The Objective of The Great Plan of the Eternal God

The Objective of The Great Plan of the Eternal God No. 3 Reading Assignment Guiding Questions What is the difference between Heavenly Father s plan and the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How and why is the God s plan both grand scale and individual? What is immortality? What is Eternal Life? What is the difference between the two? What will be the basis of judgment used to determine what kingdom an individual will be assigned to? What does the celestial kingdom look like? What kind of beings have they become? What three qualities make up Zion, and thus the celestial kingdom? Introduction In the King Follett Discourse delivered in the April 1844 conference of the Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805-44) taught this wonderful truth: God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 210; emphasis added) This speaks of the establishment of what the Book of Mormon calls the great plan of the Eternal God (Al. 34:9) which was prepared from the foundation of this world (Al. 12:30; cf. Al. 18:39; 22:13). This plan presents a grand scheme by which Heavenly Father has made possible for His children to become as He is, even godhood, in a celestial realm where Heavenly Father and Mother dwell. The plan is based on the exercise of agency the ability to choose and to act for one s own self ( Agency, in True to the Faith [2004], 12) and it accommodates other kingdoms of glory to those who choose and live lesser laws than what God has made possible for all, even terrestrial and telestial kingdoms of glory (D&C 76:50-90 and 88:21-24). The glory of these three kingdoms of glory is beyond our comprehension. Using astronomical objects as types representing the three glories, the glory of the celestial is compared to the brightness of the sun, while the terrestrial is compared to the moon, and the telestial to the stars (D&C 76:70, 81, 91, 96-98). Surprisingly, we are told that the glory of the telestial...surpasses all understanding (D&C 76:89). Speaking of the three degrees of glory, Joseph Smith said that they all harmonize like the parts of a tune and by comparison to each other are great, greater, greatest. ( A Vision, in Times and Seasons, Feb. 1843, Vol.4, pgs. 82-85, verses 63, 68); the Times and Seasons was a Church newspaper in Nauvoo from Nov.1839 to Feb. 1846) By our agency we are choosing which kingdom of glory we desire to attain to. All have opportunity to receive the greatest or highest of these kingdoms depending on our aim. Melvin J. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Now, my brethren and sisters, what is your aim? To which place do you desire to go? How earnest are you in this struggle? How much are you willing to live of this precious gospel? Is your mark fixed for the celestial glory, or the telestial glory, the lowest place? Is that your ambition? Do you imagine that by living a terrestrial law you will attain the celestial glory? Some of my brethren and sisters find it very difficult to understand the words of the prophet, wherein he said that those who gain a lower place of glory than a celestial kingdom cannot come where those who gain the highest, dwell, worlds without end. (Conference Report, Oct. 1917, p. 110) The focus of this reading assignment concerns the object or purpose of the Heavenly Father s plan which is for His children to attain the highest glory. We need to look closely at exactly what His work and glory is. Key Concepts and Teachings Heavenly Father s Plan and the Gospel of Jesus Christ-- One in the Same *Read JST John 1:1-12. What do these verses teach about the authorship of the gospel and the role of Jesus Christ regarding the gospel? According to verse 12, what is the ultimate purpose of the gospel? Heavenly Father s plan is the program by which His children may become heirs of His kingdom and dwell as gods with him forever (D&C 76:54, 58). In the Church we often call this plan The Gospel of Jesus Christ or simply the gospel. Further, we often simply call it the gospel plan. The author of the gospel plan is Heavenly Father. 1

Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) President We are so grateful that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with the gospel of repentance. It is central to all that makes up the gospel plan. (Ensign, Oct. 1982, 2) The Family: A Proclamation to the World In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped 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 his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102) Heavenly Father s Plan Includes a Grand Scale Scheme and Individual Plans Grand Scale in Three Major Divisions Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) President Our eternal life is comprised of three phases: one, our premortal existence; two, our mortal existence; and three, our postmortal existence. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley [2016], 52) Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The plan of redemption, with its three divisions, might be likened to a grand three-act play. Act I is entitled "Premortal Life." The scriptures describe it as our First Estate. (See Jude 1:6; Abr. 3:26-28) Act II, from birth to the time of resurrection, the "Second Estate." And Act III, "Life After Death or Eternal Life." (Mine Errand From the Lord: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Boyd K. Packer [2008], 3) Plan for Each Individual Thomas S. Monson President You have great expectations not through the generosity of an unknown benefactor, but through the inspired plan of a loving Heavenly Father who knows the end from the beginning and who is mindful of each of you. Why? Because He is your Father....He has made careful and elaborate plans to help you grow and to achieve. He refers to His blueprint as The Plan of Salvation. You are provided the God-given blessing of free agency. The pathway is marked. The blessings and penalties are shown