Study Guide for "Our Father’s Glorious Plan"

In his talk, "Our Father’s Glorious Plan," Elder Weatherford T. Clayton of the Seventy reflects on the sacred moments of birth and death, and how they are milestones in our journey towards eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Drawing from his experiences as a physician and a Church leader, Elder Clayton testifies of the divine plan of salvation, which encompasses the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He invites all to come unto Christ and embrace the fullness of joy and purpose found in following Him.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What are the three grand pillars of the plan of salvation mentioned by Elder Clayton?
How does Elder Clayton describe the purpose of moral agency in our lives?
What experiences does Elder Clayton share to illustrate the intersection of mortality and heaven?
What invitations does Elder Clayton extend to members and non-members of the Church?

Topics

Understand the Plan of Salvation

Elder Clayton explains that the plan of salvation, also known as the plan of happiness, was presented in a grand premortal council. This plan includes our journey from pre-mortal life, through mortality, and into eternal life with Heavenly Father. The plan is built upon three grand pillars: the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Before we were born, we lived with God, the Father of our spirits. All [of us] on earth are literally brothers and sisters in His family, and each of us is precious to Him.

The journey our Father prepared for us is called the plan of salvation or the plan of happiness.

What are the three grand pillars of the plan of salvation?
How did we react to the plan of salvation in the premortal life?
How can understanding the plan of salvation influence your daily decisions?
In what ways can you help others understand and appreciate the plan of salvation?

Recognize the Importance of the Creation

Elder Clayton identifies the Creation as the first pillar of the plan of salvation. The Creation of the earth provides the setting for our mortal journey, where we can learn, grow, and make choices.

The first pillar is the Creation of the earth, the setting for our mortal journey.

Why is the Creation considered a pillar of the plan of salvation?
How does the Creation facilitate our mortal journey?
How can you show gratitude for the Creation in your daily life?
What are some ways you can take care of the earth as part of your stewardship?

Understand the Role of the Fall

The Fall of Adam and Eve is the second pillar of the plan of salvation. Elder Clayton explains that the Fall allowed us to be born and receive physical bodies, as well as moral agency—the ability to choose and act for ourselves.

The second pillar is the Fall of our first earthly parents, Adam and Eve. Because of the Fall, some marvelous things were given to us. We were able to be born and receive a physical body.

God also gave us moral agency—the ability and privilege of choosing and acting for ourselves.

What are the blessings that come from the Fall of Adam and Eve?
How does moral agency play a role in our mortal journey?
In what ways can you use your moral agency to make righteous choices?
How can you help others understand the positive aspects of the Fall?

Appreciate the Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the third pillar of the plan of salvation. Elder Clayton emphasizes that through His suffering, Christ paid the price for both physical death and sin, making it possible for us to be forgiven and to have eternal life.

Knowing that we would not always choose well—or in other words, sin—Father gave us the third pillar: the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Through His suffering, Christ paid the price for both physical death and sin.

What is the significance of the Atonement in the plan of salvation?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ help us overcome sin and death?
How can you more fully appreciate and utilize the Atonement in your life?
What steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ?

Embrace the Eternal Perspective

Elder Clayton encourages us to view birth and death as milestones rather than the beginning and end of life. He explains that our existence is eternal, with life after death in the spirit world and eventual resurrection. This eternal perspective brings comfort and purpose, especially in times of grief.

There is so much more to our existence than just what happens between birth and death.

When we die, our spirits leave our bodies, and we go to the next stage of our journey, the spirit world.

What happens to our spirits when we die?
How does an eternal perspective influence our understanding of life and death?
How can you find comfort in the eternal perspective during times of loss?
What can you do to help others understand and embrace the eternal perspective?

Follow Christ and Invite Others

Elder Clayton extends several invitations to come unto Christ, including daily repentance, reading the Book of Mormon, and embracing the teachings of the Church. He promises peace and purpose in this life and eternal life in the world to come for those who follow Christ.

I invite all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to, each day, "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness."

I invite those who are not yet members of this Church to come and read the Book of Mormon and listen to the missionaries.

What are the specific invitations Elder Clayton extends to members and non-members?
What promises does Elder Clayton make for those who follow Christ?
What steps can you take to come unto Christ more fully each day?
How can you share the message of Christ with those who are not yet members of the Church?