Study Guide for "Trust in the Lord"

In his talk, President Dallin H. Oaks addresses questions and concerns about the spirit world, the afterlife, and the nature of our existence in these realms. He emphasizes the need for trust in the Lord, especially when faced with uncertainties and unknowns. Through personal experiences, scriptural references, and teachings from the Church leaders, he reassures us of the Lord's love and guidance in all aspects of our lives and beyond.

Before Reading

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

What is the main question that led to the development of this talk?
What does President Oaks say about speculations concerning the spirit world?
How does President Oaks describe the work of salvation in the spirit world?
What are the two answers President Oaks suggests for all questions about the spirit world?
What is the main principle President Oaks emphasizes for dealing with uncertainties and unknowns?

Topics

Understanding the Spirit World

President Oaks discusses the spirit world, emphasizing that our knowledge of it is limited. He highlights that we continue to live as spirits after death, with the spirit world divided between the righteous and the wicked. The work of salvation continues in the spirit world, with spirits being freed from "bondage".

Of course, we know from the scriptures that after our bodies die we continue to live as spirits in the spirit world.

The work of salvation in the spirit world consists of freeing spirits from what the scriptures frequently describe as "bondage."

The gospel is preached to the ignorant, the unrepentant, and the rebellious so they can be freed from their bondage and go forward to the blessings a loving Heavenly Father has in store for them.

What do we know about the spirit world?
How is the spirit world divided?
What is the "bondage" that spirits in the spirit world experience?
How does the work of salvation continue in the spirit world?
How does your understanding of the spirit world affect your perspective on life and death?
In what ways can you prepare now for your existence in the spirit world?
What can you do to help further the work of salvation, both in this life and in the spirit world?

Avoiding Speculation and Personal Interpretations

President Oaks advises against teaching or using personal interpretations or speculations as official Church doctrine. He emphasizes the importance of relying on official doctrines and teachings from Church leaders.

Many members of the Church have had visions or other inspirations to inform them about how things operate or are organized in the spirit world, but these personal spiritual experiences are not to be understood or taught as the official doctrine of the Church.

Let us not teach or use as official doctrine what does not meet the standards of official doctrine.

Excessive reliance on personal teachings or speculations may even draw us aside from concentrating on learning and efforts that will further our understanding and help us go forward on the covenant path.

Why should we avoid using personal interpretations or speculations as official Church doctrine?
What are the potential dangers of relying too heavily on personal teachings or speculations?
Have you ever encountered situations where personal interpretations or speculations were presented as Church doctrine? How did you handle it?
How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel is based on official Church doctrine and not personal interpretations or speculations?

Trusting in the Lord

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord, especially in the face of uncertainties and unknowns. He reassures us of the Lord's love and guidance, and encourages us to lean not on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord.

For all questions about the spirit world, I suggest two answers. First, remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. Second, remember this familiar Bible teaching, which has been most helpful to me on a multitude of unanswered questions: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Trust in the Lord is a familiar and true teaching in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What does it mean to "trust in the Lord"?
Why is trust in the Lord particularly important when dealing with uncertainties and unknowns?
How have you experienced the Lord's guidance when you trusted in Him?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust the Lord more fully?
How can you cultivate greater trust in the Lord?

The Work of Salvation Continues in the Spirit World

President Oaks discusses how the work of salvation continues in the spirit world, with the gospel being preached to those who still need its cleansing effect. He highlights the role of proxy ordinances and the preaching of the gospel to the spirits in prison.

The spirit-world bondage that applies to righteous converted souls is their need to await—and perhaps even be allowed to prompt—the performance of their proxy ordinances on earth so they can be baptized and enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost.

These mortal proxy ordinances also empower them to go forward under priesthood authority to enlarge the hosts of the righteous who can preach the gospel to the spirits in prison.

The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation

How does the work of salvation continue in the spirit world?
What is the role of proxy ordinances in the spirit world?
What is the ultimate goal of the work of salvation in the spirit world?
How does the ongoing work of salvation in the spirit world affect your understanding of the gospel?
How can you participate in the work of salvation, both in this life and for the spirits in the spirit world?
What does it mean to you that the dead who repent will be redeemed and receive a reward according to their works?

Unanswered Questions and Trust in the Lord

In addressing questions about the spirit world and the afterlife, President Oaks emphasizes the need for trust in the Lord. He reassures us that despite our unanswered questions, we can trust that the Lord loves His children and will do what is best for each of us.

For all questions about the spirit world, I suggest two answers. First, remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. Second, remember this familiar Bible teaching, which has been most helpful to me on a multitude of unanswered questions: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).

There is so much we do not know that our only sure reliance is to trust in the Lord and His love for His children.

What does President Oaks suggest as answers to questions about the spirit world?
Why is trust in the Lord our "only sure reliance" when faced with unanswered questions?
What unanswered questions do you have about the gospel or the afterlife?
How can you apply President Oaks" counsel to "trust in the Lord" in dealing with these questions?
How has trusting in the Lord helped you in dealing with uncertainties or unknowns in the past?