There is, in the Book of Mormon, a chapter that contains the words of an angel who was sent to King Benjamin prophesying the birth, ministry, and atoning sacrifice of Christ. It also explains the eternal purposes of his coming, which brings joy and peace to those who hear. He said:
"And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."[1]
"And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh..."[2]
I intend to review with you some blessings of the Messiah's coming to the earth, and to testify of His promised blessings relative to our national freedom and freedom from captivity and death, both of the body and of the Spirit. I hope, by considering these blessings, your joy will increase, and that your faith in Christ will give you strength to live so you may be free.
National Freedom
I love this land, this promised land established by God as the land of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. On this, the eve of another 4th of July celebration, I express my gratitude for the blessing of living here, in the United States of America.
Inspired and noble men, who had the courage to worship God and live his laws, prepared the way for us to live in this favored land, which God has established as a free and independent nation. Those men were inspired to establish a republic, which was founded upon belief in, and dependence upon, our Creator. They were sustained in that endeavor by their personal integrity, self-reliance, courage, and their will to press forward in difficult times, even at the peril of their lives.
It has taken many years, much sacrifice, and a great deal of blood to establish a land free from all other nations, and protected from oligarchy and anarchy. God has preserved, and will continue to preserve this great nation as a land of liberty, if we serve Him.
We are blessed to live in this republic; a democratic, political system that finds its rule of law rooted in harmony with the will of God. Democracy is essential in maintaining the integrity and stability of a republic. It allows the voice of the people, the citizens, to determine the influence and actions of their government. However, for a people to be secure and free in a democracy, its citizens must be governed by laws, which are just, and which are "...administered for the good and safety of society."[3]
Democracy, without the rule of just law and the equal application thereof, would stray into oligarchy, where an individual or group would control society unjustly. Or, it would collapse into anarchy, a chaotic society without law and order. There are guidelines in Doctrine and Covenants 134 about limitations to human law:
"We do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; [We believe]...that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul."[4]
Recently, during your Sunday School classes, the reading assignment included Chapter 29 of the Book of Mosiah. King Mosiah, the seer and son of Benjamin, the great Nephite king, defined some evils that stem from despotic, tyrannical and repressive governments or kingdoms.[5] There he stressed the importance of the voice of the people saying:
- That normally, the voice of the people by majority, chooses what is right, or good, that is those "...laws which have been given by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord."[6]
- That if, or when the voice of the people, by majority, chooses evil, their society is then "ripe for destruction."[7]
As it happens, democracies are on a dangerous path when the voice of the people expresses opposition to the laws of God. Only by serving the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ, can we remain a people free from any other nation or power. Moroni, son of Mormon, who witnessed the entire destruction of the Nephite civilization, warned future generations of their responsibility of citizenship in this promised land. He wrote:
"Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."[8]
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to encourage us to participate in the political process, and to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider the choices we are making when we cast our ballots. We are justified by God to "befriend that law which is constitutional"[9] and we are given to understand that true freedom results from obedience to law that is just and is applied with equality. The Lord has said, "Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold . . .."[10]
Because of our freedom and the many blessings of heaven that have been poured out upon our land, we are envied of other nations. Of necessity, at this moment, there are many thousands of military personnel, many like you, primarily young men and women, including many members of the Church, who are enlisted in the Armed Forces to protect our heritage from attack by those who would destroy our freedoms, and take all that we hold dear.
Likewise, members of the Church are serving in the militaries of other nations. Our military might, given us by God, is a deterrent against aggressive nations. We owe much to those who are risking their lives for our benefit. Their lives are precious and yet, they are willing to sacrifice them to retain our freedom.
John Stuart Mill, an English economist and philosopher, wisely observed that our freedom is the result of the courage, bravery and sacrifice of others. He said:
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling, which thinks that nothing is worth war, is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing, which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."[11]
The scriptures testify that there are times when war is justified and that we must defend our homes, liberties, wives and children, and maintain our religion. The prophet Mormon wrote:
"The Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.
"And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion."[12]
President Gordon B. Hinckley explained: "It is clear from these and other writings that there are times and circumstances when nations are justified, in fact have an obligation, to fight for family, for liberty, and against tyranny, threat, and oppression..."[13] Our national freedom is conditional. We can only be secure as we give heed to the commandments and teachings of the Savior of the World. Our liberty is dependent upon righteousness, and only by His name, His power, and by doing his will.
