What Is the Great Plan of Happiness?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Alma 39-42 in a lesson titled “The Great Plan of Happiness.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

When someone we love has made a serious mistake, it can be hard to know how to respond. Part of what makes Alma 39-42 so valuable is that it reveals how Alma – a disciple of Christ who once had his own grievous sins to repent of – handled such a situation. Alma’s son Corianton had committed sexual sin, and Alma, as he had learned to do in his ministry, trusted the power of true doctrine to give his son an eternal perspective and encourage repentance (see Alma 4:19; 31:5). In these chapters, we observe Alma’s boldness in condemning sin and his tenderness and love for Corianton. And ultimately, we sense Alma’s confidence that the Savior “shall come to take away the sins of the world [and] declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people” (Alma 39:15). The fact that Corianton repented and eventually returned to the work of the ministry (see Alma 49:30) can give us hope for forgiveness and redemption when we are troubled about our own sins or the sins of someone we love (see Alma 42:29).

Alma showed forth his love for Corianton by referring to him as “my son” (see first verse of Alma 40, 41, and 42). Alma taught Corianton the seriousness of sexual sin (Alma 39), life after death (Alma 40-41), how to seek answers with faith in Jesus Christ (Alma 40), and how the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes redemption possible (Alma 42).

Corianton believed that being punished for sins was not fair: (see Alma 42:1). And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand – which is concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery (Alma 42:1).

So, Alma – as a father, priesthood leader, and prophet of God – taught Corianton about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes both justice and mercy possible. Alma taught his first example of justice and mercy with the story of Adam and Eve.

Adam and Eve were told that they could eat of any fruit in the Garden of Eden except the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If they chose to eat of this fruit, they would die (justice). God placed cherubim and the flaming sword to guard the tree of life, so that Adam and Eve would not partake of the fruit and live forever in their sins without any opportunity to repent (mercy).

After partaking of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden. When this happened, they were temporarily and spiritually cast out of the presence of God (justice). However, this condition was temporary because God appointed each of us a time to die (mercy).

Our mortal time on earth is a time for us to repent and to prepare to return to God’s presence (mercy). If we choose not to repent, we will be cast out of God’s presence forever (justice). To help His children to repent and to become worthy to be in God’s presence, Heavenly Father taught us His plan for our happiness. Alma called this plan the plan of redemption, the plan of salvation, and the plan of happiness.

11 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.

12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;

13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state. Yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.

14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.

15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.

25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.

26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.

In other words, the Atonement of Jesus Christ satisfied the demands of justice and offered mercy to all people who choose to repent of their sins. This is the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation. The great plan of happiness is taught masterfully in a video titled “The Mediator” that I greatly recommend. 

Why Is the Doctrine of Christ Central to God’s Plan of Salvation?

            My Come, Follow Me studies for this week took me deep into the book of Moses. This week’s studies covered Genesis 5 and Moses 6. In Genesis 5, Moses wrote all the generations between Adam and Eve and Noah. There are a lot of names but not much information on the individuals. Enoch came six generations from Adam, and he was described as follows: “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24).

This sounds like an interesting story, but Moses continued the list of generations without any further explanation. We are blessed because the Lord revealed details of Enoch’s story in Moses 6. The following information is from Come, Follow Me – For Individuals and Families.

Thankfully, Moses 6 reveals the details of Enoch’s story – and it’s quite a story. We learn of Enoch’s humility, his insecurities, the potential God saw in him, and the great work he performed as God’s prophet. We also get a clearer picture of the family of Adam and Eve as it progressed through the generations. We read of Satan’s “great dominion” but also of parents who taught children “the ways of God” and of “preachers of righteousness” who “spake and prophesied” (Moses 6:15, 21, 23). Especially precious is what we learn about the doctrine these parents and preachers taught: faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost (see Moses 6:50-52). That doctrine, like the priesthood that accompanies it, “was in the beginning [and] shall be in the end of the world also” (Moses 6:7).

            Like most chapters in the scriptures, Moses 6 contains numerous principles. The principle that I have chosen to discuss tonight is “The doctrine of Christ is central to God’s plan of salvation.” Through the book of Moses, “we know that God has been teaching His children how to find forgiveness and redemption ever since the beginning.” In 2 Nephi 31:13-21, these teachings are called the “doctrine of Christ.” What are the specifics of the doctrine of Christ?

            The first doctrine that we must understand is that the Fall of Adam and Eve was part of Heavenly Father’s plan from the beginning. Because of the Fall, all mankind will suffer two kinds of death. Physical death is the separation of the immortal spirit from the mortal body. Spiritual death is the separation from the presence of God.

In addition, Lucifer (Satan) was cast down to earth without a body. Because of his rebellion against God, he will never receive a physical body. Therefore, he tempts mortals in an attempt to take over their bodies. Because we are mere mortals, we yield to the temptations of Satan and become “carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God” until we repent (Moses 6:49).

