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1.The phrase “free agency” does not appear in scripture. The only agency spoken of there is moral agency, “which,” the Lord said, “I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.” (D&C 101:78)
2. “The old saying “The Lord is voting for me, and Lucifer is
voting against me, but it is my vote that counts” describes a
doctrinal certainty that our agency is more powerful than the adversary’s will.
Agency is precious. We can foolishly, blindly give it away, but it cannot be
forcibly taken from us.
3. “We [are] to take the gospel to all the world. . . . [Jesus
said] . . .I give unto you a commandment, that every . . . member, go to with his might, . . . And let
your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and
in meekness.
1.The phrase “free agency” does not appear in scripture. The only agency spoken of there is moral agency, “which,” the Lord said, “I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.” (D&C 101:78)
PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER,
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
“Our Moral Environment,”
162nd Annual General Conference,
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
“Our Moral Environment,”
162nd Annual General Conference,
Sunday morning, April 1992
“There is also an age-old excuse: “The devil made me do it.”
Not so! He can deceive you and mislead you, but he does not have the power to
force you or anyone else to transgress or to keep you in transgression. . . .There
is something very liberating when an individual determines of his or her own
free will to be obedient to our Father and our God and expresses that
willingness to Him in prayer. . . . (My emphasis.)
PRESIDENT
BOYD K.
PACKER,
President
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
Sunday
morning, October 2010
“And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye
clean . . . (Doctrine and Covenants 38:40–42)”
ELDER HENRY B EYRING,
First Counselor in the First Presidency,
“We Are One,”
183rd Annual General Conference,
Saturday Morning, 6 April 2013
First Counselor in the First Presidency,
“We Are One,”
183rd Annual General Conference,
Saturday Morning, 6 April 2013
4. “President Harold B. Lee said, ‘Next to life itself, free agency is God’s greatest gift to mankind (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee 2000, 4.)’ [In pre-mortal existence] it was no small thing for Satan to disregard man’s agency. In fact, it became the principal issue over which the War in Heaven was fought. Victory in the War in Heaven was a victory for man’s agency.
“Satan, however, was not done. His backup plan—the plan he
has been executing since the time of Adam and Eve—was to tempt men and women,
essentially to prove we are undeserving of the God-given gift of agency.”
“None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. His role in God’s eternal plan creates “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11) and tests our agency.”
Sunday Morning, 7April 2013
“Be obedient to the prophetic teachings Christ would have you follow. Don’t rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts instead of applying sound gospel principles.”
“Remember: little things lead to big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big problems. More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings.”
“Recognize the good in others, not their stains. At times a stain needs appropriate attention to be cleansed, but always build on . . . virtues.”
“In the premortal life you proved to be valiant, obedient, and pure . . . you worked hard . . . to prepare yourselves to face mortality with courage, dignity, honor, and success. . . . Satan is no match for the Savior. Satan’s fate is decided. He knows he has lost, but he wants to take as many with him as he can. . . Stay on the Lord’s side, and you will win every time.”
“Technology, when understood and used for righteous purposes, need not be a threat but rather an enhancement to spiritual communication. The full standard works and years of general conference messages . . . fit into your pocket . . . Studying, pondering, and listening . . . each day will enhance communication through the Spirit. . . . If you . . . review a verse of scripture as often as . . . you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of passages of scripture memorized. Those passages would prove to be a powerful source of inspiration and guidance by the Holy Ghost in times of need.”
“Be wise in how you embrace technology. Mark important
scriptures on your [personal electronic] device and refer back to them frequently.
If you . . . review a verse of scripture
as often as some of you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of
passages of scripture memorized. Those passages would prove to be a powerful
source of inspiration and guidance by the Holy Ghost in
times of need.”
ELDER RICHARD G.
SCOTT
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
“For Peace at Home”
183rd Annual General Conference,
Saturday afternoon, 6 April 2013
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
“For Peace at Home”
183rd Annual General Conference,
Saturday afternoon, 6 April 2013
6. “Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for
knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place
and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness. Such a search
is undertaken by each of us. . . .Oh Say, What is Truth? (Hymn
272).
“This knowledge and understanding are available to all
mankind.
“‘Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they
were, and as they are to come. …The Spirit of truth is of God. … And no man
receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth [God’s]
commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and
knoweth all things.’ (Doctrine
and Covenants 93:24, 26–28) What a glorious promise! [God has] provided an
unfailing guide—even obedience.
“A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest
questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.” (My emphasis.)
“Rules and laws . . . help ensure
our physical safety [and] guidelines and commandments to help ensure our
spiritual safety ....” Declared Joseph F. Smith in October 1873, “Obedience
is the first law of heaven.”
"Said Gordon B. Hinckley, 'The happiness of
the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the
Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal
salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the
counsels of … God (Dec 1971, 125).'
“Obedience is a hallmark of
prophets . . . It is essential for us to realize that we, as well, are entitled
to this source of strength and knowledge.
It is readily available to each of us today as we obey . . . The great
test of this life is obedience. ‘We will
prove them herewith,’ said the Lord, ‘to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their
God shall command them (Abraham 3:25
bold emphasis mine).’...
“Declared the Savior, ‘For all
who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed
for that blessing ... ( Doctrine
and Covenants 132:5). ... No greater example of obedience exists .... He
gave to us a divine example [and instructs] ‘Follow thou me (John 21:22).’ . . .
“The knowledge which we seek, the answers for
which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges
of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s
commandments.”