Freedom from Death and Hell
There is much variety in our mortal experience. There are struggles here: sorrow, pain, sickness, death, and opposition. There are those who are tall, short, thin, heavy, homely, and attractive. Some are born with serious deformities and limitations. Even so, we retain our agency and we may learn to be content with those things that we are allotted.14 Our moral agency is not taken away--we are free to choose truth or error, good or evil, light or darkness, captivity and death, or freedom and life.
We find ourselves here on earth with physical bodies, enlivened by our spirits housed therein. Our memories of pre-mortal enthusiasm and commitments have become dim. Our agency is being given a perfect test. Each day our choices can limit or expand our freedom. We may choose dangerous activities for a thrill that could shorten our lives, eat or drink to ruin our health or to improve it. We may choose to use our time for selfish, forbidden activities that enslave our bodies and spirits, or we may choose to keep our covenants with God and feel his love. Alma taught that our actions are important:
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their works, according to that which they have been-if they have been righteous they shall reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ; and if they have been evil they shall reap the damnation of their souls, according to the power and captivation of the devil."[15]
Years ago, while working on a cattle ranch doing some work with a tractor, I happened to see what appeared to be a muskrat trap lying on the ground. I stopped the tractor and picked it up. The trap held firmly in its jaws the foot and leg of a great blue heron, held steadfastly by only one toe.
I picked up the trap with its attached leg and couple of the feathers and placed them on the fence. It appeared as if someone, intending to trap a muskrat for its fur, or some other reason, had carefully set the trap under the grass and reeds in an irrigation canal. Innocently, the great blue heron had landed in the same location to obtain his daily ration of fish or frogs. While prodding through the grass and lilies, it found itself as a victim, caught by one toe with no possibility of escape.
It was apparent that this poor creature had struggled for some time, finally pulling the trap loose from its tethered stake. It then had flown over several fences until the weight of the attached trap and fatigue brought it to the ground. It looked as though it had then been attacked, killed, and eaten by other animals. The only evidence of this struggle that remains is what you see in my hands and on the screen. It had no power to escape the natural consequences of mortal life and death.
In relating this event to our own lives, we realize that all mortal creatures are subject to death and the dissolution of the body. In considering captivity and death from a doctrinal perspective, please retain the image of the remains of this majestic bird in your mind to determine whether you will qualify for the blessings of salvation provided by our Savior Jesus Christ, through his merciful atonement. Lehi explains:
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil..."[16]
Each of us, by nature of our birth into mortality, must face the "awful monster" described by Nephi's brother, Jacob. His description of that monster is twofold: the death of the body and the death of the spirit, which Jacob describes as hell.[17]
Freedom from Physical Death
We realize that physical death is inevitable, and its finality causes us to anticipate it with trepidation. Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no salvation from physical death. Many modern Christian religions explain away the true doctrine of the resurrection denying that Jesus came forth from the tomb with spirit and element inseparably connected.[18] They must do so to satisfy the 4th and 5th century creeds[19] that rose up from the minds of men to define God as three-in-one and one-in-three, having no physical body, parts, or passions. These are the creeds condemned by the Lord who said to the Prophet Joseph, that "...all their creeds were an abomination in his sight..."[20]
It is inconceivable to the scientific community, based upon empirical evidence, that the dead may come forth again in life; or that decomposed bodies of any earthly creature could have its life processes restored. So, our faith in the literal resurrection of Jesus can be a test. President Harold B. Lee said: "Death of a loved one is the most severe test that you will ever face, and if you can rise above your grief and if you will trust in God, then you will be able to surmount any other difficulty with which you may be faced."[21]
During Jesus' mortal ministry, he taught that the dead would be taught by the voice of God saying: "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."[22]
With confidence and certitude, we testify about the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, and the forgiveness of sin more clearly than any people on earth. We are able to do so because prophets of God teach us. These true prophets of God have been taught true doctrines and principles by angels, and thus they know truths that cannot be known to the natural man.
Several years ago, I was home one evening while my wife was fulfilling an assignment with the young women of our ward. Our children were young, and I was left at home to complete some of the normal, household chores and get the children to bed. While standing at the sink, washing dishes, I was listening to the radio, tuned to station KOA in Denver, Colorado. The narrator introduced a kindly gentleman to the radio audience as a prominent minister of one of the large Protestant churches in the United States, stating that he was second in authority in that church, and that he would be glad to respond to religious questions from the listening audience. I listened to several questions and his answers.
