Lord created all things spiritually before he created them physically (Moses 3: 5).
The Lord made every plant before it was in the earth, Gen. 2: 4-6 (Abr. 5: 5). By the power of my Spirit created I all things—first spiritual, secondly temporal, D&C 29: 31-32. That which is temporal is in the likeness of that which is spiritual, D&C 77: 2. I made the world and men before they were in the flesh, Moses 6: 51.
Plan of Redemption
The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, designed to bring about man’s immortality and eternal life. It includes the Creation, Fall, and Atonement, along with all God-given laws, ordinances, and doctrines. This plan makes it possible for all people to be exalted and live forever with God (2 Ne. 2; 9). The scriptures also refer to this plan as the plan of salvation, the plan of happiness, and the plan of mercy.
He was wounded for our transgressions, Isa. 53: 5 (Mosiah 14: 5). There is none other name under heaven by which man can be saved, Acts 4: 12. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, 1 Cor. 15: 22. By grace are ye saved through faith, Eph. 2: 8 (2 Ne. 25: 23). God promised eternal life before the world began, Titus 1: 2. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation, Heb. 5: 8-9. The plan of redemption was extended to the dead, 1 Pet. 3: 18-20; 4: 6 (D&C 138). Death fulfills the merciful plan of the great Creator, 2 Ne. 9: 6. How great is the plan of our God! 2 Ne. 9: 13. The plan of redemption brings to pass the resurrection and a remission of sins, Alma 12: 25-34. Aaron taught the plan of redemption to Lamoni’s father, Alma 22: 12-14. Amulek explained the plan of salvation, Alma 34: 8-16. Alma explained the plan of salvation, Alma 42: 5-26, 31. The doctrines of the creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed in modern revelation, D&C 20: 17-29. The plan was ordained before the world, D&C 128: 22. My work and my glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39. This is the plan of salvation unto all men, Moses 6: 52-62. We will prove them herewith, Abr. 3: 22-26.
He was wounded for our transgressions, Isa. 53: 5 (Mosiah 14: 5). There is none other name under heaven by which man can be saved, Acts 4: 12. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, 1 Cor. 15: 22. By grace are ye saved through faith, Eph. 2: 8 (2 Ne. 25: 23). God promised eternal life before the world began, Titus 1: 2. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation, Heb. 5: 8-9. The plan of redemption was extended to the dead, 1 Pet. 3: 18-20; 4: 6 (D&C 138). Death fulfills the merciful plan of the great Creator, 2 Ne. 9: 6. How great is the plan of our God! 2 Ne. 9: 13. The plan of redemption brings to pass the resurrection and a remission of sins, Alma 12: 25-34. Aaron taught the plan of redemption to Lamoni’s father, Alma 22: 12-14. Amulek explained the plan of salvation, Alma 34: 8-16. Alma explained the plan of salvation, Alma 42: 5-26, 31. The doctrines of the creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed in modern revelation, D&C 20: 17-29. The plan was ordained before the world, D&C 128: 22. My work and my glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39. This is the plan of salvation unto all men, Moses 6: 52-62. We will prove them herewith, Abr. 3: 22-26.
Beginning
Generally refers to the time before this mortal life—that is, the premortal life. Sometimes Jesus Christ is referred to as the Beginning.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, Gen. 1: 1 (Moses 2: 1). In the beginning was the Word, John 1: 1. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, 3 Ne. 9: 18. Christ is the beginning and the end, D&C 19: 1. The new and everlasting covenant was from the beginning, D&C 22: 1. Man was in the beginning with God, D&C 93: 23, 29. Noble and great spirits were chosen in the beginning to be rulers, D&C 138: 55. Mine Only Begotten was with me from the beginning, Moses 2: 26.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, Gen. 1: 1 (Moses 2: 1). In the beginning was the Word, John 1: 1. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, 3 Ne. 9: 18. Christ is the beginning and the end, D&C 19: 1. The new and everlasting covenant was from the beginning, D&C 22: 1. Man was in the beginning with God, D&C 93: 23, 29. Noble and great spirits were chosen in the beginning to be rulers, D&C 138: 55. Mine Only Begotten was with me from the beginning, Moses 2: 26.