The second doctrine that we must understand is that the Atonement of Jesus Christ was part of Heavenly Father’s plan from the beginning also. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind will overcome physical death and can overcome spiritual death (see Romans 3:23; Mosiah 16:3-4; Alma 11:42-43; Helaman 14:14-18; Moses 6:52).

A third doctrine that we must understand is the great gift of agency given to each of us in our pre-mortal life (see Moses 7:32). Moral agency allows us to choose between good and evil and to experience the consequences of our choices (see 2 Nephi 2:14-16, 25-29; Doctrine and Covenants 101:78). God will do all that He can do to help us qualify to return to His presence, but He will never force anyone. He honors our agency and allows us to choose where we want to spend eternity.

This doctrine includes the principles of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by emersion for the remission of sins, and laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Moses 6:57-68 tells us that Enoch saw that Adam and Eve were baptized. We know that they had faith in Jesus Christ because they knew Him from the Garden of Eden. We know that they repented of their sins, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained how birth and baptism are similar and essential.

Two births are essential to salvation. Man cannot be saved without birth into mortality, nor can he return to his heavenly home without a birth into the realm of the Spirit…. The elements present in a mortal birth and in a spiritual birth are the same. They are water, blood, and spirit. Thus every mortal birth is a heaven-given reminder to prepare for the second birth….

In every mortal birth the child is immersed in water in the mother’s womb. At the appointed time the spirit enters the body, and blood always flows in the veins of the new person. Otherwise, without each of these, there is no life, no birth, no mortality.

In every birth into the kingdom of heaven, the newborn babe in Christ is immersed in water, he receives the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and the blood of Christ cleanses him from all sin. Otherwise, without each of these, there is no Spirit-birth, no newness of life, no hope of eternal life….

… These elements were again present in [Christ’s] death. He sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane as he took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. This same agony and suffering recurred on the cross. It was then that he permitted his spirit to leave his body, and it was then that blood and water gushed from his riven side (A New Witness, 288-89).

            There are numerous names for the plan of salvation. Sometimes it is called the plan of happiness or the plan of redemption. Other times it is called the plan of restoration, the plan of mercy, the plan of deliverance, or the everlasting gospel. According to President Russell M. Nelson, the designation is not as important as the fact that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the “enabling essence of the plan” (“Constancy and Change,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 33).

            The Creation of the earth, the Fall of Adam and Eve, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (including His death and resurrection) are the three pillars of eternity upon which rests Heavenly Father’s plan for the eternal happiness of His children. We are blessed that Heavenly Father saw fit to reveal the book of Moses to Joseph Smith in these latter days. This book contains many doctrines and principles necessary for us to know and live to prepare us to return to the presence of God.

What Is God’s Plan for the Redemption of His Children?

            The Come, Follow Me lesson for this week covered more of Alma’s great teachings to his son, Corianton. In all his teachings, Alma showed his love for Corianton by often saying, “my son” and “I perceive” that you are troubled about….” In Alma 42, Alma teaches Corianton about Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption for His children.

            Alma begins by reminding Corianton that Adam and Eve were put out of the Garden of Eden after they partook of the forbidden fruit. One result of eating the fruit was knowledge because the fruit came from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. When Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, their eyes were opened, and they had the ability to see the difference between good and evil.

Another result of eating the fruit was death. However, Adam and Eve could have avoided death if they had eaten of the fruit of the Tree of Life. Heavenly Father did not want Adam and Eve to live forever as disobedient mortals. He knew that they would have to die before they could return to spend eternity with Him. Therefore, God placed “cherubim and the flaming sword” to guard the Tree of Life (Alma 42:3). This simple but important act provided a “probationary time, a time to repent and serve God” (Alma 42:4). The eating of the fruit was a necessary step in the Father’s plan of redemption.

The Father’s plan included preparing a place for His children to go where they could gain knowledge and experience – sort of like a university. The Father planned for Adam and Eve to

Prepare physical bodies on earth for God’s spirit children. Here the children would gain knowledge and experience as well as make mistakes  .

            Alma discusses the Father’s plan and gives the one plan several different names. He calls it the “plan of salvation” (Alma 42:5), “plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8, 16), “plan of redemption” (Alma 42:11, 13), and “plan of mercy” (Alma 42:15, 31). All the names are appropriate. The plan encompasses the entirety of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes everything that is needed for the salvation of man – thus the plan of salvation. Men and women can have great happiness through following the plan – thus the plan of happiness. The plan calls for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which makes it possible for all mankind to be redeemed from death and sin – thus the plan of redemption. The plan shows that Heavenly Father knows that no person who lives on the earth is perfect, except Jesus Christ. It proves how loving and merciful the Father is to all sinners – thus the plan of mercy.

            Heavenly Father knows that repentance takes time and that it is not easy for mortals to change. This is the reason why He gave us a probationary time to repent and learn to be obedient. (See Alma 42:4.) This probationary time is called mortality. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint gave the following explanation about our time on earth.