I was particularly interested in one caller who sounded like a college age young woman who asked a question about resurrection. She asked whether she would have a physical body when she was resurrected. She said that she had been studying one of the Eastern religions and had become curious about reincarnation, so was wondering how the Christian idea of resurrection compared. Would a resurrected person be able eat, drink, and experience physical activities--things which she understood reincarnation would provide?
The minister was kind, and it was evident that he really wanted to help her understand about the resurrection of the Savior. He answered, "My dear, you will have a beautiful resurrected spiritual body like Christ had." She responded, "Will I have a physical body and be able to eat food and drink water?" He said, "You will receive a beautiful, resurrected, spiritual body." She again asked, "Does that mean I won't have a physical body when I am resurrected?"
He replied kindly that her resurrected body would be a beautiful, immortal, spiritual body; the same as the resurrected body of Jesus. She sounded somewhat discouraged by his answer, and said, "Well, okay then." And she ended the call.
Well, I decided that I would phone the radio station, and make an attempt to answer her question. I dialed the number. After a few moments, someone on the other end answered and said, "Hold the line, please." I waited briefly and the minister answered, saying, "You are on the air, what is your question?"
I said, "Well, I don't really have a question, but would like to comment for the benefit of the young lady who called, asking about a physical body and resurrection. I think that she understood, from your answer, that Jesus did not have a body of flesh and bone, following his resurrection. I have been reading a most interesting book that gives added information about this event, which may be helpful to her."
"The book states clearly, that following his resurrection in Jerusalem, Jesus visited people in ancient America, saying to them that 'He was Jesus Christ whom the prophets testified should come into the world.'"[23]
"He then asked them to come forward and feel the wounds in his hands and his feet that they could know that he had been slain for the sins of the world and that he had overcome death. This would clarify for her, that resurrection is not to receive a new or different body, as in reincarnation, but resurrection means that Jesus had, after he was resurrected, the same physical body which he had while fulfilling his ministry in Jerusalem, a body of flesh and bone."
He asked, "What is the book?" I replied, "The Book of Mormon." Well, his friendly and warm tone of voice became a little colder and he said, "Oh, we can't believe anything in the Book of Mormon." I said, "Do you have a Bible there, with you?" "Of course!" He answered, "We believe everything that is written in the Bible." "Would you read a passage from the Bible about Jesus' resurrection and his resurrected body?" "Sure, I will read anything from the Bible." "Thank you. Would you please read Luke 24:36-43?" He answered that he would. Then, I could hear pages turning, and he began to read:
"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
"But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
"And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
"And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
"And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them."[24]
After reading those verses, he was silent, so I said, "Doesn't that sound to you as if he had a body of flesh and bone following his resurrection? He answered, "You know, it really does!" almost as if that idea had not occurred to him before. I then responded, "Doesn't it seem possible, that his body, being a resurrected body of flesh and bone when he appeared to his apostles, would still be a resurrected body of flesh and bone now?" He replied, "No, he got rid of his body right after that, because he didn't need it any more."
I was then disconnected. The line was dead, but I hoped that what had been said was enough that the young woman who had asked the question would look up the missionaries to learn more about Jesus appearing to the people of the ancient Americas as the resurrected Savior of the world. I believe this good minister really wanted to answer truthfully. He simply had not had access to the true doctrine of resurrection.
How thankful I am that the Prophet Joseph Smith brought forth the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel for, as is said in the Doctrine and Covenants, pertaining to the Restoration of the gospel:
"By these things we know that there is a God in heaven... "Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son... "He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them... "He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day... "And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father..."[25]
Alma's missionary Companion, Amulek, teaching the doubting lawyer, Zeezrom, taught:
"Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
"Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, ...to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil."[26]
Through the teachings of true prophets of God, we know these things:
- That all who have lived upon the earth will be resurrected, both wicked and righteous.[27]
- That "the body does not change in the grave...[they] come forth from the grave as they lie down, old or young."[28]
- That there will be a reuniting of the elements of the physical body and a restoration to perfection.[29]
- That resurrection is an ordinance administered by those who hold priesthood authority just as we receive the ordinance of baptism, then receive the keys of authority to baptize others.[30]
- President Joseph F. Smith stated as related to the death of children: "It matters not whether these tabernacles mature in this world, or have to wait and mature in the world to come. According to the word of the prophet, Joseph Smith, the body will develop, either in time or eternity, to the full stature of the spirit... When the mother is deprived of the pleasure and joy of rearing her babe to manhood or womanhood in this life through the hand of death, that privilege will be renewed to her hereafter..."[31]
And finally, Mormon gave us this beautiful testimony of the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion from the record of Nephi, the disciple of Christ:
"And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.[32]
"Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."[33]
Yes, we can be free from physical death, but only by His name. This is a free gift, given to all mankind because of his great love. However, the glory obtained in the resurrection will depend upon our choices.[34] Abinidi's final witness of the atonement emphasizes the important relationship of sin and the glory of resurrection:
"If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation... Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent."[35]
Freedom from Spiritual Death
What is the death of the spirit? It is not so easily recognized. This death seems indefinable, and difficult to observe or describe. Alma expresses this process as a hardening of our hearts.[36] This change in our hearts is subtle because "...the temptations of the devil blind our eyes and harden our hearts."[37] Then, being tempted and not listening to, or heeding the feelings of our conscience, we justify our sins, and continue in them. We then become insensitive to the prompting of the spirit of God.
