Study Guide for "Truth and the Plan"

In his General Conference talk titled "Truth and the Plan," President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, addresses the importance of understanding and seeking truth through the lens of the restored gospel. He emphasizes the need to use spiritual methods for discerning religious truths and highlights the fundamental doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Oaks also discusses the significance of God’s plan of salvation, the eternal nature of gender, and the importance of family-centered relationships both in mortality and eternity. He concludes by providing practical applications of these eternal truths in our daily lives and encourages members to hold fast to their faith amidst opposition.

Before Reading

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

What is the definition of truth according to modern revelation?
Why should we be cautious about the sources from which we seek truth?
What are the spiritual methods appropriate for seeking religious truth?
What fundamental truths of the restored gospel does President Oaks highlight?
How does God's plan of salvation provide a balance between justice and mercy?
Why is the family considered central to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Topics

Seek Truth through Spiritual Methods

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of using spiritual methods such as prayer, the witness of the Holy Ghost, and the study of scriptures and modern prophets to seek religious truth. He warns against relying solely on secular sources and highlights the limitations of scientific truth in understanding spiritual matters.

Modern revelation defines truth as a "knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).

Those who once had spiritual vision can suffer from self-inflicted spiritual blindness.

The methods of science lead us to what we call scientific truth. But "scientific truth" is not the whole of life.

What is the definition of truth according to Doctrine and Covenants 93:24?
Why should we be cautious about relying on secular sources for religious truth?
What are the spiritual methods mentioned by President Oaks for seeking religious truth?
How can you incorporate prayer and the study of scriptures into your daily routine to seek truth?
Have you ever experienced a moment of spiritual blindness? How did you overcome it?
What steps can you take to ensure you are not solely relying on secular sources for your understanding of truth?

Understand the Fundamental Truths of the Restored Gospel

President Oaks outlines key doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the existence of a loving Heavenly Father, the eternal nature of gender, and the purpose of God's plan of salvation. He explains that these truths are essential for understanding the Church's teachings and practices.

There is a God, who is the loving Father of the spirits of all who have ever lived or will live.

Gender is eternal. Before we were born on this earth, we all lived as male or female spirits in the presence of God.

The purpose of God’s plan was to give His children the opportunity to choose eternal life.

What are some of the fundamental truths of the restored gospel mentioned by President Oaks?
How does the eternal nature of gender fit into God's plan of salvation?
What is the purpose of God's plan according to President Oaks?
How does understanding that God is our loving Father influence your daily decisions?
In what ways can you honor the eternal nature of gender in your life?
How can you align your choices with the purpose of God's plan to choose eternal life?

Recognize the Importance of Family-Centered Relationships

President Oaks emphasizes that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a family-centered Church, focusing on both mortal and eternal relationships. He explains that eternal marriage between a man and a woman is essential to God's plan and that the family is ordained of God.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is properly known as a family-centered Church.

The family is ordained of God.

Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.

Why is the Church considered family-centered?
What is the significance of eternal marriage in God's plan?
How does the family being ordained of God influence Church teachings?
How can you strengthen your family relationships in light of their eternal significance?
What steps can you take to prepare for or strengthen an eternal marriage?
How does understanding the divine nature of family influence your role within your family?

Apply Eternal Truths in Daily Life

President Oaks provides practical applications of eternal truths, including the importance of individual agency, missionary work, the sanctity of mortal life, and the Church's positions on marriage and children. He explains that these applications are understood in light of God's plan.

We honor individual agency.

We are a missionary people.

Mortal life is sacred to us.

Our knowledge of God’s revealed plan of salvation requires us to oppose current social and legal pressures to retreat from traditional marriage.

What are some practical applications of eternal truths mentioned by President Oaks?
Why is individual agency important in God's plan?
How does the Church's position on marriage and children relate to God's plan?
How can you honor individual agency in your interactions with others?
In what ways can you participate in missionary work, both formally and informally?
How does understanding the sanctity of mortal life influence your views on issues like abortion and euthanasia?

Hold Fast to Faith Amidst Opposition

President Oaks encourages members to hold fast to their faith despite opposition. He emphasizes the importance of repentance, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, and seeking help from Church leaders and resources. He reassures members that the work of the Lord will continue despite challenges.

Remember the principle of repentance made possible by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.

Exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the first principle of the gospel.

What suggestions does President Oaks offer for those who falter under opposition?
Why is repentance important in overcoming challenges?
How can exercising faith in Jesus Christ help you amidst opposition?
How can you apply the principle of repentance in your life?
What can you do to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ during difficult times?
What resources can you utilize from the Church to help you stay strong in your faith?