi 22:24-26 (Jesus to reign on earth)
- Daniel 7:27 (Saints to be given the kingdom)
- D&C 88:87-110 (conditions during the Millennium)
- Revelation 20:1-3; 1 Nephi 22:26
2 Nephi 30:10-18(Satan to be bound) - D&C 101:22-31 (enmity to cease; no death; Satan to have no power to tempt)
- Isaiah 11:1-9 (wolf and lamb to dwell together)
- D&C 43:31; Revelation 20:7-10 (Satan loosed
to gather forcesfor a little season)
Chapter 46 - The Final Judgment
1997 to 2009
Judgments of God
- What are some different judgments that come before the Final Judgment? How do all these judgments relate to one another?
The scriptures teach that all of us will be judged according to our works: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" (Revelation 20:12; see also D&C 76:111; 1 Nephi 15:32; Abraham 3:25-28). We will also be judged "according to the desire of [our] hearts" (D&C 137:9; see also Alma 41:3).
In this scripture, John the Revelator is referring to the Final
Judgment. This judgment is the last in a long series of judgments. In the
premortal life all spirits who were judged worthy were allowed to receive a body
and come to earth.
Here on earth we are often judged as to our worthiness to receive opportunities within the kingdom of God. When we are baptized we are judged worthy to receive this ordinance. When we are called to serve in the Church or interviewed for a priesthood advancement or a temple recommend, we are judged.
Discussion
Name some of the judgments we have received and will receive.
Our Words, Works, and Thoughts Are Used to Judge Us
- Imagine being judged for all your thoughts, words, and actions.
Only through Faith in Jesus Christ helps can we
us be prepared for the Final Judgment. Through faithful discipleship to
him and repentance of all our sins, we can be forgiven for our sins and become
pure and holy so that we can dwell in the presence of God. As we repent of our
sins, giving up every impure thought and act, the Holy Ghost will change our
hearts so we no longer have even the desire to sin (see Mosiah 5:2). Then
when we are judged, we will be found ready to enter into God's presence.
Discussion
Ask class members to imagine hearing all their thoughts, words, and actions revealed at the Judgment. Then have them silently think about what they can do to improve their thoughts, words, and actions.- Think about what you can do to improve your thoughts, words, and actions.
We Will Be Judged by Records
- From what records will we be judged? Who will judge us?
"We are going to be judged out of the things written in books, out
of the revelations of God, out of the temple records, out of those things which
the Lord has commanded us to keep. . . . There will be the record
in heaven which is a perfect record" (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines
of Salvation, 2:200).
"Every one of you ... must stand before the 'judgment-seat of the
Holy One of Israel ... and then must ... be judged according to the holy
judgment
of God.' (II Nephi 9:15,) And according to the vision of John, 'The books were
opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life:
and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.' (Rev. 20:12,) The 'books' spoken of refer
to the 'records [of your works] which are kept on the earth ... The book of life
is the record which is kept in heaven.' (Doc. and Cov. 128:7)"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 226-27).
There is another record that will be used to judge us. The Apostle Paul
taught that we ourselves are a the most complete record of our
life (see Romans 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:1-3). Stored in our body and
mind is a complete history of everything we have done. President John Taylor
taught this truth: "[The individual] tells the story himself, and bears
witness against himself. . . . That record that is written by the
man himself in the tablets of his own mind--that record that cannot lie--will in
that day be unfolded before God and angels, and those who sit as judges" (Daniel
H. Ludlow, ed., Latter-day Prophets Speak, pp. 56-57;Deseret
News, Mar. 8, 1865, 179).
Discussion
- What are three records from which we will be judged?
- How do our daily thoughts and actions influence these records?
The Apostle John taught that "the Father judgeth no man, but hath
committed all judgment unto the Son" (John 5:22). The Son, in turn, will
call upon others to assist in the Judgment. The Twelve who were with him in his
ministry will judge the twelve tribes of Israel (see Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30).
The Nephite Twelve will judge the Nephite and Lamanite people (see 1 Nephi
12:9-10; Mormon 3:18-19). President John Taylor said the First Presidency and
the Twelve Apostles in our own dispensation will also judge us (see The
Mediation and Atonement, p. 157).
Discussion
- Read John 5:22. Who is at the head of the Judgment of all people?
- Who will help judge the people living in our day?
Assignment to Glories
Inheriting a Place in a Kingdom of Glory
- How will our faithfulness during our life on earth influence our life in the eternities?
At the Final Judgment we will be assigned to the kingdom for which we are
prepared. We will be sent to one of four places: the celestial kingdom (the
highest degree of glory), the terrestrial kingdom (the second degree), the
telestial kingdom (the lowest degree), or outer darkness (the kingdom of the
devil--not a degree of glory). The scriptures teach of three kingdoms
of glory - the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial
kingdom (see D&C 88:20-32).
In Doctrine and Covenants 76, the Lord described the ways we can choose to
live our mortal lives. He explained that our choices will determine which of
the four kingdoms kingdom we are prepared for. We learn from this
revelation that even members of the Church will inherit different kingdoms
because they will not be equally faithful and valiant in their obedience to
Christ.
Celestial
Through the work we do in temples, all people who have lived on the earth can
have an equal opportunity to receive the fulness of the gospel and the
ordinances of salvation so they can inherit a place in the highest degree of
celestial glory.
Terrestrial
These are they who rejected the gospel on earth but afterward received it in the
spirit world. These are the honorable people on the earth who were blinded to
the gospel of Jesus Christ by the craftiness of men. These are also they who
received the gospel and a testimony of Jesus but then were not valiant. They
will be visited by Jesus Christ but not by our Heavenly Father. (See D&C
76:73-79.) They will not be part of eternal families; they will live
separately and singly forever (see D&C 131:1-4).
