The Divine Plan and Providential History

Latter-day revelation provides a broader perspective in which to place the history of humanity and affords an opportunity to better understand and interpret that history. In addition, answers are given to many of the perplexing questions concerning the nature of human existence, the operation of human agency or free will, the constant conflict between forces of good and evil, and the enlightenment given to entire societies through a relatively few individuals. Hidden from the view of the secular historian is the grand panorama of existence before life began on this earth and the continuation of life and purpose after mortal death. Elder Boyd K. Packer likened the current attempts to understand our present situation to entering the theatre during the second act of a three act play.[1] That is to say, metaphorically speaking, that trying to piece together the story of humanity without an understanding of what occurred in pre-mortality, is like interpreting and discussing the second act of a play without the benefit of knowing what occurred in the first act. In addition, the events of the second act are often not understood until the third act has played out. Likewise, much of what occurs in this period of mortal time does not make much sense without knowing of the post-mortal spirit world, resurrection, divine judgment, and the meting out of rewards, including eternal life.

Many of the characteristics of the human drama—and the divine role in it– thus stem from the nature of the divine plan. The events of mortality take on greater meaning within the context of understanding God’s plan for His children on the earth. The scriptures have referred to this plan by various names: the plan of salvation (see, for example, Jarom 1:2; Alma 24:14; 42:5), the eternal plan of redemption (see Alma 12:25-33; 18:39; 22:13; 34:31; 42:11, 13) and the great plan of happiness (Alma 42:8, 16). Understanding this plan can help explain how and why God has intervened in history and why it appears He has done so in some instances and not in others.

God’s plan was first made known to us during our premortal existence. The Bible provides only a few glimpses into events during this preearthly state. For example, the Lord rhetorically asked Job: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? … When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4, 7). Further, we read that the Lord confided to Jeremiah: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Yet, we are left to query, what was the occasion when “all the sons of God” came together, and why did they shout for joy? Additionally, was Jeremiah’s premortal appointment unique, or were others similarly foreordained? Fortunately, these and other questions have been answered as the latter-day Restoration of the gospel has shed substantial light on events in our premortal existence.

The Grand Council in Heaven

The Prophet Joseph Smith’s translation of the writings of Abraham revealed far more about the grand council convened in heaven where our Father announced what He planned to do. “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

“And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; And they who keep their [premortal] first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their [mortal] second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” (Abraham 3:22-26). Obviously, this plan could not succeed unless certain conditions prevailed: there would need to be a system of laws in which obedience or disobedience would produce predictable consequences. God’s children would then need to have the gift of agency and the understanding needed to make meaningful choices.

A pivotal point of God’s plan dealt with redeeming his children from physical and spiritual deaths, experienced from the nature of mortality and individual choices to sin. One individual needed to be chosen, the Father’s personal representative, whom He would send to earth as the Savior, in order to put this plan of redemption into force. Most importantly, this chosen individual would be sent to put into effect the Father’s plan to redeem mortals from physical death and provide means for errant individuals to be reconciled to the Father through an atonement. Through this redemption all of the inequities and setbacks in mortality could be overcome and individuals could progress by overcoming their weaknesses and being cleansed from the effects of sin through faith, repentance, and the purifying power of the Spirit of God. Throughout the history of the earth this plan would be revealed to mortals on earth giving them hope for life after death and power to change. Knowledge of the foreordained plan of redemption illuminates the divine influence from premortality that is reflected in the lives of God’s children during mortality. Historians, philosophers, writers of literature, and others have marveled at the ability of individuals to sacrifice temporal advantages or suffer at the hands of evil persons and look forward to a better day beyond mortality, when death and wickedness will not reign. Further they have written volumes on the miracle of the power of individuals to change the direction of their lives from wickedness to righteousness.

