In the Book of Mormon, we find the words of the prophet, Nephi:

And it came to pass that I, unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. (1 Nephi 3:7)

God Prepares for His Restoration

Joseph Smith Jr.

And indeed, the Lord did prepare the way of the prophet of Joseph Smith.

John Lathrop was the second pastor of the first Independent Congregational Church in London. King Charles I placed Lathrop and all other dissenters into the Tower of London where he remained imprisoned from 1632 to 1634. While in prison, his wife died. He was banished to America upon his release and led a group of followers to Massachusetts.

I promise you now, had Lathrop not been banished to this promised land, Joseph Smith, Jr. would not have been born here. Without Joseph’s American birth, there was no way the church, as the Savior organized it in the meridian of time, could have been restored in any other land. It was difficult enough here.

Through John Lathrop, his direct ancestor, Joseph Smith is related to the following individuals, for they are all descended from Reverend Lathrop:

Harold B. Lee – prophet
Wilford Woodruff – prophet
Joseph F. Smith – prophet
Joseph Fielding Smith – prophet
Parley P. Pratt, – Apostle and Mormon Pioneer
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – poet
Eli Whitney – inventor of the cotton gin
Ulysses S. Grant, – President of the United States
Franklin Delano Roosevelt,- President of the United States
Marion Meriwether Post – founder of General Foods
Alan W. Dulles – former Director of the CIA
George H. Bush – President of the United States
George W. Bush – President of the United States
George Romney – Governor of Michigan and President of American Motors
Mitt Romney – U.S. Presidential Candidate

Joseph Smith searching the scriptures.

– and, as there is always at least one black sheep in the family:

Benedict Arnold

Joseph’s Ancestors were told of what was coming

However, the words of the men, the ones who knew him the best, who preceded him in life, are powerful:

His grandfather, Asael Smith: “It has been bourne upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith.” Before his death, Asael would tell his wife after reading the entire Book of Mormon, that Joseph was the “very prophet that he had long known would come in his family.” Cannon, George Q., Life of Joseph Smith The Prophet p. 3

Joseph’s father, Joseph Smith, Sr., received a series of dreams prior to Joseph’s kneeling in the grove on that early spring morning in 1820. One night, as he related the dream, young Joseph asked, “Father, what is the meaning of this strange dream you have told us about?”

His father answered,

My son, There is no true Church of Christ, or kingdom of God upon the earth. There is no fruit of Christ’s Church for men to partake. But the Lord will set up His kingdom and church upon the earth and this family will have a conspicuous part to play in its establishment. We will partake of the fruit of the tree and invite others to partake, but will be persecuted by the ungodly for doing so. And Joseph, you will be our leader. You will be called to a high and holy calling.” — Barrett, Ivan J., Young Joseph, 45-46

Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph’s mother

This was the first time Joseph Smith, Jr. heard anything in regards to what was about to come forth in his life.

God placed strong women

Joseph’s mother had a deep and abiding love of the scriptures and taught her children daily the ancient gospel. Because of her, Joseph was introduced to the Bible and read it often, which led up to the reading of James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Much later in life, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph was given his patriarchal blessing by his father, who was the church patriarch. This, perhaps, is the most telling of all:

“Thou has been called even in thy youth to the great work of the Lord, to do a work in this generation which no man would do as thy self, in all things according to the will of Lord . . . I bless thee with the blessings of thy father Joseph, son of Jacob. Behold, he looked over his posterity in the last days, when they should be scattered and driven by the Gentiles and wept before the Lord.

He sought diligently to know from whence the Son should come who should bring forth the word of the Lord by which they might be enlightened, and brought back to the true fold, and his eyes beheld thee, my son.” (December 1843.) Barrett, Ivan J., Young Joseph, p. 46

He gave us a gift

Joseph Smith

As we look over the course of Joseph’s life and the lives of his ancestors, we can clearly see the hand of the Lord as events were orchestrated that His gospel might be restored in the promised land, America. From this land, the gospel has gone to the four corners of the world and this church that began its membership at 6 is now at over 13,000,000 and growing every day.

Joseph sealed his testimony, as did Hyrum with his blood as evil mobocrats assassinated the prophet and his brother and forever took them from mortality. The men who tried to stop this mighty work by murdering this man of whom Brigham Young said,

“When I first heard him preach, he brought heaven and earth together; all the priests of the day could not tell me anything correct about heaven, hell, God, angels, or devils; they were as blind as Egyptian darkness. When I saw Joseph Smith, he took heaven, figuratively speaking, and brought it down to earth; and he took the earth, brought it up, and opened up, in plainness and simplicity, the things of God; and that is the beauty of his mission.” — Widtsoe, John A., Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 458

Candace

Before we dive into Piatt’s article, let’s take a fast look at the Mormon view of what a prophet is. First, Mormon is a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, contrary to popular opinion, the Book of Mormon isn’t our Bible. Mormons believe both books are scripture. Both books also contain the writings of ancient prophets, so Mormons spend a lot of time on the subject of prophets.

LDS.org, the official Mormon website for members of the Church defines a prophet this way:

Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit—LDS Study by Topic.

True prophets won’t be found on television summoning the spirits of the dead or telling fortunes. They won’t be doing that privately, either. Instead, their responsibility is to testify of the Savior and His gospel and to learn and share God’s will for the Church and for His children. It’s not a glamorous job, especially since it also involves leading the Church, but it is an essential one that has existed since the beginning of life on earth.

What Does a Prophet Do?

To understand the importance and work of a prophet, we can look to the Bible. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). From this verse we know that prophets are essential. In order for God to operate His Church, He must have a prophet who can receive truth and instruct the membership. This verse helps us to know that if there is no prophet, God’s church isn’t on the Earth at the moment.The prophet speaks for God. When He speaks, it is as if God were speaking, although this applies only when He is speaking as a prophet. So, for instance, if the prophet says Brigham Young University will win the football game this week, he is not speaking as a prophet. Real prophets don’t predict football games, because they have no impact on God’s Church, and so this is merely His opinion.