PRESIDENT THOMAS S MONSON,
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
“Obedience Brings Blessings,”
183rd Annual General Conference,
Sunday morning, April 7, 2013
7. “All are born with the Light of Christ, a guiding influence which permits each person to recognize right from wrong. What we do with that light and how we respond to those promptings to live righteously is part of the test of mortality. Moroni 7:16
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
“Obedience Brings Blessings,”
183rd Annual General Conference,
Sunday morning, April 7, 2013
7. “All are born with the Light of Christ, a guiding influence which permits each person to recognize right from wrong. What we do with that light and how we respond to those promptings to live righteously is part of the test of mortality. Moroni 7:16
"Each
of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the promptings of
the Holy Ghost. The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our
minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, and to warn us. Each [child] of God can know the things
they need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and
revelation."
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
Sunday morning, 7 April 2013
8. “An unprecedented wave of
enthusiasm for missionary work is
sweeping the entire earth . . . a wave of truth and righteousness . . . see
your opportunity to be on the crest of that wave. . . [it] is wondrous! It is not man-made!
It comes from the Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time.” . . . Our
living God is a loving God! (John 17:3) . .
. And He wants His children to gain immortality and
eternal life! (Moses
1:39)"
“I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. This
fact of history is absolutely stunning! It is incredible! It is breathtaking!
How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power
to this work? Our Eternal Father and Jesus Christ made multiple appearances to
the Prophet Joseph Smith. Under Their direction, other heavenly messengers
came, each with a specific purpose.”
“I thank God and His Son, Jesus Christ, for the Restoration
and its power to propel a magnificent wave of truth and righteousness across
the earth. May we catch this wave and fulfill the Lord’s command to take the
gospel ‘to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people’(Revelation 14:6;
see also 1 Nephi
19:17; Doctrine
and Covenants 133:37).”
“Catch
the Wave,”
183rd Annual General Conference,
183rd Annual General Conference,
Saturday afternoon, 7 April 2013
9. “Jesus administers the balance between justice and mercy conditioned upon our obedience to His gospel. He is the light for all mankind. He is the fountain of all truth. He fulfills all of His promises. All who obey His commandments will earn the most glorious blessings imaginable.”
9. “Jesus administers the balance between justice and mercy conditioned upon our obedience to His gospel. He is the light for all mankind. He is the fountain of all truth. He fulfills all of His promises. All who obey His commandments will earn the most glorious blessings imaginable.”
“When we obey a law, we receive a blessing. When we break a
law, there is nothing left over from prior obedience to satisfy the demands of
justice for that broken law.”
“Understanding of the Atonement and the insight it provides
for your life will greatly enhance your productive use of all of the knowledge,
experience, and skills you acquire in mortal life.”
“As you ponder—not
just read but ponder and meditate—on scriptural passages, the power of the Holy Ghost will
distill truths in your mind and heart as a secure foundation in this uncertain
time in which we live.”
“Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied
by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and
appreciation for His priceless Atonement. Another powerful way to learn of
Jesus Christ and His Atonement is through consistent temple attendance.”
“Resolve to make the Lord Jesus Christ the living center of
your home. Be sure that every decision you make, whether it be of a spiritual
or physical nature, be guided by the thought 'What would the Lord Jesus Christ
have me do?' When the Savior is the center of your home, it is filled with
peace and serenity. There is a spirit of calm assurance that pervades the home
that is felt by the children and adults alike.”
“The best way to make a permanent change for good is to make
Jesus Christ your model and His teachings your guide for life.”
Sunday Morning, April 2010
10. “Use your agency to develop yourself personally. . . [by letting] the Spirit guide you."
"Choose and act for yourself. Be motivated from within. Make a plan for your life. . . . Explore interests and skills. Work and become self-reliant. Set goals, overcome mistakes, gain experience, and finish what you begin. . . . Be sure to participate . . . enjoy wholesome fun. . . . Above all, have faith in the Savior! Fear not! As we diligently live the gospel, we become strong in the Lord. . . . In the strength of the Lord we are able to stand against any philosophy or creed that denies the Savior and contradicts the great, eternal plan of happiness for all of God’s children.”
10. “Use your agency to develop yourself personally. . . [by letting] the Spirit guide you."
"Choose and act for yourself. Be motivated from within. Make a plan for your life. . . . Explore interests and skills. Work and become self-reliant. Set goals, overcome mistakes, gain experience, and finish what you begin. . . . Be sure to participate . . . enjoy wholesome fun. . . . Above all, have faith in the Savior! Fear not! As we diligently live the gospel, we become strong in the Lord. . . . In the strength of the Lord we are able to stand against any philosophy or creed that denies the Savior and contradicts the great, eternal plan of happiness for all of God’s children.”
“Stand
Strong in Holy Places,”
183rd Annual General Conference
183rd Annual General Conference
Priesthood Session, 6 April 2013
11. "The Prophet Joseph pointed out that before your baptism, you could be on neutral ground between good and evil. But 'when you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back.' His counsel was that we must never forsake the Master. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 324; see also Revelation 3:15–16.)”
11. "The Prophet Joseph pointed out that before your baptism, you could be on neutral ground between good and evil. But 'when you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back.' His counsel was that we must never forsake the Master. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 324; see also Revelation 3:15–16.)”
ELDER QUENTIN L COOK,
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“Can
Ye Feel So Now?”
182nd Semi-annual General Conference
182nd Semi-annual General Conference
Saturday
Morning, 6 October 2012
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