Gradually, we know less and less of God and his mysteries, and we find ourselves bound in the "chains of hell,"[38] and we continue as the "natural man," carnal, sensual and devilish, becoming enemies to God. Indeed, we find ourselves trapped with no means of escape but by the redeeming power of Christ. Without repentance, our spiritual death is as certain and as final as the physical death of the blue heron.
It is his will that those who are poor in spirit come unto him[39] and all are invited, for he has said: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."[40]
The fearless prophet Abinidi described those who will not repent, saying: "But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God..."[41]
Sin and captivity go hand in hand. God has said: "Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.[42] Is it possible to escapes the penalties, entanglements, and captivity of sin? Is it possible to ever feel peace about our sins? Alma described the feelings of each accountable person who must stand before God to be judged as to whether their choices were good or evil. Our sins may not be the magnitude of his sins; nevertheless, our sins may have been sufficiently serious that we have tasted the pain and sorrow of which he spoke. He said:
"Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
"Yea...and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
"Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds."[43]
Even Nephi, the son of Lehi, felt sorrow over some of his choices when he lamented:
"My heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
"I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
"And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted."[44]
Unfortunately, entanglements of sin are not often reversible, and are the source of much regret and sorrow during our lives. They are likely to cause pain and anguish to those we love or have offended. There may be irreversible consequences to some of our actions, but the penalties of sin, which are required by Justice, can be satisfied by the Savior's atonement.
Some years ago, while serving as bishop, I was approached by an elderly man in our ward, an ordinance worker in a nearby temple. He was a faithful priesthood holder, and had been such for many years. When he was seated in the office, he began to weep. I will not soon forget in my mind this good man, his hands crippled with arthritis, the pain in his face, his occasional sobs, as he sought for the words he to needed speak. After a couple of minutes, he said that he finally had enough courage to speak about an event in his life.
He began by saying that when he was seventeen years old, he had broken the law of chastity. He was young and he had friends who had done the same thing, so he then felt like it was no big deal. However, as time passed, he retained a vivid memory of the event and he could find no peace in his soul. He kept thinking that these troubled feelings would go away, and that it would not be long before he forgot about it. But this was not the case.
As years passed he received temple recommends, during each interview, when asked about being morally clean, he would answer that he was worthy, thinking that he had not repeated the act, and that it was far in the past, and did not need to be mentioned. In his sorrow, he said that this event, and his failure to come to terms with it, had stopped his progress in the Church.
He feared it had stopped him from being more successful in his life's work. He lacked confidence in leading his children, he felt untrue to his wife and felt undeserving of the blessings of heaven. Some 65 years had passed since the sin had occurred, and it was still tormenting his soul, and finally he was doing as was required by God.
Watching the Spirit of the Lord come upon this man, as he spoke honestly, in humility, in shame, and deep sorrow, was a wonderful witness of the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was a visible fulfillment of the promised blessing of peace that comes with repentance; freedom from the shackles and captivity of sin. An enormous and weighty burden was moved from his shoulders. He had received the image of Christ in his countenance.[45]
He left the office with a beautiful smile on his face, a lighter step, and peace in his heart. He had been faithful for many years, but the Lord did not grant the peace to him until he had met the requirements of repentance, to confess and forsake his sins. He had finally come to get help to be free from the trap and bondage that had held him fast for these many years. All that is required by our Redeemer is described in the Doctrine and Covenants: "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins-behold, he will confess them and forsake them."[46]
We must identify our sins, and by our faith in Christ, repent of them. We must confess our sins voluntarily. Forced confession does not indicate a broken heart and contrite spirit. All sins must be confessed to God. Those that would affect our membership or good standing in the Church must be confessed to an ecclesiastical leader, a judge in Israel. We must forsake our sins by keeping our baptismal covenants.