Outer Darkness
These are they who had testimonies of Jesus through the Holy Ghost and knew the
power of the Lord but allowed Satan to overcome them. They denied the truth and
defied the power of the Lord. There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied
the Holy Spirit after having received it. They will not have a kingdom of glory.
They will live in eternal darkness, torment, and misery with Satan and his
angels forever. (See D&C 76:28-35, 44-48.)
- According to Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-53, 62-70, what are the characteristics of a person who overcomes the world by faith and is valiant in the testimony of Jesus?
Discussion
- Have someone tell about the three degrees of glory and outer darkness and describe who will go to each (see D&C 76:50-88).
We Should Prepare Now for Judgment
- What must we do to be ready for the Final Judgment?
Discussion
- Ask class members to think how they would feel about hearing the words recorded in Matthew 25:34 spoken to them.
Additional Scriptures
- Romans 2:6-9; Revelation 20:12-13 (the Judgment)
D&C 88:98-102 (sounding of the trumps of judgment)
Chapter 47 - Exaltation
1985 to 1992
When we lived with our Heavenly Father, he explained a plan for progression
to us, his spirit children our progression. We could become
like him, an exalted being. The plan required that we be separated from him and
come to earth. This separation was necessary to prove whether we would obey our
Father's commandments even though we were no longer in his presence. The plan
provided that when earth life ended, we would be judged and rewarded according
to the degree of our faith and obedience. We would then be assigned to
the place for which we had earned
for our eternal home prepared.
Jesus taught, "In my Father's house are many mansions" (John 14:2).
From the scriptures we learn that there are three degrees or
kingdoms of glory in heaven...
Exaltation is eternal life, the kind of life God lives. He lives in great
glory. He is perfect. He possesses all knowledge and all wisdom. He is the
Father of spirit children. He is a creator. We can become Gods like
our Heavenly Father. This is exaltation.
If we prove faithful and
obedient to all the commandments of the Lord, we will
live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of heaven. We will become
exalted, just like our Heavenly Father. Exaltation is the highest
reward greatest gift that our Heavenly Father
can give his The Lord has said that exaltation is the greatest gift of all
the gifts of God children (see D&C 14:7)...
Those who live the commandments of the Lord and receive eternal
life (exaltation) exaltation in the celestial kingdom through
faith in Jesus Christ will receive special blessings. The Lord has said:
promised, "All things are theirs" (D&C 76:59). These
are some of the special blessings given to exalted people...
List some of the blessings that
will be given to those who earn exaltation. List
some of the blessings that will be given to those who are exalted...
There are specific ordinances we must have received to be exalted: To
be exalted, we first must place our faith in Jesus Christ and then endure in
that faith to the end of our lives. Our faith in him must be such that we repent
of our sins and obey his commandments.
He commands us all to receive certain ordinances:...
We must receive the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost...
In addition to receiving the required ordinances, there are
also many laws we have to obey the Lord commands all of us to qualify
for exaltation. We must...
In other words, each person must
endure in faithfulness, keeping all the Lord's commandments until the end of his
life on earth. Finally, each of us needs to
receive the Holy Ghost and learn to follow his direction in our individual
lives...
What happens when we have endured to the end and have been
faithful? in faithful discipleship to Christ?...
This is the way our Heavenly Father became a God...
Our Heavenly Father knows our trials, our weaknesses, and mistakes
our sins.
1997 to 2009
We would then be assigned to the place for which we had prepared.
Jesus taught, "In my Father's house are many mansions" (John
14:2)... If we prove faithful to the Lord, we will live in the highest
degree of the celestial kingdom of heaven. We will become exalted, just
like our Heavenly Father to live with our Heavenly Father in
eternal families. Exaltation is the greatest gift that Heavenly
Father can give His children (see D&C 14:7)...
Our Heavenly Father is perfect However,
he is not jealous of his wisdom and perfection, and He glories in
the fact that it is possible for His children to become like Him...
3. They will have be united eternally with their
righteous family members with them and will be able to have spirit
children also. These spirit children will have the
same relationship to them as we do to our Heavenly Father. They will be an
eternal family eternal increase...
He commands us all to receive certain ordinances...
3. Brethren must receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and magnify their
callings in the priesthood.
4. We must receive the temple endowment.
5. We must be married for time and eternity, either in this
life or in the next...
In addition to receiving the required ordinances, the Lord commands all of us to...
2. Keep the commandments...
4. Live the law of chastity....
5. Pay honest tithes and offerings.
6. Be honest in our dealings with others and with the Lord.
7. Speak the truth always.
8. Obey the Word of Wisdom
10. Keep the Sabbath day holy...
14. Honor our parents...
Why are faith in and obedience to Jesus Christ necessary to become
exalted?
What ordinances must we accept in order to become exalted?How do ordinances and covenants prepare us for exaltation?
What laws does the Lord give us that we must obey to become exalted?
How does faith in Jesus Christ help us obey the commandments?...
This is the way our Heavenly
Father became God. Joseph Smith taught: "It is the first
principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God. . . . He
was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an
earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did" (Teachings of the Prophet
Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 345-46).
Our Heavenly Father knows our
trials, our weaknesses, and our sins. He has compassion and mercy on us. He
wants us to succeed even as he did.
Imagine what joy each of us will have when we return to our Heavenly Father
if we can say: "Father, I did what you wanted me to do I
lived according to Thy will.