Create, Creation
To organize. God, working through his Son, Jesus Christ, organized the elements in nature to form the earth. Heavenly Father and Jesus created man in their image (Moses 2: 26-27).
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, Gen. 1: 1. Let us make man in our image, Gen. 1: 26 (Moses 2: 26-27; Abr. 4: 26). All things were made by him, John 1: 3, 10. By him were all things created that are in heaven, Col. 1: 16 (Mosiah 3: 8; Hel. 14: 12). God made the worlds by his Son, Heb. 1: 2. Man was created in the beginning, Mosiah 7: 27. I created the heavens and the earth and all things, 3 Ne. 9: 15 (Morm. 9: 11, 17). All men were created in the beginning after mine own image, Ether 3: 15. Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth, D&C 14: 9. He created man, male and female, after his own image, D&C 20: 18. Worlds without number have I created, Moses 1: 33. By mine Only Begotten I created heaven, Moses 2: 1. I, the Lord God, created all things spiritually before they were naturally upon the face of the earth, Moses 3: 5. Millions of earths like this would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations, Moses 7: 30. The Gods organized and formed the heavens, Abr. 4: 1.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, Gen. 1: 1. Let us make man in our image, Gen. 1: 26 (Moses 2: 26-27; Abr. 4: 26). All things were made by him, John 1: 3, 10. By him were all things created that are in heaven, Col. 1: 16 (Mosiah 3: 8; Hel. 14: 12). God made the worlds by his Son, Heb. 1: 2. Man was created in the beginning, Mosiah 7: 27. I created the heavens and the earth and all things, 3 Ne. 9: 15 (Morm. 9: 11, 17). All men were created in the beginning after mine own image, Ether 3: 15. Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth, D&C 14: 9. He created man, male and female, after his own image, D&C 20: 18. Worlds without number have I created, Moses 1: 33. By mine Only Begotten I created heaven, Moses 2: 1. I, the Lord God, created all things spiritually before they were naturally upon the face of the earth, Moses 3: 5. Millions of earths like this would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations, Moses 7: 30. The Gods organized and formed the heavens, Abr. 4: 1.
War in Heaven
The conflict that took place in the premortal life among the spirit children of God.
Satan was cast out of heaven and into the earth, Rev. 12: 4, 7-9. The devil and a third part of heaven were thrust down, D&C 29: 36-37. Lucifer rebelled against the Only Begotten Son, D&C 76: 25-26. Satan sought the glory of the Father and to destroy the agency of man, Moses 4: 1-4 (Isa. 14: 12-15; Abr. 3: 27-28). Those who followed God kept their first estate, came to earth, and received bodies, Abr. 3: 26.
Satan was cast out of heaven and into the earth, Rev. 12: 4, 7-9. The devil and a third part of heaven were thrust down, D&C 29: 36-37. Lucifer rebelled against the Only Begotten Son, D&C 76: 25-26. Satan sought the glory of the Father and to destroy the agency of man, Moses 4: 1-4 (Isa. 14: 12-15; Abr. 3: 27-28). Those who followed God kept their first estate, came to earth, and received bodies, Abr. 3: 26.
Soul
The scriptures speak of souls in three ways:1 spirit beings, both premortal and postmortal (Alma 40: 11-14; Abr. 3: 23);2 a spirit and a body united in mortality (Abr. 5: 7); and3 an immortal, resurrected person whose spirit and body have become inseparably connected (Alma 40: 23; D&C 88: 15-16).
The blood maketh an atonement for the soul, Lev. 17: 11. He restoreth my soul, Ps. 23: 3. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, Matt. 22: 37 (Mark 12: 30). The devil cheateth their souls, 2 Ne. 28: 21. Offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, Omni 1: 26. The word beginneth to enlarge my soul, Alma 32: 28. His soul shall never hunger nor thirst, 3 Ne. 20: 8. The bread and water of the sacrament are sanctified to the souls of those who partake of it, Moro. 4-5 (D&C 20: 77-79). Laborers in the kingdom bring salvation to their souls through their service, D&C 4: 2, 4. The worth of souls is great, D&C 18: 10. Ye were born into the world by water, blood, and spirit, and so became a living soul, Moses 6: 59.
