Study Guide for "Sons and Daughters of God"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Rubén V. Alliaud of the Seventy explores the profound and joyous doctrine that we are literally children of God. He shares personal experiences and scriptural accounts to emphasize our divine nature and potential. Elder Alliaud addresses common misconceptions about the Godhead and underscores the importance of understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Through his message, he encourages us to recognize our divine identity and live in a way that reflects our eternal possibilities.

Before Reading

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

What is the significance of being children of God according to Elder Alliaud?
How does Elder Alliaud address the differences in beliefs about the Godhead?
What scriptural examples does Elder Alliaud use to illustrate our divine nature?
How does understanding our divine nature influence our decisions and actions?
What role does Jesus Christ's atonement play in realizing our potential as children of God?

Topics

Understand Our Divine Nature

Elder Alliaud emphasizes that as literal children of God, we possess divine potential. This understanding is crucial in recognizing our eternal possibilities and the importance of striving to become like our Heavenly Father.

We truly believe that we are all literally the children of God.

He is "the Father of [our] spirits," and because of that, we have the potential to become like Him.

What does it mean to be a literal child of God?
How does understanding our divine nature impact our actions and decisions?
How can I remind myself daily of my divine nature?
In what ways can I strive to realize my potential as a child of God?

Recognize the Pattern of Temptation

Elder Alliaud highlights how Satan often tempts us to doubt our divine identity, just as he did with Moses and Jesus Christ. Recognizing this pattern helps us to resist such temptations and affirm our true nature as children of God.

The adversary of all righteousness tempts us to call [our divine nature] into question.

If thou be the Son of God—if you really believe it, then do this or that.

How does Satan try to make us doubt our divine identity?
What can we learn from Jesus Christ's response to temptation?
Have I experienced moments where I questioned my divine nature? How did I overcome them?
What strategies can I use to resist temptations that challenge my identity as a child of God?

Embrace Our Heavenly Potential

Elder Alliaud encourages us to "think celestial" and strive for perfection through Jesus Christ. He reminds us that our journey toward becoming like our Heavenly Father is a divine work that requires dedication and reliance on the Savior's atonement.

Jesus’s commandment to be "perfect, even as [our] Father which is in heaven is perfect" is a clear reflection of His high expectations and our eternal possibilities.

If we "come unto Christ," we will "be perfected in him."

What does it mean to "think celestial"?
How can we work towards perfection in this life?
What steps can I take to align my life more closely with celestial principles?
How can I rely on Christ's atonement to help me achieve my divine potential?

Acknowledge the Role of Jesus Christ

Elder Alliaud explains that our ability to achieve celestial glory is made possible through Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. He underscores the importance of recognizing Christ's role in our spiritual journey and the need to remain faithful despite temptations.

We can obtain the celestial only through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Glory be to God that He did not hearken but instead provided the way for us to receive all celestial blessings.

How does Jesus Christ's atonement enable us to achieve celestial glory?
Why is it important to remain faithful to Christ despite temptations?
How can I strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement?
In what ways can I express gratitude for the Savior's sacrifice in my daily life?

Recognize Our Eternal Identity

Elder Alliaud shares that recognizing our identity as children of God influences our decisions and helps us resist worldly temptations. Understanding this eternal identity empowers us to live with purpose and align our lives with divine principles.

How different our decisions would be if we really knew who we really are.

We live in a challenging world, a world of increasing commotion, where honorable people strive to at least emphasize our human dignity, while we belong to a church and embrace a gospel that lift our vision and invite us into the divine.

How does understanding our eternal identity as children of God influence our daily choices?
Why is it important to align our lives with our divine identity?
In what ways can I remind myself of my eternal identity throughout the day?
How can I ensure that my decisions reflect my understanding of being a child of God?