Our escape from spiritual death is also freely given, but with conditions, given because of the love of the Savior to satisfy the demands of justice, which our sins have incurred. This freedom cannot be granted to us unless we qualify to have the Son of God plead with his Father that his blood may be applied to our sins.[47] To qualify, we must be born again. Every person must repent, be redeemed of the Lord, and born of the Spirit.[48] There must be a mighty change of heart in us that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.[49]
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized that our past does not just disappear, he said: "I realized once again that things do not get swept under the rug in the eternal economy of things. Sins do not take care of themselves, or simply fade away, they must be dealt with.[50]
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Twelve has said:
"Sometimes we wonder why we remember our sins long after we have forsaken them... The forsaking of sins implies never returning. Forsaking requires time. To help us, the Lord at times allows the residue of our mistakes to rest in our memory. It is a vital part of our mortal learning.
"As we honestly confess our sins, restore what we can to the offended, and forsake our sins by keeping the commandments, we are in the process of receiving forgiveness. With time, we will feel the anguish of our sorrow subside, taking 'away the guilt from our hearts' and bringing 'peace of conscience.'
"For those who are truly repentant but seem unable to feel relief: continue keeping the commandments. I promise you, relief will come in the timetable of the Lord. Healing also requires time. If you are concerned, counsel with your bishop. A bishop has the power of discernment. He will help you.
"The scriptures warn us, 'Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance.' But, in this life, it is never too late to repent."[51]
Surely, there "...shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."[52] To which I gratefully testify, thanking Him for our freedom from oppression, death, and the torments of sin. May each of us stand fast in the defense of freedom and agency, may we have peace about the process of life, death and resurrection, and may we find joy in confessing and forsaking our sins, that the Lord's atoning sacrifice may heal us and remove the traps of bondage and misery from our lives.
Notes
[1] Mosiah 3:17
[2] Mosiah 5:8
[3] Doctrine and Covenants 134:1
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 134:4
[5] Mosiah 29
[6] Mosiah 29:21-23, 25
[7] Mosiah 29:26-27
[8] Ether 2:9-10, 12
[9] Doctrine and Covenants 98:4-6
[10] Doctrine and Covenants 98:7-10
[11] http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/27169.html John Stuart Mill, English economist & philosopher (1806 - 1873)
[12] Alma 43:45, 47; See Doctrine and Covenants 98
[13] http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/war-and-peace?lang=eng&query="Gordon B. Hinckley" War
[14] Alma 29:3
[15] Alma 9:28
[16] 2 Nephi 2:27
[17] 2 Nephi 9:10
[18] Doctrine and Covenants 93:33
[19] http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Statements-of-Belief/The-Athanasian-Creed.aspx and http://www.pinnaclelutheran.org/our-beliefs/nicene-creed/
[20] Joseph Smith-History, Vs. 19
[21] Preston Nibley, The Presidents of the Church, 13th ed., rev. and enl. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], 451
[22] John 5:28-29
[23] 3 Nephi 11:10
[24] Luke 24:36-43
[25] Doctrine and Covenants 20:17-23
[26] Alma 11:42-44
[27] Alma 11:44; I Corinthians 15:22; see Doctrine and Covenants section 76, 88 (just and unjust - various state of resurrected glory, as well as no glory)
[28] Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 199-200, see Improvement Era, June 1904; cited in Teachings, p. 200, n. 4., see Doctrines of Salvation 2:293-94
[29] Alma 40:23
[30] (J.D., 15:137) CR April 1977, p. 69, Spencer W. Kimball
[31] Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 453
[32] 3 Nephi 11:9-10
[33] 3 Nephi 11:14-15
[34] Doctrine and Covenants 88:96-102
[35] Mosiah 16:11-12
[36] Alma 12
[37] 1 Nephi 12:17
[38] Alma 12:9-11
[39] 3 Nephi 12:3, Matthew 5:3
[40] Matthew 11:28-30
[41] Mosiah 16:5
[42] Doctrine and Covenants 88:6
[43] Alma 36:13-15
[44] 2 Nephi 4:17-19
[45] Alma 5:14
[46] Doctrine and Covenants 58:42:43
[47] Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5
[48] Alma 27:24-26
[49] Mosiah 5:2
[50] Elder D. Todd Christofferson, BYU-Idaho 27 January 2009, Devotional Address
[51] http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/repent-that-i-may-heal-you?lang=eng,
[52] Mosiah 3:17