The Godhead

As we have listened to our Church leaders this past year, we have repeatedly been encouraged to deepen our conversion, “strengthen faith in Heavenly Father and His plan and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement”1 and “truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings.”2

Over the past few months, I have taken the opportunity to read and study all of Russell M. Nelson’s conference talks. It has blessed my life more than I could have imagined. The more I studied, the more my testimony grew. I gained greater love and respect for this wonderful man. While doing this, I felt inspired to begin the new year once again using the doctrinal topics from the youth curriculum as my monthly study, primarily using the words and testimony of our dear prophet. He has reminded us that “[God’s] doctrine is ours to study, understand, and uphold.”3 “The foundation of one’s individual faith, if anchored firmly to eternal truth, allows each of us to reach upward with an eternal perspective. That faith will give hope when there is no hope. It will give us joy here and eternal life hereafter.”4

I have also felt the need to personalize and internalize my study of these doctrinal topics. Knowing the doctrine is one thing. Allowing that doctrine to change my heart is quite another. What do these doctrines really mean to me? How have they blessed me and my family? Do I recognize that my life truly is better because of what I know?

January’s doctrinal topic is the Godhead. Our understanding of the Godhead and Their separate and distinct roles is something that sets us apart from other religions. The first Article of Faith states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”5 Many of us have recited those words since we were young children in Primary. But do we truly appreciate what that really means? When we understand who our Heavenly Father is and our relation to Him, our lives have deeper meaning. We can view life, especially in trying times, with an eternal perspective. When we know that Jesus Christ is our Elder Brother, the author and finisher of our faith, our only way back home to our Heavenly Parents, we live life differently—more compassionately, more completely. When we know the role the Holy Ghost plays in our everyday lives and in living and learning the gospel, we feel strength and hope and comfort beyond description.

For 35 years, we have been blessed to be taught by President Nelson often about Father in Heaven, the Savior and the Holy Ghost. He has encouraged us to increase our knowledge and testimony of Them. One of the sweet evidences that Heavenly Father loves us is that He gives us prophets and apostles to teach and testify and guide us along the covenant path back home to Him. President Nelson’s testimony is powerful! In our last general conference, he testified, “I know that God lives! Jesus is the Christ! This is His Church that He directs by prophecy and revelation to His humble servants.”6 As one of those humble servants, we can learn much from his timeless teachings and profound proclamations.

We believe in God, the Eternal Father

From President Nelson, we learn that “God is the Father of our spirits. He has a glorified, perfected body of flesh and bone. We lived with Him in heaven before we were born. And when He created us physically, we were created in the image of God, each with a personal body. Think of our physical sustenance. It is truly heaven-sent. The necessities of air, food, and water all come to us as gifts from a loving Heavenly Father.”7

“We are literally children of God. We are dual beings. Each soul is comprised of body and spirit, both of which emanate from God. … We are children of God—physically and spiritually.”8

“Not one of us can ever stop being a child of God!”3

“Heavenly Father loves every one of His children. After all, He is their Father. He wants to bless them with His greatest gift, that of eternal life.”9

I think there is great significance that in the short address to us as our new prophet President Nelson chose to tell us, “Our Father in Heaven cherishes His children, and He wants each of us to return home to Him.”10 That truth should warm our hearts and instill in us a desire to make and keep sacred covenants with Him.

He declared, “When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened.11

In a worldwide devotional for the young adults President Nelson said, “Learn for yourselves who you really are. Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, how He feels about you and your mission here on earth. If you ask with real intent, over time the Spirit will whisper the life-changing truth to you. Record those impressions and review them often, and follow through with exactness. I promise you that when you begin to catch even a glimpse of how your Heavenly Father sees you and what He is counting on you to do for Him, your life will never be the same!”12

No matter if we are 5 or 25 or 55 or 95, we all need to truly know that we are children of God. With that knowledge, we can bless the lives of those around us.

President Nelson reminds us that “parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God in their lives.”13 I was very blessed to have a loving earthly father. He taught me the gospel through his words and his actions. My father cherished me. Because of him, it was much easier for me to understand that I have a loving Heavenly Father who cherishes me and has a plan so that I can return home to Him. Our children learn the importance of God in their lives when they see how important He is in our lives.

