Abraham 3; Moses 4:1-4 The Pre-Mortal Existence of Mankind

Bruce K. Satterfield, PhD Department of Religious Education University-Idaho

Notes and Teachings

All non-scriptural quotes are highlighted in blue.

Introduction His children. And they further teach intelligence, or spirit, has Abraham 3 and Moses 4:1-4 focus on teachings existed from all eternity. We know also that we were regarding the pre-mortal existence of man. The doctrine individuals. We are told more than once in the of premortality is essential to maintaining a proper revelations that we were clothed in a spirit body. We perspective of mortal life. Of this, President Boyd K. know no more than that the spirit body was created in Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: the image of our Father. I don’t know of any idea that helps us make sense The most fundamental of all endowments given to out of life as much as this fundamental truth: We us is agency. To repeat, the few crucial facts we lived as spirit children–individual, intelligent sons and know about our status in premortal life: “man was also daughters of God–before our mortal birth. So many in the beginning with God.” We lived in the presence things in llife can be understood only if we know of God our Eternal Father; we are His offspring. there was a premortal life, and so many things can Intelligence, or spirit, was organized as spirit bodies never be understood without that knowledge. (Mine before the world was. We were endowed with Errand from the Lord: Selections from the Sermons and Writings agency. Authority had been conferred and leaders of Boyd K. Packer [2008], p. 9) chosen. So important is the understanding of this doctrine that From the scriptures: Satan constantly tries to distinguish it’s light among “God saw these souls that they were good, and he mortals. Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004), member of the stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught that make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good.” (Abraham the adversary relentlessly uses the absence or 3:22) disbelief of this doctrine to shrink man’s perspective. In the words of the Prophet : One-dimensional man with only a one-dimensional “God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits view of the world will surely focus upon the cares of and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw the world, yielding to the things of the moment. proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have (“Premortality, a Glorious Reality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, p.17). privilege to advance like himself.” [Teachings of the Though we lack full understanding of the pre-mortal Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, realm of mankind, the scriptures gives us certain vital (1976), p. 354] information that is essential to understand. President We know little more than this of what our conditions Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was then. Nor does it serve useful purpose to observed: speculate or wrest the scriptures seeking after mysteries. (Mine Errand from the Lord: Selections from the No more profound truth has been conveyed to us Sermons and Writings of Boyd K. Packer [2008], pp. 7-8; in the Restoration than the knowledge of our emphasis added) premortal existence. No other church knows or The teachings found in Abraham 3 and Moses 4 are teaches this truth. The doctrine is give only in outline crucial. These verses speak of (1) the growth and form, but salient facts are repeated often enough in development of God’s spirit offspring, (2) a council that the revelations to assure us of certain fundamental was held regarding the creation of the earth, and (3) a truths. war! The facts are these. Abraham 3 introduces us to all three of these important We lived in the presence of God our Eternal teachings. Joseph Fielding McConkie, Professor of Father prior to our mortal birth. Religion at Brigham Young University, describes the We use such words as omnipotent and omniscient layout of this chapter in these words: to describe Him and feel them inadequate. Should not the word God be enough? Does it not bespeak No teaching device is used more effectively or such glory that without the presence of priesthood frequently in the scriptures to expand understanding power of godliness, mortal man could not behold His than "likening" the principle being taught to something face and live? already understood by those being instructed. This is He is Elohim our father. The familiar word father what is taking place in Abraham 3. The chapter reverently spoken does not demean him but greatly divides itself into very natural parts: the first lifts us up. seventeen verses deal with planets and their The scriptures teach us that we are His offspring, relationship one to another; the last eleven verses speak of pre-earth spirits and their relationships one to another. At first glance, it may appear that 7. Joseph and , along with Brigham Abraham is dealing with two separate ideas, each Young, , and , are deserving a chapter of its own. A more careful specifically mentioned as being "among the noble and reading, however, reveals that the second part of the great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be chapter is a deliberate restatement of the first. Each rulers in the Church of God" (D&C 138:55). 