Regarding the Father’s choice of the Savior, during one of the premortal councils the Father asked, “Whom shall I send?” The scriptural record states that two individuals responded, “Here am I. send me,” in answer to the Father’s request. The first was Jehovah (who would be known as Jesus Christ in mortality), the second, Lucifer. Sadly, in addition to volunteering to fulfill the Father’s plan, Lucifer, “who was in authority in the presence of God” and “a son of the morning” (D&C 76:25-26), sought his own interests. He declared, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore, give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). The Father rejected Lucifer’s proposal for several reasons. The first was that he “sought to destroy the agency of man” which God had given to his children. In addition, Lucifer demanded that God give him His “honor” or “power” (Moses 4:1-3, see also D&C 29:36).

In contrast Jehovah did not present a separate plan but offered to implement His father’s plan, which, though entailing many risks, respected the agency of man: “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2). It comes as no surprise that the Father chose to send Jehovah (Abraham 3:27). Lucifer responded in anger, resorting to rebellion against God and any that honored and sustained Him (see Abraham 3:28; Moses 4:3; D&C 29:36; 76:25).

John the Revelator saw that “there was war in heaven” when “Michael and his angels fought against the dragon,” following which the Devil was “cast out…and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7-9). The dragon’s tail “drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth” (Revelation 12:4). Latter-day revelations have clarified the meaning of what John saw: “A third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away…because of their agency” (D&C 29:36, compare Abraham 3:27-28). Satan “was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son, and was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning” (D&C 76:25-26). “We were, no doubt, there, and took part in all those scenes,” taught President Joseph F. Smith. "We were vitally concerned in the carrying out of these great plans and purposes, we understood them, and it was for our sakes they were decreed, and are to be consummated.”[2]

"The war, so bitter, so intense, has never ceased," insisted President Gordon B. Hinckley. "It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied him." President Hinckley continued: "The adversary of truth has continued his struggle …. We are constantly under attack from one quarter or another."[3]

Speaking of the Devil’s fall, and his being cast down to the earth, the Lord declared, “And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice” (Moses 4:4). The war begun in heaven would thus continue on earth in the context of the further testing of Heavenly Father’s children. Interestingly, the Adversary fulfills a vital role in the advancement of God’s great plan. Lehi taught that there must be “an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). A modern revelation likewise affirmed that “the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet” (D&C 29:39). In the light of Satan’s enticing and with agency in place, men were bound to make mistakes. Means thus had to be provided for them to overcome the consequences of these errors. A Savior would need to be provided, so that mankind could be freed from the grasp of sin.

For our earthly test to be meaningful, a veil needed to be drawn across our minds so that we could not remember our premortal life, so that our true nature could be tested outside of Heavenly Father’s presence, and without any remembrance of our previous existence. President Brigham Young emphasized, “I want to tell you, each and every one of you, that you are well acquainted with God our Heavenly Father, or the great Elohim. You are all well acquainted with him, for there is not a soul of you but what has lived in his house and dwelt with him year after year; and yet you are seeking to become acquainted with him, when the fact is, you have merely forgotten what you did know.”[4] Elder Bruce R. McConkie added, “Back there [in the premortal life] we were tested as spirit beings, down here we were to be tested as mortal beings, as individuals having mortal bodies which would be subject to the lusts and appetites of mortality – of the flesh. Whereas, back there we underwent a test to determine how we would keep the commandments when we walked by sight and when we were in the presence of the Eternal Father, down here we were to undergo a test to determine how we would respond to his laws when we walked by faith and no longer remembered the life that we had in his presence.” [5]

The consequences of the preexistence for human history are far-reaching with each individual endowed with the freedom of choice and accountability for his or her individual acts. In the words of historian Roy A. Prete: “The fact that man's life on earth is a continuation of the preearthly existence, and, as such, is concerned with many of the same issues, has major implications for the history of mankind. The history of the world is thus to a large extent that of the conflict between good and evil, in which man . . . . responds to and interacts with the influences about him, choosing between the light and intelligence of God, the ways of men, and the evil enticements of Satan (see D&C 46:7)." The question of the proper balance between "societal control and the degree of human freedom" can also be placed in the context of this eternal struggle. "God would that his children should be free and enlightened, while Satan strives to enslave them both individually and collectively and to take away light and truth [see D&C 93: 36, 39]. The stage was thus set in the pre-earthly existence for the great drama of human experience. The influences of evil were arrayed before mortal man set foot on the earth, and the conflict between good and evil, in the divinely ordained scheme of things, remains at the center of the human experience.”[6]

