The Great Plan
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the purpose of the divine plan of salvation?
- What are the key elements of the Father's plan as they affect our mortal journey and the spirit world?
- How does the divine plan help us in making choices and enduring trials?
- What is the divine perspective on subjects like chastity, marriage, and procreation?
- What are our responsibilities towards understanding and teaching the plan of salvation?
Topics
Understanding the Divine Plan of Salvation
President Oaks discusses the divine plan whose purpose is to enable the children of God to be exalted and become like Him. He talks about the "great plan of happiness", "the plan of redemption", and the "plan of salvation" that began with a Council in Heaven. He also mentions the role of Jesus Christ's Atonement in the plan.
All of this is part of a divine plan whose purpose is to enable the children of God to be exalted and become like Him.
This Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to the Father’s plan.
- What is the purpose of the divine plan?
- What is the role of Jesus Christ's Atonement in the plan?
- How can you apply the teachings of the divine plan in your daily life?
- How does understanding the divine plan influence your choices and actions?
Enduring Trials and Making Righteous Choices
President Oaks emphasizes the importance of making choices to reject evil opposition and also enduring trials and adversity. He explains that our growth is sometimes better achieved by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility.
The divine plan for us to become what we are destined to become requires us to make choices to reject the evil opposition that tempts mortals to act contrary to God’s commandments and His plan.
Sometimes our needed growth is achieved better by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility.
- Why is it important to make choices to reject evil opposition?
- How can suffering and adversity contribute to our growth?
- How can you apply the principle of making righteous choices in your life?
- Can you recall an instance where you grew through adversity?
Divine Perspective on Chastity, Marriage, and Procreation
President Oaks discusses the unique perspective of the restored gospel on subjects like chastity, marriage, and the bearing of children. He explains that marriage according to God's plan is necessary for accomplishing the purpose of God's plan, and the procreative power is the most exalted power God has given His children.
The restored gospel of Jesus Christ gives us a unique perspective on the subjects of chastity, marriage, and the bearing of children.
The power to create mortal life is the most exalted power God has given His children.
- Why is marriage necessary according to God's plan?
- What is the significance of the procreative power?
- How does understanding the divine perspective on chastity, marriage, and procreation influence your choices and actions?
- How can you uphold the principles of chastity and marriage in your life?
Looking to the Future and Our Responsibilities
President Oaks talks about the future and our responsibilities towards understanding and teaching the plan of salvation. He emphasizes the need to not procrastinate our repentance and to do all that we can to further God's plan in our own circumstances in mortality.
As we look to the future, however, our vision is far less sure.
We who know God’s plan and who have covenanted to participate have a clear responsibility to teach these truths and do all that we can to further them for others and in our own circumstances in mortality.
- What are our responsibilities towards understanding and teaching the plan of salvation?
- Why is it important not to procrastinate our repentance?
- What can you do to better understand and teach the plan of salvation?
- How can you apply the principle of not procrastinating repentance in your life?
