God loves all of His children perfectly. We please Him when we are humble, when we repent, and when we make every sacrifice He asks of us. In that way, we prepare for the ultimate manifestation of His acceptance—to be welcomed into His presence.
Infusing the Light of Christ into My Life
When Lamoni accepted the gospel, "the light of the glory of God ... infused ... joy into his soul." Sister Amy A. Wright has urged us to "infuse the Light of Jesus Christ into every corner of our lives." We do this by opening our hearts to Him and by testifying of His power to save.
Soul: Spirit and Body
Five important Easter truths: 1. We are embodied spirits. 2. We need a body to be truly happy. 3. Physical death is the separation of our spirit from our body. 4. Jesus Christ was resurrected. 5. Because of Him, we will all be resurrected.
“Behold, I Am Jesus Christ”
On ten occasions in scripture, the Savior introduces Himself with “Behold, I am Jesus Christ.” His self-descriptions emphasize (1) His identity as the Son of God, (2) His role as Creator and source of life, (3) His rejection by His own, (4) His power to save all who receive Him, and (5) His promised return.
Grace and Agency in Doctrine and Covenants 20
Doctrine and Covenants 20 teaches us about the relationship between grace and agency. Jesus Christ suffered so that we could be saved. We can choose to accept that gift (justification) and retain it over time (sanctification). Baptism enables us to accept it. The sacrament helps us retain it.
Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20
The Articles and Covenants of the Church (D&C 20) outline core doctrines and priesthood duties, drawing heavily from the Book of Mormon. Some passages are quoted directly, while others synthesize multiple passages to affirm core doctrines. By relying on the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery grounded the restored Church on Christ’s gospel.
Suffering the Will of the Father
Jesus did "always those things that please" His Father. His Atonement is the ultimate manifestation of that decision criterion. While we each walk an individualized path, we should make decisions based on what pleases God, not what "works for us."
“All Men [and Women] Everywhere”
God's universal love is manifest in many ways. One of those ways is via a universal commandment to repent. This commandment is really an invitation to change and experience His healing and transformative power.
“Contend Against No Church”
The Savior counseled Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to "contend against no church." We can and should find common cause with fellow believers, even when their beliefs differ from our own.
How to Recognize the Holy Ghost
God taught Oliver Cowdery four principles about personal revelation which can help us recognize messages from God: 1. Messages from God enlighten us. 2. Messages from God dispel fear and build faith. 3. God speaks to both our mind and our heart. 4. The Spirit of God confirms positive choices with positive feelings.