The consequences of this for human history would be far-reaching. Much of recorded history reflects the choice of individuals that have had great influence on their nations and societies. Many are known to us today because of the great good they did and the legacy they left to us. Sadly, in contrast, some of the influence also came from those that rejected the knowledge and influence of the light of Christ. Lucifer and those that followed him in rebellion against God and Christ in the pre-mortal realms also have influence to persuade individuals. Those that hearken to the spirit of wickedness often selfishly seek their own pleasure, wealth and power. Consequently, they choose evil over good and instead of a blessing to others, they become a scourge. Such is the case with many in history whose names are associated with death and destruction, debauchery and corruption, and the enslavement and abuse of their fellow beings.

The name Satan means slanderer.[7] It comes from the Hebrew verb satan, meaning to be adverse or to plot against.[8] Still, as President James E. Faust pointed out: "His voice often sounds so reasonable and his message so easy to justify. It is an appealing, intriguing voice with dulcet tones . . . . As the great imitator, Lucifer has marvelous powers of deception." Nevertheless, President Faust insisted, Satan "can have no power over us unless we permit it."[9] Thus, face with the power of agency, it should not be surprising to encounter characters in history whose acts and lives reflect evil influences and desires to rebel against that which is good. Many reputations have been destroyed by those who have employed satanic tactics of slander against their rivals. Further, history records the acts of individuals and groups who have sought unrighteous dominion, and who have sought to dethrone parents, siblings, or other relatives from ruling over tribes, nations, and empires. In each case they emulated and furthered that enmity to godly principles which occurred in the premortal sphere and the war that began in the heavens. The ongoing application of that enmity lies at the root of human conflict, for in the words of the Risen Lord, it is Satan who “stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another” (3Nephi 11; 29).

By the same token, one should not be surprised to find in every society, those who have sought to do good, to perpetuate good vales and traditions for the next generation and to serve as benefactors to their fellow men. Many, responding to the divine light, have espoused good causes and some have become teachers of their fellow beings. Many have sought for new knowledge in a wide range of fields and to apply their finding for the benefit of mankind. Every good society is a reflection of the goodness of its people and the efficacy of its traditions.

Professional historians will recognize that the substantial emphasis on agency in Latter-day Saint doctrine undermines, at least to some degree, any theory of historical determinism. While genetic inheritance, gender, economic and social environment, along with cultural background and historical traditions, may predispose individuals and groups to respond in certain ways and to conform to certain norms, the element of volition must never be lost from view. Within the limits defined by outward circumstances, the freedom of the individual to choose must ever be kept in mind.

Agency in Premortal Development

In the premortal spirit world we enjoyed the gift of agency (D&C 29:36). Therefore, each individual was free to develop in a unique way. “We developed certain traits of character in the world of spirits before this earth-life began,” explained Elder Joseph Fielding Smith. “In that life some were more diligent in the performance of duty. Some were more obedient and faithful in keeping the commandments. Some were more intellectual, and others manifested stronger traits of leadership than others. Some showed greater faith and willingness to serve the Lord.”[10] Elder Bruce R. McConkie agreed and postulated, “All the spirits of men, while yet in the Eternal presence, developed aptitudes, talents, capacities, and abilities of every sort, kind, and degree. During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. Mozart became a musician; Einstein centered his interest in mathematics; Michelangelo turned his attention to painting... Abraham and Moses and all of the prophets sought and obtained the talent for spirituality. Mary and Eve were two of the greatest of all the spirit daughters of the Father. And so it went through all the hosts of heaven, each individual developing such talents and abilities as his soul desired.”[11] Thus, it appears that much of the diversity of humanity comes from premortality during which time individuals became differentiated in their attainments and aptitudes. Further, the LDS scholar may benefit from understanding that many of the contributions to mankind from musicians, artists, philosophers, statesmen, scientists, and others may have had their genesis in the preearth life, where they prepared for their earthly sojourn.