The Bible shows us that prophets are ordinary people given extraordinary assignments. They came from all walks of life before becoming prophets. They often had no special theological training. What they had was faith and a willingness to do whatever God told them to do. They were not perfect, even after they received their calling. They were people—but people of great faith.

Before he became the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ezra Taft Benson talked about the role of a prophet. He spoke specifically of Joseph Smith, the first prophet in modern times. President Benson wrote:

“A revealing characteristic of a true prophet is that he declares a message from God. He makes no apology for the message, nor does he fear for any social repercussions which may lead to derision and persecution.” (See  Ezra Taft Benson, Joseph Smith: Prophet to Our Generation, General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 1981.)

Prophets and Popular Culture

Interestingly, Piatt also said a true prophet says things that are true, but not always popular. This is a common theme among Mormons, and one other people sometimes have a hard time understanding. Often, Mormons will be told their church needs to modernize its views and to do a better job of fitting in with the times. They don’t usually mean things like accepting technology (which Mormons are very good at already). They want the Mormons to adapt to changing moral standards. If something is “in” today, Mormons are supposed to alter truth to fit the teachings of the popular crowd, so to speak. Then, if the “in crowd” changes its mind tomorrow, we ought to do the same.

The problem with this sort of teaching is that it doesn’t require a prophet. For that matter, it doesn’t require a God. Who needs a God if everything will be decided by votes, movie stars, magazines, or other measures of popularity? God’s truths are based on eternal principles, not ever-changing standards made by mankind.

Over the generations, we’ve found that letting popular vote choose morality has not been very successful. Divorce has increased so much it is nearly the norm instead of the unusual occurrence. More and more children are in foster care or aborted because their parents couldn’t or wouldn’t care for them. More children are born out of wedlock and more are growing up without a father or a mother. People are increasingly unhappy. The “new” morality is not bringing them what they seek.

Sheri L. Dew, a former Mormon leader at the international level and now the CEO of Deseret Books, said:

“Several years ago, I participated in an international policy forum where the discussion moved from prostitution to pornography to abortion and so on. When the moderator invited me to comment, I noted that it seemed impossible not to notice a common theme—that every thorny issue had immoral underpinnings. I then told about my parents, who are devout members of our faith, what they had taught me about marriage and chastity, and how those teachings had governed my life. Afterwards, one woman after another pulled me aside and said the same thing: “You are so lucky. I didn’t think chastity was even possible. I wish someone had told me this years ago—it would have changed my life.”

I personally know tens of thousands of youth and young adults who are living morally clean lives. They are happy, productive, and anxiously engaged in becoming engaged. Moral purity is not outdated. Admittedly, it is also not easy. But I submit that it is easier than the alternative. Virtuous men and women never worry about a surprise pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Never agonize over confessing unfaithfulness. Have no emptiness after a one-night stand. No pain in losing one’s family to infidelity. No haunting memories of indiscretions. Quoting C. S. Lewis, “Virtue—even attempted virtue—brings light; indulgence brings fog.” (Sheri L. Dew, “The Power of Virtue,” Church News, August 9.)

Should a Prophet be perfect?

Piatt felt a prophet should not have false perfection. He said many felt no one would want to emulate them if they were perfect. The Bible is very open about the imperfections of its prophets. They were seldom glamorous. Moses stuttered so much (or possibly couldn’t communicate in the vernacular of the Hebrews) God allowed him to have a spokesperson. Despite this, he was a great prophet who is often held up as an example.

Sometimes people will attack Mormonism by noting that its leaders are not perfect. They never pretended they were. As Piatt may have understood, a prophet who is clearly human is actually easier to follow. We find it much easier to identify with someone who is more like us. Mormons teach that Jesus Christ was the only perfect person.

The current Mormon prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is not the glamorous sort of person Piatt complained of in discussing the false prophet that sparked his article. He is an elderly man who has clearly never had plastic surgery. His suits are modest and not flashy. He is known for his cozy style. The stories he tells when he speaks are often of his own imperfections—the time he ignored a prompting, for instance, or his incompetence in the kitchen. In a recent conference, he shared the story of a time he and his friend, at age eight, disobeyed family rules about playing with matches and started a fire the community had to help put out. He does not expect us to see him as perfect. While he has certainly reached a level of obedience to God’s commands that is impressive, he wants us to understand he is still mortal, and therefore imperfect. A true prophet is humble enough to be admit he is an imperfect human being and still growing, as we all are. To me, that makes him a far better role model.

Piatt brings up interesting points about authority and hope. I’m sure he’s not entirely in agreement with me on this subject, but Mormons do believe a prophet must have the proper authority. Piatt didn’t make any suggestions as to how a prophet would gain authority, but Mormons do. As we study the Bible, we see that no prophet became a prophet because he decided to be one. In fact, many of them tried to talk God out of it when the call came. However, God called them and authorized them to carry out his work. Mormons believe their own prophets serve under the authority given to them by God.

Now, many ask how we know President Monson really is the prophet. We know in exactly the same way the people of the Bible knew. They were not present when the call came and God didn’t appear to them to tell them. Every person must find out for himself who the prophet of God is. We have the ability and the responsibility to pray to know what is true, as is taught in James 1:5. Once we have that confirmation from God, we have a personal responsibility to follow the prophet.

Do Mormons Follow the Prophet No Matter What?

When people hear that Mormons follow their prophet, they picture mindless obedience to every command, no matter how trivial or dangerous. This is not how it works for Mormons. First, as I said above, the prophet teaches about things that matter to God, so many things are outside the scope of his job. Secondly, as I also mentioned, we (the lay members) have the ability to confirm anything at all with God.