The main purpose of earth life is to allow our spirits, which existed before the world was, to be united with our bodies for a time of great opportunity in mortality. The association of the two together has given us the privilege of growing, developing, and maturing as only we can with spirit and body united. Without our bodies, we pass through a certain amount of trial in what is termed a probationary state of our existence. This is a time of learning and testing to prove ourselves worthy of eternal opportunities. It is all part of a divine plan our Father has for His children (Ensign, May 1989, 13-14).

            Elder Perry gave us some interesting information about our time of probation. He said that we need a period of time when our body and spirit are united to learn things that we can learn in no other way. While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Ronald E. Poelman added that mortality is a time to learn of opposites and to choose between them.

The plan of salvation presented to and accepted by us in our premortal state includes a probationary period on earth, during which we experience opposites, make choices, learn the consequences thereof, and prepare to return to the presence of God. Experiencing adversity is an essential part of the process. Knowing this, we elected to come into mortality (Ensign, May 1989, 23).

            Elder Poelman reminded us that we knew what was involved in the plan of salvation before we came to earth, and we still chose to come. Elder William R. Bradford of the Seventy concluded that the purpose of our live on earth is to become like Heavenly Father.

This life is a probationary period. It is a marvelous gift of time during which we can learn to be like our Heavenly Father by following the teachings of His Son, Jesus Christ. The path He leads us on is not a cluttered path. It is simple and straight and lighted by the Spirit (Ensign, May 1992).

            From Elder Bradford, we learn that the Father gave us more than just time to prove ourselves. He gave us His Only Begotten Son, even Jesus the Christ, who came to earth to lead us back to the presence of the Father. The Father knew that His Son would suffer as only a God could suffer before He died as a mortal. Through the sacrifice of both the Father and the Son, an atonement was made. The price for our sins was paid by Christ, and He only requires that we repent of our sins and follow Him.

            The Apostle John wrote, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

            The words “the world” includes all God’s children who have been born on earth from the Creation to the end of time. God loves all His children no matter where they live or what they look like. He gave us His Son to our Savior, our Exemplar, and our Redeemer. Heavenly Father’s plan for the happiness of His children is perfect, and I am grateful for it.

Family Proclamation, Part 3

            Families, communities, and nations are strengthened when individuals understand and live the principles contained in the inspired document known as “The Family:  A Proclamation to the World.”  The third paragraph of the Proclamation testifies that we lived in a premortal world before we came to this earth.  We knew and worshipped God there and were informed of a plan by which we can return to live once again with God and our families.

                “In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.  The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

                The scriptures teach about our premortal life and God’s plan for the happiness of His children.  We read in Titus 1:2:  “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”

                This important doctrine is taught in simple words and pictures in a children’s song entitled “I Lived in Heaven”  (Children’s Songbook, #4).  This song musically teaches about God’s plan for His children to live as families with Him for all eternity.

                All families face difficulties in this life.  Some of those difficulties involve poor health, death, marital problems, financial problems, and difficulties with our daily lives.  Families who are not sealed together for eternity can fall apart under the strain of mortal life, but families who focus on eternity are better motivated to solve the mortal problems and overcome the earthly trials.  Families who are preparing to be together forever know that they can reach this goal by living righteously and living worthily of this great blessing.

                Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:  “The desire of our hearts, of course, is not only to acquire salvation and immortality but also to attain eternal life with a loving Father in Heaven and our Savior in the celestial kingdom with our families.  We can obtain eternal life only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.  The Savior said, `For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fullness, and be glorified in me.’”

                I know that God has restored the sealing power to earth once again.  I know that families can be sealed together forever in ceremonies performed in temples built for that purpose.  I know that the actions we take during this life will affect whether or not we have the opportunity to be with our family for all eternity.  I know that families, communities, and nations can be strengthened when families have an eternal perspective and are sealed together for eternity.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

                    The front page of any newspaper is usually reserved for the most important events of the day.  In fact, the most important news can usually be found "above the fold" on the front page.  If a newspaper published a special issue covering the entire history of the world, what stories do you think would be on the front page?  I believe that the news about the Atonement of Jesus Christ would be printed above the fold!

                    Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stated:  "The wondrous and glorious Atonement was the central act in all of human history" (Ensign, May 1985, 73).

Why do you think that Elder Maxwell would make this statement?  I believe that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important event in all history because it affects not only life on earth but the eternal lives of every person who has ever lived on earth.  Knowing about the Atonement can help each of us deal better with the bad news and terrible events we often hear about on the news.

To help you gain better understanding of the Atonement, I would like to share a story about an ordinary man who did an extra-ordinary thing.  "On a cold, wintry day in 1982, an airplane crashed into a bridge in Washington, D.C., and landed in the Potomac River.  Most of the people on the plane were killed immediately, but six people got out of the plane and hung on to its tail while two men in a helicopter threw them a life preserver.  The water was very cold, and it was hard to hang on to the plane.  The rescuers were afraid that the passengers might lose their grip and drown before they could be pulled out and carried to safety.  The rescuers noticed that one man seemed to be more alert than the others, so they lowered the life preserver to him.  But every time they did this, he passed the life preserver to someone else so the other person could be rescued first.  When the other five people were safe, the helicopter went back for the man, but he was gone." (See Roger Rosenblatt, "The Man in the Water," Time, 25 Jan. 1982, 86; see also Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1983, 56.)