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith further affirmed that even with the wide range of spiritual attainments, in the struggle between good and evil, “There were no neutrals in the war in heaven. All took sides either with Christ or with Satan.”[12] Still, not all fought with equal valiance. President Harold B. Lee explained, “Between the extremes of the ‘noble and the great’ spirits, whom God would make his rulers, and the disobedient and the rebellious, who were cast out with Satan, there were obviously many spirits with varying degrees of faithfulness. May we not assume from these teachings that the progress and development we made as spirits have brought privileges and blessings here according to our faithfulness in the spirit world?” [13] Without any question our conduct in ‘the first estate’ has influenced our assignments and opportunities for growth here in our second estate. We need to be cautious, however, when we try to explain why a particular individual was born into his or her specific circumstances; our loving and all wise Heavenly Father weighed many factors of which we do not know. In the light of Satan’s enticing and with agency in place, men were bound to make mistakes. Means had to be provided for them to overcome the consequences of these errors.

A Divine Support System

Our Heavenly Father desires that all of His children return to His presence and there enjoy the fullness of blessings He is eager to share but will stop short of compelling us to obey His will. There is a delicate balance between divine intervention and human volition. As one of our hymns affirms:

Know this, that ev’ry soul is free

To choose his life and what he’ll be;

For this eternal truth is giv’n:

That God will force no man to heav’n.

He’ll call, persuade, direct aright,

And bless with wisdom, love, and light,

In nameless ways be good and kind,

But never force the human mind.[14]

Even though God would not force us to do His will and thereby qualify for salvation, He did provide what might be thought of as a divine support system to help us achieve this highly desirable goal. Foremost in this plan was the previously discussed choice to foreordain Jehovah, a member of the Godhead, to be the Savior, the Only Begotten Son of God in mortality. Jehovah had become one with the Father in the premortal sphere. That is, through perfect obedience to the Father’s will, Jehovah had become like the Father in gaining light and truth until he was glorified in truth and knew all things (see D&C 93:3-9; 21-28).

Because of His infinite foreknowledge, Jehovah, under our Father’s direction, was able to administer a plan to best meet our needs. The Prophet Joseph Smith affirmed, “The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it rolled into existence, or ever ‘the morning stars sang together’ for you; the past, the present, and the future were and are, with Him, one eternal ‘now;’ He knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities of the antediluvians, of the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family, their weakness and strength, their power and glory, apostasies, their crimes, their righteousness and iniquity; He comprehended the fall of man, and his redemption; He knew the plan of salvation and pointed it out; He was acquainted with the situation of all nations and with their destiny; He ordered all things according to the council of His own will; He knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world, or in the world to come.”[15]

The greatest intervention of all divine interventions was that God sent His own son to atone for the sins of mankind, so that they through “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel” might be saved in the kingdom of God (Articles of Faith # 3). For this plan to be in effect, the gospel of Jesus Christ had to be made known to people on the earth, so that they might, know of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Nephi 2: 8) and begin to exercise faith in Him, repent of their sins and receive the ordinances of salvation (see Articles of Faith #4). Prophets would thus be required to teach the word of God, as they received it, whether by heavenly manifestations or the whisperings of the Spirit of God. (Moroni 7:24-26; D&C 1:38). This plan also contained vital ordinances, such as baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, and the ordinances of the temple, to be administered by priesthood authority. A church with priesthood authority would be required for the further nurturing of the Lord’s covenant people in the “good word of God” (Moroni 6:4; Ephesians 4:11-16). For the plan of salvation to be fully operative, God would thus have to have prophets on the earth, continuing revelation and a church led by authorized priesthood leaders, all of which entailed divine intervention.