8. Christ is the source of "light which is in all things, principle describing the relationship of one star or which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which planet to another proves to be equally descriptive of all things are governed" (D&C 88:13). the nature and relationship of pre-earth spirits one to 9. Christ was the greatest of all the pre-earth spirits. another. The revelation on planets ends in the He is described as being "like unto God" (Abr. 3:24). eighteenth verse where the revelation on pre-earth Kolob in this revelation is an obvious symbol or spirits begins. The two parts of the revelation are representation of Christ. (“The Heavens Testify of Christ,” welded at that point with the words "as, also," which in Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price. Ed.s is simply to say what is true of the stars is "also" true Robert L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson [1998], pp. 240-241) of the spirits. (“The Heavens Testify of Christ,” in Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price, ed.s Robert L. Millet Abraham 3:2-18. Stars and Spirits and Kent P. Jackson [1998], p. 240) Abraham was also shown both stars and spirits in the Abraham 3:2-5. Christ and Kolob vision. Joseph Fielding McConkie has noted the following similarities between them: Abraham learned of premortality through an object lesson. The object from which the lessons were derived The stars or planets in Abraham 3, with their was a vision of the universe, which was used as a type various rotations, provide a natural parallel with the and shadow of Christ and the premortal spirits. Abraham "noble and great ones" described in the latter part of was first shown many great (large) stars with one star, the chapter. Kolob, being “nearest unto the throne of God” (Abraham W e can summarize this likeness as follows 3:2). Joseph Fielding McConkie offered the following concerning the nature and order of the planets: observations regarding the symbolism of Kolob: 1. "The stars . . . were very great" (v. 2). There were The leading role in the vision of the planets "many great ones . . . near unto" Kolob (Christ) (v. 2). 2. These stars were the "governing ones" (v. 3). obviously goes to Kolob. We can summarize what 3. All stars are to sustain or be governed by "the great we learn about Kolob from the text and Facsimile #2 one" (v. 3). Each ruling star has a "set time" for its as follows: revolutions. 1. "The name of the great one is Kolob, because it is 4. The star with the longer "set time" rules above the near unto [God]" (v. 3). star with the lesser "set time" (vv. 4-7). 5. Anytime there is a star with a set time that has 2. Kolob is "after the manner" or in the likeness of the another star above it, then there will be another "planet Lord (v. 4). whose reckoning of time shall be longer still" (v. 8). That 3. Kolob is the "first creation" (v. 2; Fac. 2:1). is, for every star there is a greater star until we come to Kolob (Christ), for Kolob (Christ) "is set nigh unto the 4. Kolob is the "nearest unto the throne of God" (v. 2; throne of God, to govern all those planets which belong Fac. 2:1). to the same order" (v. 9). 5. Kolob is "first in government" (Fac. 2:1) and is "to 6. To Abraham the Lord said: "It is given unto thee to govern all those which belong to the same order" (v. 3). know the set time of all the stars that are set to give light, until thou come near unto the throne of God" (v. 10). 6. Kolob holds "the key of power" (Fac. 2:2). Now note what Abraham is taught concerning the 7. There are "many great ones" near Kolob; these are pre-earth spirits: the governing ones (vv. 2-3). 1. Abraham was shown that among the great hosts of 8. Kolob is the source of light for others (Fac. 2:5). pre-earth spirits many had–through "exceeding faith and 9. "Kolob is the greatest of all the Kokaubeam [stars] good works" (Alma 13:3)–merited the designation "noble . . . because it is nearest unto [God]" (v. 16). and great" (v. 22). 2. Of these "noble and great" spirits the Lord said, The reader is now invited to compare the "These I will make my rulers" (v. 23). characteristics of Kolob with scriptural descriptions 3. Those spirits who rebelled at the choice of Christ as of Christ: their Redeemer were cast out (vv. 27-28). 1. The name of the Savior is "the Great I Am" (D&C 4. All prophets of God were subject to the discipline of 29:1). the house of God. None knew this principle better than 2. Christ is in the "brightness" of God's "glory, and the Abraham. 5. Abraham was also told that whenever express image of his person" (Heb. 1:3). there were two spirits, one more intelligent than the 3. "I was in the beginning with the Father," Christ other, "then there shall be another more intelligent than said, "and am the Firstborn" (D&C 93:21). they" (v. 19). 