Revelation is often incremental, building on what we already know and adding clarity to concepts we are already familiar with. One example of this iterative process is the Council in Heaven. Earlier references in the scriptural canon are somewhat opaque, while more recent additions add valuable details and context about this important event.
First Lessons
Learning was an important part of our premortal existence. Joseph F. Smith saw in a vision many faithful spirits, including biblical prophets, gathered at the time of the death of Jesus Christ. Then, he noticed a number of people who had not yet been born, including his uncle, Joseph Smith, and his father, Hyrum Smith.... Continue Reading →
Premortal Life
We lived before we were born, and we chose to participate in this mortal experience. That knowledge gives perspective to our mortal journey. In a September 1830 revelation, the Lord shared with Joseph Smith the origin story of the devil and his followers: He rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part... Continue Reading →
Being Left to Choose – Alma 13:3-5
3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained--being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great... Continue Reading →
Called and Prepared – Alma 13:3-5
3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained--being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great... Continue Reading →
From the Foundation of the World – Alma 12:25
25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead; but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken.(Alma 12:25)In this... Continue Reading →
The Spirits of All Men…Are Taken Home – Alma 40:11
11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection--Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to... Continue Reading →
The Body of My Spirit – Ether 3:14-16
14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and... Continue Reading →