Whom God Sends

Individual people would also play a key role in the divine support system. The Lord, knowing His children perfectly, determined when and where each should come to the earth for their best individual good and also in order to fulfill His righteous purposes. The Apostle Paul declared to the Athenians that God had “made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). Specifically, He covenanted with Abraham that his seed would “bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations. And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father” (Abraham 2:9-10). The Lord chose to send select individuals to be born in the house of Israel to be instruments in fulfilling His purposes. Through Moses, He declared, “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deut. 7:6).

The Lord chose certain individuals to play key roles in the unfolding of His work and ordained them to this end. As God met with His children in that grand premortal council, He chose “many noble and great ones” to become His leaders (Abraham 3:22-23). In President Joseph F. Smith’s great vision of the Savior’s ministry in the spirit world he saw that many early leaders of the Restoration “were among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God. Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits” (D&C 138:55-56). Alma explained that faithful high priests were “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works” (Alma 13:3). Joseph Smith taught, in fact, that, “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.”[16]

“From the spirit and tenor of the ancient Scriptures and revelations which we have received,” Brigham Young insisted, “it is plainly set forth that there are men pre-appointed to perform certain works in their lifetime, and bring to pass certain ends and purposes in the economy of heaven.” President Young then quoted Paul’s statement that, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29) and continued: “Whom did he not foreknow? I do not think there is anybody now on the earth, that has lived before us, or that will come after us, but what he knew. He knew who would be his anointed; he had his eye upon them all the time, as he had upon Moses, Pharaoh, Abraham, Melchizedek, and Noah, who was a chosen vessel to build the ark and save a remnant from the flood.”

“It is a mistaken idea that God has decreed all things whatsoever that come to pass,” President Young insisted, “for the volition of the creature is as free as air.” While we do not believe in predestination, Brigham Young emphasized that we do believe in foreordination. “We believe that Jesus was foreordained before the foundations of the world were built, and his mission was appointed him in eternity to be the Savior of the world, yet when he came in the flesh he was left free to choose…. God rules and reigns, and has made all his children as free as himself, to choose the right or the wrong, and we shall then be judged according to our works.”[17]

The influence of those whom God called as prophets would extend far beyond their mortal life spans. Their writings and sayings have been preserved and compiled in the scriptures. These are designated “standard works” because they present the revelations from God to the prophets, the collected wisdom of the ages, and the inspired gospel framework against which new ideas may be measured and judged.

“God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). Nephi insisted that “he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). Therefore the Lord has foreordained not only prophets and other faithful priesthood bearers, but he has sent and will send others, including those outside of the House of Israel to accomplish His work. Alma testified that “the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have” (Alma 29:8). Elder Orson F. Whitney explained that God “is using not only his covenant people, but other peoples as well, to consummate a work, stupendous, magnificent, and altogether too arduous for this little handful of Saints to accomplish by and of themselves…. Good and great men, not bearing the Priesthood, but possessing profundity of thought, great wisdom, and a desire to uplift their fellows, have been sent by the Almighty into many nations, to give them, not the fullness of the Gospel, but that portion of truth that they were able to receive and wisely use. Such men as Confucius, the Chinese philosopher; Zoroaster, the Persian sage; Gautama or Buddha, of the Hindus; Socrates and Plato, of the Greeks; these all had some of the light that is universally diffused.” Elder Whitney also affirmed that “inventors, discoverers, warriors, statesmen, rulers, et al. These also have been used from the beginning to help along the Lord’s work—mighty auxiliaries in the hands of an Almighty God, carrying out his purposes, consciously or unconsciously.”[18]

The First Presidency similarly testified, “The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals. The Hebrew prophets prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel. Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life of in the life to come. We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to his Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fullness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life.”[19]

