Study Guide for "Eternity’s Great Gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration"

In his profound talk, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explores the eternal gifts bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ: His Atonement, Resurrection, and the Restoration of His Church. Elder Gong weaves together personal stories, scriptural insights, and historical events to illustrate the depth of Christ's love and the profound impact of His divine mission on our lives. As we delve into this talk, we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of these gifts and how they can bring us peace, healing, and eternal joy.

Before Reading

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

What are the three great gifts from eternity that Elder Gong discusses?
How does Jesus Christ's understanding of our sorrows and joys impact our lives?
What role does the Restoration play in the context of Easter and the Atonement?
How does Elder Gong use personal stories to illustrate the principles of the talk?
What connections does Elder Gong make between different religious traditions and the message of Jesus Christ?

Topics

Recognize Jesus Christ's Empathy and Compassion

Elder Gong emphasizes Jesus Christ's deep empathy and compassion, as demonstrated by His tears of sorrow and joy. This divine empathy assures us that Jesus understands our human experiences and is there to support us through both our trials and triumphs.

When we cry out in grief or joy, Jesus Christ understands perfectly.

Jesus weeps in sorrow and joy testifies of the miraculous reality: the divine Son of God came into physical mortality and learned according to the flesh how always to be with and bless us.

How does Jesus Christ's ability to weep in sorrow and joy demonstrate His empathy for us?
What does Elder Gong mean when he says that Jesus learned according to the flesh?
When have you felt Jesus Christ's empathy in your own life?
How can acknowledging Christ's compassion help you in your daily struggles?

Embrace the Power of the Atonement

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Elder Gong's talk, providing hope and healing for our sorrows and sins. Through the Atonement, we can mend relationships, find forgiveness, and experience spiritual renewal.

Easter in Jesus Christ helps us mend, reconcile, make right our relationships, on both sides of the veil.

Jesus can heal grief; He can enable forgiveness.

What are some ways the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help us mend relationships?
How does the Atonement enable us to find forgiveness for ourselves and others?
What relationships in your life could benefit from the healing power of the Atonement?
How can you more fully utilize the Atonement to overcome personal challenges?

Celebrate the Resurrection's Victory Over Death

Elder Gong highlights the significance of Christ's Resurrection, which conquers death and offers us the promise of eternal life. The Resurrection brings hope and assurance that we can be reunited with our loved ones and overcome physical and temporal limitations.

With Easter joy, we sing, "Death is conquered; man is free. Christ has won the victory."

Christ’s Resurrection frees us from death, from time’s frailties and physicality’s imperfections.

How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ provide hope for those who mourn?
What does Elder Gong mean by saying that the Resurrection frees us from time’s frailties?
In what ways does the promise of the Resurrection influence your perspective on life and death?
How can you share the message of the Resurrection with those who are grieving?

Understand the Significance of the Restoration

Elder Gong discusses the Restoration of the Church and its role in bringing priesthood authority and blessings to God's children. The Restoration is intricately linked with the Atonement and Resurrection, providing a complete framework for our spiritual progression.

Restoration also came as the resurrected Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah returned priesthood keys and authority.

This Restoration is a reason we gather the first Sunday each April in general conference.

What key events mark the Restoration of the Church as described by Elder Gong?
How does the Restoration complement the Atonement and Resurrection in God's plan?
How has the Restoration of priesthood keys impacted your life and your family?
What can you do to better appreciate and utilize the blessings of the Restoration?

Embrace Our Divine Identity and Heritage

Elder Gong reflects on our shared divine identity as children of God and the common spiritual heritage found in various religious traditions. This perspective fosters unity and understanding among different cultures and faiths.

Wherever, whenever, whoever we are, we share divine identity as children of the same Creator.

In similar spirit, followers of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity share religious heritage in Father Abraham.

How does recognizing our divine identity influence our interactions with others?
What role does our shared spiritual heritage play in promoting unity among different faiths?
How can you cultivate a greater sense of unity and understanding with those of different faiths?
In what ways can you embrace your divine identity in daily life?