4. Christ is described as being "in the bosom of the 6. Though it is not recorded for us, Abraham Father" (D&C 76:25). undoubtedly had revealed to him some knowledge of the 5. Christ has promised, "I will be your ruler when I destiny and mission of his fellow prophets. Such come" (D&C 41:4). Prophesying of his coming, Isaiah experiences were common to the ancient seers. said, "the government shall be upon his shoulder" (Isa. Recognizing the relationship between Kolob and 9:6). He is "Lord of lords, and Kings of kings" (Rev. Christ and between the stars and the spirits gives 17:14). purpose to this revelation. A revelation on astronomy 6. It is Christ who holds the keys of all power. All who pales in importance to a revelation setting forth the hold keys in the kingdom of God here on earth received them under his direction (D&C 132:45), and an order and nature of the kingdom of God. Abraham accounting of how all keys and authority have been was the head of a dispensation, the man through used will yet be made to him (see Dan. 7:9-14). whom all peoples of the earth in that day were to receive the saving principles of the gospel. One the progression and development of the spirits divided cannot reject a prophet–let alone the prophet chosen God’s offspring into those who had become “noble and to stand at the head of one's dispensation–and great” while others were less valiant (Abraham 3:22). expect to stand approved of God. The message and President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) taught that the messenger are inseparable; one cannot have the Our spirits were begotten by God and have had an one without the other. When the Lord said to extensive period of growth and development in the Abraham, "I show these things unto thee before ye spirit world, where we came to know God and to go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words" comprehend the nature of spiritual realities. (The (v. 15), did the Lord have in mind that Abraham be a Teachings of Howard W. Hunter [1997], p. 12). visiting professor of astronomy, or a witness of Christ? Surely it is of lesser importance what the Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Egyptians knew about the revolutions of planets if Apostles described life in the premortal realm: they had no idea of how they are to receive a Life in our heavenly home was a little different from remission of sins or become citizens in the kingdom life on earth, as we weren't subject to the frailties and of God. Yet, as is often the case, the great difficulty challenges of mortality. But we were still very much in missionary work is simply getting people to listen involved with learning and growing, maturing and to the message. And what better way to captivate the developing; and we had meaningful association with attention of the Egyptians than to first teach them of one another. We had the opportunity in our premortal Kolob and the stars, and then having done so to say, existence to make decisions and choices, and some "Now, behind all that I have taught you about of us proved to be better at that than others. (Our heavenly bodies there stands an even greater truth, Search for Happiness [1993] , p. 70). a truth through which you become the inheritors of endless blessings-this is the truth about God and his President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) spoke of inequality eternal plan for the salvation of all his children." of progress made by God’s spirit offspring: (“The Heavens Testify of Christ,” in Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price. Ed.s Robert L. Millet and Kent P. In the spirit world there were some who were Jackson [1998], pp. 241-243) valiant–more valiant than others–in choosing to do good, and thus they became the noble and great ones Abraham 3:19. “I am more intelligent than they of whom the Lord said, ‘These I will make my rulers’ all.” (Abraham 3:23), and so in this earth, coming through a chosen lineage, those noble and great ones are Of this verse, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (1871- expected, as members of the Church and kingdom of 1961), member of the First Presdiency, said: God in every age, to be rulers of the world of sin and Now, I am not going to try to tell you what that wickedness. (Conference Report, October 1945, p. 46). principle means, or where it leads; all I want to get Again, he observed: out of that is that here are three intelligences, spirits, and that they are not equal, even the two are Between the extremes of the “noble and the great” unequal. There is the one, there is the second more spirits, whom God would make His rulers (see intelligent than the first, and there is the third more Abraham 3:22-23), and the disobedient and the intelligent than the other two. (Conference Report, October rebellious, who were cast out with Satan, there were 1956, p. 83). obviously many spirits with varying degrees of What did this inequality consist of? Elder John A. faithfulness” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee. Ed. Clyde Williams [1996], p. 23). Widtsoe (1872-1952) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offers this answer: Abraham 3:23. Foreordination The beings in the "spirit world"– whence humanity comes–are alike