clearly. (Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, comp Lynne F. Cannegieter [2014], 45) Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles When we say God has a plan, he truly has a plan not simply grand scale, but for each of us as individuals, allocating some special talent to this dispensation and some to another. (The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book [1997], 128) God s Work and Glory The Immortality and Eternal Life of Man At first Moses was taken to an exceedingly high mountain where he saw God face to face. He was shown an example of Heavenly Father s work through a vision of the world and the ends thereof, including all the children of men which are, and which were created. This vision would have included both the good and bad of this world. Moses greatly marveled and wondered by what he saw, certainly having many questions. Moses asked God: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them? Heavenly Father answered unequivocally: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me; In other words, Heavenly Father a specific purpose for creating this earth and that purpose has always remained central to Him. What is that purpose? He told Moses: For behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:7-8, 27-31, 39) What does this answer mean? What is the difference between immortality and eternal life? Let s start first with a general answer: Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Immortality is about quantity [e.g., how long]. Eternal life is about quality. To use a metaphor, immortality is how long the dinner lasts. Eternal life is what is on the menu and who is with us at the table. ( What is the Difference Between Immortality and Eternal Life, New Era, Nov. 2006, 8) L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles We learn from Moses 1:39 that the Lord's work and glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. This teaches us that immortality and eternal life are separate and distinct. The gift of eternal life, which is promised only when certain conditions are met, is so much greater than the gift of immortality. ( The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Ensign, May 2008, 44). Now, let s look more specifically starting with immortality and then discussing eternal life. What is immortality? The following are four points necessary to understand immortality Point One: *Read Alma 11:42-45; Helaman 14:15-18. What is immortality? Immortality frees from what two deaths that are the result of the Fall of Adam? Often we speak of physical death as the only death inherited by the Fall. But the Fall is a one of two sources of spiritual death: In True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (2004) published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are told: Spiritual death is separation from God. The scriptures teach of two sources of spiritual death. The first source is the Fall, and the second is our own disobedience. ( Death, Spiritual, p. 48) Point Two: Though we often speak of immortality and resurrection as the same thing, technically they re not. 2

As Elder Wirthlin said, immortality is about length of time, meaning forever or endless. On the other hand, resurrection is actually a priesthood ordinance of salvation. Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) President Brigham Young, the second president of this dispensation, said: "It is supposed by this people that we have all the ordinances in our possession for life and salvation, and exaltation, and that we are administering in these ordinances. This is not the case. We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of the resurrection." (Journal of Discourses, 15:137.) Do we have the keys of resurrection?... We do not know of anyone who can resurrect the dead as did Jesus the Christ when he came back to mortality. "[The keys] will be given to those who have passed off this stage of action and have received their bodies again.... They will be ordained, by those who hold the keys of the resurrection, to go forth and resurrect the Saints, just as we receive the ordinance of baptism then receive the keys of authority to baptize others for the remission of their sins. This is one of the ordinances we can not receive here [on the earth], and there are many more." (JD, 15:137.) (From Our Great Potential, Ensign, May, 1977, 49) Elder Oaks reiterated this teaching in the April 2014 General Conference of the Church: We are accustomed to thinking that all keys of the priesthood were conferred on Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, but the scripture states that all that was conferred there were the keys of this dispensation (D&C 110:16). At general conference many years ago, President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that there are other priesthood keys that have not been given to man on the earth, including the keys of creation and resurrection. ( The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood, Ensign, May, 2014, 50). Through the ordinance of resurrection, we gain access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ that frees from both the temporal and spiritual death suffered by man because of the Fall of Adam.. Point Three: Not all resurrected states are equal in quality or capacity. Further though all will unconditionally be resurrected and freed from the effects of the Fall of Adam, we learn from the revelations given to Joseph Smith that there are four different qualities of resurrected states and the condition that is required to receive that eternal capacity. *Read D&C 88:20-32. (In the 1828 dictionary, the word quicken is defined as made alive. In these verses it has reference to the ordinance of resurrection.) What are the names given each quality of resurrection? What is required to receive each of the different resurrections? Jeffrey R. Holland Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Some gifts coming from the Atonement are universal, infinite, and unconditional. These include His ransom for