                    This was an ordinary man, a mortal like you and I; yet he gave his life that other people might live.  I don't know if I would have been as brave, unselfish, and loving as this man.  The man in the river did a great thing when he selflessly gave his own life to save the lives of five other people; but Jesus Christ did an even greater thing when he gave his life to save the spiritual lives of everyone on earth.

                    Last week I wrote about the Fall of Adam and Eve.  http://causeofliberty.blogspot.com/2012/01/fall-of-adam-and-eve.html

Because Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, both spiritual and physical death came into the world.  In physical death, a person's body becomes separated from his/her spirit.  In spiritual death, a person becomes separated from Heavenly Father.  Without a Savior, both physical death and spiritual death would be permanent.  After death our bodies and spirits would be separated forever, and we would be unable to live with Heavenly Father again.  But just as the Fall was part of Heavenly Father's plan, Heavenly Father also planned for us to have a Savior who would overcome both physical and spiritual death.

                    John 1:1-3, 14 tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

                    "The same was in the beginning with God.

                    "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

                    "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

                    The "Word" is a name used for Jesus Christ.  He was with Heavenly Father before the earth was created, and He was chosen in the premortal world to create the earth and become our Savior.

                    The statement in John is confirmed in Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:2, where we read, "But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me - Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever."

                    Jesus' existence on earth was different from every other mortal's in two different ways:  1) Jesus was the Only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father.  This means that Heavenly Father was the father of Jesus' physical body as well as His spirit.  2) Jesus was the only person to ever live on earth without committing a single sin.  These are two very important differences because these two qualities - his Godhood and his sinlessness - were necessary for Christ to atone for our sins and be our Savior.)

                    The word atone means to "correct or overcome the consequences of sin" and make "at one" people who have been separated [see "Atonement," Bible Dictionary, 617].)  The Atonement of Jesus Christ enables us to become "at one" with Heavenly Father because eternal law, or justice, requires that whoever violates a law must be punished.  Through his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and his death on the cross, Jesus Christ took upon himself the punishment for the sins of everyone who ever lived on the earth.  Because of this Atonement, we can repent of our sins, be freed from guilt, and be worthy to dwell with Heavenly Father again.

                    One of the Articles of Faith for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states:  "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."  (See Pearl of Great Price, Articles of Faith 1:3.)  Christ's Atonement was performed for all mankind!

                    Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told a story - a parable - entitled "The Mediator;" this parable explains why the Atonement was necessary.  It is about a debtor (one who borrows or owes money), a creditor (one who lends money), and a mediator (one who solves problems).  It symbolizes our relationship with our Savior.  The debtor represents all mankind, the creditor represents the laws of justice, and the Mediator represents Jesus Christ.

                    "There once was a man who wanted something very much.  It seemed more important than anything else in his life.  In order for him to have his desire, he incurred a great debt.

                    "He had been warned about going into that much debt, and particularly about his creditor.  But it seemed so important for him to do what he wanted to do and to have what he wanted right now.  He was sure he could pay for it later.

                    "So he signed a contract.  He would pay it off some time along the way.  He didn't worry too much about it, for the due date seemed such a long time away.  He had what he wanted now, and that was what seemed important.

                    "The creditor was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and he made token payments now and again thinking somehow that the day of reckoning really would never come.

                    "But as it always does, the day came, and the contract fell due.  The debt had not been fully paid.  His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.  Only then did he realize that his creditor not only had the power to repossess all that he owned, but the power to cast him into prison as well. 

                    "`I cannot pay you, for I have not the power to do so,' he confessed.

                    "`Then,' said the creditor, `we will exercise the contract, take your possessions, and you shall go to prison.  You agreed to that.  It was your choice.  You signed the contract, and now it must be enforced.'

                    "`Can you not extend the time or forgive the debt?' the debtor begged.  `Arrange some way for me to keep what I have and not go to prison.  Surely you believe in mercy?  Will you not show mercy?'

                    "The creditor replied, `Mercy is always so one-sided.  It would serve only you.  If I show mercy to you, it will leave me unpaid.  It is justice I demand.  Do you believe in justice?'

                    "`I believed in justice when I signed the contract,' the debtor said.  `It was on my side then, for I thought it would protect me.  I did not need mercy then, nor think I should need it ever.  Justice, I thought, would serve both of us equally as well.'

                    "`It is justice that demands that you pay the contract or suffer the penalty,' the creditor replied.  `That is the law.  You have agreed to it and that is the way it must be.  Mercy cannot rob justice.'

                    "There they were:  One meting out justice, the other pleading for mercy.  Neither could prevail except at the expense of the other.

                    "`If you do not forgive the debt there will be no mercy,' the debtor pleaded.

