Running Between the Lanes

At our track in high school we had eight lanes that looked a lot like this. I actually never ran in a race which required me to stay in one lane for the entire run. I was more of a long distance guy. We just run wherever. Anyway, I wanted to expound on this principle of staying in our lane.

Our Heavenly Father has outlined a plan for us. We call it the Plan of Salvation. In order to win the prize we must play by the rules. This includes diligently following the commandments, which I would compare to staying in your lane. However, unlike a track meet, if you somehow do get out of your lane you are allowed to make a lane change back to where you need to be. We call this repentance.

Kingdoms of Glory

       We read in the Bible that "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory."1 Christ taught, "In my Father’s house are many mansions..."2 But what exactly does that mean. We learn, from modern revelation, that there are three kingdoms of glory. The Celestial is where the righteous will dwell with Heavenly Father. The Terrestrial is where good people who did not fully accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ will live. The Telestial consists of "[Those] ... who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus."3

       Just like competing in any sporting event, we will be rewarded according to our performance. And don't forget that you can't break the rules. Everything must be done in God's way, through His priesthood power. There are no shortcuts to the Celestial kingdom. Paul explains in 1 Cor. 15, the kingdoms will differ in glory. The most glorious is the Celestial which is compared to the light of the sun, the Terrestrial to the moon, and Telestial to the stars.

       The Celestial Kingdom is where we all want to be. It is where we will be happiest. It is where we will be with our Father. May we all strive to live worthy to enter into the presence of God.

       For further details on this subject please see:

1 Nephi 10:21

Doctrine and Covenants Section 76

Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: The Three Degrees of Glory

       Sources:

1. 1Corinthians 15:41
2. John 14:2
3. Doctrine and Covenants 76:82
4. lds.org

Pre-earth Life: God's Purpose and Plan for Us

       Have you ever wondered where you came from? Where you were before you born here on this earth?? The great thing about the Plan of Salvation is that it answers this question and others similar to it. We learn answers to questions such as, "Why are we here?" and, "Where are we going?"

      But let's focus on where we came from. We lived with our Father in Heaven in the pre-earth life. He created a plan of happiness for us in which we would come to earth, gain bodies, and learn. We understood that we would make mistakes and therefore, be unable to return live with Him. Becuase we read in the scriptures that no unclean thing can dwell with God (1 Nephi 10:21). That is why a Savior would be provided. Jesus Christ, a sinless sacrifice, would provide a way for us to overcome our mistakes and weaknesses.

       Now here we are. But how did we get here?? Check out The Creation to find out!

The Plan of Salvation

• Pre-earth Life: God's Purpose and Plan for Us
• The Creation
• Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve
• Our Life on Earth
• The Atonement
• The Spirit World
• The Resurrection, Judgement, and Immortality
• Kingdoms of Glory

For more info check out mormon.org!