Whom God sends at each moment in His great support system has thus had a decisive impact on the unfolding of human history. The sending of Moses, who led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt under divine direction and with a great manifestation of divine power, is a dramatic case in point. But frequently God works in quieter and less visible ways. E. T. Sullivan, in a statement endorsed by President Gordon B Hinckley, wrote: “When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn’t stir up the earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, he has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into the baby’s mind. And then God waits. . . The greatest forces in the world are babies.”[20] While some political leaders like Adolph Hitler and a multitude of rapacious and corrupt dictators have chosen to use their agency unwisely, and have thereby brought immense suffering and misery on mankind, others such as William Wilberforce, who was instrumental in abolishing the slave trade in Great Britain in the early 1800’s,and such well-known figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, have been the benefactors not only of their countrymen but of mankind at large. God thus rights human wrongs in his own time and in his own way, through those chosen instruments he chooses to send.

The Plan Provides for All to Have the Light of Christ

Mortality is thus a time of intense testing for God’s children. We have been placed upon the earth with no recollection of our previous existence or the lessons that we learned prior to mortal birth. The basic test consists of choosing good over evil in these unique circumstances. Knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ could not be the basis for choice as most of God’s children have lived, do live, and will live on the earth without ever knowing of the fullness of the gospel. Indeed, most will never hear of the Son of God during their mortal lives. However, God the Father has provided that every individual will be adequately taught to judge good from evil through the Spirit or Light of Christ, or the divine gift of conscience. President Boyd K. Packer expressed, “But mankind was not left in total darkness or completely without revelation or inspiration… The Light of Christ would be everywhere present to attend the children of God…”[21] The prophet Mormon explained to his son, Moroni, “It is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil” (Moroni 7:15-16). Thus, Lehi could declare, “men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil” (2 Nephi 2:5). The Lord refers to this power given to all as light (D&C 84:46), possibly because it enlightens our eyes and quickens our understandings (D&C 88:11). President Lorenzo Snow spoke of this light when he said, “Everybody has the Spirit of God.”[22]

Through this power or light, “which light proceeds forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space” (D&C 88:12), God the Father intervenes in the life of every child on this world as well as on all His other creations. Speaking of the Spirit of God, President Joseph F. Smith explained, “It is the power of God, the influence that he exerts throughout all his works by which he can effect his purposes and execute his will, in consonance with the laws of free agency which he has conferred upon man. By means of this Spirit every man is enlightened, the wicked as well as the good, the intelligent and the ignorant, the high and the low, each in accordance with his capacity to receive the light; and this Spirit or influence which emanates from God may be said to constitute man's consciousness…”[23] Thus, the influence of the Spirit of God is immeasurable. It is a gift given to all from before they were born (see D&C 93:23, 29–30) and will continue with them after this mortal life, unless they have committed the unpardonable sin and placed themselves in open rebellion against everything that is good. Verifying the universal influence of this light, President Boyd K. Packer reaffirmed, “This Spirit of Christ fosters everything that is good, every virtue (see Moroni 7:16)… The Spirit of Christ can enlighten the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, the author to produce great, even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind. This Spirit can prompt the farmer in his field and the fisherman on his boat…

“Every man, woman, and child of every nation, creed, or color—everyone, no matter where they live or what they believe or what they do—has within them the imperishable Light of Christ. In this respect, all men are created equally. The Light of Christ in everyone is a testimony that God is no respecter of persons (see D&C 1:35). He treats everyone equally in that endowment with the Light of Christ.”[24]

In sum, although all have been cut off from the presence of God upon entering mortality, none are left completely alone. Every son or daughter of God has a constant influence in their lives from their Father in heaven, teaching and persuading them to become agents for good. The plan is perfect and gives every individual the opportunity to judge for themselves; “for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or to do evil” (Alma 41:7). This insight is particularly relevant in a world where notions of good and evil have largely been eradicated, and moral relativism is widespread. According to Christian writer C.S Lewis, universal values and standards of human conduct are founded on this innate sense of right in human awareness.[25] Regrettably, as societies become degraded and wholly given to evil, people may no longer be sensitive to the prompting of that inner light, and when the Spirit of the Lord “ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction” (2 Nephi, 26:11).