in that they possess the right of free Abraham learned that many were foreordained in the agency; they are unlike in that they do not choose, premortal existence to fulfill particular assignments in nor have they chosen, alike. Consequently, the mortality. What is the doctrine of foreordination? From inhabitants of the spirit world, as in our world, with True to the Faith, a gospel reference guide produced by the same beginnings and opportunities, differ in the The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints, we learn degree or stage of their development. There is the following: therefore in the spirit world as on earth a gradation In the premortal spirit world, God appointed certain among individuals in knowledge and power from the spirits to fulfill specific missions during their mortal lowest to the highest, from the least advanced to the lives. This is called foreordination. God who represents all knowledge, power, and good. Those who lag behind in the march towards We also learn that progression are not necessarily evil. They are chiefly Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals enemies to themselves as they loiter along the will receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such highway of eternity, though they do hinder the opportunities come in this life as a result of the purposes of the Lord who seeks the ultimate righteous exercise of agency, just as foreordination salvation of all His children. (Evidences and came as a result of righteousness in the premortal Reconciliations [1960], .p. 208) existence. Abraham 3:22. The Progress and Development Though all leaders of the Church were foreordained to of Spirits their callings, The doctrine of foreordination applies to all In the vision, Abraham was shown “the intelligences members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His that were organized before the world was.” He saw that prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and able to think and study and understand with him, our faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood Heavenly Father said to us, in effect: “Now, my duties. Although you do not remember that time, you beloved children, in your spirit state you have surely agreed to fulfill significant tasks in the service progressed about as far as you can. To continue your of your Father. As you prove yourself worthy, you will development, you need physical bodies. I intend to be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments you provide a plan whereby you may continue your then received” (“Foreordination,” in True to the Faith [2004], growth. As you know, one can grow only by pp. 69–70). overcoming. The term foreordination seems to apply to priesthood “Now,” said the Lord, “we shall take of the elements callings alone. Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke of women at hand and organize them into an earth, place as being foredisignated: thereon vegetation and animal life, and permit you to go down upon it. This will be your proving ground. We Premortality is not a relaxing doctrine. For each of shall give you a rich earth, lavishly furnished for your us, there are choices to be made, incessant and benefit and enjoyment, and we shall see if you will difficult chores to be done, ironies and adversities to prove true and do the things that are asked of you. I be experienced, time to be well spent, talents and will enter into a contract with you. If you will agree to gifts to be well employed. Just because we were exercise control over your desires and continue to chosen “there and then,” surely does not mean we grow toward perfection and godhood by the plan can be indifferent “here and now.” Whether which I shall provide, I will give to you a physical body foreordination for men, or foredesignation for of flesh and bones and a rich and productive earth, women, those called and prepared must also prove with sun, water, forests, metals, soils, and all other “chosen, and faithful” (“Premortality, a Glorious Reality,” things necessary to feed and clothe and house you Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 17; emphasis added). and give to you every enjoyment that is proper and for your good. In addition to this, I will make it possible for Abraham 3:24-28. The Council Concerning you to eventually return to me as you improve your Mortality life, overcoming obstacles and approaching In Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith learned of a perfection.” To the above most generous offer, we as sons and “Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this daughters of our Heavenly Father responded with world was” in which God planned the earth and the gratitude. We took our turns and came to earth, as universe it belongs in (D&C 121:30-32). As he translated bodies were prepared by our earthly parents. We are the , more regarding that council was now on trial—on the proving ground. This, also, is an revealed. absolute truth. It cannot be disproved. It is an President gave this description of the incontrovertible fact. If one can accept these council: unassailable truths, then he is ready to start his The