When I was investigating the Church, I prayed to know if the prophet—then Spencer W. Kimball—was really a prophet. Being new to the idea of prophets, I didn’t entirely know how it worked, so I wasn’t always sure what was doctrine and what was opinion. I sometimes struggled with something that was different than I’d assumed it would be. When that happened, I prayed about the specific doctrine in question. Eventually, I realized God always confirmed that the prophet was right and I didn’t find a need to do that very often. Once in a while, I have a chat with God about something, though, even today. I’m not embarrassed to do that. It’s what He expects me to do. A true prophet is not afraid to have his followers confirm his teachings with God.

It’s not blindly following if I’ve gotten a sure witness from God. In the same way I don’t have to touch every hot stove to prove it is dangerous to touch a hot stove, I no longer need to pray about every single word the prophet says. It is learning by experience and testing, not blind following.

Hope

Piatt seemed to have some problems with the issue of prophets offering hope. I’m not entirely sure of his intent with that one, but he mentioned, critically, that promises of a better life always required you to do something. That seemed a bit odd to me. After all, how else do we improve our lives except by changing something in them? A person who hopes to escape poverty will get more education, improve his skills, and begin doing the kinds of things that lead to good employment. A person who hopes for love will become the kind of person who is lovable. A person who wants eternal life will work to become the kind of person who is worthy to be in the presence of God for eternity.

God’s promises, throughout the Bible, always require us to do something to receive the blessings. We’re told that if we pay tithing, God will open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings. Mormon prophets do offer hope—but yes, you have to make wise choices in order to receive the promised blessings.

In a powerful sermon on hope, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor to the Mormon prophet, defined hope from a religious perspective:

Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.

In the language of the gospel, this hope is sure, unwavering, and active. The prophets of old speak of a “firm hope” and a “lively hope.” It is a hope glorifying God through good works. With hope comes joy and happiness. With hope, we can “have patience, and bear … [our] afflictions” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Infinite Power of Hope, General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October, 2008).

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet of the restoration, made a very profound statement which changed the course of relationships between the children of God and their Heavenly Father:

Samuel Smith, brother to the prophet Joseph and first missionary of the LDS church.

It is the privilege of the children of God to come to God and get revelation. … God is not a respecter of persons; we all have the same privilege. …

We believe that we have a right to revelations, visions, and dreams from God, our Heavenly Father; and light and intelligence, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ, on all subjects pertaining to our spiritual welfare; if it so be that we keep His commandments, so as to render ourselves worthy in His sight. (“Chapter 10: Prayer and Personal Revelation,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007),125–34)

Once this revolutionary principle was taught to the world, millions upon millions took hold of the concept and turned to their Father in Heaven for confirmation of truths or falsehoods they were being taught. It took the responsibility out of the hands of priests, preachers and ministers and placed it squarely where it belonged, on the shoulders of individuals who had the willingness to kneel and ask their Father for truth.

It is a God-given right, along with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, to turn to Him in times of trouble, questioning, learning, joy and sorrow. What an incredible privilege this is . . .

Some questions for God, right off the top of my head, are:

• Are you there?
• Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New Testament?
• Is the Book of Mormon true?
• Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints true?
• Is baptism by immersion correct?

It is by the utilization of this precious and simple gift from God that Joseph Smith, Jr. was able to restore the Kingdom of God, in its entirety, on the earth.

Throughout his life, Joseph Smith would turn to God in prayer to seek the help and guidance he needed. A Church member recalled hearing him pray in Kirtland, Ohio, at a time of great personal difficulty: “Never until then had I heard a man address his Maker as though He was present listening as a kind father would listen to the sorrows of a dutiful child. … There was no ostentation, no raising of the voice as by enthusiasm, but a plain conversational tone, as a man would address a present friend. It appeared to me as though, in case the veil were taken away, I could see the Lord standing facing His humblest of all servants I had ever seen. (Ibid)

Indeed, this is as each of us should approach our Father in Heaven, for we are His sons or daughters. (See Romans 8:16)

When we left our heavenly home, we left with great hope, anticipation and excitement knowing that our Father in Heaven would be waiting, at all times, to listen to us, answer our questions and inspire in directions which would give us the least amount of pain. As I have mentioned before: We were never meant to traverse these treacherous paths alone. He, along with Jesus Christ, focus every effort on bringing us home. Jesus Christ told Moses:

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)

To each child of God on the earth today, I urge you to kneel, and in quiet humility, pray and ask the Father anything which you desire, confirm any truth you believe you have received or pour you troubles out to Him and then listen for guidance. He awaits, I promise you. You matter, you are everything . . . else why would Jesus Christ descend from His throne on high and be born into the world to pay the ultimate price that we might live forever and attain eternal life.

Let us end with the words of Joseph:

… I may believe that Enoch walked with God. I may believe that Abraham communed with God and conversed with angels. I may believe that Isaac obtained a renewal of the covenant made to Abraham by the direct voice of the Lord. I may believe that Jacob conversed with holy angels and heard the word of his Maker, that he wrestled with the angel until he prevailed and obtained a blessing. I may believe that Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire with fiery horses. I may believe that the saints saw the Lord and conversed with him face to face after his resurrection. I may believe that the Hebrew church came to Mount Zion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. I may believe that they looked into eternity and saw the Judge of all, and Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant.

