I will be resurrected and stand before God to be judged.
From Come, Follow Me :
When Alma noticed that Corianton had questions about the Resurrection, he taught him about what happens after we die.
"... For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pillar of our faith. Because we believe the accounts in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon about the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also believe the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth. That resurrection gives us what the Apostle Peter called "a lively hope" (1 Peter 1:3). President Oaks, First Presidency Shares Easter Messages at Conference
"The facts of Jesus' death and Resurrection are hailed by those of Christian denominations as fundamental tenets. However, what Jesus' immortal spirit did after His death and before His Resurrection is a mystery to all but the Latter-day Saints. And the significance of what He did during those hours provides the doctrinal foundation for building temples across the earth." (See The Savior's Visit to the Spirit World.)
The Eternal Family through Christ, by Judith Mehr. Learn more here.
The Apostle Peter writes, "By which also he [Jesus Christ] went and preached unto the spirits in prison" (see 1 Peter 3:19–20). While the gospel may be accepted by spirits in the spirit world, the ordinances of salvation must be performed for them by those who are living here on Earth.
"The dead who have not heard or who rejected the gospel in mortality are in darkness, or in a state of misery (see Alma 40:14; D&C 138:2). Yet because of our Savior's visit, we have a hope for their salvation. We may go to the temple and turn the key, opening the gates of heaven for them and, by our service, for ourselves. For we know "that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect" (D&C 128:15). Mercy and justice combine to give all of our Father's children the opportunity to return to Him." The Savior's Visit to the Spirit World," Spencer Condie Ensign, July 2003. (Read more about the Savior’s visit here.)
How We Can Help
Play "Frozen Tag" (see ideas and instructions in Week #7 2020). Begin by reading 2 Nephi 9:23. Can you think of anyone who may be "frozen" or doesn't feel free to move forward that needs your help? Compare this with how our ancestors in spirit prison cannot be released or progress without our help.
Gathering Israel on Both Sides Of The Veil
Watch the following video from President Nelson who states: "You cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world who have not yet received the gospel ... But many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples."
Read more about the story here. President Nelson invites us to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. Watch his General Conference talk to us all and his broadcast to the youth in which he states: "My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel. There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing.This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth."
Our ancestors are being taught the gospel in the spirit world, and they need our help. Enjoy a discovery experience by finding those who need ordinance work done (sign up for a free FamilySearch account first if needed):
When you exercise faith, you will receive inspiration to find the information needed for the temple. As Quentin L. Cook taught, you should not "underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts." (See more on this topic in Week #14 2020)
Getting To Know Our Ancestors
We look forward to the time when our temples are open once again! Meanwhile, we can all prepare for our next visit and have names ready (see ideas above) and then take time to discover facts and stories about those whose names you have found. The following video has some great ideas:
The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes the plan of redemption possible.
From Come, Follow Me :
Corianton believed that punishment for sins was not fair (see Alma 42:1). But Alma taught that there is a way to escape from the "state of misery" that sin puts us in: repentance and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is both merciful and just (see Alma 42:15). As you read Alma 42, look for how the Savior's Atonement makes it possible for you to receive mercy without "rob[bing] justice" (verse 25). What truths do you find in this chapter that help you feel His mercy?
"That first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm, grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience to His commandments, lift us to eternal life.
This Easter I thank Him and the Father, who gave Him to us, that Jesus still stands triumphant over death, although He stands on wounded feet. This Easter I thank Him and the Father, who gave Him to us, that He still extends unending grace, although He extends it with pierced palms and scarred wrists. This Easter I thank Him and the Father, who gave Him to us, that we can sing before a sweat-stained garden, a nail-driven cross, and a gloriously empty tomb ..." Jeffrey R. Holland, General Conference April 2015
The Great Plan of Happiness
See "The Plan of Salvation" activity in Week #28 2020.
Your Personal History
Write (or audio-record) one story about your life as you study each Come, Follow Me lesson to have 52 by the end of the year and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Use your own questions, those from (or inspired by) Come, Follow Me, or the #52 Stories Project to help you contemplate and remember. For example:
How has repentance changed your life?
How have you found ancestors who need ordinance work done?
Describe the hope that the resurrection gives you.
