The Three Pillars of Eternity

(Always Remember Him when Seeking to Understand the Three Pillars of Eternity)

Saturday – Friday, December 17 - December 23, 2022

Jeremiah 29:13

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

McConkie, Bruce R., (Brigham Young University Devotional, February 17, 1981)

“The three pillars of eternity, three events, preeminent and transcendent above all others, are

the creation, the fall, and the atonement. These three are the foundations upon which all things rest.

Without any one of them all things would lose their purpose and meaning, and the planning design of

Deity would come to naught.

If there had been no creation, we would not be, neither the earth, nor any form of life upon its

face. All things, all the primal elements would be without form and void. God would have no spirit

children; there would be no mortal probation; and none of us would be on the way to immortality and

eternal life.

If there had been no fall of man, there would not be a mortal probation. Mortal man would not

be, nor would there be animals or fouls or fishes or life of any sort upon the earth. And, we repeat, none

of us would be on the way to immortality and eternal life.

If there had been no atonement of Christ, all things would be lost. The purposes of creation

would vanish away. Lucifer would triumph over man and become the captain of their souls. And, we say

it again, none of us would be on the way to immortality and eternal life.”

Creation

3 Nephi 9:15

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that

in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in

me hath of Father glorified his name.”

Doctrine and Covenants 76:24

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants

thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.”

Fall of Man

2 Nephi 2:22

“. . . [I]f Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in

the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which

they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.”

2 Nephi 9:6-7

“For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there

must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto men by reason of the

fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off

from the presence of the Lord.

Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement – save it should be an infinite atonement this

corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must

needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to

crumble to its mother Earth, to rise no more.”

Alma 12:22, 24

“. . . Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the

word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.

And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death . . . Which is the temporal death;

nevertheless, there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a

probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has

been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.”

Alma 42:9, 15

“Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as

well as a temporal, that is, they were cut off in the presence of the Lord, it was expedient that mankind

should be reclaimed from this spiritual death. . . .

And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made;

therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the

demands of justice, God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.”

Moses 5:11

“Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed and never should have known

good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the

obedient.”

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Moses 4:2

“But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me –

Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”

John 10:15, 17-18

”As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to

take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

McConkie (Supra.)

“Let us gaze first at a scene of sorrow and suffering in a garden called Gethsemane, the garden

of the oil press . . . . [W]e see the Son of God in sorrow and agony beyond compare. He has fallen on his

face. We hear his pleading words: “Oh my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:

nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

We see great gouts of blood drop from every pore. An angel – surely it is mighty Michael himself

– comes down from heaven and strengthens him. He trembles because of pain and suffers both body and

spirit. He comes off triumphant; and in a way incomprehensible to us, he bears the sins of all men on

conditions of repentance. . . .

And thus it is that salvation is in Christ, that his atoning sacrifice is the heart and core and

center of revealed religion, and that he – in Gethsemane of sorrowful memory and on the cross of

Calvary – put into full operation all the terms and conditions of his Father’s plan.”

Moses 6:54

“Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned for original

guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children for they are

whole from the foundation of the world.”

Mosiah 3:11

“For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the

transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them or who have

ignorantly sinned.”

Alma 7:11-12

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this

that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people;

and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the

flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”

Temple Presidency Blessing

We bless you, and your families, to receive a sure knowledge that under the direction of the Father,

Jesus Christ created this earth, the fall of Adam brought temporal and spiritual death into the world,

and the Atonement of Jesus Christ ransomed man from these two deaths by bringing to pass the

immortality and eternal life of man. We pray that this knowledge will be a source of strength to you and

your loved ones as you continue on the covenant path and prepare for the return of our Lord and Savior,

Jesus Christ. This blessing we bestow upon you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hey Everyone! This week was crazy! As we talked to people, we were hit with a lot of questions that I didn't quite know how to answer! But I was able to study a lot on each of the questions. Thanks to technology, I was able to go deeper into my studies. I learned so much.

Blacks and the Priesthood

This is a question that came up more than once this week! a question that Ive never been asked on my mission. And honestly I had no idea how to answer it. We met a guy named Kelly who first asked the question, "Why couldn't blacks hold the Priesthood?" And as we attempted to answer I realized that I didn't even know what the answer was. haha I was honest and said that I didn't know the answer but that I would study it and get back to him.

As I studied about this question I learned that there really is no clear answer to this question. But there was revelation given about this matter found in The Official Declaration 2. The Book of Mormon teaches that "all are alike unto God" including "Black, white, bond and free, male and female" (2Neph26:33) Throughout history of the church, people from every race and ethnicity have been baptized members of the church. During Joseph Smiths time there were a few black male members of the church who were ordained to the Priesthood. But early church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black male members of African descent. the reason to this revelation, I have no idea. But Dallin H Oaks stated that We often ask questions like, "Why did the Lord command this? or Why did the Lord command that?" He goes on to say that Its not the pattern of the Lord to give reasons. We are not going to know everything here on earth. But when President Kimball was Prophet he prayed and meditated about this matter. Him and other church leaders knew that revelation was needed in order for change to occur. In 1978 revelation was given that all men could receive the Priesthood.