                    "`If I do, there will be no justice,' was the reply.

                    "Both laws, it seemed, could not be served.  They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another.  Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also?

                    "There is a way!  The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended - but it takes someone else.  And so it happened this time.

                    "The debtor had a friend.  He came to help.  He knew the debtor well.  He knew him to be shortsighted.  He thought him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament.  Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him.  He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer.

                    "`I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison.'

                    "As the creditor was pondering the offer, the mediator added, `You demanded justice.  Though he cannot pay you, I will do so.  You will have been justly dealt with and can ask no more.  It would not be just.'

                    "And so the creditor agreed.

                    "The mediator turned then to the debtor.  `If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?'

                    "`Oh yes, yes,' cried the debtor.  `You save me from prison and show mercy to me.'

                    "Then,' said the benefactor, `you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms.  It will not be easy, but it will be possible.  I will provide a way.  You need not go to prison.'

                    "And so it was that the creditor was paid in full.  He had been justly dealt with.  No contract had been broken.

                    "The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy.  Both laws stood fulfilled.  Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was fully satisfied" (Ensign, May 1977, 55-55).

                    When we agreed to come to earth and receive bodies, we knew that we would sometimes make wrong decisions.  Our sins are like the debt of the man in the story.  The laws of justice demand that our sins be paid for if we are to return to live with Heavenly Father again.  Because Jesus was sinless and the Only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father, he was the only one who could atone for our sins and satisfy justice.

In the story, the mediator (the debtor's friend) said he would become the debtor's new creditor.  The debt would be repaid on his terms.  Christ has set the terms for us in order that we might receive all the blessings of the Atonement.  Those terms are contained in the following scriptures.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

"And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.

"And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day" (Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 2 Nephi 9:21-22).

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent" (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16).

All mankind are unconditionally saved from physical death because of the Savior's Atonement.  Every one of us will be resurrected and gain immortality.  In order to be saved from spiritual death and live with Heavenly Father again, we must follow the counsel given in these scriptures:  1) we must believe in Christ, 2) we must follow and obey him, and 3) we must repent of our sins.

If we do not repent of our sins, we will have to suffer the consequences for our choices.  Doctrine and Covenants 19:17-18 tells us:  "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 - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink -

"Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."

The debtor in the story would have lost all his possessions and gone to prison if his friend had not offered to help him.

Jesus Christ has already atoned for our sins.  In the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ (2 Nephi 9:7-9), a prophet named Nephi explained what would happen to us if an atonement had not been made.  "Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement - save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption.  Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration.  And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.

                    "O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace!  For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.

                    "And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness."

                    In other words, without the Atonement of Jesus Christ and our willingness to abide by the terms of His offer, we would not be resurrected, and our sins in this life would keep us out of the presence of Heavenly Father forever.

Heavenly Father showed His great love for all His children when He sent Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son, to earth and allowed Him to suffer, bleed, and die to atone for our sins.  Jesus Christ showed His great love for His spirit brothers and sisters when He willingly suffered for our sake.  I am so very grateful for the sacrifices made by both of them.  In fact, "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me" (Hymns, 193).  I love both Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with all my heart!

                   

Eternal Goals

                    Do you follow the New Year tradition of setting goals for yourself?  Have you been successful in meeting those goals or do you become frustrated with yourself for failing to meet them?  What kind of goals do you set?  Why do we need to set goals?  What difference does it make in our lives?

                    Setting goals for ourselves, our families, and our organizations is a plan of what we want to accomplish or where we want to be at some time in the future.  It is wise to have goals for different periods of time - daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, five years from now, when we retire, when we die, and where we want to spend eternity. 

A goal is a plan and is much like a road map.  We usually know where we are and where we want to be, but we don't always know how to arrive at our chosen destination.  There are often a variety of ways to travel and eventually reach our destination, but sometimes there is only one road.  When my husband and I drive from Anchorage, Alaska, to Idaho, we know that we have to access the Alaska Highway.  We can take the long way up the Parks Highway to Fairbanks and access the Alaska Highway there or we can take the GlennAllen Highway to GlennAllen and make another decision there.  We could decide to take the Richardson Highway up to Delta Junction and access the Alaska Highway there or we could take an even shorter route up the Tok Cutoff to Tok which is the last place we could access the Alaska Highway.  From Tok, Alaska, to Watson Lake, British Columbia, there is only one road to take - the Alaska Highway.  At Watson Lake, another decision needs to be made - continue on the Alaska Highway or drive down the Cassiar Highway.  There are no further choices on the Cassiar until the end of that highway, but there are numerous choices if continuing on the Alaska Highway.  A road map is always a necessity as well as weather conditions!

Our life here on earth is often called a journey.  Sometimes the journey is short, and sometimes it is long, but a "road map" is always necessary for this journey also.  Our loving Heavenly Father has a plan - or a road map - whereby all of us, His spirit children, can return to His presence to live with Him forever.  His plan is called the Plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness.  His plan includes our pre-earth life, the Creation of the earth and everything on it, the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the spirit world, the final judgment, the resurrection of all His mortal children, and a final destination (Celestial Kingdom, Terrestrial Kingdom, Telestial Kingdom, or outer darkness).

