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Sons and Daughters unto God

Lately, I find myself reciting in my mind portions of The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles. I memorized it years ago when our family was studying it at Easter. It has been a constant source of strength and perspective in my life. For all the scripture and sermon that exists about Jesus Christ, I’m not sure there is a more succinct and beautiful treatment of who he is and why it matters.

There is one passage that repeats D&C 76. Referring to Jesus Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote, “We saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” (D&C 76: 23-24)

I find in these truths evidence of Jesus Christ’s sweeping love and grace. Because of the universal atonement of Jesus Christ, he brings every inhabitant of every world he has ever created back into the presence of God to intimately feel our Heavenly Father’s personal love for us once again. No matter how estranged we might now feel, no matter if we have been deceived to believe that we are unworthy of our Father’s love, we will nevertheless return to His presence. We will know with a surety that we are His daughter or son. We will be certain of His love for us.

Until that day when we see with perfect clarity, we can draw closer to the Savior and one another in Christ-like love by seeking to act with the kindness, compassion, and conviction that Jesus does. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life hereafter.
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