Divine Helps for Mortality
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What role does opposition play in our mortal journey according to President Oaks?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ serve as a divine help in mortality?
- What are the four helps provided by Heavenly Father that President Oaks discusses?
- Why is personal prayer, scripture study, and repentance crucial according to the talk?
- How can we prepare for our meeting with the Savior as illustrated by the parable of the ten virgins?
Topics
Understand the Purpose of Mortality
President Oaks explains that our mortal life is part of a divine plan where we receive bodies, learn through experiences, and develop divine attributes. This life is a test to see if we will keep God's commandments, with the ultimate reward being eternal glory.
Because God desired to help His children progress, He decided to create an earth on which we could receive a body, learn through experience, develop divine attributes, and be proven to see if we would keep God’s commandments.
- What is the purpose of receiving a body and experiencing mortality according to President Oaks?
- How does the concept of "opposition in all things" relate to our spiritual growth?
- In what ways have you experienced opposition that has helped you grow spiritually?
- How can you better align your daily actions with the purpose of mortality as explained by President Oaks?
Rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is highlighted as the strongest help provided by God. It allows for the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and offers succor in our infirmities. Faith in Christ is emphasized as the first principle of the gospel.
By far, God’s strongest mortal help was His provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would suffer to pay the price and provide forgiveness for repented sins.
- What role does the Atonement play in our ability to overcome sin and death?
- Why is faith in Jesus Christ considered the first principle of the gospel?
- How have you felt the power of the Atonement in your own life?
- What steps can you take to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement?
Follow the Light of Christ
President Oaks describes the Light or Spirit of Christ as a divine help given to every person to discern good from evil. This light is a guiding force that enlightens those who seek truth and righteousness.
The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil.
- How does the Light of Christ help individuals discern between good and evil?
- In what ways does the Spirit of Christ enlighten those who seek it?
- Reflect on a time when you felt guided by the Light of Christ. How did it influence your decisions?
- How can you more actively seek the influence of the Spirit of Christ in your daily life?
Embrace Commandments, Ordinances, and Covenants
Commandments, ordinances, and covenants are described as divine directions that define the path to eternal life. They serve as essential steps and guardrails in our spiritual journey, helping us to achieve a relationship with the Savior and qualify for His blessings.
Commandments define the path our Heavenly Father has marked out for us to progress toward eternal life.
- What role do commandments, ordinances, and covenants play in our journey toward eternal life?
- Why are covenants considered essential guardrails on the path to eternal life?
- What covenants have you made, and how do they guide your daily actions?
- How can you better prepare to make and keep sacred covenants?
Trust in the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is portrayed as a significant help for God's faithful children. It provides guidance, enlightenment, and a continual thirst for righteousness. This gift is conferred after baptism and is essential for walking the straight and narrow path.
The Holy Ghost will "enlighten the minds of the people with regard to the things of God."
- What are the functions of the Holy Ghost as described in the scriptures?
- How does the gift of the Holy Ghost differ from the manifestations of the Holy Ghost?
- In what ways have you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in your life?
- How can you ensure that you are living worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