Because Heavenly Father loves us, He gave us agency - the power to choose - while we still lived with Him in heaven.  We had the choice of whether to come to earth where we could receive bodies or to follow Satan.  You can believe it or not, but one-third of all the hosts of heaven chose to follow Satan and will live throughout eternity without bodies because of that choice.  They were cast out of heaven along with Satan and came to earth where they tempt us to join them.  Their final destination is outer darkness.  (See Revelation 12:4, 9.)

Those of us with bodies know that we chose to follow Heavenly Father's plan and to follow Jesus Christ.  We came to earth where we received bodies and are allowed to make more choices.  Heavenly Father sent us to earth with a plan on how we can return to His presence.  The most important part of the plan is the Atonement of Jesus Christ; other valuable parts are prayer, scripture study, and following the counsel of prophets. The choices we make each day will determine where we spend eternity.  Knowledge and understanding of Heavenly Father's plan for our eternal happiness helps us to make wise decisions.

Some life experiences help us to understand the plan and why it is necessary.  Bishop H. Burke Peterson, who was a member of the Presiding Bishopric, told the following personal story. 

My parents and grandparents were born and raised in Utah.  However, my mother and father began their married life in Phoenix, Arizona.  That is where my three brothers and I were raised.  Almost every summer my father and mother would take all of us to Utah … to enjoy the association with our cousins and other relatives.

… One spring before school was out I asked my father if I could go to Salt Lake City to work and then return to Phoenix at the end of the summer to be with my family and begin school again.  After thinking it over, my parents decided it would be fine.  When school was out in May, Dad took me with him to the [bus station] and, since I had no money of my own as yet, bought me a ticket to Salt Lake City.  I was somewhat taken back when I found out that he had purchased for me a one-way ticket instead of a round trip.  He said he would take the responsibility to see that I arrived in Salt Lake City but it would be up to me to do what was necessary while I was there to purchase the ticket for a return home to Phoenix at the end of the summer.  As you can imagine, I was most anxious to come back home after my work experience as I had burning in my memory the happy experiences we had always enjoyed in our home.  I enjoyed the association with and loved my three brothers and was most happy and comfortable with my parents.

When I arrived in Salt Lake City I immediately set about to find work.  This I was able to accomplish, and as soon as my first paycheck was given to me, guess what I did.  First I paid my tithing, and then I took the rest of the money to the bus depot downtown in Salt Lake City and purchased a return trip ticket to Phoenix.  I wanted to be sure that when summer was over there would be nothing to stand in the way of my returning home.  I loved my home very much.  For the rest of the summer I was particularly mindful of taking good care of myself and doing everything necessary to insure my return home to Phoenix.  More than anything else I wanted to enjoy again the experience of being with my family.  (See "Return Trip Ticket Home," New Era, Apr. 1974, 5.)

We all had a family in our pre-earth life and were happy there with our Heavenly Parents and our spirit brothers and sisters, particularly our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ.  We wanted to stay there, but we understood the plan.  We knew that Heavenly Father loved us and wanted us to be with Him for eternity.  We knew that we each needed to come to earth in order to gain a body, learn by experience, show that we will be obedient to God's commandments, and return to Him stronger and wiser.  We understood that experience on earth was necessary in order that we could be with Heavenly Father again and also be like our Heavenly Father.  The decision to leave our heavenly home and come to earth was ours, but Heavenly Father took the responsibility to help us arrive here safely.  Heavenly Father provided only a one-way ticket; whether or not we return to His presence to be with Him and our family for eternity is up to us.  Where we live for eternity will depend on our choices and actions while we are here on earth.

Heavenly Father's most important work is helping His children to return to live with Him again.  God told Moses, "For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39).

This scripture names two parts to God's work - to bring to pass immortality and eternal life.  The words immortality and eternal life do not refer to the same thing.  Immortality is a state of being resurrected, of being free from physical death.  This blessing will come to all people.  Eternal life is living with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom and being like Them.  This blessing - which is also called exaltation - comes only to those who keep the commandments and make the necessary covenants.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ brought to pass the resurrection of all mankind.  It also brings the promise that we can repent of our sins and become clean and worthy in order to regain the presence of the Father and the Son.  Exaltation is my eternal goal.  I will not be satisfied with anything less!

Families

                    "Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God….  The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" ("The Family:  A Proclamation to the World, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

                    The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught, "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

                    Families are part of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation.  When God implemented His plan for the happiness of His children, the Father commanded Jehovah (Jesus Christ) and Michael (Adam) to create this earth.  God needed a place to send His spirit children in order for them to obtain physical bodies and to be tested in order to prepare them to become like Him.  God created Adam and Eve and performed their marriage ceremony there in the Garden of Eden while they were still immortal.  This means that their marriage is for eternity.  God commanded them to have children (see Genesis 1:28) because providing physical bodies for God's spirit children is one of the purposes for marriage.  Men and women are partners with Heavenly Father in creating eternal families.  God sends His spirit children to earth to receive mortal bodies and to experience life on earth.  Bringing children into the world is the way that parents help Heavenly Father to carry out His plan.