But will all this purchase an assurance for me, or waft me to the regions of eternal day with my garments spotless, pure, and white? Or, must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself? And have I not an equal privilege with the ancient saints? And will not the Lord hear my prayers and listen to my cries as soon as he ever did to theirs if I come to him in the manner they did? (Ibid)

Candace

President Thomas S. Monson, the 16th called prophet of these modern times, spoke of September 11, 2001 in a compassionate and inspired address to the Church:

Countless are the reports we have heard during the past three and a half weeks of those who were touched in some way—either directly or indirectly—by the events of that day. I should like to share with you the comments of a Church member, Rebecca Sindar, who was on a flight from Salt Lake City to Dallas on the morning of Tuesday, September 11. The flight was interrupted, as were all flights in the air at the time of the tragedies, and the plane grounded in Amarillo, Texas. Sister Sindar reports: “We all left the plane and found televisions in the airport, where we crowded around to see the broadcast of what had happened. People were lined up to call loved ones to assure them we were safely on the ground. I shall always remember the 12 or so missionaries who were on their way to the mission field on our flight. They made phone calls, and then we saw them huddled in a circle in a corner of the airport, kneeling in prayer together. How I wish I could have captured that moment to share with the mothers and fathers of those sweet young men as they saw the need for prayer right away.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Now Is the Time,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 59)

The time to prepare for this certain day, in each of our lives, is now. Must we rush around, spinning in circles, as we hastily try to prepare? No, of course not. But this day so many dread is indeed a celebration of life and the eternities rather than a time of deep and abiding grief. On that day, you return to your heavenly home and give an account of your life.

These sweet young missionaries knew, at that moment of great national tragedy and sorrow, to turn to our Heavenly Father, for only in Him and His Son Jesus Christ, could peace and comfort be found. And, it is to Them we should turn now, in preparation for that glorious return home.

1. Have you wiled away the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years of life sitting in a recliner watching t.v. or playing computer games?

2. Have you spent your time spinning from one frenetic party to another, constantly seeking that next exciting, yet oh so fleeting, moment where you are happy?

3. Have you immersed yourself in work, determined to be the best of the best and in doing so neglected your family?

These questions are not meant to be accusatory, but rather are meant to help each of us realize the things we do which rob us of precious time which should be spent learning of Jesus Christ and His teachings.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch television, just don’t watch it all the time. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play video games, just don’t play them 24 hours a day. Do you see the point I am making? Do you give equal time, or more time, to the study of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Mortality, this life we are living right now, is meant to be a time of learning and progression. President Monson tell us:

How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, “What are we doing with today?” If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll have a lot of empty yesterdays today. Have we been guilty of declaring, “I’ve been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step—tomorrow”? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today. As the familiar hymn teaches:

There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.

(Will L. Thompson, “Have I Done Any Good?” Hymns, no. 223)

Let us ask ourselves the questions: “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being.

Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved. (Ibid)

Indeed, we have been told “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17)

Both an ancient prophet, Mosiah, and a modern prophet, Thomas S. Monson, have told us that we must serve our fellow man in order to draw closer to God. Service, as they point out, comes in many forms and ways. From a simple smile for a passerby to helping someone to rebuild their home, it can run the spectrum and on every part of that spectrum are points of service which fan that divine flame within you.

In studying the words of God, found in the books of scripture, we come to understand the mysteries of heaven and what is expected of us as we learn and instill the teachings of Christ in our lives.

In constant and humble prayer we learn to pour out our hearts and then to be still . . . and listen. And when we ask something of our Heavenly Father, we must be prepared to accept and act upon that answer.

In humility and sincerity we testify of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the World, and truth is then testified to us by the Spirit of God.

In all that we give to the Father and the Son it comes back to us a thousand times over and it brings us closer to being prepared for our return home.

Jesus Christ’s mission is a simple, yet eminently powerful one:

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)

If this is His glory, and it is, His entire purpose for descending from on high to give His life that we might live, then very little is being asked of us in making the most of who we are as sons and daughters of God. Start today. Take that first step and then another and another, never turn back.

“May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business.” Thomas S. Monson

Candace

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)

By this we understand the principle of power which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of power existing in the Deity, that all created things exist; so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of faith as it existed in Him. (Joseph Smith, Jr., “Lectures on Faith” American Fork, 2000 3)

Let’s stop and consider, we have been told if we have faith the size of a mustard seed even the mountains would obey if we told them to move. (Matthew 17:20) So how does one gain faith the size of a mustard seed? It’s sure harder than it seems at times, for such a simple eternal concept.

Examples of faith can be found in the true stories of Alma and Amulek (Alma 14:23-29); Nephi and Lehi (Helaman 5:37-50) and the Master’s calming of an angry sea. (Mark 4:35-39) The stories of faith in the scriptures go on and on, and yet, faith seems to slip through the fingers of so many.

So let’s examine, with the aid of Joseph Smith, Jr., the concept of faith.

What is faith? The evidence of things hoped for, but not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

In Hebrews 11:6 we learn it is impossible to please God without faith. If we accept this as truth, and I do, then it follows that we must have faith. Faith that Jesus Christ is our Lord, Savior and Redeemer. Faith that He fulfilled the mission (Moses 1:39) our Heavenly Father sent Him to do. Faith that there is more to life than this brief mortal existence. Faith that we came from more than nothing. Faith that we are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Faith that we are meant to be so much more than we are right now.

To fully understand this, we must understand:

. . . God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fulness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in Him every good gift and every good principle dwell; and that He is the Father of lights; in Him the principle of faith dwells independently, and He is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings center for life and salvation. (Joseph Smith, Jr., “Lectures on Faith” American Fork, 2000 9)

So, if we are to understand this correctly, faith dwells with God. (Romans 1:20) If we believe, have faith, that there is a God whose sole purpose is to provide the path, means and support to bring all of His children home, than we can believe that if we ask for faith, He will give it to us.

There are many instances in the scriptures when God spoke to man: He spoke to Cain after He slew Abel (Genesis 4:1-15); He spoke to Moses (Exodus 34:27-28); He spoke to Noah (Genesis 7:1-5); Joseph Smith, Jr. in the sacred grove (Joseph Smith History 1) and many, many more. Answers to prayers offered in the scriptures are even more abundant, miracles equally so. We trace our knowledge of God, back to the very beginning, from Adam and Eve.

And so to build faith we must accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. From the acceptance of that truth a whole new world opens up to the children of God. And yes, that means you too.

