Divine Love in the Father’s Plan
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does President Oaks describe Heavenly Father's divine plan?
- What are some unique aspects of the doctrine and policies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints according to President Oaks?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ fit into Heavenly Father's plan?
- What role does agency play in our spiritual journey?
- How does President Oaks describe the Church's approach to family and marriage?
Topics
Understanding Heavenly Father's Divine Plan
President Oaks discusses the divine plan of Heavenly Father, which is rooted in His love for all His children. This plan includes the purpose of mortal life, the divine judgment that follows it, and the ultimate destiny of all God's children. He emphasizes the unique understanding of this plan within the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The gospel plan shows our Heavenly Father’s love for all His children.
In the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a unique understanding of our Heavenly Father’s plan.
- What is Heavenly Father's divine plan according to President Oaks?
- How does this plan reflect Heavenly Father's love for His children?
- How can you apply your understanding of Heavenly Father's plan in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to gain a deeper understanding of this plan?
The Doctrine of Kingdoms of Glory
President Oaks explains the doctrine of the kingdoms of glory, which is a key part of Heavenly Father's plan. He emphasizes that all of God's children, with very limited exceptions, will end up in a kingdom of glory and will be judged according to their deeds and the desires of their hearts.
The revealed doctrine of the restored Church of Jesus Christ teaches that all the children of God—will finally wind up in a kingdom of glory.
In the Final Judgment each of us will be judged according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.
- What are the kingdoms of glory as described by President Oaks?
- How will we be judged in the Final Judgment?
- How does understanding the doctrine of the kingdoms of glory influence your choices and actions?
- How can you strive to live in a way that aligns with the principles of the kingdom of glory you desire to attain?
The Role of Agency and Freedom
President Oaks discusses the importance of agency and freedom in Heavenly Father's plan. He underscores the Church's efforts to promote religious freedom and respect for individual agency.
Thus, we honor individual agency.
Most are aware of this Church’s great efforts to promote religious freedom.
- Why is agency important in Heavenly Father's plan?
- How does the Church promote religious freedom?
- How do you exercise your agency in your spiritual journey?
- What can you do to promote and respect religious freedom?
The Importance of Family and Marriage
President Oaks emphasizes the importance of family and marriage in the doctrine of the Church. He explains that exaltation can only be attained through eternal marriage between a man and a woman, and that gender is an essential characteristic of individual identity and purpose.
Fundamental to us is God’s revelation that exaltation can be attained only through faithfulness to the covenants of an eternal marriage between a man and a woman.
That is also why the Lord has required His restored Church to oppose social and legal pressures to retreat from His doctrine of marriage between a man and a woman, to oppose changes that homogenize the differences between men and women or confuse or alter gender.
- What is the Church's doctrine on marriage and family?
- Why is gender considered an essential characteristic of individual identity and purpose?
- How do you uphold the doctrine of marriage and family in your life?
- How can you better understand and apply the Church's teachings on gender and its importance?
Living with Differences and Loving All
President Oaks discusses the need to live peacefully with those who do not share the same beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of loving all of God's children and respecting their decisions.
In many relationships and circumstances in mortal life, each of us must live with differences.
We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. For all of us, He has destined life after death and, ultimately, a kingdom of glory.
- How does President Oaks suggest we should live with those who have different beliefs?
- What does it mean to respect the decisions of others?
- How can you demonstrate love and respect towards those with different beliefs?
- How can you foster peace and understanding in your relationships with people of different faiths or beliefs?