                    In a recent address Jean A. Stevens addressed this subject.  She said, "Our Father in Heaven, in His great wisdom and love, sends His spirit sons and daughters to this earth as children.  They come to families as precious gifts with a divine nature and destiny.  Our Heavenly Father knows children are a key to helping us become like Him.  There is so much we can learn from children."  (See Ensign, May 2011, p. 10.)

                    Sister Stevens gave several true stories about "how children can bless our lives with their innocent yet powerful examples of Christlike attributes".  Her first example was Todd, a two-year old who went with his mother to "a special art exhibit of beautiful paintings of the Savior.  As they walked past these sacred images, she heard her little boy reverently saying the name `Jesus.'  She looked down to see him folding his arms and bowing his head as he viewed the paintings."  Little Todd knew how to show humility, reverence, and love of God.

                    The second example was "a 10-year-old boy in Armenia.  "As we waited for sacrament meeting to begin, he noticed the oldest member of the branch [congregation] arrive.  He … quickly went to her side, offering his arm to steady her faltering steps.  He assisted her to the front row of the chapel, where she could hear."  This young boy knew the importance of kindness and service.

                    The third example was Katie, a young girl of Primary age, who had great influence on her family.  "She attended Primary and was drawn to the teachings of the gospel.  With growing faith and testimony, Katie left a note on her parents' pillow.  She wrote that the gospel truths had found a `home in her heart.'  She shared her longing to be close to her Heavenly Father, to be obedient to His commandments, and to have their family sealed in the temple.  The simple testimony of their sweet daughter touched her parents' hearts in a powerful way.  Katie and her family did receive sacred temple ordinances that bound their family together forever.  Katie's believing heart and example of faith helped bring eternal blessings to her family."  Katie taught her family what was most important because she had a "sincere testimony and desire to follow the Lord's plan."

                    The fourth example was six-year-old Liam who "battled aggressive brain cancer" for the past year.  He endured two difficult surgeries followed by radiation treatments.  Liam was required to "be all alone and lie absolutely still" during the treatments, but he "did not want to be sedated because he disliked the way it made him feel."  Liam said that he could hold still without sedatives if "he could just hear his dad's voice over the intercom."  The father offered "words of encouragement and love" to Liam whenever he became anxious.  "Liam, although you can't see me, I am right here.  I know you can do it.  I love you."  Little "Liam successfully accomplished the 33 required radiation treatments while holding perfectly still….  Through months of pain and difficulty, Liam's contagious optimism has been a powerful example of meeting adversity with hope and even happiness" and has inspired many people with his courage.

                    My last example happened in my own family.  One of my daughters called after her children were in bed on a recent Monday night.  For whatever reason, her family had not held their regular family home evening, and her five-year-old daughter was whining to have family home evening - even though it was already after 9:00 and the other children were already in bed.  When she asked to speak to me, I asked her what was making her unhappy, and she explained.  I told her that I was home alone and suggested that she hold family home evening with me over the telephone.  I asked her to sing her favorite Primary song, which was "I Am A Child of God," and then I told her the story of Joseph Smith's first vision when the Father and the Son appeared to him.  She sang another song, "Jesus Wants Me for A Sunbeam" and told me the story of the three little pigs.  I convinced her that it was time for her to go to bed, and she was happy when we said "I love you" and "goodbye."

                    Children, in their innocence and humility, have great faith.  A righteous king named Benjamin explained in the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ why the natural man must become like little children:  "And even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.

                    "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

                    "For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little children, and believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

                    "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."  (See Mosiah 3:16-18; italics added.)

                    Children with their believing hearts and childlike faith can strengthen entire families.  Their examples can soften our hearts and lead us to humility and the willingness to make the necessary changes in our lives.  They can help us become more like Christ. Children strengthen families and help them to be successful and eternal.

                   

                     

The Creation

There are people who believe that our beautiful world was created by a "Big Bang." If this theory really worked, I should be able to put all my cookie ingredients on the table, shake the table, and have cookie dough! Another comparison would be to put the parts to a watch, etc. on the table, shake the table, and have a functioning watch.

I personally believe that our loving Heavenly Father planned and organized this earth for us. We lived in heaven as spirit children of heavenly parents. Heavenly Father called all of His spirit children together and presented His plan of how we could become like Him. We liked His plan so much that we shouted for joy (Job 38:7). We wanted the new experiences even though we knew we would have to leave heaven. We knew that we needed mortal bodies and a new home in order to prepare ourselves.

