Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Joseph Smith: “I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable?” (History of the Church, Vol 5, Ch. 13, p. 261).
President Ezra Taft Benson: “To enter into the order of the Son of God is the equivalent today of entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is only received in the house of the Lord.” (“What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple,” 8–10).
How do we enter into God’s rest?
Bruce R. McConkie: “The rest of the Lord, where mortals are concerned, is to gain a perfect knowledge of the divinity of the great latter-day work. [President Joseph F. Smith said,] ‘It means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else;
“…we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive.’ It is ‘rest from the religious turmoil of the world; from the cry that is going forth, here and there—lo, here is Christ; lo, there is Christ.’ … The rest of the Lord, in eternity, is to inherit eternal life, to gain the fulness of the Lord’s glory.” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. (1966), 633)
Elder W. Craig Zwick: “From this we understand that in this life “the rest of the Lord” comes as we increase our knowledge of, and faith in, the reality of Jesus Christ, even
to the assurance that He lives and loves us. “The rest of the Lord” in eternity is entering into the presence of the Lord…
“In mortality we can receive a testimony of Jesus Christ in our hearts and enter into the rest of the Lord as we learn and teach the gospel. We can know in whom to trust as we follow the counsel of our prophets and priesthood leaders, honoring their—and our—foreordained roles, callings, and priesthood responsibilities.
“As we do so, our fears will be removed and we will walk uprightly before the Lord. We will feel the deep, spiritual peace that will give us a perfect brightness of hope.
“Then, when we stand before the Savior to be judged of Him, it will be “according to [our] works, according to the desire of [our] hearts” (D&C 137:9). If we are faithful, we will rejoice in the magnificent blessings of the Savior and His Atonement, entering into His rest and presence.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2012/02/enter-into-the-rest-of-the-lord?lang=eng).
Joseph Smith: “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council.” (History of the Church, 6:364)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to.”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 215–16).
Sister Elaine S. Dalton: “You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth. Alma teaches us that in the premortal realms you exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” You fought with your faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. You knew the plan was good, and you knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because you knew Him! You stood with Him, and you were eager for your opportunity to come to earth. You knew what was going to be required of you.
“You knew what was going to be required of you. You knew it would be difficult, and yet you were confident not only that you could accomplish your divine mission but that you could make a difference. You are “choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/remember-who-you-are?lang=eng).
Sister Wendy W. Nelson: “So, let me ask you a question: What were you born to do?
“How I wish you could watch a 10-minute video of your premortal life on YouTube.
“The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if you could gaze into heaven for five minutes, you would know more on a topic than if you studied it all of your life.2 So just imagine if you could gaze for 10 minutes at your premortal life!
“Of course we realize that the Lord has wisely drawn a veil over those memories. But, just for a moment, imagine the effect on your life right now if you were permitted to watch 10 minutes of your premortal life.
“I believe if you could see yourself living with your Heavenly Parents and with Jesus Christ; if you could observe what you did premortally and see yourself making commitments—even covenants—with others, including your mentors and teachers; if you could see yourself courageously responding to attacks on truth and valiantly standing up for Jesus Christ, I believe that every one of you would have the increased power, increased commitment, and eternal perspective to help you overcome any and all of your confusion, doubts, struggles, and problems. All of them!
“I believe if you could remember who you said you would help while you are here on earth, or what anguishing experiences you agreed to go through, that whatever really tough situation you are presently in—or will be in—you would say, “Oh, now I remember. Now I understand. This difficult situation makes sense to me now. With the Lord’s help I can do this!” (“Hope of Israel,” Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 3, 2018)
Quentin L. Cook: “We all participated in the councils of heaven that provided for moral agency, knowing that there would be mortal pain and even unspeakable tragedy because of the abuse of agency. We understood that this could leave us angry, bewildered, defenseless, and vulnerable. But we also knew that the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace. (“Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 33–34)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Because Jesus Christ endured the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us. He is always aware of us and our circumstances.