We believe in Jesus Christ

When called as an apostle, President Nelson said, “I understand fully that the call to the Holy Apostleship is one of witness to the world of the divinity of the Lord Jesus the Christ.”14 Along with witnessing, he also taught, “The ministry of the Apostles—the First Presidency and the Twelve—is … to proclaim our knowledge of the Master.”13 There are some incredible witnesses borne that if we aren’t paying close attention we may miss. As you listen to or read the words of the prophet and apostles, you will find they are profound! I love President Nelson’s teachings and testimony of the Savior! He not only teaches us about who the Savior is but also about how His Atonement and His attributes can change our lives and our hearts.

“I bear witness of the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His redeeming, atoning, and sanctifying power.”15

“I testify of Jesus Christ as the Master Healer. It is but one of many attributes that characterize His incomparable life. Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Creator, the great Jehovah, the promised Immanuel, our atoning Savior and Redeemer, our Advocate with the Father, our great Exemplar. And one day we will stand before Him as our just and merciful Judge. … Only the Master Healer could take away the sin of the world. Our debt to Him is incalculably great. … Jesus suffered deeply because He loves us deeply! He wants us to repent and be converted so that He can fully heal us. … The gift of resurrection is the Lord’s consummate act of healing. Thanks to Him, each body will be restored to its proper and perfect frame. Thanks to Him, no condition is hopeless. Thanks to Him, brighter days are ahead, both here and hereafter. Real joy awaits each of us—on the other side of sorrow.”16

“God so loved the world that He sent His Only Begotten Son to help us. And His Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life for us. All so that we could have access to godly power—power sufficient to deal with the burdens, obstacles, and temptations of our day. … The more we know about the Savior’s ministry and mission—the more we understand His doctrine and what He did for us—the more we know that He can provide the power that we need for our lives.”17

“True change—permanent change—can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He loves you—each of you! He allows you to access His power as you keep His commandments, eagerly, earnestly, and exactly. It is that simple and certain.”3

“God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but we are not. Each day, ours is the challenge to access the power of the Atonement so that we can truly change, become more Christlike, and qualify for the gift of exaltation and live eternally with God, Jesus Christ, and our families. For these powers, privileges, and gospel gifts, thanks be to God! I testify that He lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that this is His Church, restored in these latter days to accomplish its divine destiny.”7

“Joy … has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. … For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy! … As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.”18

“Central to God’s eternal plan is the mission of His Son, Jesus Christ. He came to redeem God’s children. Because of the Lord’s Atonement, resurrection (or immortality) became a reality. Because of the Atonement, eternal life became a possibility for all who would qualify.”7

“The Lord’s way is the only way for us to experience enduring happiness. His way brings sustained comfort to our souls and perennial peace to our homes. And best of all, His way leads us home to Him and our Heavenly Father, to eternal life and exaltation.”3

“Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.”10

You may remember President Nelson’s testimony last Easter, “Nothing could be more fitting than to commemorate the most important event that ever occurred on this earth by worshipping the most important being who ever walked this earth. In this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we worship Him who commenced His infinite Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was willing to suffer for the sins and weaknesses of each of us, which suffering caused Him “to bleed at every pore.”1 He was crucified on Calvary’s cross and rose the third day as the first resurrected being of our Heavenly Father’s children. I love Him and testify that He lives! It is He who leads and guides His Church. Without our Redeemer’s infinite Atonement, not one of us would have hope of ever returning to our Heavenly Father. Without His Resurrection, death would be the end. Our Savior’s Atonement made eternal life a possibility and immortality a reality for all.”2

We believe in the Holy Ghost

Each week as we partake of the sacrament, we promise to always remember our Savior, Jesus Christ. And when we do, we are promised the companionship of the Holy Ghost. What an incredible gift! Scriptures teach us that the Holy Ghost “shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance;”19 “will guide you into all truth” and “shew you things to come;”20 “will show unto you all things what ye should do;”21 and “beareth record of the Father and of the Son.”22

President Nelson reminds us that the Holy Ghost is a personage “whose enduring influence transcends time.”23 In speaking of time, I believe he is referring to age. To be guided by the Holy Ghost, our worthiness and willingness to be guided are what qualifies us and not the number of years we have lived.