Under the direction of Heavenly Father and using the power of the priesthood, Jesus Christ created or organized this earth out of available materials. God the Father told Moses, "Worlds without number have I created; … and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten" (Moses 1:33). Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon said that they saw Jesus Christ in a vision. They testified “that by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:24).

The earth and everything on it were planned and created spiritually before they were created physically (see Moses 3:5). While planning the physical creation of the earth, Christ told those who were with Him, “We will go down, for there is space there, … and we will make an earth whereon these [the spirit children of our Father in Heaven] may dwell” (Abraham 3:24).

Christ, as directed by the Father, formed and organized the earth and divided the light from the darkness. He formed the sun, moon and stars and hung them in the heavens. He divided the water from the earth. He made the earth beautiful and planted all kinds of plants, such as trees, grass, flowers, and shrubs. He planned that all these plants would reproduce themselves from seeds contained within each plant. He created fish, insects, birds, and animals, all capable of reproducing their own kind.

God's greatest creation - mankind - came after the earth was completed and prepared. The spirit children of God would be given bodies of flesh and blood so they could live on earth. “And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so” (Moses 2:26). Man and woman were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Adam, the first man, and Eve, the first woman, were formed and given bodies that looked like those of our heavenly parents. After Adam and Eve were created, God announced that He was pleased and knew His work was good. Then He rested for a time.

We can know of God and His love for us as we look at the world around us. We have this beautiful world to live in. We have the sun to keep us warm and give us light. We receive rain to make plants grow and to clean and refresh our air. We have our bodies, which are true miracles and which allow us to work, play and rest. All of the creations of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ show us how wise, powerful, and loving They are. They love us so much that They created this beautiful world for us.

Plants and animals were created to give us joy. The Lord said, “Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:18-19). God has many creations, and yet He knows and loves them all. He said, “All things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them” (Moses 1:35).

Life After Death

What happens when our mortal bodies die? Heavenly Father has not left us in the dark about the post-mortal spirit world. Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of all His children. His plan covers our pre-mortal life, our mortal life, and our post-mortal life. While we lived with our Heavenly Father, He helped us prepare for our life on earth. Then He sent us to live on earth in order to receive mortal bodies of flesh and blood and to prepare for our post-earth life.

When our mortal bodies die, our spirits will go to the spirit world – a place of waiting, working, and learning. Those who have lived righteous lives will have an opportunity to rest from all their cares and sorrows. The spirits of all mankind will live in the spirit world until we are ready for our resurrection. Our resurrection will unite our mortal bodies with our spirits, never to be separated again. Each of us will then receive the degree of glory we have earned.

We have received much instruction about the spirit world. According to latter-day prophets, the spirits of those who have passed away are not far from us. “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” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, June 1971, 33). Brigham Young taught that the post-mortal spirit world is on the earth, around us (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 279).

Spirits and mortals have the same bodily form except the spirit body is in perfect form (see Ether 3:16). When people die, their spirits take with them the same attitudes of devotion or antagonism toward righteousness (see Alma 34:34). They also take with them the same appetites and desires as they had during their mortal lives. All spirits are in adult form – before and after mortal life, even if they die as infants or children (see Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 131-32).

According to a prophet named Alma in the Book of Mormon, there are two divisions or states in the spirit world: "The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest form all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil – for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house – and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.
"Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful,fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection" (Alma 40:12-14).

The spirits are classified as to how they lived their lives in mortality – the purity of their lives and their obedience to God. There is a division between the righteous and the wicked spirits (see 1 Nephi 15:28-30); however, the spirits may progress as fast as they learn the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and learn to be obedient to them. Those spirits who reside in paradise are allowed to teach the spirits in prison (see Doctrine and Covenants 138).

The prophet Alma also taught that the righteous spirits are given rest from earthly care and sorrow while they are occupied in furthering the work of the Lord. Joseph F. Smith saw in a vision that Jesus Christ visited the righteous spirits in paradise immediately after He was crucified. While He was there, He appointed messengers and commissioned them with the necessary power and authority to “carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:30).

Jesus Christ organized His Church in the spirit world. There priesthood holders continue to carry on their duties and responsibilities (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:30). 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” (Deseret News, Jan. 25, 1882, 818).

Family relationships are also important in the spirit world. Jedediah M. Grant, a counselor to Brigham Young, saw the spirit world in a vision and described the organization that exists there to Heber C. Kimball: “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’” (Deseret News, Dec. 10, 1856, 316-17).

Ancient scriptures also tell us about the spirit world. The Apostle Peter said that the post-mortal spirit world was like a prison for some (see 1 Peter 3:18-20). The spirits who are in spirit prison are those who have not yet received the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have agency and can be tempted by either good or evil. Those who accept the gospel and the ordinances performed for them in the temples are allowed to leave the spirit prison and live in paradise.

Some of the spirits in spirit prison rejected the gospel after it was preached to them either in mortal life or in spirit prison. They suffer a condition that is known as hell. They have rejected the mercy offered by 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” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-18). They must suffer for their own sins but then will be allowed – because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ – to inherit the telestial kingdom or the lowest degree of glory.