According to Joseph Smith, Jr., three things must exist in order for faith to exist in your life.

First the idea that God actually exists. We’ve covered that amply.

Second, a correct idea of His character, perfections and attributes.

This takes study of the scriptures. As you pour over and internalize the concepts, practices and principles taught in the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price you will come to know and better understand Jesus Christ, and in doing so, you will also come to know and better understand Heavenly Father. For the Savior does nothing and speaks nothing that is not of the Father. They are of one mind, heart and purpose although not body.

This is what we know of Jesus Christ:

1) He was God before the world was created and remained God after.

2) He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness and that He has always been so and always will be.

3) He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow . . . forever and ever. Therefore, miracles have not ceased. Prophets and apostles, holding the proper priesthood authority, still walk the earth. And His Church exists with the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today.

Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which He (Jesus Christ) is pursuing is according to His (Heavenly Father’s) will. This, we learn as we study the scriptures and examine every aspect of Jesus Christ’s life that we may know the path that we too must follow.

Moses 1:39 gives us a clear understanding of the purpose of Jesus Christ’s mission on this earth:

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

His humble birth in Bethlehem. (Luke 2) His three year mission teaching and restoring the fulness of His gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (New Testament) His fulfillment of the Law of Sacrifice. (Mark 14:13-31) His agonizing and terrifying Atonement, the greatest act of love and crowning glory of all of mankind. (Mark 14:32-41) His cruel and excruciating trial, torture and crucifixion. (Mark 14:43-27; Mark 15) And His triumph over the grave when He broke the bands of death, forever, upon His resurrection. (Mark 16) All this was to the end of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man . . . yes, again, that is you.

Fourth, He cannot lie, for He is a God of truth.

Fifth, He is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of Him.

This is God. If you kneel down and offer with a sincere and humble heart the fervent desire to know if this true, it will be given to you. God is all that I have described. (Moroni 10:3-5)

You must have an idea of the perfect truth of God before faith can be given unto you. Joseph Smith, Jr. said:

By a little reflection, it will be seen that the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity is necessary to enable any rational being to exercise faith in Him; for without the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity, men could not exercise faith in Him for life and salvation; seeing that without the knowledge of all things God would not be able to save any portion of His creatures; for it is by reason of the knowledge which He has of all things, from the beginning to the end, that enables Him to give that understanding to His creatures by which they are made partakers of eternal life; and if it were not for the idea existing in the minds of men that God had all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in Him. (Joseph Smith, Jr., “Lectures on Faith” American Fork, 2000 51)

As you study the Gospel of Jesus Christ, fervently desiring to know truth from error or falsehood, you will be challenged. You might possibly be verbally or physically attacked, for truth has its enemies.

But know this, with the study of the Gospel comes a protection if you but ask. Study, learn and line upon line the truth and will be given to you. (Isaiah 28:10) And as truth is given to you, so is faith. Until your faith, challenged time and time again, will grow to the size of a mustard seed and beyond. This I testify of as absolute truth.

Candace

Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, www.lds.org – Definition of Baptism)

In other words, when you are brought up out of the water you are clean from every sin and are as a newborn baby, fresh and new. It is at that moment in time you will be the most perfect you will ever be since your birth. It is an exhilarating feeling, although the occurrence in my life took place in a distant time.

President Lorenzo Snow, the fifth called prophet in these modern times, spoke of his baptism and the expectations which existed within him:

I was baptized by Elder John Boynton, then one of the Twelve Apostles, June 1836, at Kirtland, Ohio. Previous to accepting the ordinance of baptism, in my investigations of the principles taught by the Latter-day Saints [Mormons], which I proved by comparison to be the same as those mentioned in the New Testament taught by Christ and His Apostles, I was thoroughly convinced that obedience to those principles would impart miraculous powers, manifestations and revelations. With expectation of this result, I received baptism and the ordinance of laying on of hands by one who professed to have divine authority; and having thus yielded obedience to these ordinances, I was in constant expectation of the fulfillment of the promise of the reception of the Holy Ghost. The manifestation did not immediately follow my baptism as I had expected. (Lorenzo Snow as quoted by Preston Nibley, “The Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book 1945)

This is not an uncommon response, even for a future prophet of God. Sometimes it takes awhile before we feel the full manifestation of the Holy Ghost in our lives. In a moment when we are earnestly seeking truth in sincere prayer, oh yes, the influence of the Holy Ghost can be felt as a soft whisper in your heart that sweeps through your entire body. Or it can be felt as a sense of certain rightness and truth. The Holy Ghost manifests itself in many, many ways . . . but all of them identifiable.

President Snow goes on to say:

Some two or three weeks after I was baptized, one day while engaged in my studies, I began to reflect upon the fact that I had not obtained a knowledge of the truth of the work-that I had not realized the fulfillment of the promise, “he that doeth my will shall know of the doctrine,” and I began to feel very uneasy. I laid aside my books, left the house and wandered around through the fields under the oppressive influence of a gloomy, disconsolate spirit, while an indescribable cloud of darkness seemed to envelop me. I had been accustomed, at the close of day, to retire for secret prayer, to a grove a short distance from my lodgings, but at this time I felt no inclination to do so. The spirit of prayer had departed and the heavens seemed like brass over my head.

At length, realizing that the usual time had come for secret prayer, I concluded I would not fore go evening service, and as a matter of formality, knelt as I was in the habit of doing, and in my accustomed, retired place, but not feeling as I was wont to feel. I had no sooner opened my lips in an effort to pray, then I heard a sound, just above my head, like the rustling of silken robes; and immediately the spirit of God descended upon me: completely enveloping my whole person, filling me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and O the joy and happiness I felt.