In the worldwide youth devotional six months ago, President Nelson promised, “If you will sincerely and persistently do the spiritual work needed to develop the crucial, spiritual skill of learning how to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, you will have all the direction you will ever need in your life. You will be given answers to your questions in the Lord’s own way and in His own time.”24

Addressing the women of the Church a few years ago, he said, “Sisters, do you realize the breadth and scope of your influence when you speak those things that come to your heart and mind as directed by the Spirit? … The Holy Ghost will magnify your influence in an unprecedented way!”15

Then to the entire Church last April he declared, “The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children. … Through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will assist us in all our righteous pursuits. … We can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small. … In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly. … The most important truth the Holy Ghost will ever witness to you is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He lives! He is our Advocate with the Father, our Exemplar, and our Redeemer.”2

President Nelson taught, “The Holy Ghost will facilitate the commitment needed for one to love God, to come unto Christ and become one of His covenant keepers. Spiritual communication and true conversion are accomplished through the power of the Holy Ghost.”25

A testimony of these glorious truths should change how we live. Conversion is not a one-time event. It is something we must work on every day. We need a testimony every day. Some days would be impossible to bear without one. Surely there will be a time when a firm, unshakeable testimony will be necessary to endure the “sore trials”26 of this mortal life. That has definitely been my experience. I know that without my testimony I would not have been able to endure the heartaches and sorrows that have come to our family. Ten years ago when my daughter passed away was the first time in my life that I really had to put to the test what I had been taught and what I believed. Did I really believe what I said I believed? Yes! As a child, I loved singing the song “I am a Child of God.” As an adult, I love knowing that I am a child of God! Especially during that difficult and tender time, I felt Heavenly Father’s love for me in an undeniable way! His plan really is a plan of happiness! The blessings of the temple are priceless! And they are possible because of Jesus Christ. Words are inadequate to express the sweet peace that comes from knowing that Jesus truly is my Savior! I anxiously await the day I can kneel at His feet and thank Him for all that He has done for me! He has healed my broken heart! Because of Him, I have had hope when all could have seemed hopeless. Because of Him, I know joy even in the midst of sorrow. The Holy Ghost has been my teacher and my comforter. These are not fleeting feelings. This is the foundation of my testimony. It not only sustained me then but every day since.

A month ago my sweet son-in-law unexpectedly passed away. I have been able to rely on my testimony to bring me peace “which passeth all understanding.”27 Once again I was taught by the Holy Ghost. In my deep anguish, the words came quickly to my mind, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”28 Because I know and love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, I can trust. I trust that Heavenly Father will always give us the strength to bear the things He asks us to bear, if we rely on Him. I trust that the Savior will always heal our broken hearts, if we turn to Him. His promise of peace is sure. That peace comes through the comfort of the Holy Ghost. I trust in the covenants we have made that bind us together as a family. I cherish those covenants and my testimony.

I distinctly remember hearing President Nelson’s testimony as the newly called prophet. It left a lasting impression on me. He said, “I declare my devotion to God our Eternal Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ. I know Them, love Them, and pledge to serve Them—and you—with every remaining breath of my life.”10 May we do whatever we need to do to know Them and to love Them. May we also pledge to serve Them and each other every day of our lives.

References:

1. Gather Together In One All Things in Christ – David A. Bednar

2. Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives – Russell M. Nelson

3. Decisions for Eternity – Russell M. Nelson

4. How Firm Our Foundation – Russell M. Nelson

5. The Articles of Faith 1:1

6. Opening Remarks – Russell M. Nelson

7. Thanks be to God – Russell M. Nelson

8. We are Children of God – Russell M. Nelson

9. Be Thou an Example of the Believers – Russell M. Nelson

10. A Message From the First Presidency – Russell M. Nelson

11. Covenants – Russell M. Nelson