Adam s original transgression so that no member of the human family is held responsible for that sin (see Article of Faith 2) Another universal gift is the Resurrection from the dead of every man, woman, and child who lives, has ever lived, or ever will live on earth. Other aspects of Christ s atoning gift are conditional. They depend on one s diligence in keeping God s commandments. For example, while all members of the human family are freely given a reprieve from Adam s sin through no effort of their own, they are not given a reprieve from their own sins unless they pledge faith in Christ, repent of those sins, are baptized in His name, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmation into Christ s Church, and press forward in faithful endurance the remainder of life s journey.... Furthermore, although the Resurrection of the body is a free and universal gift from Christ, a result of His victory over death, the nature of the resurrected body (or "degree of glory" given it), as well as the time of one s Resurrection, is affected directly by one s faithfulness in this life. The Apostle Paul made clear, for example, that those fully committed to Christ will "rise first" (1 Thes. 4:16) in the Resurrection. Modern revelation clarifies the different orders of resurrected bodies (see D&C 76:50 113; compare 1 Corinthians 15:40 42), promising the highest degree of glory only to those who adhere to the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see D&C 76:50 70; 88:4, 27 29; 132:21 24). ("The Atonement of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Mar 2008, 35-6) What is Eternal Life? In True to the Faith, eternal life is described as: Eternal life, or exaltation, is to inherit a place in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, where we will live in God s presence and continue as families (see D&C 131:1-4). Like immortality, this gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. ( Eternal Life, in True to the Faith [2004], 52) Moses was told that the whole purpose of God s work and glory was to bring about the resurrection or salvation from the Fall of Adam and exaltation of His children. This then is the object of Heavenly Father s eternal plan. President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) explained: This plan is identified by name, and the overarching purpose is clearly set forth in an announcement to the Church in the beginning of this gospel dispensation.... This plan, then, was to be as a covenant, which implied a contract to be participated in by more than one person. It was to be a standard for the Lord s elect and for all the world to benefit by it. Its purpose was to serve the needs of all men and to prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord. The participants in the formulation of this plan in the premortal world were all the spirit children of our Heavenly Father.... All the organized intelligences before the earth was formed, who had become spirits, were there, including many great and noble ones whose performance and conduct in that premortal sphere qualified them to become rulers and leaders in carrying out this eternal plan. Under the Father s instruction and by Jehovah s direction, the earth and all pertaining thereto was organized and formed. They ordered, they watched over and prepared the earth. They took counsel among themselves as to the bringing of all manner of life to the earth and all things, including man, and prepared it for the carrying out of the plan, which we could well liken to a 3

blueprint, by which the children of God could be tutored and trained in all that was necessary for the divine purpose of bringing to pass, to the glory of God, the opportunity of every soul to gain immortality and eternal life. Eternal life means to have everlasting life in that celestial sphere where God and Christ dwell, by doing all things we are commanded. (See Abraham 3:25.) (From Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], p. 3-4) What does Life in the Celestial Kingdom Look Like? Joseph Smith was shown a vision of the various resurrections or immoralities made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is found in Doctrine and Covenants 76. The vision showing the celestial glory is found in vss 50-70 and 92-96. What is shown is not a list of requirements to attain this glory. Rather it is a description of what this glory is like. This can be seen by the constant use of the phrase they are found in vss 51, 54,55, 56, 58, and these are in vss 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70. In other words, this is a description of what these children of God have become. In the October 2000 General Conference of the Church, Dallin H. Oaks spoke of the final judgment will be about what we have become: From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts--what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts--what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. ( The Challenge to Become, Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32) Let s look at what the celestial glory looks like by examining what celestial beings have become as portrayed in the 76:50-70: The first thing we learn about celestial beings is that they have been saved from spiritual death through faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. First read John 3:3-5. Then read 76:50-53. What does these verses reveal about celestial beings? Russell M. Nelson has taught: People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him. (Ensign, May, 2008, 9). Spiritual death is separation from God. Through the first principles and ordinances of the gospel faith, repentance, baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost which is the constant companionship of a God one is spiritual made alive. Through spiritual rebirth we put God first in our lives. This is an individual matter. It comes before we can truly live the second great commandment: to love our neighbors (Matt. 22:37-8). Read vs 54 The church of the