No language can describe the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of mental and spiritual darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and of the restoration of the Holy Priesthood, and the fulness of the Gospel. It was a complete baptism. (Ibid)

And so President Snow described his own experience of feeling the Holy Ghost for the first time. The specific responsibility of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth, all truth. And as Lorenzo Snow reluctantly knelt to pray, the heavens opened and truth was testified of in a tangible and sweeping manner.

Sometimes, when we expect the burning bush or the parting of the Red Sea in order for God to prove himself we shall receive nothing. For they who seek signs have no real testimony of God or understanding of His mission and purpose in the eternities. But . . . there is one manifestation of the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, which is almost felt each time we seek acknowledgment of truth. For me, it is a warmth and surety which sweeps over my body and my brain’s acceptance of truth as it is testified to me without conscious thought. Meaning, I don’t say to myself:

“Okay, I’m ready. Hit me.”

My spirit hears the testimony of the Holy Ghost and consciously recognizes that spiritual transaction of knowledge with sure realization of truth.

As the prophet Moroni promised in the last chapter he wrote before burying the plates and fleeing his enemies:

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5)

At all times and in all things the Holy Ghost will testify of truth. After baptism, performed by one in authority, the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon you. At this time you make a choice, will you live your life in such a way that you may have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, live up to the covenants you’ve made with Christ and begin your first steps on that journey to our heavenly home, or revert to your old ways turning from all you’ve just been given.

The Holy Ghost will be your companion and comforter, as described by Jesus Christ, guiding you through this treacherous journey we call mortality. You may not received a sudden and magnificent manifestation of his presence, but if you pray and listen quietly, asking for clarification or testimony of a truth, you will feel him as he testifies to you.

It is a precious, precious gift the Lord left with the early saints when He ascended to heaven. President Joseph F. Smith said of his own experience:

. . . the influence and power of the Holy Spirit that I experienced when I had been baptized for the remission of my sins. The feeling that came upon me was that of pure peace, of love and of light. I felt in my soul that if I had sinned-and surely I was not without sin-that it had been forgiven me; that I was indeed cleansed from sin; my heart was touched, and I felt that I would not injure the smallest insect beneath my feet. I felt as though I wanted to do good everywhere to everybody and to everything. I felt a newness of life, a newness of desire to do that which was right. There not one particle of desire for evil left in my soul. (Joseph F. Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Report, April 1898 66)

And so it is, the Holy Ghost, the third member of the godhead, testifies of truth . . . even to the recognition of the purity of our spirits living in this physical reality. He is a gift from God, a compass as it were, that we may be carefully guided on our journey home.

Candace

In teaching of the hope that Jesus Christ represents to mankind, he shared this story:

First, may I tell you about Arthur. He had blond, curly hair and a smile as big as all outdoors. He stood taller than any boy in the class. I suppose this is how, in 1940, as the great conflict which became World War II was overtaking much of Europe, Arthur was able to fool the recruiting officers and enlist in the navy at the tender age of 15. To Arthur and most of the boys, the war was a great adventure. I remember how striking he appeared in his navy uniform. How we wished we were older or at least taller so we too could enlist.

Youth is a very special time of life. As Longfellow wrote:

How beautiful is youth! how bright it gleams
With its illusions, aspirations, dreams!
Book of Beginnings, Story without End,
Each maid a heroine, and each man a friend!2

Arthur’s mother was so proud of the blue star which graced her living room window. It represented to every passerby that her son wore the uniform of his country and was actively serving. When I would pass the house, she often opened the door and invited me in to read the latest letter from Arthur. Her eyes would fill with tears; I would then be asked to read aloud. Arthur meant everything to his widowed mother.

I can still picture Mrs. Patton’s coarse hands as she would carefully replace the letter in its envelope. These were hardworking hands; Mrs. Patton was a cleaning woman for a downtown office building. Each day of her life except Sundays she could be seen walking along the sidewalk, pail and brush in hand, her gray hair pulled back into a tight bob, her shoulders weary from work and stooped with age.

In March 1944, with the war now raging, Arthur was transferred from the USS Dorsey, a destroyer, to the USS White Plains, an aircraft carrier. While at Saipan in the South Pacific, the ship was attacked. Arthur was one of those on board who was lost at sea.

The blue star was taken from its hallowed spot in the front window of the Patton home. It was replaced by one of gold, indicating that he whom the blue star represented had been killed in battle. A light went out in the life of Mrs. Patton. She groped in utter darkness and deep despair.

With a prayer in my heart, I approached the familiar walkway to the Patton home, wondering what words of comfort could come from the lips of a mere boy.

The door opened, and Mrs. Patton embraced me as she would her own son. Home became a chapel as a grief-stricken mother and a less-than-adequate boy knelt in prayer.

Arising from our knees, Mrs. Patton gazed into my eyes and spoke: “Tommy, I belong to no church, but you do. Tell me, will Arthur live again?” To the best of my ability, I testified to her that Arthur would indeed live again.

In general conference those long years ago, as I related this account, I mentioned that I had lost track of Mrs. Patton but that I wanted to once more answer her question “Will Arthur live again?”

I referred to the Savior of the world, who walked the dusty paths of villages we now reverently call the Holy Land; who caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the dead to live; to Him who tenderly and lovingly assured us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”3

I explained that the plan of life and an explanation of its eternal course come to us from the Master of heaven and earth, even Jesus Christ the Lord. To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life.

explained that the plan of life and an explanation of its eternal course come to us from the Master of heaven and earth, even Jesus Christ the Lord. To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life.

I indicated that in this dispensation, the Lord declared: “And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn.”4 “Man was also in the beginning with God.”(Thomas S. Monson, “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 21–24)

President Monson went on to talk about the continuity of life and the eternities. He taught of premortality and what we did there. He spoke of this life and what awaits those who pass through the veil separating this world from the heavens.

When Jesus Christ entered the Garden of Gethsemane that fateful night 1,975 years ago, He did so with the intention of paying the ransom for the souls of mankind, every single one of His children.

