April 2009 General Conference: Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches in his conference address that even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.
The doctrine of most churches is at odds with revealed truth, and this makes it difficult for some to accept. This should not come as a surprise.

My principal concern is for the honorable people on the earth who are open to religious faith but have been discouraged or confused by incorrect doctrine. For instance, with respect to the doctrine that revelation still exists, some very good people have been confident that the Church could not be true because they have been taught, and therefore believe, that the heavens are closed and there will be no additional revelation, no scripture, and no pronouncements from heaven. Let me emphasize that this widely held belief is not scriptural, but it is a stumbling block to some.

In Joseph Smith´s time, the vast majority of churches taught that the Savior’s Atonement would not bring about the salvation of most of mankind. The common precept was that a few would be saved and the overwhelming majority would be doomed to endless tortures of the most awful and unspeakable intensity. The doctrine revealed to the Prophet Joseph a plan of salvation that is applicable to all, including those who do not hear of Christ in this life, children who die before the age of accountability, and those who have no understanding.
At death, righteous spirits live in a temporary state called paradise. Alma the Younger teaches us that paradise is ¨a state of rest, a state of peace, where the righteous shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.”
The unrighteous spirits dwell in spirit prison. It is described as an awful place, a dark place where those fearful of the “indignation of the wrath of God” shall remain until the resurrection.
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all spirits blessed by birth will ultimately be resurrected, spirit and body reunited, and inherit kingdoms of glory that are superior to our existence here on earth.
At the resurrection, the spirit prison or hell will deliver up its captive spirits. Jesus came into the world “to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness.”

The Savior said, “Let not your heart be troubled. . . . In my Father’s house are many mansions. . . . I go to prepare a place for you.” A succinct summary is provided in the book of Moses: “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for His children “that saves the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent¨. Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.