Worth of souls: All persons are spirit children of God. He cares about each of his children and considers each one important. Because they are his children, they have the potential to become like him. Therefore, they are of great worth.
There is joy over one sinner that repenteth, Luke 15: 10. God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, John 3: 16. They could not bear that any human soul should perish, Mosiah 28: 3. Is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul at the time of his coming? Alma 39: 17. The thing of most worth unto you is to bring souls unto me, D&C 15: 6. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God, D&C 18: 10-15. This is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39.
The blood maketh an atonement for the soul, Lev. 17: 11. He restoreth my soul, Ps. 23: 3. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, Matt. 22: 37 (Mark 12: 30). The devil cheateth their souls, 2 Ne. 28: 21. Offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, Omni 1: 26. The word beginneth to enlarge my soul, Alma 32: 28. His soul shall never hunger nor thirst, 3 Ne. 20: 8. The bread and water of the sacrament are sanctified to the souls of those who partake of it, Moro. 4-5 (D&C 20: 77-79). Laborers in the kingdom bring salvation to their souls through their service, D&C 4: 2, 4. The worth of souls is great, D&C 18: 10. Ye were born into the world by water, blood, and spirit, and so became a living soul, Moses 6: 59.
Worth of souls: All persons are spirit children of God. He cares about each of his children and considers each one important. Because they are his children, they have the potential to become like him. Therefore, they are of great worth.
There is joy over one sinner that repenteth, Luke 15: 10. God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, John 3: 16. They could not bear that any human soul should perish, Mosiah 28: 3. Is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul at the time of his coming? Alma 39: 17. The thing of most worth unto you is to bring souls unto me, D&C 15: 6. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God, D&C 18: 10-15. This is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39.
Council in Heaven
The occasion in premortal life when the Father presented his plan to his spirit children who would come to this earth.
The sons of God shouted for joy, Job 38: 7. Exalt my throne above the stars of God, Isa. 14: 12-13. There was a war in heaven, Rev. 12: 7-11. Before they were born, they received their first lessons in the world of spirits, D&C 138: 56. Satan rebelled in the premortal life, Moses 4: 1-4. Intelligences were organized before the world was created, Abr. 3: 22. The Gods took counsel among themselves, Abr. 4: 26. The Gods ended the work that they counseled to do, Abr. 5: 2.
The sons of God shouted for joy, Job 38: 7. Exalt my throne above the stars of God, Isa. 14: 12-13. There was a war in heaven, Rev. 12: 7-11. Before they were born, they received their first lessons in the world of spirits, D&C 138: 56. Satan rebelled in the premortal life, Moses 4: 1-4. Intelligences were organized before the world was created, Abr. 3: 22. The Gods took counsel among themselves, Abr. 4: 26. The Gods ended the work that they counseled to do, Abr. 5: 2.
Spirit
That part of a living being which exists before mortal birth, which dwells in the physical body during mortality, and which exists after death as a separate being until the resurrection. All living things—mankind, animals, and plants—were spirits before any form of life existed upon the earth (Gen. 2: 4-5; Moses 3: 4-7). The spirit body looks like the physical body (1 Ne. 11: 11; Ether 3: 15-16; D&C 77: 2; D&C 129). Spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure than mortal element or matter (D&C 131: 7).
Every person is literally a son or a daughter of God, having been born as a spirit to Heavenly Parents before being born to mortal parents on the earth (Heb. 12: 9). Each person on earth has an immortal spirit body in addition to a body of flesh and bone. As sometimes defined in scripture, the spirit and the physical body together constitute the soul (Gen. 2: 7; D&C 88: 15; Moses 3: 7, 9, 19; Abr. 5: 7). A spirit can live without a physical body, but the physical body cannot live without the spirit (James 2: 26). Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the body. In the resurrection, the spirit is reunited with the same physical body of flesh and bone it possessed as a mortal, with two major differences: they will never be separated again, and the physical body will be immortal and perfected (Alma 11: 45; D&C 138: 16-17).
A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have, Luke 24: 39. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, Rom. 8: 16. Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, 1 Cor. 6: 20. This body is the body of my spirit, Ether 3: 16. Man is spirit, D&C 93: 33. Christ ministered to the righteous spirits in paradise, D&C 138: 28-30 (1 Pet. 3: 18-19). Ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, Moses 6: 59. He stood among those that were spirits, Abr. 3: 23.