He accomplished that very thing upon completing His mission. Hope was restored and the eternities were open to man once again because of His incredibly loving act of sacrifice. Death was forever crushed in the grave and the resurrection of man began when the Savior rolled forth the stone of His tomb and stepped into the sunshine.

Life does not end with death. It is merely, as my father liked to put it, our graduation. When he died, one year ago, he was so anxious to get on with finishing his mission of spreading the Gospel on the other side of the veil. He hated to leave my mother, the cancer left him no choice. I miss my father, but there is no question that he lives and will do so throughout the eternities.

So, as President Monson said, “Yes, Mrs. Patton. Arthur lives.” To each of you I repeat the same to those who have lost loved ones due to illness, senseless crime, accident, old age, whatever the case may be . . . your loved one lives.

I encourage all of you to click on the link to President Monson’s talk and read it in its entirety. He answers so many questions which plague the minds and hearts of those who have had to say goodbye: Yes Mrs. Patton – The Story Continues.

Candace

This man stayed true to his testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel, regardless of the great personal cost demanded of him. One of the things he treasured the most was the value of a good education. It was said of him:

John Taylor’s many writings on gospel subjects included letters, tracts, hymns, pamphlets, newspaper articles, and books. One of his books, entitled The Government of God, was praised by a noted American historian, who wrote: “As a dissertation on a general and abstract subject, it probably has not its equal in point of ability within the whole range of Mormon literature. The style is lofty and clear, and every page betokens the great learning of the author. As a student of ancient and modern history, theologian, and moral philosopher, President Taylor is justly entitled to the front rank.”

In addition to his many writings, President Taylor’s command of language, coupled with his testimony of the gospel, resulted in countless inspiring and instructive sermons. Elder B. H. Roberts wrote: “The Saints who listened to him for half a century will remember as long as they live his commanding presence, his personal magnetism, the vigor and power of his discourses and the grand principles of which they treated. … His eloquence was a majestic river full to the point of overflowing its banks, sweeping grandly through rich regions of thought.” (“Chapter 10: The Value of Education,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 87)

He believed wholeheartedly in being “alive for the cause of education” for ourselves, our children, our friends and neighbors. And why is that? Well certainly, a literate people are difficult to crush. A literate people reach lofty and precious goals bringing them ever closer to the heaven or hell of their choosing. A literate people can be servants of God like no other, as long as they never forget that God is in charge.

We are taught, as Mormons, that we are not here to imitate or follow the world. But we are taught to be of the world, but not in it. In other words, Jesus Christ has given us the restoration of His magnificent gospel that we might be enlightened and instructed in the following of His footsteps back to our heavenly home.

President Taylor taught both secular and religious knowledge and never eschewed his burning desire to learn and grow. We are here in this mortal probation to learn and gain knowledge, to grow, to strengthen our hearts, minds and spirits ever engaged in the cause of righteousness.

President John Taylor lived this principle to his dying day, always trumpeting the value of an educated mind.

Candace

Before the mob attacked, Joseph asked John Taylor to sing his favorite hymn, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” As his beautiful tenor voice rose in song, the prophet listened with heavy heart, knowing he would not return from this imprisonment.

The words of this song I will share with you now, imagine the words sung to the haunting notes of the melody, if you can:

A poor wayfaring man of grief
Had often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer, Nay.

I had not power to ask his name;
Whither he went of whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love, I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered—not a word he spake!
Just perishing for want of bread;
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,

And ate, but gave me part again;
Mine was an angel’s portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst,
Clear from the rock—his strength was gone,
The heedless water mock’d his thirst,
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.

I ran and raised the suff’rer up;
Thrice from the stream he drain’d my cup,
Dipp’d, and returned it running o’er;
I drank and never thirsted more.

‘Twas night, the floods were out, it blew
A winter hurricane aloof;
I heard his voice, abroad, and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof.

I warmed, I clothed, I cheered my guest,
I laid him on my couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and seem’d
In Eden’s garden while I dream’d.

Stripp’d, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side;
I rous’d his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied

Wine, oil, refreshment—he was heal’d;
I had myself a wound conceal’d;
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart,

In pris’n I saw him next—condemned
To meet a traitor’s doom at morn;
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed.
And honored him ‘mid shame and scorn.

My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,
He asked, if I for him would die;
The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill,
But the free spirit cried, “I will!”

Then in a moment to my view,
The stranger started from disguise:
The tokens in his hand I knew,
The Savior stood before mine eyes.

He spake—and my poor name be named—
“Of me thou hast not been asham’d;
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not thou didst them unto me.”

Source: Joseph Smith, B. H. Roberts, ed, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed. rev. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1974) 6:614-615.

To this day, this song, although not a favorite of President Taylor’s, rips at my heart. Would I have recognized my Savior? Would I have helped this man in need, regardless of who he was? Would I have died for him?

I know that Joseph Smith would have recognized Jesus Christ in those circumstances, more importantly, I know that he recognized the lesson to be learned for the listener of the song. And Joseph Smith did die for his testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and gospel of Christ restored through this chosen prophet of the restoration.

Of Joseph Smith, President Taylor said, “If there is no other man under the heavens that knows that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God I do, and I bear testimony of it to God, angels and men.” (“Chapter 9: Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 77)

There was nothing particular about [Joseph Smith], he was a man like the balance of us. But the Lord, for certain reasons of his own, I suppose, selected him to be his mouthpiece to the nations in this age of the world. Perhaps Joseph, as well as many others, was set apart to a certain office before the world was. Christ was the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world. Abraham was set apart to his office, and a great many others in the same way; and Joseph Smith came to do his work.