Firstborn is another name for the church of the heirs of God. Read Romans 8:14-17. Read vs 55 What does Heavenly Father given them? How does this relate to verse 54? Read vs 56 In the Old Testament priests had two duties: teach the people the law of God and perform priesthood ordinances. Kings governed the political and social aspects of a kingdom. What, then, is this verse saying about those in the celestial glory? These priests and kings have received of [God s] fulness, and of his glory. To understand what this is Read D&C 131:1-4 and then 132:4-6. What is the fulness of God? What ordinance is necessary to receive of His fulness? What does fulness refer You will note that the new and everlasting covenant of marriage brings the fulness of God s glory. Read vs. 57 The mention of Enoch has reference to the city or community he established. Read Moses 7:18-21. According to vs 18, what three qualities make up Zion? Read vs 58. They are gods or have acquired godhood! Read vss 63-64, 70. What resurrection is necessary to attain a celestial glory? The first resurrection has reference to resurrected bodies of celestial quality and capacity. This resurrection is sealed on every couple who are married in the temple and that is the only way to obtain it Read vss 65-67 These are they who have created for themselves and live in a Zion community. Further, they have joined the Zion of Heavenly Father and Mother. After describing the terrestrial and telestial glories, Joseph Smith states the following about those in the celestial glory Read vss 92-95; also 88:107. This is hard to imagine. Yet, this is the work of Heavenly Father. Is any thing too hard for the LORD? (Gen. 18:14) To end this reading assignment, read what Joseph Smith said in a letter to all the elders of the Church. Joseph Smith (1805-44) Who but those who have duly considered the condescension of the Father of our spirits, in providing a sacrifice for His creatures, a plan of redemption, a power of atonement, a scheme of salvation, having as its great objects, the bringing of men back into the presence of the King of heaven, crowning them in the celestial glory, and making them heirs with the Son to that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away-who but such can realize the importance of a perfect walk before all men, and a diligence in calling upon all men to partake of these blessings? How indescribably glorious are these things to mankind! Were a king to extend his dominion over the habitable earth, 4

and send forth his laws which were the most perfect kind, and command his subjects one and all to yield obedience to the same, and add as a reward to those who obeyed them, that at a certain period they should be called to attend the marriage of his son, who in due time was to receive the kingdom, and they should be made equal with him in the same; and fix as a penalty for disobedience that every individual guilty of it should be cast out at the marriage feast, and have no part nor portion with his government, what rational mind could for a moment accuse the king with injustice for punishing such rebellious subjects? In the first place his laws were just, easy to be complied with, and perfect: nothing of a tyrannical nature was required of them; but the very construction of the laws was equity and beauty; and when obeyed would produce the happiest condition possible to all who adhered to them, beside the last great benefit of sitting down with a royal robe in the presence of the king at the great, grand marriage supper of his son, and be made equal with him in all the affairs of the kingdom. When these royal laws were issued, and promulgated throughout the vast dominion, every subject, when interrogated whether he believed them to be from his sovereign or not, answered, Yes; I know they are, I am acquainted with the signature, for it is as usual. Thus saith the King! This admitted, the subject is bound by every consideration of honor to his country, his king, and his own personal character, to observe in the strictest sense every requisition in the royal edict. Should any escape the search of the ambassadors of the king, and never hear these last laws, giving his subjects such exalted privileges, an excuse might be urged in their behalf, and they escape the censure of the king. But for those who had heard, who had admitted, and who had promised obedience to these just laws no excuse could be urged, and when brought into the presence of the king certainly, justice would require that they should suffer a penalty. Could that king be just in admitting these rebellious individuals into the full enjoyment and privileges with his son, and those who had been obedient to his commandments? Certainly not. Because they disregarded the voice of their lawful king; they had no regard for his virtuous laws, for his dignity, nor for the honor of his name; neither for the honor of their country, nor their private virtue. They regarded not his authority enough to obey him, neither did they regard the immediate advantages and blessings arising from these laws if kept, so destitute were they of virtue and goodness; and above all, they regarded so little the joy and satisfaction of a legal seat in the presence of the king's only son, and to be made equal with him in all the blessings, honors, comforts, and felicities of his kingdom, that they turned away from a participation in them, and considered that they were beneath their present notice, though they had no doubt as to the real authenticity of the royal edict. We take the sacred writings into our hands, and admit that they were given by direct inspiration for the good of man. We believe that God condescended to speak from the heavens and declare His will concerning the human family, to give them just and holy laws, to regulate their conduct, and guide them in a direct way, that in due time He might take them to Himself, and make them joint heirs with His Son. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [1976], pp. 48-54) 5