Manifestations by the Power of the Holy Ghost

Individuals that follow the persuasions of the light of Christ are led to seek for truth. God provided means whereby these individuals may know truth, when they hear it. Contrasting a manifestation by the power of the Holy Ghost with the light of Christ, Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained, “A manifestation of the Holy Ghost is more focused. This manifestation is given to acquaint sincere seekers with the truth about the Lord and his gospel. For example, the prophet Moroni promises that when we study the Book of Mormon and seek to know whether it is true, sincerely and with real intent: God will “manifest” the truth of it unto us “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4)… The light of Christ is given to all men and women that they may know good from evil; manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead sincere seekers to gospel truths that will persuade them to repentance and baptism.”[26]

These manifestations have been available to all sincere seekers of truth since the beginning of mortality. For example, when God sent an angel to teach Adam and Eve, after they had sought Him in prayer, the heavenly messenger instructed them concerning the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God. After which, “the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son” (Moses 5:9). Following that experience, Adam knew by the power of the Holy Ghost that God lives and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the World. In God’s wisdom, throughout the history of the human race, individuals have received manifestations and confirmations of truths by the power of the Holy Ghost. This aspect of the divine plan provides means through which individuals, who are earnestly seeking to know truth, may receive heavenly assurances of spiritual realities. Indeed, Moroni wrote that “by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5).

Similar to the Spirit of God or the light of Christ, Elder Oaks explained that “these manifestations are available to everyone. The Book of Mormon declares that the Savior ‘manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people . . .’ (2 Ne. 26:13). To repeat, the light of Christ is given to all men and women that they may know good from evil; manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead sincere seekers to gospel truths that will persuade them to repentance and baptism.”[27] These manifestations may be referred to as the gift of revelation. They constitute answers to sincere prayer and fulfill the Lord’s promise that those that will ask, shall receive, and in mortality that those that will knock, it will be opened unto them (D&C 6:5).

One of the greatest gifts of God to guide and comfort his children is the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is given to those that covenant with the Father to take upon them the name of His Son in the waters of baptism and receive the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands from authorized Melchizedek priesthood bearers. Such individuals, covenant to dedicate their lives to build the kingdom of God upon the earth and to serve and bless others. Elder James E. Faust taught that those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost obtain additional influence from God to “prompt us to resist temptation by reminding us of the gospel law in the very moment of temptation.” He continued, “The comforting Spirit of the Holy Ghost can abide with us twenty-four hours a day: when we work, when we play, when we rest. Its strengthening influence can be with us year in and year out . . . In simple terms, the gift of the Holy Ghost is an enhanced spiritual power permitting those entitled thereto to receive it, to receive a greater knowledge and enjoyment of the influence of Deity.”[28]

Individuals who have been enlightened by God often become a blessing to their fellow beings. That is, they feel compelled to share the light they have received with others. Thus, many can be blessed by heavenly communication to one individual. Such appears to be the case with the aforementioned religious leaders, philosophers, and men and women of science. They wished to benefit others by the truths they had obtained. The Plan of God provides that during mortality exercising agency allows righteous people to bless others and wicked people to inflict harm on others. Further, amazing as it seems in a world of several billion people today, one single person or a handful of righteous individuals can have great influence for good in the lives of millions and even billions. On the other hand, the same principle is true of a few that have powerful positions in the world and choose to inflict sorrow and destruction on others as they seek to receive honor and power in the world, thus emulating the self-seeking interest of Lucifer in pre-mortal realms. On the other hand, the same principle is true of a few that have powerful positions in the world and choose to inflict sorrow and destruction on others as they seek to receive honor and power in the world, thus emulating the self-seeking interest of Lucifer in premortal realms.

