The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the distinct roles of the members of the Godhead according to Latter-day Saint doctrine?
- How does the Plan of Salvation answer fundamental questions about our existence?
- Why is it important to understand the nature of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?
- What does Elder Oaks teach about the relationship between knowledge and conversion?
Topics
Understand the Distinct Roles of the Godhead
Elder Oaks explains that the Godhead consists of three separate and distinct beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He clarifies that the Latter-day Saint belief diverges from the traditional Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The Father presides as the Chief or President, Jesus Christ is the Mediator, and the Holy Ghost is the Testator or Witness.
The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit.
These personages … are called God the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer; and God the third, the Witness or Testator.
- What are the roles of each member of the Godhead?
- How does the Latter-day Saint belief about the Godhead differ from the traditional Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity?
- How does understanding the distinct roles of the Godhead influence your daily worship?
- In what ways can you seek to know more about each member of the Godhead in your personal study?
Explore the Plan of Salvation
Elder Oaks outlines the Plan of Salvation, answering fundamental questions about our existence: where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. He explains that as spirit children of God, we needed a mortal experience to progress. The Plan of Salvation provides ways to overcome spiritual and physical death through Jesus Christ's Atonement and Resurrection.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is central to this plan.
The Father’s plan anticipated and provided ways to overcome all of those barriers.
- What are the key components of the Plan of Salvation?
- How does the Plan of Salvation address the challenges of mortality?
- How can you apply the principles of the Plan of Salvation in your daily life?
- In what ways can you share the message of the Plan of Salvation with others?
Recognize God the Father's Role
Elder Oaks emphasizes the supreme position of God the Father within the Godhead. He is the Creator, the Ruler of the universe, and the Father of our spirits. His love and superintending role are central to the Plan of Salvation. Through Jesus Christ, we learn about the nature and character of God the Father.
There is only one true and living God. He is the Father, the Almighty Elohim, the Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
He loves us, and all that He does is for our eternal benefit.
- What is the role of God the Father in the Plan of Salvation?
- How does Jesus Christ reveal the nature of God the Father?
- How can you strengthen your relationship with God the Father?
- In what ways can you recognize God's hand in your life?
Understand the Role of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, the most visible member of the Godhead, is central to the Plan of Salvation. He is the Firstborn in the spirit and the Only Begotten in the flesh. His Atonement and Resurrection overcome death and sin, making Him the Redeemer and Savior. Jesus Christ reveals the character of God the Father and speaks to us through prophets.
The central act of all human history.
This is my beloved Son: hear him.
- What are the roles of Jesus Christ in the Plan of Salvation?
- How does Jesus Christ's Atonement and Resurrection impact our lives?
- How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ's role in your life?
- In what ways can you follow the Savior's teachings more closely?
Learn the Role of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost, a personage of spirit, is the communicator between the Father and the Son and us. His mission is to testify of the Father and the Son, teach us all things, and guide us into all truth. The Holy Ghost helps us discern truth, guides our decisions, and sanctifies us from sin.
He is the member of the Godhead who is the agent of personal revelation.
The Comforter will teach us all things, bring all things to our remembrance, and guide us into all truth.
- What is the role of the Holy Ghost in the Godhead?
- How does the Holy Ghost help us in our daily lives?
- How can you invite the Holy Ghost more fully into your life?
- In what ways has the Holy Ghost guided you in making important decisions?
Apply the Doctrine to Overcome Challenges
Elder Oaks teaches that understanding the Godhead and the Plan of Salvation provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges of mortality. This knowledge helps us know whom we worship, understand our purpose, and recognize our eternal destiny. It is not enough to be convinced of the gospel; we must be converted and act according to its teachings.
We know whom we worship and why we worship.
It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it.
- How does understanding the Godhead and the Plan of Salvation help us with life's challenges?
- What is the difference between being convinced of the gospel and being converted by it?
- How can you apply the teachings of the Plan of Salvation to overcome your current challenges?
- In what ways can you strengthen your conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