Evil spirits: Jesus cast out many devils, Mark 1: 27, 34, 39. Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit, Mark 5: 2-13. The evil spirit teacheth a man that he must not pray, 2 Ne. 32: 8. In the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits, 3 Ne. 7: 19. Many false spirits have gone forth deceiving the world, D&C 50: 2, 31-32. Joseph Smith explained three keys for determining whether a spirit is of God or the devil, D&C 129.
Every person is literally a son or a daughter of God, having been born as a spirit to Heavenly Parents before being born to mortal parents on the earth (Heb. 12: 9). Each person on earth has an immortal spirit body in addition to a body of flesh and bone. As sometimes defined in scripture, the spirit and the physical body together constitute the soul (Gen. 2: 7; D&C 88: 15; Moses 3: 7, 9, 19; Abr. 5: 7). A spirit can live without a physical body, but the physical body cannot live without the spirit (James 2: 26). Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the body. In the resurrection, the spirit is reunited with the same physical body of flesh and bone it possessed as a mortal, with two major differences: they will never be separated again, and the physical body will be immortal and perfected (Alma 11: 45; D&C 138: 16-17).
A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have, Luke 24: 39. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, Rom. 8: 16. Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, 1 Cor. 6: 20. This body is the body of my spirit, Ether 3: 16. Man is spirit, D&C 93: 33. Christ ministered to the righteous spirits in paradise, D&C 138: 28-30 (1 Pet. 3: 18-19). Ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, Moses 6: 59. He stood among those that were spirits, Abr. 3: 23.
Evil spirits: Jesus cast out many devils, Mark 1: 27, 34, 39. Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit, Mark 5: 2-13. The evil spirit teacheth a man that he must not pray, 2 Ne. 32: 8. In the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits, 3 Ne. 7: 19. Many false spirits have gone forth deceiving the world, D&C 50: 2, 31-32. Joseph Smith explained three keys for determining whether a spirit is of God or the devil, D&C 129.
Premortal Life
The life before earth life. All men and women lived with God as his spirit children before coming to the earth as mortal beings. This is sometimes called the first estate (Abr. 3: 26).
When God laid the foundations of the earth, all the sons of God shouted for joy, Job 38: 4-7. The spirit shall return unto God who gave it, Eccl. 12: 7. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, Jer. 1: 4-5. We are all his offspring, Acts 17: 28. God chose us before the foundation of the world, Eph. 1: 3-4. We are to be in subjection to the Father of spirits, Heb. 12: 9. The angels which kept not their first estate, he hath reserved in everlasting chains, Jude 1: 6 (Abr. 3: 26). The Devil and his angels were cast out, Rev. 12: 9. They were called and prepared from the foundation of the world, Alma 13: 3. Christ looked upon the expanse of eternity and hosts of heaven before the world was made, D&C 38: 1. Man was also in the beginning with God, D&C 93: 29 (Hel. 14: 17; D&C 49: 17). Noble spirits were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church, D&C 138: 53-55. Many received their first lessons in the world of spirits, D&C 138: 56. All things were created spiritually before they were on earth, Moses 3: 5. I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh, Moses 6: 51. Abraham saw the intelligences that were organized before the world was, Abr. 3: 21-24.
When God laid the foundations of the earth, all the sons of God shouted for joy, Job 38: 4-7. The spirit shall return unto God who gave it, Eccl. 12: 7. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, Jer. 1: 4-5. We are all his offspring, Acts 17: 28. God chose us before the foundation of the world, Eph. 1: 3-4. We are to be in subjection to the Father of spirits, Heb. 12: 9. The angels which kept not their first estate, he hath reserved in everlasting chains, Jude 1: 6 (Abr. 3: 26). The Devil and his angels were cast out, Rev. 12: 9. They were called and prepared from the foundation of the world, Alma 13: 3. Christ looked upon the expanse of eternity and hosts of heaven before the world was made, D&C 38: 1. Man was also in the beginning with God, D&C 93: 29 (Hel. 14: 17; D&C 49: 17). Noble spirits were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church, D&C 138: 53-55. Many received their first lessons in the world of spirits, D&C 138: 56. All things were created spiritually before they were on earth, Moses 3: 5. I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh, Moses 6: 51. Abraham saw the intelligences that were organized before the world was, Abr. 3: 21-24.