council was called so that every man and experimentation and his laboratory work. (“Absolute woman could sustain the provisions of the Father’s Truth,” Ensign, Sept. 1978, p. 5) plan, which required that all people obtain mortal bodies, be tried and proven in all things, and have Only One Plan Presented opportunity to choose of their own free will to obey Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve the laws and ordinances essential to their exaltation. Apostles discussed the council as recorded in Abraham: Because a fallen condition was an essential part of this plan, an infinite, eternal sacrifice was also In the premortal council, our Heavenly Father required to redeem us from this state. W e are all presented to His spirit sons and daughters His plan familiar with the facts: how Lucifer–a personage of for their eternal progression and happiness. prominence–sought to amend the plan, while “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will Jehovah sustained the plan. The central issue in that do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall council, then, was: Shall the children of God have command them; untrammeled agency to choose the course they “And they who keep their first estate shall be added should follow, whether good or evil, or shall they be upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not coerced and forced to be obedient? Christ and all have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep who followed Him stood for the former their first estate; and they who keep their second proposition–freedom of choice; Satan stood for the estate shall have glory added upon their heads for latter–coercion and force. Because Satan and those ever and ever. who stood with him would not accept the vote of the “And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one council, but rose up in rebellion, they were cast down answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send to the earth, where they have continued to foster the me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send same plan. The war that began in heaven is not yet me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of “And the second was angry, and kept not his first mortality. And one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.” been to restrict our agency through the power of (Abraham 3:24-28) earthly governments. Proof of this is found in the Note that only one plan was presented in the long history of humanity. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson premortal council–the Father’s plan. Our Heavenly [1983], pp. 23-24) Father did not pose the question, “What shall we do?” He did not seek input, solicit recommendations, ore President Spencer W. Kimball discussed the major request proposals. Rather, He presented the basic point of the council: elements of His plan and asked, “W hom shall I When we were spiritual beings, fully organized and send?” The essence of His question focused upon who should be sent to execute the terms and exercise our faith and our will, especially with a new conditions of His plan. (Act in Doctrine [2012], pp. 37-40) physical body to master and control. But we know from both ancient and modern revelation that Satan There is a persistent belief among some members of wished to deny us our independence and agency in the Church that two plans were presented in the that now-forgotten moment long ago, even as he council–one by Christ and the other by Satan. And that wishes to deny them this very hour. Indeed, Satan after “the war in heaven” Christ’s plan was chosen or violently opposed the freedom of choice offered by adopted by the Father. This is false! Elder Bruce R. the Father, so violently that John in the Revelation McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: described “war in heaven” (Revelation 12:7) over the God ordained the plan. He established it. It is his matter. Satan would have coerced us, and he would plan. It was not adopted by the Father following one have robbed us of that most precious of gifts if he suggestion coming from Christ and another could: our freedom to choose a divine future and the originating with Lucifer. The Father is the author of exaltation we all hope to obtain. the plan of salvation, a plan that he created so that Through Christ and his valiant defense of our Christ, his Firstborn, plus all the rest of his spirit Father’s plan, the course of agency and eternal children might be saved” (The Promised Messiah [1978], aspirations prevailed. In that crucial, premortal setting, pp. 48-52). a major milestone was passed, a monumental victory was won. As a result, we would be allowed to Abraham 3:27-28. “Whom shall I send?” continue to pursue what President David O. McKay once described as the “eternal principle of progress.” As already noted, the Father’s plan required man to Later Christ himself would come to earth, President come to a fallen, mortal condition. In order to save McKay noted, “to perfect society by perfecting the mankind from this fallen condition, it was necessary to individual, and only by the exercising of Free Agency send a savior to the mortal world. In