In mortality, we can “come boldly” to the Savior and receive compassion, healing, and help [see Hebrews 4:16]. Even while we suffer inexplicably, God can bless us in simple, ordinary, and significant ways. As we learn to recognize these blessings, our trust in God will increase.
“In the eternities, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will resolve all unfairness. We understandably want to know how and when. How are They going to do that? When are They going to do it? To my knowledge, They have not revealed how or when. What I do know is that They will.
“In unfair situations, one of our tasks is to trust that “all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” [Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (2018), 52]. Jesus Christ overcame the world and “absorbed” all unfairness. Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. (“Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 43)
Spencer W. Kimball: “We find many people critical when a righteous person is killed, a young father or mother is taken from a family, or when violent deaths occur. Some become bitter when oft-repeated prayers seem unanswered. Some lose faith and turn sour when solemn administrations by holy men seem to be ignored. . . .
“But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding.
…then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood” (“Tragedy or Destiny,” Improvement Era, Mar. 1966, 180, 210; see also Alma 60:13; D&C 98:13).
David A. Bednar: “Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage.” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44).
President Dallin H. Oaks: “When we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must have trust in him. We must trust him enough that we are content to accept his will, knowing that he knows what is best for us. …
“… Faith, no matter how strong it is, cannot produce a result contrary to the will of him whose power it is.
… We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing.” (“Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 1994, 99, 100).
The Lord’s Many Witnesses
To Ammonihah
To Me
Ideas for teaching:
President Ezra Taft Benson: “To enter into the order of the Son of God is the equivalent today of entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is only received in the house of the Lord.” (“What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple,” 8–10).
How do we enter into God’s rest?
- God ordains ‘priests after his holy order’ to teach His people (13:1).
- We accept God’s commandments so that we “also might enter into his rest” (13:6).
- God’s commandments inspire us (D&C 20:7).
- God’s commandments give us power (D&C 20:8).
- Obedience to God’s commandments brings rewards (D&C 59:3).
- Obedience to God’s commandments brings blessings (D&C 59:4).
- with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time…
- Having God’s commandments are a privilege (D&C 51:15).
Bruce R. McConkie: “The rest of the Lord, where mortals are concerned, is to gain a perfect knowledge of the divinity of the great latter-day work. [President Joseph F. Smith said,] ‘It means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else;
“…we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive.’ It is ‘rest from the religious turmoil of the world; from the cry that is going forth, here and there—lo, here is Christ; lo, there is Christ.’ … The rest of the Lord, in eternity, is to inherit eternal life, to gain the fulness of the Lord’s glory.” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. (1966), 633)
Elder W. Craig Zwick: “From this we understand that in this life “the rest of the Lord” comes as we increase our knowledge of, and faith in, the reality of Jesus Christ, even
to the assurance that He lives and loves us. “The rest of the Lord” in eternity is entering into the presence of the Lord…
“In mortality we can receive a testimony of Jesus Christ in our hearts and enter into the rest of the Lord as we learn and teach the gospel. We can know in whom to trust as we follow the counsel of our prophets and priesthood leaders, honoring their—and our—foreordained roles, callings, and priesthood responsibilities.
“As we do so, our fears will be removed and we will walk uprightly before the Lord. We will feel the deep, spiritual peace that will give us a perfect brightness of hope.
“Then, when we stand before the Savior to be judged of Him, it will be “according to [our] works, according to the desire of [our] hearts” (D&C 137:9). If we are faithful, we will rejoice in the magnificent blessings of the Savior and His Atonement, entering into His rest and presence.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2012/02/enter-into-the-rest-of-the-lord?lang=eng).
Joseph Smith: “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council.” (History of the Church, 6:364)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to.”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 215–16).
Sister Elaine S. Dalton: “You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth. Alma teaches us that in the premortal realms you exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” You fought with your faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. You knew the plan was good, and you knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because you knew Him! You stood with Him, and you were eager for your opportunity to come to earth. You knew what was going to be required of you.