In God’s plan He did not foreordain mortal wickedness and sorrow, but He did foresee that unrighteous choices would cause them to take their toll. In his wisdom, God ordained that mortality would endure but a short time in comparison to the eternities of premortal and post-mortal existence. This life is not the beginning of our lives and it is not the end. Part of the light of Christ given to all also seems to be the truth that we continue as individual entities following mortality and our happiness or misery in that future state are an accumulation of what we have chosen to become in mortality. For many this knowledge becomes a guiding light for making choices. That is, they recognize that their future happiness is determined by their present choices between good and evil. Thus, they forego temporary pleasure and recognition in favor of future peace and joy. Human history records aspects of the lives of a few prominent individuals as their response to the tests of mortality influenced nations and the world.

Conclusion

As Latter-day Saints, it is important to couch the study of history within the larger context of the Lord’s plans and purposes for mortality, while recognizing the Lord’s hand in influencing his children for good as well as Lucifer’s influence to bring misery and destruction. By so doing we will better judge the past and be enabled to recommend for the future directions that will bless and benefit humanity. An example of such a course is provided in the Proclamation on the Family: “We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”[29]

The restoration of the gospel in the latter days can be a guiding light to seeing things as they really are, really have been, and really will be (see Jacob 4:13; D&C 93:24). With a clearer vision we will be aided in our study of “things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of nations, and the judgments which are on the land” (D&C 88:79). Insights from knowing God’s divine plan are invaluable aids while seeking to interpret and understand human history. The more we begin our study of history with the larger context of mortal life in the eternal scheme, the more we will be able to contribute to explanations of historical events and provide priceless lessons from the past.

Endnotes

[1] Boyd K. Packer, Mine Errand from the Lord: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Boyd K. Packer, compiled by Clyde J. Williams, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2008), 3.

[2] Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 1986), 94.

[3] Gordon B. Hinckley, "An Unending Conflict, a victory Assured," Ensign, June 2007, 6-7.

[4] John A Widtsoe, comp., Discourses of Brigham Young (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1966), 50.

[5] Report of the Brisbane Area Conference, 1976, 14.

[6] Roy A. Prete, “How Has God Intervened in History?” in Roy A. Prete and others, eds., Window of Faith: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on World History (Provo, Utah: Religious Studies Center Brigham Young University, 2005), 178.

[7] LDS Bible Dictionary

[8] Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, Second College Edition (New York: World Publishing Company, 1970).

[9] James E. Faust, "The Forces That Will Save Us," Ensign, January 2007, 6,8.

[10] Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection (Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1931), 50.

[11] Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1981), 1:23.

[12] Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Bruce R. McConkie, comp., 3 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956), 1:64-66.

[13] Clyde J. Williams, ed., The Teachings of Harold B. Lee (Salt Lake City: Desert Book, 1996), 23.

[14] Hymns, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985), No. 240.

[15] History of the Church, 4:597

[16] History of the Church, 6: 364

[17] John A. Widtsoe, comp., Discourses of Brigham Young (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1966), 55.

[18] Conference Report, April 1921, 32-33.

[19] “Statement of the First Presidency regarding God’s Love for All Mankind,” 15 Feb. 1978, quoted in Roy A. Prete, ed., Window of Faith: Latter-Day Saint Perspectives on World History (Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, Religious Studies Center, 2005), 182.

[20] Gordon B. Hinckley, “Behold Your Little Ones,” Ensign, June 2001, 5, quoting E. T. Sullivan, The Treasure Chest, ed. Charles L. Wallis (New York: Harper and Row, 1965), 53

[21] Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, April 2005, 11.

[22] Lorenzo Snow, Journal of Discourses, 14:304, Jan. 14, 1872; for a further discussion on the Spirit of God or the light of Christ also see Dallin H. Oaks, “Always Have His Spirit,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 59-60.

[23] Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 61-62

[24] Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, April 2005, 10.

[25] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Harper One, 2001[C1952], 3-7.,

[26] Oaks, “Always Have His Spirit,” 60.

[27] Ibid.

[28] James E. Faust, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost—A Sure Compass,” Ensign, May 1989, 31.

[29] This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.