Polygamy

Kelly also brought up his concern about polygamy which is something that I am still studying. But as I was reading in the Book Of Mormon, I found something that stood out to me. In Mosiah 21:17 it says, "Now there was a great number of women, more than there was men: therefore King Limhi commanded that every man should impart to the support of the widows and their children, that they might not perish with hunger, and this they did because of the greatness of the number of men that had been slain." This Scripture helped me better understand one of the reasons why God commanded the people to practice polygamy. Because of the great number of men that died from war, There were many widows. And at that time in history, women didn't have equal rights.Therefore Men were commanded to impart to the support of the women. I am still trying to find more answers to this concern.

Exchanges!

I went on exchanges with my Sister Training Leader, Hermana Ortiz! It was the best day. We saw so many miracles! I am so proud of myself because I was able to talk to so many people! And guess what? I wasn't scared!! We talked to a guy named Fernando who was outside BBQing. We went up to him and talked to him. He said he respects what we are doing but that we were wasting our time. We were able to talk about some of the concerns that he has about our beliefs and clarified some of the false truths. He asked us, "Why do you believe in a God that you can't see?" We taught him that its all about having faith. He also said that there are many innocent people being murdered everyday so where is God? We shared the story or Korihor the anti christ in the Book of Mormon in Alma 30 and shared verse 44 when Alma teaches him that everything on earth is a witness that there is a God. We bore our testimonies to Fernando and he said he still doesnt think there is a God. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon but he said no. We left him with our number and then we went on our way.

Jehovahs Witness

We were out walking to find people when we ran into the Jehovahs. It was interesting experience. they knew exactly who we were. They started to talk about their belief and gave us no chance to say anything. They gave us pamphlets about how to get to Gods kingdom. We decided to just listen to them. I learned a lot about what they believe in which was very interesting. People mistake us for being Jehovahs witnesses all the time haha.

Spirit Prompted miracle!

Sister Minton and I were going down our list of Potential Investigators when we heard singing coming from an apartment building. Sister Minton felt prompted to go to that door so we went and knocked. A women opened the door. It looked like they were having a party. After talking with her, we asked if she was religious. She said she was but she had found a new outlook on life. We asked what that was and she said Weed! haha She went on to say that weed gives her so much happiness. So I pulled out my Book Of Mormon and said, "We can promise you that this book right here can give you even more happiness than weed." She laughed but I told her we were serious. She said "Okay! Ill read it!" haha It was so cool. She took the Book and said she would try it out! It was a miracle!

Jimmy!!

Jimmy came to church yesterday! AND he went up and bore his testimony!! It was the best thing ever!! His testimony is so powerful! He said that He knows that this church is true. and that the Book of Mormon is true! He mentioned that he is not baptized yet but he feels like he is already a member! It was so good! that made my whole week! I am so excited for Jimmy! He is awesome!

New General Presidency

President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks &
President Henry B. Eyring

New Apostles

Elder Garrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares

The first two session has gone by and it was full of wonderful messages from on high. This was also a cool experience to see and participate of the Solemn assembly. I felt the Holy Spirit so strong because we sustain a new prophet and apostles. I hope to continue to feel the spirit and gain more guidance and spiritual guidance through the these wonderful men and women. I will keep you posted with more inspirational message tomorrow. Have a blessed and wonderful Easter weekend!!

April 2018 General Conference News and Announcements

31 MARCH 2018

President Russell M. Nelson speaks during general conference.

NOTE: Check this page often for important news and announcements made during each session of the 188th Annual General Conference.

New temples

During the Sunday afternoon session, President Russell M. Nelson announced seven new temples will be built in Salta, Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua Nicaragua; Cagayan de Oro, Philippines; Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; and a major city yet to be determined in Russia.

Learn more.

Ministering replaces home and visiting teaching

During the Sunday afternoon session of April general conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced that the separate programs of home teaching and visiting teaching are now a coordinated effort called “ministering.”

Ministering replaces home teaching and visiting teaching.

Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, said ministering is “becoming part of someone’s life and caring about him or her” and may include Laurels and Mia Maids as companions to Relief Society sisters, and priests and teachers continue as companions to Melchizedek Priesthood holders.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that ministering brothers and sisters will counsel with leaders in a quarterly ministering interview about the needs and strengths of those they are assigned. The number of interviews leaders had during a quarter is the only formal report that will be made.

The leaders explained that ministering does not include a set monthly message in the Church magazines nor a prescribed way to keep in contact each month—but visits are important when possible.

Learn more.