We all look upon Joseph Smith as being a prophet of God. God called him to occupy the position that he did. How long ago? Thousands of years ago before this world was formed. The prophets prophesied about his coming, that a man should arise whose name should be Joseph, and that his father’s name should be Joseph, and also that he should be a descendant of that Joseph who was sold into Egypt. This prophecy you will find recorded in the Book of Mormon [see 2 Nephi 3:15]. He had very great and precious promises made to him by the Lord. (Ibid)

John Taylor took bullets for his testimony of Joseph Smith, Jr. as a prophet of God on that fateful day the 27th of June in 1844. He, along with the rest of the Mormons, left Nauvoo, Illinois, even the United States, and found peace in the mountains of the Utah Territory. Until his dying day, let me leave with you with this one last thought by President Taylor:

What could the Lord do with such a pack of ignorant fools as we were? There was one man that had a little good sense, and a spark of faith in the promises of God, and that was Joseph Smith—a backwoods man. He believed a certain portion of Scripture which said—“If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.” [See James 1:5] He was fool enough in the eyes of the world, and wise enough in the eyes of God and angels, and all true intelligence, to go into a secret place to ask God for wisdom, believing that God would hear him. The Lord did hear him, and told him what to do. (Ibid)

Yes, Joseph did ask in 1820. The Lord did hear and He answered. Through Joseph Smith, Jr. the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ begin to roll forth and before he was assassinated, he had, through revelations from God, restored every principle, practice and precept the Lord needed him to. The testimony of one prophet of God, John Taylor, of another, Joseph Smith, remains strong and inviolate. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, so testifies President John Taylor.

Candace

Eternal life, on the other hand, has to be earned. It is something to be greatly desired and every effort, part and parcel of our lives should be dedicated to that end. Harold B. Lee, the eleventh called prophet in these modern times, tells us more, using the events of the Apollo 13 emergency return to earth from the vastness of space:

Some months ago [1970], millions of watchers and listeners over the world waited breathlessly and anxiously the precarious flight of Apollo 13. The whole world, it seemed, prayed for one significant result: the safe return to earth of three brave men.

When one of them with restrained anxiety announced the startling information, “We have had an explosion!” the mission control in Houston immediately mobilized all the technically trained scientists who had, over the years, planned every conceivable detail pertaining to that flight.

The safety of those three now depended on two vital qualifications: on the reliability of the skills and the knowledge of those technicians in the mission control center at Houston, and upon the implicit obedience of the men in the Aquarius to every instruction from the technicians, who, because of their understanding of the problems of the astronauts, were better qualified to find the essential solutions. The decisions of the technicians had to be perfect or the Aquarius could have missed the earth by thousands of miles.

This dramatic event is somewhat analogous to these [troubled] times in which we live. … Many are frightened when they see and hear of unbelievable happenings the world over—political intrigues, wars and contention everywhere, frustrations of parents endeavoring to cope with social problems that threaten to break down the sanctity of the home, the frustrations of children and youth as they face challenges to their faith and their morals.

Only if you are willing to listen and obey, as did the astronauts on the Aquarius, can you and all your households be guided to ultimate safety and security in the Lord’s own way. … (“Chapter 1: The Way to Eternal Life,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 1)

Returning to our Heavenly Father and gaining our eternal reward relies completely on us and our willingness to not only follow in the footsteps of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but to also allow Him to shoulder our burdens when they become too heavy to bear.

To understand eternal life, we must understand the three basic principles of the foundation of the plan of salvation.

First, is free agency. Next to life, this is God’s greatest gift to mankind. This critical principle was the basis of the war in heaven. Heavenly Father knew we had to have free agency in order to choose for ourselves “liberty and eternal life through obedience to the laws of God, or captivity and death as to spiritual things because of disobedience.” (Ibid, 2 Nephi 2:27)

Second, a Savior had to be provided. In order for the plan of salvation to work a savior had to be provided in order that the atonement might be put in place for the salvation of mankind, in addition to breaking the bands of death. Jesus Christ stepped forward and was chosen by our Father in Heaven to be that Savior. He was born into the world approximately 2,007 years ago and in April 33 A.D. He suffered for the sins of the world in the Garden of Gethsemane, was crucified and resurrected, breaking the bands of death. “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)

Third, was the provision that all mankind could be saved if they followed the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Harold B. Lee said,

This same teaching was forcibly impressed by the resurrected Savior to the saints on this continent, in what it appears likely was his final message to his disciples. The Master taught his faithful saints that “no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

“Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel. …” (Ibid, 3 Nephi 27:19–21)

on that great judgment day. To live, once again, with our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ is eternal life.

Harold B. Lee also tells us of the promise given to us if we abide by this:

If the children of the Lord, which includes all who are upon this earth, regardless of nationality, color, or creed, will heed the call of the true messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as did the three astronauts on the Aquarius to the trained technicians at Mission Control in the hour of their peril, each may in time see the Lord and know that he is, as the Lord has promised. …

This promise of the glory which awaits those who are faithful to the end was plainly portrayed in the Master’s parable of the Prodigal Son. To the son who was faithful and did not squander his birthright, the father, who in the Master’s lesson would be our Father and our God, promised this faithful son: “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:31.)(Ibid)

Eternal life is the greatest reward any human being can reach for. We have been blessed with a loving Heavenly Father who wishes to see us return home. We have been blessed with a loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins, satisfied justice and broke the bands of death. We have been given the path to eternal life and the invitation remains open . . . In my mind’s ear, I can hear Him say,

“Come home my little ones, for eternal happiness will be yours if you will but trust in that which your heart knows to be true.” Jesus Christ lives. Heavenly Father lives and they have paid the ultimate price in providing that path home to eternal life. Jesus Christ paid with the suffering for the world’s sin and crucifixion, Heavenly Father paid in having to watch His Son suffer so that all of us could be redeemed, if we so chose.

I invite you to join me on that path, hard as it may be at times. The rewards far outweigh the cost. And the cost for eternal life? Turn from the ways of the world and embrace that great plan of happiness, for within that plan is your map back to your heavenly home.

Candace