“You knew what was going to be required of you. You knew it would be difficult, and yet you were confident not only that you could accomplish your divine mission but that you could make a difference. You are “choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/remember-who-you-are?lang=eng).
Sister Wendy W. Nelson: “So, let me ask you a question: What were you born to do?
“How I wish you could watch a 10-minute video of your premortal life on YouTube.
“The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if you could gaze into heaven for five minutes, you would know more on a topic than if you studied it all of your life.2 So just imagine if you could gaze for 10 minutes at your premortal life!
“Of course we realize that the Lord has wisely drawn a veil over those memories. But, just for a moment, imagine the effect on your life right now if you were permitted to watch 10 minutes of your premortal life.
“I believe if you could see yourself living with your Heavenly Parents and with Jesus Christ; if you could observe what you did premortally and see yourself making commitments—even covenants—with others, including your mentors and teachers; if you could see yourself courageously responding to attacks on truth and valiantly standing up for Jesus Christ, I believe that every one of you would have the increased power, increased commitment, and eternal perspective to help you overcome any and all of your confusion, doubts, struggles, and problems. All of them!
“I believe if you could remember who you said you would help while you are here on earth, or what anguishing experiences you agreed to go through, that whatever really tough situation you are presently in—or will be in—you would say, “Oh, now I remember. Now I understand. This difficult situation makes sense to me now. With the Lord’s help I can do this!” (“Hope of Israel,” Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 3, 2018)
Quentin L. Cook: “We all participated in the councils of heaven that provided for moral agency, knowing that there would be mortal pain and even unspeakable tragedy because of the abuse of agency. We understood that this could leave us angry, bewildered, defenseless, and vulnerable. But we also knew that the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace. (“Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 33–34)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Because Jesus Christ endured the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us. He is always aware of us and our circumstances.
In mortality, we can “come boldly” to the Savior and receive compassion, healing, and help [see Hebrews 4:16]. Even while we suffer inexplicably, God can bless us in simple, ordinary, and significant ways. As we learn to recognize these blessings, our trust in God will increase.
“In the eternities, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will resolve all unfairness. We understandably want to know how and when. How are They going to do that? When are They going to do it? To my knowledge, They have not revealed how or when. What I do know is that They will.
“In unfair situations, one of our tasks is to trust that “all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” [Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (2018), 52]. Jesus Christ overcame the world and “absorbed” all unfairness. Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. (“Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 43)
Spencer W. Kimball: “We find many people critical when a righteous person is killed, a young father or mother is taken from a family, or when violent deaths occur. Some become bitter when oft-repeated prayers seem unanswered. Some lose faith and turn sour when solemn administrations by holy men seem to be ignored. . . .
“But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding.
…then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood” (“Tragedy or Destiny,” Improvement Era, Mar. 1966, 180, 210; see also Alma 60:13; D&C 98:13).
David A. Bednar: “Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage.” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44).
President Dallin H. Oaks: “When we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must have trust in him. We must trust him enough that we are content to accept his will, knowing that he knows what is best for us. …
“… Faith, no matter how strong it is, cannot produce a result contrary to the will of him whose power it is.
… We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing.” (“Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 1994, 99, 100).
The Lord’s Many Witnesses
To Ammonihah
- Alma (Alma 8:18)
- Amulek (Alma 10)
- Zeezrom (Alma 14:7)
- Earthquake (Alma 14:27)
To Me
- Prophets like Alma.
- Members of our family and ward.
- People who find their way back to God’s gospel (Like Amulek or Zeezrom).
- Earthquakes, etc. (see D&C 43:24-28; D&C 88:88-89).
Ideas for teaching:
- Focus on ‘why’ the doctrine is being taught. It will help us understand the doctrine better.
- “What were you born to do?”
- Ponder time: 10-minute YouTube video of you in preearth life…
- Hope of change in people’s lives – examples of Amulek and Zeezrom.
- Lord’s witnesses to us today.