One Melchizedek Priesthood quorum

During the general priesthood session Saturday evening, President Russell M. Nelson announced that the ward (or branch) high priests group and elders quorum will now be combined into one elders quorum. Stake high priests quorums will be based on current priesthood callings.

High priests and elders are now part of one elders quorum.

Watch the video of President Nelson's announcement about the restructuring of the Melchizedek Priesthood groups and quorums.

The ward elders quorum will be led by a presidency that may be comprised of elders and high priests, explained Elder Christofferson. The elders quorum president will report to the stake president and meet regularly with the bishop. Priesthood offices will remain the same. The current elders quorum presidency will be released and the stake president will call a new elders quorum presidency, explained Elder Rasband.

The stake high priests quorum will continue to function, with the stake presidency continuing to serve as the presidency of that quorum. However, this quorum will include only those high priests currently serving in the stake presidency, in bishoprics, on the high council, and as functioning patriarchs, Elder Rasband said.

Learn more.

2017 statistical report

CHURCH UNITS
Stakes	3,341
Missions	421
Districts	553
Wards and branches	30,506
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Total membership	16,118,169
New children of record	106,771
Converts baptized	233,729
MISSIONARIES
Full-time missionaries	67,049
Church-service missionaries	36,172
TEMPLES
Temples dedicated during 2017 (Paris France, Tucson Arizona, Meridian Idaho, Cedar City Utah)	4
Temples rededicated during 2017 (Idaho Falls Idaho)	1
Temples in operation at the end of 2017	159

New Young Women General Presidency

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency announced that Bonnie H. Cordon will serve as General President, Michelle Craig has been called as the First Counselor, and Becky Craven will serve as Second Counselor.

Counselor in Primary General Presidency

Sister Lisa Harkness was called as the new First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency.

Learn more.

New General Authority Seventies

Watch President Oaks's announcement of new leadership calllings.

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency announced the calls of two new members of the Presidency of the Seventy, eight General Authority Seventies, and 55 Area Seventies during the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2018 general conference.

Presidency of the Seventy

Called to the Presidency of the Seventy are Elder Carl B. Cook and Elder Robert C. Gay.

General Authority Seventies

Eight new General Authority Seventies were announced in the Saturday afternoon session: Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, Elder Jack N. Gerard, Elder Mathias Held, Elder David P. Homer, Elder Kyle S. McKay, Elder Juan Pablo Villar, and Elder Takashi Wada.

Area Seventies

The following newly called Area Seventies were announced: Richard K. Ahadjie, Alberto A. Álvarez, Duane D. Bell, Glenn Burgess, Víctor R. Calderón, Ariel E. Chaparro, Daniel Córdova, John N. Craig, Michael Cziesla, William H. Davis, Richard J. DeVries, Kylar G. Dominguez, Sean Douglas, Michael A. Dunn, Kenneth J. Firmage, Edgar Flores, Silvio Flores, Saulo G. Franco, Carlos A. Genaro, Mark A. Gilmour, Sergio A. Gómez, Roberto Gonzalez, Virgilio Gonzalez, Spencer R. Griffin, Matthew S. Harding, David J. Harris, Kevin J. Hathaway, Richard Holzapfel, Eustache Ilunga, Okechukwu I. Imo, Peter M. Johnson, Michael D. Jones, Pungwe S. Kongolo, George Kenneth G. Lee, Aretemio C. Maligon, Edgar A. Mantilla, Lincoln P. Martins, Clement M. Matswagothata, Carl R. Maurer, Daniel S. Mehr II, Glen D. Mella, Isaac K. Morrison, Yutaka Nagatomo, Allistair B. Odgers, R. Jeffrey Parker, Victor P. Patrick, Denis E. Pineda, Henrique S. Simplicio, Jeffrey H. Singer, Michael L. Staheli, Djarot Subiantoro, Jeffrey K. Wetzel, Michael S. Wilstead, Helmut Wondra, and David L. Wright.

Learn more.

Solemn assembly

During a solemn assembly of Church members worldwide March 31, 2018, President Russell M. Nelson was sustained as prophet, seer, and revelator and president of the Church. President Dallin H. Oaks was sustained as First Counselor and President Henry B. Eyring as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.

President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his counselor, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor (left), and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor (right), during the solemn assembly March 31, 2018.

Two new Apostles

Two new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were also announced during the Saturday morning session. Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares were sustained as Apostles, filling vacancies left by the deaths of President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Robert D. Hales.

Watch the video of President Eyring conducting the solemn assembly.

Elder Gong was serving as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy at the time of his call to the Twelve. He became a General Authority of the Church on April 3, 2010.

Elder Soares was also serving in the Presidency of the Seventy since January 16, 2013. He became a General Authority of the Church on April 2, 2005.

The new Apostles will address the worldwide Church audience during the Sunday afternoon session of general conference. They will be ordained during the week following general conference and begin their service in the Quorum of the Twelve immediately.

Learn more.

April 2018 General Conference News and Announcements

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