Man, Men
Refers to all mankind, both male and female. All men and women are the literal, spiritual offspring of a Heavenly Father. When they are born into mortality, they receive physical, mortal bodies. These bodies were created in God’s image (Gen. 1: 26-27). Men and women who are faithful in receiving the necessary ordinances, keeping their covenants, and obeying God’s commands will enter into their exaltation and become as God.
God created man in his own image, Gen. 1: 27 (Mosiah 7: 27; D&C 20: 17-18). What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Ps. 8: 4-5. Cursed is the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm, Jer. 17: 5 (2 Ne. 4: 34; 28: 26, 31). When I became a man, I put away childish things, 1 Cor. 13: 11. Men are that they might have joy, 2 Ne. 2: 25. The natural man is an enemy to God, Mosiah 3: 19. What manner of men ought ye to be? 3 Ne. 27: 27. The works of man are frustrated, not the works of God, D&C 3: 3. You should not fear man more than God, D&C 3: 7 (D&C 30: 11; 122: 9). All things are made for the benefit and the use of man, D&C 59: 18. I know that man is nothing, Moses 1: 10. God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39.
Man, a spirit child of Heavenly Father: They fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, Num. 16: 22 (Num. 27: 16). Ye are the children of the Lord your God, Deut. 14: 1. Ye are gods and all of you are children of the Most High, Ps. 82: 6. Ye are the sons of the living God, Hosea 1: 10. Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us? Mal. 2: 10. We are the offspring of God, Acts 17: 29. The Spirit itself beareth witness that we are the children of God, Rom. 8: 16. Be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, Heb. 12: 9. The spirits of all men are taken home to that God who gave them life, Alma 40: 11. The inhabitants of the worlds are begotten sons and daughters of God, D&C 76: 24. Man was in the beginning with the Father, D&C 93: 23, 29. God created all men spiritually, before they were upon the face of the earth, Moses 3: 5-7. I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh, Moses 6: 51.
Man, potential to become like Heavenly Father: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father, Matt. 5: 48 (3 Ne. 12: 48). Is it not written in your law that ye are gods? John 10: 34 (D&C 76: 58). We may become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, Rom. 8: 17. Thou art a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ, Gal. 4: 7. When he shall appear, we shall be like him, 1 Jn. 3: 2. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, Rev. 3: 21. To them have I given to become the sons of God, 3 Ne. 9: 17. Those who inherit the celestial kingdom are gods, even the sons of God, D&C 76: 50, 58. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, D&C 132: 20.
God created man in his own image, Gen. 1: 27 (Mosiah 7: 27; D&C 20: 17-18). What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Ps. 8: 4-5. Cursed is the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm, Jer. 17: 5 (2 Ne. 4: 34; 28: 26, 31). When I became a man, I put away childish things, 1 Cor. 13: 11. Men are that they might have joy, 2 Ne. 2: 25. The natural man is an enemy to God, Mosiah 3: 19. What manner of men ought ye to be? 3 Ne. 27: 27. The works of man are frustrated, not the works of God, D&C 3: 3. You should not fear man more than God, D&C 3: 7 (D&C 30: 11; 122: 9). All things are made for the benefit and the use of man, D&C 59: 18. I know that man is nothing, Moses 1: 10. God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39.
Man, a spirit child of Heavenly Father: They fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, Num. 16: 22 (Num. 27: 16). Ye are the children of the Lord your God, Deut. 14: 1. Ye are gods and all of you are children of the Most High, Ps. 82: 6. Ye are the sons of the living God, Hosea 1: 10. Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us? Mal. 2: 10. We are the offspring of God, Acts 17: 29. The Spirit itself beareth witness that we are the children of God, Rom. 8: 16. Be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, Heb. 12: 9. The spirits of all men are taken home to that God who gave them life, Alma 40: 11. The inhabitants of the worlds are begotten sons and daughters of God, D&C 76: 24. Man was in the beginning with the Father, D&C 93: 23, 29. God created all men spiritually, before they were upon the face of the earth, Moses 3: 5-7. I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh, Moses 6: 51.