the council, can the individual even approach perfection” (In Abraham heard the Father ask, “Whom shall I send?” Conference Report, Apr. 1940, p. 118). (“The Golden (Abraham 3:27). There were two responses. Elder Thread of Choice,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, p. 17) Bruce R. McConkie discussed what happened: Two spirits of renown, two men of power and Moses 4:3. “Satan...sought to destroy the influence, two whose voices had been heard by all agency of man” the hosts of heaven, stepped forth to answer the David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Father’s call, “Whom shall I send?” (Abr. 3:27.) One described Satan and his motives and desires in the was Christ, the other Lucifer. Our Lord said: “Father, rebellion: thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.” (Moses 4:2.) That is: ‘Father, I accept all of the terms Satan . . . desired to achieve his own selfish and conditions of thy plan. I will do thy will. I will go interests, and wanted to usurp the glory of the Father down as thy Son, the Only Begotten in the flesh. for himself. . . . The consequences of the With thy help I will atone for the sins of the world, adversary’s insurrection also are described in and will ascribe the honor and the glory unto thee in scriptures. all things.’ “Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against Lucifer said: “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine give me thine honor.” (Moses 4:1.) That is: ‘I reject Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; thy plan. I am willing to be thy Son and atone for the “And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the sins of the world, but in return let me take thy place father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to and sit upon thy throne. Yea, “I will ascend into lead them captive at his will, even as many as would heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of not hearken unto my voice.” (Moses 4:3-4; emphasis God; . . . I will be like the most High.”(Isa. 14:13-14.) added) Please remember that Lucifer did not present a plan The Father said: “I will send the first.” (Abraham 3:27) that subsequently was voted down by a majority of the From the beginning the destined Deliverer had participants in the premortal council. He was not a adopted, advocated, and sponsored the Father’s sympathetic figure who lost a close election. He was plan. Now with the decree issued that he should a malcontent who rebelled! Selfishness, pride, and redeem and save mankind, that his atonement would arrogance motivated his revolt against the Father’s enable men to become like their Father and God, plan. and that the purposes of the Eternal Elohim should The adversary’s intent was to negate agency. If be brought to pass in full. (The Promised Messiah [1981], agency were nullified, then no sins or transgressions pp. 48-52) ever would have been committed by the sons and daughters of God–no fall of Adam and no individual Moses 4:1-4. A Rebellion and a War sins. If no sins or transgressions were committed, then the law of justice would not be violated. And if President John Taylor (1808-1887) declared, “the the law of justice were not violated, then there would proposition of Lucifer was an act of rebellion” (Mediation be no need for a redeeming sacrifice to meet the and Atonement [1882], 98). Of this, President Howard W. demands of the law. Hunter (1907-1995) said: Lucifer sought for the glory of the Father without a Our Father in Heaven wanted our growth to willingness to abide by the law of the harvest (see continue in mortality and to be enhanced by our Galatians 6:7) and pay the price. He had absolutely freedom to choose and learn. He also wanted us to no concern for or interest in our welfare; he only wanted to use us to get something for himself. The selfish strategy he employed in the premortal council was the first “something for nothing” scam ever attempted. The devil’s premortal actions speak volumes about who he is, what he wants, and how he works. Satan is impatient, impulsive, impetuous, and intolerant–and “he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). (Act in Doctrine [2012], pp. 37-40)

President Thomas S. Monson offers the following insights: We know that we had our agency before this world was and that Lucifer attempted to take it from us. He had no confidence in the principle of agency or in us and argued for imposed salvation. He insisted that with his plan none would be lost, but he seemed not to recognize–or perhaps not to care–that in addition, none would be any wiser, any stronger, any more compassionate, or any more grateful if his plan were followed. W e who chose the Savior’s plan knew that we would be embarking on a precarious, difficult journey, for we walk the ways of the world and sin and stumble, cutting us off from our Father. But the Firstborn in the Spirit offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all. Through unspeakable suffering He became the great Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind, thus making possible our successful return to our Father. (“The Three Rs of Choice,” Ensign, Nov. 2010)