Man, potential to become like Heavenly Father: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father, Matt. 5: 48 (3 Ne. 12: 48). Is it not written in your law that ye are gods? John 10: 34 (D&C 76: 58). We may become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, Rom. 8: 17. Thou art a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ, Gal. 4: 7. When he shall appear, we shall be like him, 1 Jn. 3: 2. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, Rev. 3: 21. To them have I given to become the sons of God, 3 Ne. 9: 17. Those who inherit the celestial kingdom are gods, even the sons of God, D&C 76: 50, 58. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, D&C 132: 20.
Elder Boyd K. Packer
The doctrine is so logical, so reasonable, and explains so many things, that it is a wonder that the Christian world rejected it. It is so essential a part of the equation of life that, left out, life just cannot add up, it remains a mystery. The doctrine is simply this: life did not begin with mortal birth. We lived in spirit form before we entered mortality. We are spiritually the children of God. This doctrine of premortal life was known to ancient Christians. For nearly five hundred years the doctrine was taught, but it was then rejected as a heresy by a clergy that had slipped into the Dark Ages of apostasy. In conclusion... Once they rejected this doctrine, the doctrine of premortal life, and the doctrine of redemption for the dead, they could never unravel the mystery of life. They became like a man trying to assemble a strand of pearls on a string that was too short. There is no way they can put them all together.
Why is it so strange a thought that we lived as spirits before entering mortality? Christian doctrine proclaims the Resurrection, meaning that we will live after mortal death. If we live beyond death, why should it be strange that we lived before birth? The Christian world in general accepts the idea that our condition in the Resurrection will be determined by our actions in this life. Why can they not believe that some circumstances in this life were determined by our actions before coming into mortality? The scriptures teach this doctrine, the doctrine of premortal life. For His own reasons, the Lord provides answers to some questions, with pieces placed here and there throughout the scriptures. We are to find them; we are to earn them. In that way sacred things are hidden from the insincere. I have but touched upon the doctrine of premortal life. We cannot, in these brief conference talks, do more than that. Oh, if we but had a day, or even an hour, to speak of it.
Why is it so strange a thought that we lived as spirits before entering mortality? Christian doctrine proclaims the Resurrection, meaning that we will live after mortal death. If we live beyond death, why should it be strange that we lived before birth? The Christian world in general accepts the idea that our condition in the Resurrection will be determined by our actions in this life. Why can they not believe that some circumstances in this life were determined by our actions before coming into mortality? The scriptures teach this doctrine, the doctrine of premortal life. For His own reasons, the Lord provides answers to some questions, with pieces placed here and there throughout the scriptures. We are to find them; we are to earn them. In that way sacred things are hidden from the insincere. I have but touched upon the doctrine of premortal life. We cannot, in these brief conference talks, do more than that. Oh, if we but had a day, or even an hour, to speak of it.
Foreordination
God’s premortal ordination of his valiant spirit children to fulfill certain missions during their mortal lives.
God set the bounds of the people, Deut. 32: 8. Before I formed thee in the belly I ordained thee a prophet, Jer. 1: 5. God determined the times before appointed, Acts 17: 26. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate, Rom. 8: 28-30. He has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, Eph. 1: 3-4. Jesus Christ was foreordained to be the Redeemer, 1 Pet. 1: 19-20 (Rev. 13: 8). They were called and prepared from the foundation of the world, Alma 13: 1-9. I observed the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning, D&C 138: 55-56. My Beloved Son was chosen from the beginning, Moses 4: 2. Abraham was chosen before he was born, Abr. 3: 23.
God set the bounds of the people, Deut. 32: 8. Before I formed thee in the belly I ordained thee a prophet, Jer. 1: 5. God determined the times before appointed, Acts 17: 26. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate, Rom. 8: 28-30. He has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, Eph. 1: 3-4. Jesus Christ was foreordained to be the Redeemer, 1 Pet. 1: 19-20 (Rev. 13: 8). They were called and prepared from the foundation of the world, Alma 13: 1-9. I observed the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning, D&C 138: 55-56. My Beloved Son was chosen from the beginning, Moses 4: 2. Abraham was chosen before he was born, Abr. 3: 23.
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